NMC Spring Jazz Concert and High School Jazz Invitational
Northwestern Michigan College will present its Spring Jazz Concert on Saturday, April 18, at 7:30 p.m. in Milliken Auditorium. The concert features the NMC Jazz Lab Band, a High School All-Star Big Band with students from regional schools, and the NMC Jazz Big Band with guest soloist Robbie M. Smith, director of jazz studies at Central Michigan University. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for seniors and students; NMC students are free with ID. Advance tickets are available at nmcmusicdepartment.simpletix.com or by calling the NMC Box Office at (231) 995-1340.
Earlier in the day, NMC will host its first High School Jazz Invitational beginning at 1 p.m., featuring big bands from Traverse City West, Traverse City Central, Elk Rapids and St. Francis. Afternoon performances are free and open to the public.
Snow Day Heroes
Thank you to all who kept NMC running on three consecutive snow days, and readied campus for the resumption of classes last Wednesday. That includes the facilities and grounds crews, who plowed parking lots and sidewalks, the Hawk Owl Café and Northwest Grind staff, who kept residence hall students fed, and custodial staff and security.
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Who’s been a Hawk Owl Helper or Hero for you? Let us know at publicrelations@nmc.edu!
Media mentions for March 23, 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.
Tool or terror: Publishers, educators talk AI in writing
Record-Eagle, March 7
Board of Trustees regular meeting
The NMC Board of Trustees will hold its regular monthly meeting Monday, March 23 at 5:30 p.m. in Hagerty Center Room C on NMC’s Great Lakes Campus. More information is available here.
For more information, please contact the President’s office at (231) 995-1010.
Register Now for the AquaAction – AquaHacking Binational Challenge 2026
Calling all innovators and change-makers! Are you ready to shape the future of freshwater?
From now through April 6, 2026, AquaAction is inviting emerging innovators from across the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence region to take part in the AquaHacking Binational Program: A free, 7-month innovation and entrepreneurship journey designed to help you develop real solutions to today’s most pressing water issues.
This is your chance to join a dynamic community of students, researchers, young professionals, and aspiring entrepreneurs who are passionate about making a measurable impact. Throughout this free program, you’ll gain the tools, mentorship, and support you need to transform bold ideas into practical, scalable innovations and launch your startup.
Join us for a co-hosted virtual info session with AquaAction and Northwestern Michigan College on Thursday, March 26 from noon to 1 p.m.
During this information session, you will:
- Learn about the exciting prizes and benefits of the program ($70,000 in funding prizes!)
- Get a deep dive into the AquaHacking Binational program and what you can expect as a participant
- Discover the skills, networks, and funding opportunities you’ll gain through this 7-month program
- Learn about the resources, expert guidance, and hands-on support available to help you build your startup
- Explore how your participation can drive real progress in water innovation and sustainability across North America
If you’re ready to lead, innovate, and create lasting impact for our shared waters, this is your moment!
Invite your friends, colleagues, and anyone who might be interested in making a real difference.
Register for the info session here
Benefit Break – Spring Break Kickoff Concert March 27
Audio Tech student Garrett Williams (in collaboration with the NMC Audio Tech program) is proud to be hosting a Spring Concert at Milliken Auditorium featuring ‘The Go Rounds’. The concert starts at 7 p.m. Friday, March 27, and doors open at 6:30 p.m. Ticket prices range from $11.63 to $22.13.
This event will be entirely student-produced and is an opportunity for Garrett and his fellow Audio Technology students to gain experiential learning opportunities and valuable hands-on experience.
All proceeds from ticket sales will go to scholarships for NMC students.
Buy tickets here
Mobile food pantry March 23
NMC host a mobile food pantry on Monday, March 23 from 3–5 p.m. in the Maple Lot on the Front Street campus. The menu includes potatoes, carrots, frozen broccoli, ground turkey, applesauce, dried beans, mac and cheese, oranges, and Pop-Tarts.. This event is the rescheduled distribution originally planned for March 16, which was canceled due to inclement weather.
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.
Free and open to all students and their families. Insterested in volunteering? Email Cathy Warner at cwarner@nmc.edu.
Kudos!
Kudos to Amy Burns Bailey and Maggie West! In partnership with the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO), Amy Burns-Bailey (Workforce Programs Director) and Maggie West (Tutoring Coordinator) helped arrange for two NMC students, Maggie Vansickle (Culinary Arts – Baking & Pastry) and Harley Waldron (Welding Technology) to participate in filming a video to promote Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs in Michigan. Amy and Maggie were recognized by Virginia Zimmerman, from LEO’s workforce development office, for their efforts to help inspire other students to participate in CTE programs. NMC is one of two spotlight colleges that will be featured in the CTE video. Kudos to Amy and Maggie for shining a light on the perseverance and success of our students and for efforts with NMC’s Perkins programs to expand CTE opportunities for students in our region.
Kudos to Avery Verschaeve, Niusha Rahjoo, and McKenna Davids! Immense gratitude and appreciation to the Advising office student employees McKenna Davids, Niusha Rahjoo, and Avery Verschaeve. Not only are they the first voice callers hear and the first point of contact when calling the switchboard line, they have also project managed as a group to create resources for students who visit advising and have stepped up to take on additional responsibilities that are traditionally handled by the office assistant.Each of them has shown admirable dedication towards learning how better to support their fellow students. From the thoughtful questions they ask, to how they problem solve – they don’t just answer phones – they are providing genuine customer service and compassionate support.
In addition to answering phones and responding to emails, McKenna has stepped up to support with inventory management and is supporting the streamlining process; Niusha is our office’s steadfast anchor of calming support when assisting students who need help with scheduling or registering; and Avery has grown into an adept problem solver and is learning to think outside the box and create solutions quickly.
These three incredible people make my job easier and I look forward to every day I get to work with them. I’m so incredibly proud of their growth and the way they conduct themselves with integrity and respect for themselves, their fellow staff and students. They have taken on multiple projects and challenges over the past four months and leveled up their skills. I’m thrilled to see what they accomplish next!
If you see them around, please take a moment to thank them for being amazing NMC ambassadors.
Kudos to Lil Anderson! Lil was able to diagnose and rectify a technical issue during concurrent events serving our stakeholders.
Welcome our newest hires!
These employees recently started working at the college. Let’s welcome them to the NMC community!
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- Micah Daniel, student employee – Maritime Assistant
- Keiara Pettengill, supplemental employee – Banquet Server Hagerty Center
- Matthew Raymond, supplemental employee – Hagerty Center Banquet Server
OOPs grant submission deadline extended to March 24
Due to the recent snow days, the deadline for submissions to the Office of Possibilities for Education’s 2026 Request for Proposals for funding grants has been extended to Tuesday, March 24. Submit your innovative ideas that promote lifelong learning, advance educational offerings, facilitate student or employee success, create organizational efficiencies, or improve campus. Current NMC students, faculty, staff, or departments can apply for funding, which typically ranges from $500 to $10,000.
Read more about the RFP here and submit an application here.
Applied AI & Entrepreneurship – Building Connections for Innovation
GVSU College of Computing Presents
Applied AI & Entrepreneurship: Building Connections for Innovation
@ Northern Michigan Startup Week
Monday, April 20
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
NMC’s Hagerty Center
715 E Front St, Traverse City, MI
The GVSU College of Computing brings together faculty, students, startups, and regional partners to explore how Applied AI can drive innovation and commercialization in Northern Michigan. This event is designed to spark collaborations, help startup teams, and connect ideas to funding pathways. Veterans and military-connected entrepreneurs are especially welcome.
Goals: Form new startup and research teams, discover internship and collaboration opportunities, and establish pathways from research to market (SBIR, STTR, PFI).
Who Should Attend: Entrepreneurs, Startup Teams, Industry Leaders, Faculty, Students, Investors, and Community Innovators.
Register Here
Seats are limited.
#nmsw #gvsucomputing #innovation
Board of Trustees Executive Committee meeting
The Executive Committee of NMC Board of Trustees will meet at1 p.m. Thursday, March 19 in room 104-105 of the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center on NMC’s Front Street campus. More information is available here.
For more information, please contact the President’s office at (231) 995-1010.
Board of Trustees Building & Site Committee meeting
The Building & Site Committee of NMC Board of Trustees will meet at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 18 in room 08 (lower level) of the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center on NMC’s Front Street campus. More information is available here.
For more information, please contact the President’s office at (231) 995-1010.
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 (remember, you must be logged into your student account to view) and browse classes for you and yours this spring!
Weight Strengthening
Aerobic exercise is not enough to keep the body well-conditioned; research shows the need for the addition of weekly weight strengthening. We will focus on all major muscle groups resulting in increased strength, better posture, greater mobility, improved metabolism, and a slowing of the development of osteoporosis. Read more about Weight Strengthening.
22 sessions; Tues & Thurs, April 7 – June 18; 6:30 – 7:45 a.m.
Tuition Waiver Price: $60 per person (public price $325)
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)
Spring professional development opportunities
NMC is hosting several upcoming training opportunities for employes. Seats are limited! Register for all courses through NeoEd Training using these instructions. For questions, contact professionaldevelopmentinstitute@nmc.edu
Advanced AI Prompting
Wednesday, March 25, from 3–4 p.m. (Zoom)
Elevate your prompt engineering skills with this focus on advanced skills designed to teach you five distinct prompting styles. You will move beyond simple queries to master the RODE framework for structured role-based output and the Ask Gemini dialogue method for iterative refinement, while also learning industry standards like Chain-of-Thought, Few-Shot, and Prompt Chaining. After briefly reviewing these AI prompt engineering skills, there will be dedicated time for hands-on practice.
Exploring the Evolving AI Landscape
Tuesday, March 31, 3–4 p.m. (Zoom)
This advanced workshop is designed for faculty and staff who are already familiar with AI LLM’s and basic AI prompting but want to deepen their understanding of the newest developments in AI. Participants will explore powerful new tools and features—including Gemini Nano Banana, ChatGPT-5, Study and Learn, Agent Mode, storybooks, and real-world applications that are reshaping education and productivity. (Please be familiar with AI Prompting before signing up for this class. Please email athornton@nmc.edu if you have questions.)
Crucial Conversations for Accountability
Friday, May 15 AND Friday, May 22, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. (on campus)
This course is strongly recommended for all supervisors, academic chairs and program coordinators, but all regular employees are welcome with supervisor approval. While Crucial Conversations for Accountability may sound like a “gotcha” approach, it is exactly the opposite. The training provides practical tools grounded in mutual respect, active listening and collaborative problem-solving. During this two-day training, learn how to have difficult conversations in a way that solves problems while improving relationships. Attendance is required both days for course completion.
For questions, email professionaldevelopmentinstitu
On the menu: Hawk Owl Café specials for March 23–27
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 23
Chicken Fettuccine with pesto cream sauce served with garlic crostini & broccoli
Roasted Vegetable Fettuccine (V) with pesto cream sauce served with garlic crostini & broccoli
Tuesday, March 24
Beef Barbacoa Tacos with cheddar cheese, sour cream and salsa served with Spanish rice & refried beans
Jackfruit Tacos (V) with cheddar cheese, sour cream and salsa served with Spanish rice & refried beans
Wednesday, March 25
BBQ Pulled Pork with brioche bun served with mac & cheese and asparagus
BBQ Jackfruit (V) with brioche bun served with mac & cheese and asparagus
Thursday, March 26
Potato Gnocchi with Italian sausage and Alfredo sauce served with garlic bread & green beans
Potato Gnocchi (V) with roasted vegetables and Alfredo sauce served with garlic bread & green beans
Friday, March 27 – Café closing at 2 p.m.
No Special – Happy Spring Break!
Hawk Owl Café will close at 2 p.m. on Friday, March 27 and reopen at 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 5. The self-service kiosk will remain available 24 hours a day.
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!