Oct 15, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
October 15, 2025
Northwestern Michigan College surpassed a financial aid and philanthropic milestone this summer, awarding more than $2 million in scholarship dollars for the first time ever.
For the 2024–25 academic year, NMC distributed $2.07 million to students. That topped the 2023–24 total of $1.98 million by $91,742. The total includes NMC institutional scholarships ($1.6 million) plus external scholarships ($469,000), which are typically awarded from local sources like community foundations, companies and churches.
As registration for spring semester begins this week, the importance of scholarship support is top of mind.
“The cost of college is one of the most common obstacles to attendance,” said Lindsey Dickinson, NMC director of student success and retention. “Scholarship support is critical for students to be able to complete their educational path and move on to life and career goals.”
Thanks to NMC scholarships, 2024 Great Lakes Culinary Institute student Caroline Clark (above) graduated debt free. Now she’s investing the money she saved on tuition in a wedding cake business, Sweet Caroline’s Confections.
“That’s the path I’m taking, an entrepreneurial path,” said Clark. Working out of her home, she baked cakes for 12 weddings this past summer. But she’s preparing to have a commercial space, hopefully by 2027.
“I was able to purchase some equipment. When the time is right, I can have a commercial space,” Clark said.
Marine Technology student Daniel Heil received an external scholarship from the Marine Technical Society. The Washington DC-based nonprofit promotes awareness, understanding, and the advancement and application of marine technology.
“This scholarship means the world to me. It’s not just recognition of where I’ve been — it’s a vote of confidence in where I’m going. I’m deeply grateful to be supported in this mission to merge deep-sea exploration with next-generation technology,” Heil said.
NMC also announced that the proportion of financial aid from grants — money students don’t have to repay — rose significantly last year. Grants totaled 62 percent of financial aid while loans made up 38 percent.
In the 2023–24 academic year it was nearly evenly split, with 51 percent grants and 49 percent loans. The shift, primarily due to state programs like the Community College Guarantee for high school graduates and Michigan Reconnect for adults 25 and older who don’t already have a degree, is highly positive for students.
Neither Heil nor Clark qualified for those programs, however. For students like them, NMC and external scholarships are vital.
“Instead of worrying about student loans or debt, I was able to focus on my career goal,” Clark said. “I’m very grateful I was able to do that.”
She keeps a list of her 10 scholarships, which ranged from $375 to $5,000. It’s a reminder to the 22-year-old to sustain her healthy financial habits.
“Not only for my career but for my lifetime, that’s a goal of mine, to continue being debt free,” she said.
NMC automatically matches accepted students with scholarships — no extra applications are required. Read more. Find out more about becoming a scholarship donor at nmc.edu/give.
Oct 14, 2025 | Intercom
In honor of the Dennos Museum Center’s 35th anniversary—and in recognition of the museum’s world class Inuit art collection—join museum staff for a cultural trip abroad to Winnipeg on September 24–28, 2026. This trip is a special, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to discover one of Canada’s most significant arts and culture communities alongside Dennos staff and museum members.
Additional details, and information to register will become available in the coming weeks. Contact staff at dmc@nmc.edu to be added to a list for more information and updates.
Oct 14, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
The Dennos Museum Center warmly invites visitors to wander a festive marketplace on Friday, Nov. 7 and Saturday, Nov. 8 from 10 a.m.–4 p.m.. Come discover a unique variety of artful gifts and get a head start on your holiday shopping.
This vibrant juried marketplace is a cherished annual tradition that brings together 30 Michigan artists and a community that celebrates creativity and art. Visit the museum’s Sculpture Court and Milliken Auditorium lobby to discover one-of-a-kind treasures. Admission is free and guests are encouraged to linger, explore, and shop. Merlyn’s Pâtisserie will be on site for a second year, offering their Asian-French inspired artful treats.
Our Museum Store will unveil its festive Holiday Corner featuring beautiful greeting cards, handcrafted ornaments, and unique gifts from around the world. Art-inspired objects, puzzles, jewelry and toys are always right inside!
Our beloved raffle returns with proceeds benefiting children’s educational programming. And remember, DMC memberships are 10% when purchased at the market!
Learn more at shop.dennosmuseum.org
Oct 13, 2025 | Intercom, Student Events
The Student Ambassador’s are inviting all students and staff to sign up to host a ‘trunk’ for their annual Trunk or Treat! Rain or shine this event will take place from 5:30–7 p.m. on October 23 in the back half of Cherry Lot on NMC’s Front Street Campus. This event is open to the community to come and trick or treat!
If you are a NMC employee or student that would like to decorate your trunk, please fill out the Trunk or Treat form by October 20 so the students can prepare the parking lot.
The Ambassadors will be having ‘celebrity’ judges this year and will award the following:
- 1st place: $75 Amazon Gift Card
- 2nd place: $50 Amazon Gift Card
- 3rd place: $25 Gift Card
This is a great opportunity to show off your creativity and spooky spirit with the NMC and TC community.
For questions, please email Katy Knight at cknight@nmc.edu.
Oct 13, 2025 | Hawk Owl Helpers and Heroes, Intercom
Thanks to the International Affairs Forum, Multicultural Club and International Services and Service Learning. Last week the three groups partnered to offer multilayered experiential learning opportunities: On Wednesday, IAF sponsored a screening of the documentary Powerful Women, including a presentation by one of the subjects, Madhvi Dalal, founder of PadMad, an initiative working to end period poverty in Kenya, Somalia and Malawi. On Saturday, the Multicultural Club organized a fundraising walk for PadMad around the Boardman Lake, led by Dalal. In the spring, NMC students will travel to Kenya for a study abroad experience.
Who’s been a Hawk Owl Helper or Hero for you? Let us know at publicrelations@nmc.edu!
Oct 13, 2025 | Intercom
The NMC Board of Trustees Executive Committee will meet Thursday, October 16 at 2 p.m. in the President’s Office Conference Room in the Tanis Building on NMC’s Front Street Campus. More information is available here.
For more information, please contact the President’s office at (231) 995-1010.
Oct 13, 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.
Adapted in TC: Having the good kind of cancer
Instructor Susan Odgers’ monthly column on living with disability, Record-Eagle, Oct. 11
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Oct 13, 2025 | Intercom
The NMC Board of Trustees Audit Committee will meet Wednesday, October 15 at 10 a.m. in the President’s Office Conference Room in the Tanis Building on NMC’s Front Street Campus. The Building & Site Committee will meet at 1:30 p.m. that day, in the same location. More information is available here.
For more information, please contact the President’s office at (231) 995-1010.
Oct 13, 2025 | Intercom
The NMC Board of Trustees will hold its regular monthly meeting Monday, October 20 at 5:30 p.m. in Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center Room 106/107. More information is available here.
For more information, please contact the President’s office at (231) 995-1010.
Oct 13, 2025 | Intercom
Step away from the daily grind on Friday, Nov. 21 and invest in yourself with this “Out Of Office” one-day personal development retreat tailored for professional women. This immersive experience is designed to help you reignite your motivation, deepen your self-awareness, and confidently own your authority, leaving you feeling refreshed and inspired.
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.
The Image Dilemma – Define Your Professional Brand: Move beyond conventional notions of “Northern Michigan Professional.” Discover how to strategically align your personal style with the powerful message you want to communicate, ensuring your wardrobe works for you.
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.
Join us for this transformative day where you’ll not only depart with practical tools, renewed inspiration, and a powerful sense of purpose, but also cultivate invaluable connections. This retreat is designed to foster genuine interactions, providing empowered networking opportunities with a curated group of like-minded professional women. Expand your circle, share insights and build relationships that will extend far beyond the day’s events. We look forward to seeing you there, ready to connect and thrive!
Tuition Waiver applies. For full-time NMC employees, the cost to attend is $180.
Register here.
Oct 13, 2025 | Intercom, Student Events
The NMC Pride student group will be selling bake goods and crafts from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Oct. 27 in the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center lobby. Stop by and show your support!
Oct 13, 2025 | HR Corner, Intercom
Kudos to Carolyn Andrews! Kudos to Carolyn Andrews, her NMC team, and all the community volunteers for another great opportunity for area middle school and high school students to attend the Building Tomorrow event. They showcased the amazing programs NMC has to offer!
Kudos to Denver Peters! Denver Peters, Director of Strategic Portfolio and Development, dove head first into the Blue Tech Challenge. The Blue Tech Challenge is a grant-funded imitative to support “BlueTech” and water-based technology start-up companies and ideas with the goal of having the companies relocate to Traverse City and the Freshwater Research and Innovation Center. Due to unforeseen circumstances, Denver had to lead the BlueTech Challenge finale at the Oceans Conference in Chicago, IL. The event went off without a hitch and the feedback has been very positive as Wave Lumina was named the winner, earning the prize money. Denver not only ran the finale, but also assisted the finalists with networking events, booth displays and follow-ups, all while representing NMC. Way to step up, Denver!
Kudos to Carolyn Andrews, Georgenia Hromada, Ryan Deering, Wayne Moody, Jeff Morse and Dan Simon for an amazing job on the two-day event, Building Tomorrow!!! Students had a great time and loved all of the hands-on activities! Everything flowed seamlessly! What a blast!
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!
Oct 6, 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.
Meet The Traverse City Nonprofit Working To Drive Humanitarian Causes In Kenya
The Ticker, Oct. 6
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Oct 6, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
To find these selections and many other new titles, see the NMC library catalog.
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Oct 6, 2025 | Intercom
We’re excited to invite you to the 10th annual NMC October Conference on Tuesday, Oct. 14! This year’s conference, Reimagining Learning and Work: The Transformative Impact of AI, promises to be extra special with more than a dozen community leaders joining us to share their insights. Classes are cancelled and most offices are closed so faculty and staff can attend this day-long professional development event.
Plan Your Day
The Morning Kickoff
We’ll start at 8 a.m. with donuts and coffee in the Dennos, followed by a panel discussion in Milliken Auditorium. A panel of industry and education leaders from across the community will share how they’re navigating the impact of AI in their organizations. You’ll leave with new perspectives to spark conversation throughout the day — and maybe even snag some swag!
Workshop Sessions
Following the opening session, we will move to classrooms around the Front Street Campus for workshops on all aspects of AI, from hands-on training to discussions of ethics. The conference features three tracks of workshops and a fourth session where we will debrief and plan with our cohorts and President Nick Nissley.
Who should attend?
Attendance is required for full-time faculty and staff. Adjunct faculty are encouraged to attend and should sign in to receive an hourly stipend for their time. Supplemental staff should check with their supervisors before attending. Please wear your name tag!
We can’t wait to spend this day of learning, collaboration and fun with you!
If you have questions, reach out to Lori Hodek at lhodek@nmc.edu, (231) 995-1143 or Janet Lively at jlively@nmc.edu, (231) 995-1231.
Oct 3, 2025 | HR Corner, Intercom
Kristin Hall recently started working at the college as a Health Occupations Assistant. Welcome to the NMC community!
Oct 2, 2025 | Intercom
TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College welcomes community input on the future of the college at a strategic planning input session Wednesday, Oct. 15 as well as via an online survey.
The meeting will be held from 6–7:30 p.m. in the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center rooms 106/107. The survey will be open until Oct. 29.
The strategic planning process will engage all college stakeholders — faculty, staff, students, alumni, board and community members — in focusing energies and resources for 2026–2029. It will build on the success of NMC Next, the strategic plan that ran from 2022–25.
“The voices and critical insights of our entire community, beyond the campus borders, are important to the success of our efforts, and we value everyone’s participation as we engage in this collaborative process,” said NMC President Nick Nissley.
The final strategic plan document is expected to be presented to the Board of Trustees at its December meeting and then launched to the campus community in January 2026.
Release date: October 2, 2025
For more information:
Cari Noga
NMC Communications Director
cnoga@nmc.edu
(231) 392-1800 (Call or text)
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 2, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
Show us your perfect society. Show us your ideals. Show us utopia. Show us your nightmares. Show us fear and despair. Show us dystopia. NMC students, faculty, staff, and community-affiliated members can submit their utopian/dystopian polarities thru Friday, October 17.
Visit nmc.edu/nmcmagazine for more information. Please complete a submission form for each entry.
