Apr 18, 2025 | Intercom
The NMC Board of Trustees will hold a special study session on Wednesday, April 23 at 10 a.m. in Hagerty Center Room A on NMC’s Great Lakes Campus. This meeting is likely to include a quorum of the NMC Foundation Board.
The Board of Trustees Building & Site Committee will meet at 3 p.m. the same day, in the President’s Office Conference Room in the Tanis Building on NMC’s Front Street campus. Meeting notices for both meetings are available here.
For more information, please contact the President’s office at (231) 995-1010.
Apr 17, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
A dancer in the 2019 graduation pow wow
(download a high-resolution version here)TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College’s Native American Student Organization will hold a traditional pow wow honoring 2025 graduates from 1–4 p.m. Saturday, April 26, on NMC’s Front Street campus. This annual NMC event is open to the public and celebrates vibrant and culturally significant Native American tribes of our region. Ten Native American students are graduating this spring.
The pow wow will take place under the pines on the south side of the Osterlin Building, and feature Native American dancers, drummers, storytelling, music and more. Food and vendors will also be available. Grand Entry is set for 2:30 p.m. Attendees can park in the Aspen or Cedar lots. A campus map is available at nmc.edu/maps.
RELEASE DATE: APRIL 17, 2025
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Nathan Bootz
Native American Student Success Coach
(231) 995-2135
nbootz@nmc.edu
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY NOTICE
Northwestern Michigan College does not discriminate in admission, campus activities, education, employment, housing, public accommodation or public service on the basis of age, color, creed, disability, gender identity/expression, handicap, height, marital or familial status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, service in the military, veteran’s status, weight, or any other legally protected status under federal, state, or local law. No act of retaliation shall occur to any person making a charge, filing a complaint, testifying or participating in any discrimination investigation or proceeding. nmc.edu/non-discrimination
Apr 17, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
NMC is hosting a mobile panty on from 3–5 p.m. on Monday, April 21 in the Maple Lot at the Front Street campus.
Menu items include potatoes, apples, carrots, sweet potatoes, cottage cheese, beef stew pouches, granola, juice and a homeward bag to bring it all home!
NMC’s mobile pantry program is designed specifically for NMC students and their families. Mobile pantries provide 7-10 days worth of fresh and shelf-stable goods to supplement family incomes. While this is intended for students, all are welcome. There are no financial requirements or means tests. Drive-thru and walk-up options are both available.
These pantries are made possible in partnership with Feeding America.
Apr 16, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
April 16, 2025
Since 2023, Traverse City startup Wave Lumina has advanced from an idea hatched in a spare bedroom to building prototypes of its portable, rapid-response PFAS testing device in an NMC lab, submitting R&D funding proposals.
“A year and a half ago, it was just an idea. Now, we’re building things,” founder Vernon Lalone (right) said from Wave Lumina’s lab in NMC’s Parsons-Stulen Building. PFAS, also known as forever chemicals, threaten lakes and drinking water. The company is also testing real-world field samples and seeking opportunities for onsite pilot demonstrations at locations like military bases and semiconductor manufacturing facilities.
This year, NMC Marine Technology student and filmmaker Mark Dragovich hopes to replicate Wave Lumina’s upward success arc with his idea, a Khan Academy-like platform for video-based learning modules on freshwater science.
“My goal is to be the Jacques Cousteau of the Great Lakes. Tell the freshwater stories that need to be told,” Dragovich said.
Lalone and Dragovich, both Traverse City residents, are among more than 30 competitors who’ve entered the NMC-sponsored Great Lakes Blue Tech Challenge. The innovation and pitch competition seeks to accelerate technology-based enterprises and solutions to issues facing the Great Lakes. It’s the successor to 2024’s AquaHacking the Great Lakes, which NMC also sponsored and hosted.
Wave Lumina placed second in AquaHacking, winning a $10,000 prize. Lalone, 34, an Elk Rapids native, said it also gave the company crucial momentum. So far that’s crested in the lab space at NMC’s Parsons-Stulen Building. It’s much larger, outfitted with the necessary safety equipment, like fume hoods and safety showers, and gives the company a professional face.
“This has been the most impactful thing that’s happened to us since we started,” he said. “It’s been monumental to helping us make progress.”
In the lab, Lalone’s working on the third iteration of his prototype testing device, scaling it down from suitcase size to something in between a mobile phone and an iPad. With an estimated 120,000 PFAS-contaminated sites in the U.S. alone, affecting the drinking water of half of all Americans, there’s a huge market for a device that tests in the field, faster and more affordably than the current lab-based testing.
Dragovich’s idea is very different. He aims to combine his 20 years as a filmmaker with his passion for the Great Lakes. Drago Research & Exploration would create long and short-format video-based learning modules for K–12 students. Advertiser-free and student-centric, the licensed or subscriber-accessed video content would pair with an experiential learning activity, such as water sampling.
“I think we’ve got a pretty solid idea. I think there’s a need for it in the market,” said Dragovich, who envisions home schooled students as a primary audience. “The experiential learning I’ve gotten through NMC has really shown me how it reinforces what I learn.”
Ultimately Dragovich hopes to inspire future innovators.
“The idea behind all of this is to protect our Great Lakes. “If we can make people fall in love with the Great Lakes, then maybe more people will be apt to protect them,” he said.
The Blue Tech Challenge offers a top prize of $35,000, and a chance to be showcased at the OCEANS 25 conference to be held in Chicago in October.
Apr 14, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
Stop by the NMC Bookstore April 28–May 2 and receive an additional 50% off all red tag clearance items.
Apr 14, 2025 | Intercom
Volunteers are needed for the dunk tank at the End of Year Block Party that will be held from 4–8 p.m. on Saturday, April 26 in the Dogwood and Chestnut parking lots. The event is open to current NMC students, employees and their families and will feature a number of carnival attractions, games and food trucks. Those interested in volunteering can reach out to Brooklynn Golnick at bgolnick@nmc.edu for more information.
Apr 14, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
To find these selections and many other new titles, see the NMC library catalog.
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Apr 14, 2025 | Intercom, Student Events
Celebrate Earth Day from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesday, April 22 with a fun and eco-friendly clothing swap at the Dennos Museum Center! This event is a perfect opportunity to sustainably refresh your wardrobe, connect with your community and reduce waste. Please bring your own bag to take home your items; bags will be available to those without one while supplies last. Limited dressing rooms available; wear light layers so that clothes can be tried on over them.
Donations are not required to take home clothing. Those wishing to donate items can bring gently used clothing, workwear, shoes and accessories to one of the following locations on NMC’s campuses:
This event is open to the public and held in partnership with NMC Student Services, NMC Pride, Penny Lane, Slip Vintage and Up North Pride. All remaining items will be donated to Northwestern Michigan College or the Women’s Resource Center.
Apr 14, 2025 | Intercom, Media Mentions
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.
Northern Living in Brief: AAUW meets
Record-Eagle, April 13 (more…)
Apr 14, 2025 | HR Corner, Intercom
NMC is implementing ClearCompany for goal management and performance reviews. Join Human Resources at one of the upcoming training sessions to receive an overview of the new system and get your questions answered. Training sessions will be held:
- Monday, April 21, 12–12:45 p.m.
- Tuesday, April 22, 9–9:45 a.m.
- Wednesday, April 23, 2:30–3:15 p.m.
- Monday, April 28, 2–2:45 p.m.
- Thursday, May 1, 10–10:45 a.m.
- Wednesday, May 5, 9:30–10:15 a.m.
- Friday, May 9, 9:30–10:15 a.m.
All are encouraged to attend. Supervisors and reviewers are strongly recommended to attend. Those interested in attending can use these instructions to register in NEOED Learn.
Apr 14, 2025 | HR Corner, Intercom
These employees recently started working at the college. Let’s welcome them to the NMC community!
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- Garrett Bock, supplemental employee – Peer Mentor
- Jennafer Perreault, student employee – Tutor
- Stacey Korycki, supplemental employee – Extended Educational Services
Apr 14, 2025 | Intercom
Did you know that your tuition waiver benefits extend beyond credit classes for you and your dependents? Take a fitness class, learn a new hobby, or even enjoy a date night with your partner, parent or friend. Check out these upcoming classes!
In just a few hours, you can learn enough secrets of the trade to give you years of musical enjoyment. Learn to play piano the way professionals do – using chords. The chord method is LOTS of fun and dramatically easier to learn than reading notes.
Monday, April 21; 6:30–9:30 p.m.
Tuition waiver price: $22 per person (Public price: $89)
Condition your entire body by using a variety of modalities like Pilates, yoga, strength training, and cardio. By using many different types of exercises that incorporate flexibility, strength, and resistance, you will build strength, agility, and power. Each hour-long class will challenge your mind and body, since no two classes are the same. Low-impact modifications will be offered.
11 sessions; Mondays & Wednesdays, April 28 – June 4; 5:30–6:30 p.m.
Tuition waiver price: $35 per person (Public price: $199)
Unlock the potential of protein-packed tofu! This hands-on class will transform you from tofu skeptic to tofu enthusiast. Learn essential techniques to achieve perfectly crispy or melt-in-your-mouth textures. Discover how to marinate, press, and season tofu to create exciting flavor profiles. Explore a variety of dishes from breakfast to appetizers to dessert.
Tuesday, April 29; 6 – 8:30 p.m.
Tuition waiver price: $37 per person, includes a beverage (Public price: $125)
Apr 14, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
The Hawk Owl Café serves specials 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 is $7.99. Learn more at nmc.edu/dining.
Menu
Monday, April 14
Italian Pasta Bake with meatballs served with garlic crostini & green beans
Italian Pasta Bake (V) with roasted vegetables served with garlic crostini & green beans
Tuesday, April 15
Beef Tacos with lettuce, tomato, cheese, and chipotle ranch served with tortilla chips, queso blanco, & refried beans
Tofu Tacos (V) with lettuce, tomato, cheese, and chipotle ranch served with tortilla chips, queso blanco, & refried beans
Wednesday, April 16
Chicken Coconut Curry with onion and red pepper served with jasmine rice & naan bread
Tofu Coconut Curry (V) with onion and red pepper served with jasmine rice & naan bread
Thursday, April 17
Shepherd’s Pie with ground beef, onions, and peas served with loaded potato skins
Shepherd’s Pie (V) with roasted vegetables, onions, and peas served with loaded potato skins
Friday, April 18
Hawk Owl Café Smashburger with bacon served with asparagus, sweet potato fries, and garlic aioli
Impossible Burger (V) with cheese and onion straws served with asparagus, sweet potato fries, and garlic aioli
Apr 14, 2025 | HR Corner, Intercom
Congratulations to the following individuals and teams who received nominations for NMC’s Excellence Awards. The final award recipients for each category will be announced at NMC’s employee recognition event, You Made It Possible on Wednesday, May 14 at the Hagerty Center. We hope to see you there! Remember to RSVP!
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Apr 11, 2025 | HR Corner, Intercom
Kudos to Kirk Waterstripe! Kirk is a member of the Grand Traverse Audubon Club and he helped the group set up a loon nesting platform on Boardman Lake where they have struggled to nest for years. Fingers crossed we’ll see some baby loons on the lake this year.
Experts suggest maintaining an “attitude of gratitude” increases positivity for yourself and for others. Please encourage your colleagues by submitting a KUDOS. Let them know you appreciate their hard work and are thinking of them!
Apr 9, 2025 | Intercom
TRAVERSE CITY, MI – Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) Extended Education & Training invites the community to a day of educational exploration at Campus Day 2025 on Friday, May 9, at NMC’s Front Street Campus. This community event is geared towards those 50 and better, though all ages are welcome to attend. Registration is open now at nmc.edu/campus-day.
Attendees personalize their learning experience by selecting three sessions from a diverse offering of over forty topics. Participants will also be able to join in a “Coffee & Connection” time before the sessions begin, as well as lunch.
Campus Day 2025 features a wide range of sessions, from “Trump: The First 100 Days” to “Native Plant Trivia” to “Third Chapter Entrepreneurship”, and many more. Sessions will be presented by NMC instructors and other local experts. Sessions are filled on a first come, first served basis, so early registration is recommended.
Cost for attendance is $59, which includes coffee and donuts, attendance at three, 75-minute sessions, and lunch. Students may register online at nmc.edu/campus-day, by calling (231) 995-1700, or stopping into the NMC Extended Education & Training office at the NMC University Center on Cass Road.
About NMC Extended Education & Training
NMC Extended Education & Training is committed to providing lifelong learning opportunities to the Traverse City community. We offer a diverse range of courses and events designed to promote personal enrichment and community engagement.
Release date: April 9, 2025
For more information:
NMC Extended Education
ees@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1700
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-discrimination
Apr 7, 2025 | Hawk Owl Helpers and Heroes, Intercom
Thanks to instructor Nick Roster, who delivered firewood to fellow faculty member Tiffani Wilke, who was without power for a week after the devastating ice storm that impacted a large swath of northern Michigan.
Who’s been a Hawk Owl Helper or Hero for you? Let us know at publicrelations@nmc.edu!
Apr 7, 2025 | Intercom, Student Events
Campus Life is hosting a dodgeball tournament on Thursday, April 24 at 7 p.m. in the Rajkovich Physical Education Building on NMC’s Front Street Campus.
- Prizes for 1ˢᵗ and 2ⁿᵈ place teams
- No entry fees
- Open to all current NMC students and employees
- Maximum of 5 persons per team
The deadline to sign up is April 24 by 4 p.m.
If you have any questions, please contact CJ Schneider at cschneider@nmc.edu or Marcus Bennett at mbennett@nmc.edu.
