Oct 26, 2026 | Intercom, Student News
Due to challenges with the ongoing construction of NMC’s geothermal project, the Cherry Lot’s return to parking use has been delayed until Nov. 16. This major clean energy investment by NMC will reduce carbon emissions and natural gas consumption by the five buildings served by more than 90 percent. Please continue to all allow extra time to find parking and to reach your destination, especially during peak hours of 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
As with all construction projects, the schedule is weather-dependent and subject to change. We will keep you informed if the schedule changes. Thanks for your patience.
Oct 26, 2026 | Intercom, Student Events
The NMC Green Team in partnership with The Friendly Garden Club and The Botanic Garden are hosting a bulb planting extravaganza from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, October 30.
Come help us plant about 1,200 spring bulbs at the Front Street/Munson Ave entrance! Drop by anytime—whether you have 15 minutes to spare or can stay the entire time, your hands-on help will bring vibrant color to the Front Street Campus entrance next spring.
Tools, doughnuts, cider and pizza will be provided. For more information, contact
carri@mail.nmc.edu.
Oct 26, 2026 | HR Corner, Intercom
Join us at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, October 28 for a virtual Wellness Lunch & Learn. Discover practical tips for meal planning and prep that fit into your busy life. Enjoy your lunch while learning how to create balanced meals with ease.
Start your journey to better eating habits today! To register, email Brittany Schneider at bschneider@nmc.edu or call (231)-995-2613.
Oct 26, 2026 | Accessibility in Action, Intercom
People often scan a page or listen to a screen reader’s list of links to find what they need. When several links say “learn more” or “click here,” their destinations are unclear. Descriptive link text saves time and supports everyone.
Oct 26, 2026 | Cyber Minute, Intercom
A common vishing tactic: a caller claims to be your bank or the college, says there’s a security issue, and asks you to ‘verify’ by reading back a one-time passcode that was just texted to you. That code is meant for you alone — never read it to anyone.
Oct 26, 2026 | Intercom
Updates will expand workforce training capacity in growing blue economy sector
October 21, 2026
NMC has been awarded a $630,876 state grant to modernize its research vessel, a key asset for the college’s Great Lakes Water Studies Institute.
The funds will be used to update the R/V Northwestern’s propulsion and power systems and to acquire and install new equipment, including a new commercial multibeam echosounder system. The 56-foot, 20-passenger vessel serves as a critical training platform for NMC’s Marine Technology program, providing experiential learning opportunities for students with the same technologies they’ll use after graduation, when employed in the commercial maritime industry.
Hands-on instruction in such technology sets NMC’s program apart from others. NMC is also the only community college to have a harbor on the Great Lakes.
“Our Marine Technology graduates play an important role in supporting the maritime industry, whether it is mapping navigation channels, ports and harbors, conducting ship hull inspections, or assessing critical underwater infrastructure,” said John Lutchko, director of NMC’s Great Lakes Water Studies Institute. “These investments are about much more than modernizing equipment. They ensure that we can continue providing exceptional hands-on training, preparing students for meaningful careers.”
Lutchko added that the grant will allow NMC to purchase its first multibeam echosounder, used to map underwater environments.
“We have historically relied on the generosity of our industry partners to provide this equipment through loans,” he said. “While those partnerships have been instrumental to our success, owning this technology will give us greater independence and ensure our students have consistent access to the industry-standard equipment they will encounter in their careers.”
The funds are a part of the state’s first-ever Michigan Maritime Strategy, released earlier this year. NMC’s collaborative efforts to establish Traverse City as the hub of a blue economy, including construction of the Freshwater Research & Innovation Center, helped inform the strategy.
“These investments are strengthening the state’s competitiveness from end to end,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “By expanding training programs in advanced manufacturing and maritime fields, we’re preparing workers to meet growing national demand while creating meaningful, good‑paying career pathways here at home.”
NMC submitted a proposal earlier this year and was one of five community colleges selected to share $3 million in funding.
Oct 26, 2026 | Intercom
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 (remember, you must be logged into your student account to view) and browse classes for you and yours this spring!
Step out of the daily hustle and into a day designed to gently reawaken your energy, clarity, and sense of self. Out Of Office Friday is a one-day personal development retreat for professional women who are ready to stretch their legs, their spirit, and their vision. Read more about Out of Office Friday.
Friday, November 20; 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Tuition waiver price: $180 per person (Public price: $349)
Big bakery fun comes in tiny, tasty packages! Measure, mix, scoop, and shape your way to adorable mini muffins, crisp apple crumbles, and fruit pies. These bite-sized bakes feature real fruit, oats, and whole grains, providing all the rich bakery flavor with less sugar. Read more about Mini Bakery Magic.
Saturday, November 7; 1–3 p.m.
Tuition waiver price: $46 for two people (Public price: $149)
Join Santa this November in his woodshop to build a beautiful Windsor bench adding spindles and a bent comb to give your bench a graceful curve for more sitting support. All tools, materials, and turned parts will be provided. All skill levels welcome, ages 16+. Friends or partners to work on one project are welcome. Read more about Furniture Making: Build a Windsor Bench with Back.
2 sessions; Saturday & Sunday, November 14 & 15; 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Tuition waiver price: $272 for two people (Public price: $499)
Oct 26, 2026 | Intercom, Student News
The Hawk Owl Café serves specials during the fall and spring semesters from 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. and from 4:30–6 p.m. The protein option is $10.99, and the vegetarian option (V) is $9.99. Learn more at nmc.edu/dining.
Menu
Monday, October 26
Traditional Beef Lasagna w/ Garlic Crostini & Green Beans
Roasted Veg Lasagna (V) w/ Garlic Crostini & Green Beans
Tuesday, October 27
Beef Tacos w/ Lettuce, Cheese & Chipotle Ranch w/ Tortilla Chips & Queso Blanco & Refried Beans
Tofu Tacos w/ Lettuce, Cheese & Chipotle Ranch w/ Tortilla Chips & Queso Blanco & Refried Beans
Wednesday, October 28
Tandoori Chicken w/ Yellow Rice & Grilled Naan
Tofu (V) w/ Yellow Rice & Grilled Naan
Thursday, October 29
Grilled Pork Chop w/ Mashed Potatoes & Gravy
Roasted Cauliflower Steak (V) w/ Chimichurri Sauce
Friday, October 30
Hawk Owl Cafe Sliders w/ Bacon & Cheese & Onion Straws on Brioche w/ Asparagus & Sweet Potato Fries w/ Garlic Aioli
Impossible Burger (V) w/ Cheese & Onion Straws on Brioche w/ Asparagus & Sweet Potato Fries w/ Garlic Aioli
Oct 23, 2026 | Intercom
Calling all midlife professional women! Step out of the daily hustle and into a day designed to gently reawaken your energy, clarity, and sense of self. Out Of Office Friday is a one-day personal development retreat for professional women who are ready to stretch their legs, their spirit, and their vision. This year’s event will be held on Friday, November 20 at NMC’s Great Lakes Campus.
This immersive experience invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with yourself after months of pushing through. Begin the day with a lovely breakfast in a light-filled room overlooking the beautiful West Bay. Every detail of the day is thoughtfully curated so you can truly exhale. You’ll be guided, supported, and cared for—restoring your body, calming your mind, and planting meaningful seeds for the warmer months ahead.
Highlights of Your Day
Self-Awareness Workshops: Gain invaluable tools and insights for accelerated personal and professional growth.
Rejuvenating Body Movement Session: Realign your mind and body with a gentle stretching and yoga session designed to enhance focus and reduce stress.
-
- Peri-menopause: Hear from an expert covering some of the common concerns, questions and frustrations of this stage of life.
- Empowered networking: Connect with a group of professional women, forging meaningful relationships and expanding your network.
- Gourmet lunch & celebratory happy hour: Enjoy a delicious, catered lunch in excellent company, followed by a celebratory happy hour to toast your transformations and new connections.
By the end of the day, you’ll feel grounded, refreshed, and restored—with a deeper understanding of yourself and a renewed sense of energy and possibility for the season ahead. This retreat is an invitation to emerge, reset, and move forward a little lighter!
We hope you’ll consider joining us for this transformational day. Seats are limited! Registration is avaialble at nmc.edu/eet.
Oct 22, 2026 | Intercom, Student News
Get in the holiday spirit during our beloved Holiday Artist Market featuring over 30 talented Michigan artists from 10 a.m. through 4 p.m. on November 6 & 7.
Merlyn’s Pâtisserie will be onsite again selling their delicious Asian-French inspired pastries!
The Museum Store will open its fabulous holiday corner brimming with whimsical ornaments, handcrafted gifts, unique stocking stuffers, and charming holiday greeting cards. Don’t forget to enter the raffle benefiting K-12 museum tours.
Admission to the museum is free both days so enjoy a stroll through our exhibits! Parking is free throughout NMC’s campus. Browse this year’s participating artists at shop.dennosmuseum.org.
Oct 22, 2026 | Intercom, Student Events
The International Affairs Forum returns the Milliken Auditorium on Thursday, November 12 with bestselling author Stephen Kinzer, former New York Times foreign correspondent, award-winning writer and bestselling author; Senior Fellow in International and Public Affairs, Watson School of International and Public Affairs, Brown University.
In his groundbreaking new book, Boiling Point, Kinzer tells this long-hidden story of the secret 75-year American campaign that set the stage for war in Ukraine. Until the Russian invasion in 2022, few Americans could find Ukraine on a map. Once the fighting began, however, support for its cause surged. The reason was clear: Russia was the aggressor, Ukraine its victim. Yet this war did not explode out of nowhere. For seventy-five years, Moscow and Washington have fought over Ukraine. It is the most sustained covert conflict in modern history. Both sides sought to keep this story secret. They succeeded—until now.
Beginning in the refugee camps of postwar Europe, where CIA officers recruited their first Ukrainian agents, it follows generations of rebels, exiles, traitors, and covert operatives through decades of clandestine missions. Although nearly all of the guerrilla warriors that the CIA sent into Ukraine were captured or killed, it never gave up. From the late 1940s through the end of the Cold War, American leaders saw Ukrainians as their most effective weapon against Moscow. They continued to press that strategy after Ukraine’s independence and the eastward expansion of the US-dominated NATO alliance.
Richly detailed and plot-driven, Boiling Point shows how the United States made Ukraine its most important European project of the twenty-first century, culminating in the escalation that led to war. From battlefields in the Carpathians to smoke-filled offices in New York to the Olympic Games, it is full of the wild stories and improbable characters that made All the Shah’s Men a classic. This is the last great untold spy-versus-spy story of our time.
When: Thursday, November 12, 6 p.m. reception, 7 p.m. program in-person and livestream
Where: Milliken Auditorium, Dennos Museum Center
Tickets: Free for students, educators, NMC faculty and staff. Open to the public. Get your tickets at tciaf.com. Advance purchase of in-person or online tickets recommended.
Book sales & signing facilitated by Artemis Books & Goods. Purchase at event or order in advance at artemisbooksandgoods.com
Oct 21, 2026 | Intercom
Updates will expand workforce training capacity in growing blue economy sector
October 21, 2026
NMC has been awarded a $630,876 state grant to modernize its research vessel, a key asset for the college’s Great Lakes Water Studies Institute.
The funds will be used to update the R/V Northwestern’s propulsion and power systems and to acquire and install new equipment, including a new commercial multibeam echosounder system. The 56-foot, 20-passenger vessel serves as a critical training platform for NMC’s Marine Technology program, providing experiential learning opportunities for students with the same technologies they’ll use after graduation, when employed in the commercial maritime industry.
Hands-on instruction in such technology sets NMC’s program apart from others. NMC is also the only community college to have a harbor on the Great Lakes.
“Our Marine Technology graduates play an important role in supporting the maritime industry, whether it is mapping navigation channels, ports and harbors, conducting ship hull inspections, or assessing critical underwater infrastructure,” said John Lutchko, director of NMC’s Great Lakes Water Studies Institute. “These investments are about much more than modernizing equipment. They ensure that we can continue providing exceptional hands-on training, preparing students for meaningful careers.”
Lutchko added that the grant will allow NMC to purchase its first multibeam echosounder, used to map underwater environments.
“We have historically relied on the generosity of our industry partners to provide this equipment through loans,” he said. “While those partnerships have been instrumental to our success, owning this technology will give us greater independence and ensure our students have consistent access to the industry-standard equipment they will encounter in their careers.”
The funds are a part of the state’s first-ever Michigan Maritime Strategy, released earlier this year. NMC’s collaborative efforts to establish Traverse City as the hub of a blue economy, including construction of the Freshwater Research & Innovation Center, helped inform the strategy.
“These investments are strengthening the state’s competitiveness from end to end,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “By expanding training programs in advanced manufacturing and maritime fields, we’re preparing workers to meet growing national demand while creating meaningful, good‑paying career pathways here at home.”
NMC submitted a proposal earlier this year and was one of five community colleges selected to share $3 million in funding.
Oct 20, 2026 | Intercom, President Updates
The NMC Board of Trustees Fellows Nominating Committee is seeking nominations for the 2027 Northwestern Michigan College “Fellow” award. The Fellow is NMC’s highest honor and the following criteria are taken into consideration during the selection process.
- Demonstrated influential networking on behalf of the College – Exercising helpful influence among their resource networks in public life, academe or business and industry with those who can positively affect the mission of the College.
- Financial contribution – Demonstration of pattern of outstanding contributions over time to NMC.
- Time devoted in the interest of NMC – Exemplifying dedicated and loyal volunteer service over a period of years.
- Retirees – In addition to service deemed extraordinary during their active careers as members of the faculty and staff, retirees who continue to contribute to their academic or professional fields and provide exemplary service back to NMC as volunteers, mentors or advisors shall be considered.
Exceptional contributions in one or more of these areas may justify nomination. No staff, faculty, or trustee shall be named a Fellow while still employed or in office. A list of previously selected Fellows is available at nmc.edu/fellows
Please complete the Fellows nomination form to nominate a worthy candidate. Nominations may be submitted to the President’s Office and via e-mail to nmcpresident@nmc.edu by Friday, December 1, 2026.
President’s Office
1701 E. Front Street
Traverse City, MI
Phone: (231) 995-1010
Oct 19, 2026 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) Professional Communications students are working to provide 215 Thanksgiving meal boxes to local families through the 13th annual Business 231 Thanks-for-Giving experiential learning project.
The project gives students real-world experience while addressing food insecurity in the community. Of the 215 meal boxes, 165 will go to NMC families and 50 will be donated to families selected by Big Brothers Big Sisters.
With help from local organizations and community members, students are raising funds and collecting food donations to provide dinner boxes containing a turkey and traditional side dishes to serve a family of six, along with extra food to help families through the holiday season. Boxes include a pan for cooking the turkey, along with a family activity to make the day memorable. Additionally, those with dietary needs can select gluten-free, vegetarian, or vegan meal boxes.
“You learn a lot about yourself through hands-on experience, and you get out of it what you put into it,” said class instructor Kristy McDonald.
To raise funds, the class is hosting a Glow Skate at Howe Ice Arena in the Grand Traverse County Civic Center on Nov. 6, from 7 to 9 p.m. Admission is $10 and skate rentals are an additional $5. The event will feature a bake sale and hot cocoa bar, and each attendee will receive a glow stick.
A prize giveaway is also available for donors who contribute $15 or more. Prizes include gift cards to local businesses, a one-night stay at the Great Wolf Lodge, a one-night stay at Delamar, and putt-putt golf at Pirates Cove.
Enter the drawing by:
1. https://www.nmc.edu/give.
2. Choose an amount to donate (minimum of $15 for the prize giveaway)
3. Use the drop-down menu (Designate my gift to) select Thanks for Giving
4. You will receive a receipt once your payment is confirmed
In addition to monetary donations, the community can donate boxes of granola bars or jars of peanut butter. Food donations can be dropped off through Nov.18 in red donation bins in three locations:
- NMC’s Front Street campus in the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center lobby
- Great Lakes campus
- Parsons-Stulen building on the Aero Park campus
Meal boxes will be distributed on Monday, November 23, on NMC’s Front Street campus.
Release date: OCTOBER 19, 2026
For more information:
Cassidy Weber
Student Leader
weber329@mail.nmc.edu
(231) 590-1511
Kristy McDonald
Business Instructor
kmcdonald@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1059
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
Oct 19, 2026 | Intercom, Student Events
Middle East instability directly shapes American foreign policy, economic stability, and domestic security. As Washington attempts to pivot focus toward Great Power competition with China and Russia, recurring regional crises continue pulling military, intelligence, and diplomatic assets back into the region. Recent developments—such as the August 2026 Mecca Joint Defence Agreement between Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan—signal a profound shift toward regional self-reliance and collective deterrence. This evolving security architecture reshapes long-standing U.S. alliances, influences global energy corridors, and complicates Washington’s efforts to counter Iran’s proxy networks, drone proliferation, and gray-zone cyber tactics.
Join the International Affairs Forum for an insider perspective with national security expert Javed Ali, former Senior Director for Counterterrorism at the National Security Council and former intelligence analyst with the FBI and DIA. Drawing on his experience from field operations to the White House Situation Room, Ali will analyze how shifting Middle East power dynamics, proxy warfare, and new regional pacts disrupt global strategy and impact U.S. national security at home and abroad.
When: Thursday, October 22, 6 p.m. reception, 7 p.m. program in-person and livestream
Where: Milliken Auditorium, Dennos Museum Center
Tickets: Free for students, educators, NMC faculty and staff. Open to the public. Get your tickets at tciaf.com. Advance purchase of in-person or online tickets recommended.
Oct 19, 2026 | Hawk Owl Helpers and Heroes, Intercom, Student News
Thanks to the NMC Motorsports Club and their adviser, Wayne Moody, for showing true sportsmanship at the Backwoods Baja race this weekend at the University of Wisconsin-Stout. Following the pre-race technical inspection, which the Hawk Owls passed with no issues, an NMC team member learned the University of Iowa team had not passed. Iowa was there without an advisor and didn’t know how to resolve an engine problem. Moody helped them fix it, Iowa entered the race and bested NMC’s fifth place in the overall standings. Moody said, “Our team had the same amount of pride in helping them out to be successful as they would have been if it was their own car.”
The Hawk Owls’ race was topped off by finishing with no breakdowns, a first for NMC in its history of competing at the endurance race, where they consistently perform well against four-year schools like Iowa.
Who’s been a Hawk Owl Helper or Hero for you? Let us know at publicrelations@nmc.edu!
Oct 19, 2026 | 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.
Gov. Whitmer accelerates Michigan Maritime growth with $8 million
Gulf Oil & Gas, Oct. 19
(more…)
Oct 19, 2026 | Intercom
Thank you to everyone who attended this year’s October Conference! Your participation, engagement and energy made the event a huge success!
To help us keep improving future events, we would love to hear your thoughts. Please take a few minutes to complete our post-conference feedback survey you received via email.
If you want to review any of the sessions or catch up on presentations you missed, presenter slides are now available on the October Conference Google shared drive in the 2026 folder. Browse the October Conference photo gallery to revisit memorable moments and see the event in action.
Thank you again for making time to connect and engage with your colleagues. We look forward to seeing you at next year’s event!
