Bookstore hours limited March 18 & 19
The Campus Bookstore will be open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on March 18 and 19. Normal business hours will resume on March 20.
New course: CIT 115 Intro to Generative AI
Check out NMC’s new course this fall: CIT115 – Intro to Generative AI! Learn to work with AI in your field of study. No tech background required. Use real-world applications to work smarter, think critically and stay competitive. Learn your way; CIT115 is offered online, livestream or face-to-face.
Fall registration is now open. Talk to your advisor today!
NMC Curling Night: A successful evening on the ice
On Friday, March 6, over 50 NMC faculty, staff, and students gathered at the Traverse City Curling Club for a fun night of learning a new sport, curling!
Participants were divided among the five curling sheets, and volunteers from the club led the instruction on the basics of curling and friendly competition.
Shout out to the 20 GLMA Cadets that showed up for the event! Way to represent the Academy!
Thanks to Marcus Bennett, Lynne Moritz and Terri Gustafson for organizing this event.
Suit up for the NMC Hero Race
TRAVERSE CITY — Registration is now open for Northwestern Michigan College’s Hero Race, hosted by Professional Communications students on Saturday, April 18 on NMC’s Front Street campus as a part of an experiential learning class.
This is a family-friendly chip-timed race with a superhero theme. Last year’s race earned the Traverse City Track Club’s Favorite Race of 2025 award. Race events include:
- One-mile fun run (free event and cape) 9 a.m. start
- 5k run ($30) 10 a.m. start
- 10k run ($35) 10 a.m. start
- Medals and prizes
All proceeds from the event go towards a goal of $5,000 to support scholarships for NMC College for Kids, which helps local youth attend the college’s summer educational programs.
Families and spectators can also enjoy several activities throughout the event, including:
- Carnival games and food
- Cake walk
- Sensory room
- Bake sale
- Silent auction
- Award ceremony
Each year, the race recognizes a community member as a “Local Hero” for their leadership and impact. This year’s Local Hero Award celebrates the 2026 Outstanding Alumni honorees of NMC. This is NMC’s 75th anniversary, and this year’s race will have a celebratory theme
Participants are encouraged to register early:
- Early bird pricing deadline: March 18
- Race shirt guarantee deadline: March 31
Packet pickup will be held the evening before the race, featuring a pasta dinner and mask and cape decorating from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Participants who cannot attend the evening pickup may also pick up their race packets the morning of the event.
Community members who cannot attend the race are encouraged to donate for a chance to win a two-night stay at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island with a one-time donation of $20 or more through the NMC Foundation (designate NMC Hero Race).
To register, become a sponsor, or learn more about the event, visit nmcherorace.com today.
RELEASE DATE: March 10, 2026
For more information:
Roberto Cuadra
Public Relations Specialist
(269) 930-1046
cuadrar@mail.nmc.edu
Kristy McDonald
Business Instructor
(231) 735-1055
kmcdonald@nmc.edu
Non-Discrimination Policy Notice
Northwestern Michigan College is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, disability, genetic information, height, weight, marital status or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions. nmc.edu/non-discriminationNominations open for Staff and Team Excellence Awards
Every day, we see colleagues who go above and beyond, not for recognition, but because they care deeply about our students, our colleagues, our community, and our mission. Now is our chance to say “thank you.”
Who to nominate?
A staff member or a team who:
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- Consistently embodies NMC’s values?
- Has made a clear, positive impact on NMC this year?
- Inspires you with their dedication?
Who is eligible?
- Staff: Full-time, part-time, or supplemental.
- Teams: Departments, committees, or project groups (2+ employees).
How to nominate
Complete and submit the Staff Excellence Nomination Form or the Team Excellence Nomination Form by Thursday, April 2, 2026
Help us highlight the incredible work happening across our campus! Recipients will receive a monetary award and an engraved plaque to be presented at the You Made It Possible Celebration on May 13, 2026.
NMC Employee Recognition Committee: Lori Hodek, Chair, Marcus Bennett, Hollie DeWalt, Les Eckert, Kim Gourlay, Craig Hadley, Taylor Nash, Denny Nguyen, Nancy Parshall and Lisa vonReichbauer.
Food for the Soul
Thanks to the Hawk Owl Café staff and Associate Dean of Campus & Residence Life Marcus Bennett for offering a Food for the Soul menu in February. This four-week series of special menus was presented as part of NMC’s Embrace the Dream programming and in support of NMC’s goal to create a vibrant campus where everyone belongs.
Who’s been a Hawk Owl Helper or Hero for you? Let us know at publicrelations@nmc.edu!
Media mentions for March 9, 2026
The following college events and stories have appeared in the media recently. We want to share your media involvement too. Please send information about your NMC-related interview or appearance to publicrelations@nmc.edu. If possible, please include a link to the piece and information about where and when it was used.
Please note access to some stories may be limited by paywalls set up by the media outlet. This includes the Traverse City Record-Eagle, which limits free clicks to five per month. You may also read Record-Eagle articles in the print edition at the NMC Library.
The People’s College: 75 years of higher learning
Baylife Magazine, March-April 2026, pp. 34-45
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March Madness basketball tournament
Campus Life is hosting a 3-on-3 basketball tournament on Friday, March 20 at 6 p.m. in the Rajkovich Physical Education Building (#16 on the campus map). This tournament is open to all current students and employees.
If you have any questions please reach out to CJ Schneider at cschneider@nmc.edu or Marcus Bennett at mbennett@nmc.edu.
St. Patrick’s Day sale at the Campus Bookstore
Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Stop by the Campus Bookstore on Tuesday, March 17 and get 10% off all regularly priced green items.
Extended Education Opportunities
Did you know that your tuition waiver benefits extend beyond credit classes? Take a fitness class, learn a new hobby, or even enjoy a date night with your partner. Check out these exclusive employee passes and browse classes for you and yours this winter!
Drawing Trees with Charcoal and Graphite
Northern Michigan has more than 100 different species of trees. Learn to draw some of them in this introductory course from a local artist who is inspired by the natural beauty of our region. From sugar maples to yellow birch, create the perfect composition of a forest scene. Read more about Drawing Trees With Charcoal & Graphite.
Saturday, March 21; 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Tuition Waiver Price: $22 per person (public price $99)
DATE NIGHT: IT TAKES TWO TO SALSA
Join us for a flavorful adventure in the world of salsas! This hands-on culinary class will introduce you to the vibrant and diverse realm of Mexican sauces. Discover the secrets behind creating the perfect salsa, from balancing sweet, sour, spicy, and savory flavors to mastering knife skills by chopping fresh ingredients. Read more about Date Night: It Takes Two to Salsa.
Thursday, April 9; 6–9 p.m.
Tuition Waiver Price: $46 for two people (public price $199)
Family Dinner Fun (for adult & child 6+)
Calling all junior chefs! Ready to trade the drive-thru for delicious, healthy creations? This class is a culinary playground for chefs of all ages, where getting messy and having a blast are encouraged!. Read more about Family Dinner Fun.
Saturday, April 11; 1–3 p.m.
Tuition Waiver Price: $46 for two people (public price $149)
Mobile food pantry March 16
NMC will host a mobile food pantry on Monday, March 16 from 3–5 p.m. in the Maple Lot on the Front Street campus. The menu includes potatoes, onions, cottage cheese, applesauce, pinto beans, juice, cereal, venison and pasta.
While our program is designed for NMC college students and their families, it is open to all in the community who are in need of food.
We ask that recipients queue up in the car line in a counter-clockwise circle around the edge of the parking lot. Please do not block the main access roads, be aware of other students using the parking spaces and watch for children being picked up at the Oleson Learning Center adjacent to the Maple Lot.
Photos of past retirees sought for 75th celebration
We need your help! Click to view the list of photos needed of past NMC retirees for our 75th celebration. If you have photos of any of these retired employees, please scan or send links to Lori Hodek at lhodek@nmc.edu.
Photos will be added to the Awards & Recognition page on NMC’s website under the NMC Retiree Recognition section.
On the menu: Hawk Owl Café specials for March 16–20
The Hawk Owl Café serves specials during the fall and spring semesters from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and from 4:40 to 6:30 p.m. The protein option is $9.99, and the vegetarian option (V) is $7.99. Learn more at nmc.edu/dining.
Menu
Monday, March 16
Traditional Beef Lasagna served with garlic crostini & green beans
Roasted Vegetable Lasagna (V) served with garlic crostini & green beans
Tuesday, March 17
Beef Tacos with lettuce, cheese and chipotle ranch served with refried beans, tortilla chips & queso blanco
Tofu Tacos (V) with lettuce, cheese and chipotle ranch served with refried beans, tortilla chips & queso blanco
Wednesday, March 18
Chicken Tikka Masala with onions and red peppers served with yellow rice & grilled naan bread
Tofu Tikka Masala (V) with onions and red peppers served with yellow rice & grilled naan bread
Thursday, March 19
Country Fried Steak served with mashed potatoes and gravy & green beans
Roasted Cauliflower Steak (V) with chimichurri sauce served with mashed potatoes & green beans
Friday, March 20
Hawk Owl Café Sliders with bacon, cheese and onion straws served with asparagus & sweet potato fries
Impossible Burger on Brioche (V) with cheese and onion straws served with asparagus & sweet potato fries
Employee anniversaries – March
The following employees are celebrating an anniversary soon. Please join us in congratulating them!
Kudos!
Kudos to Amy Shamroe! Last Friday, the NOMIAC team hosted an Industry Navigator Lunch and Learn. Industry Navigator Amy Shamroe delivered a compelling and informative presentation that clearly outlined the breadth of training opportunities available through Extended Education, workforce training programs, and partner institutions across the 10-county region. Attendees walked away with a deeper understanding of available resources and a renewed appreciation for the collaborative strength behind the NOMIAC and Sixty by 30 initiatives. Thank you, Amy, for leading our industry partners in training with NMC and the NOMIAC!
Kudos to Emily Crull! Emily has recently gone above and beyond in providing support to our department. She laid out an entirely new webpage that was needed for a tight turnaround while her team was short-staffed – and it looks fantastic! She has also created extensive graphic libraries for several different initiatives that our department is involved with, so our materials look professional and polished. We truly appreciate all you do!
Celebrating new chapters
These colleagues have moved on to a new chapter in their lives. We wish them the very best as they navigate a new adventure, and we thank them for their time and dedication to NMC!
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- Gabriella Baldino, supplemental employee – Food Service Front of House
- Andre Dean, supplemental employee – Instructional Tech Specialist
- Jillian Kaley, student employee – Residence Hall Front Desk
- Steven Miles – Adjunct Math Instructor
Welcome our newest hires!
These employees recently started working at the college. Let’s welcome them to the NMC community!
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- Bee Kelly, student employee – Ceramic Studio Lab Assistant
- Kim Ockert, supplemental employee – Test Proctor
- Charlotte Davis, supplemental employee – Banquet Server. Hagerty Center
- Mitchell Gingras, supplemental employee – Tutor
Volunteers sought for A Taste of Success
Want a front-row seat to the hottest ticket in town? The NMC Foundation and Alumni Relations are looking for volunteers for the annual A Taste of Success on Friday, April 24 at the Hagerty Center.
We’d love to have you on the team! From greeting guests to helping with our high-energy Heads or Tails game or the “By the Glass” live donation portion of the evening, our volunteers are the secret sauce that makes this night special. Most importantly, you’ll be helping us raise critical funds and scholarship dollars for the students of the Great Lakes Culinary Institute.
It’s fast-paced, social and an absolute blast. Fill out the yellow sections of the Google Sheet to secure your spot. We will send out email communications the week of the event to give you a rundown of what to expect, and your day-of contact will be there upon arrival.
If you have any questions, please contact Zach Whitaker at zwhitaker@nmc.edu or (231) 995-2826.