Jun 1, 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.
Learning to Fly: Talking Roots and Wings with Six NMC Aviation Alumni
Ticker, May 31
(more…)
Jun 1, 2026 | Intercom
The Dennos Museum is excited to unveil its refreshed branding, marking a new chapter for the museum and its connection to the community. To celebrate the launch, NMC employees are invited to stop by the museum at 1 p.m. on Monday, June 8 to learn more about the updated brand, enjoy snacks and lemonade and grab some new merch. Chelsie and Liz will be there to answer any questions you may have related to the Dennos’ new branding.
Jun 1, 2026 | HR Corner, Intercom
Kudos to Shelly VanderMeulen, Jeff Morse, Hollianne McHugh, Carolyn Andrews and Augusta Kummer! A huge shout-out and congratulations to the exceptional team who represented NMC at the MEATA (Michigan Educators Apprenticeship & Training Association) Spring Conference. Not only did the NMC team members attend to collaborate on the future of work-based learning, but they also took center stage as presenters, sharing NMC’s innovative strategies and leadership in workforce development with peers from across the state. By actively participating in these crucial conversations, this team continues to sharpen NMC’s competitive edge in technical education, career pathways and registered apprenticeships! Thank you all for your hard work, your inspiring presentations and for brilliantly demonstrating how NMC is helping to “Chart the Course” for Michigan’s future workforce!
Kudos to Shirl Martin! Extended Education & Training offers a medical assistant program. Becoming a medical assistant is one of the first steps on the “stepping stone” pathway being created through the Sixty by 30 grant, and Anchor and Edge, NMC’s new Strategic Plan (Strategy 2; Objective 4). Because of her noncredit training through EE&T, this week, one of our medical assistant students was offered a new job at Munson Medical Center. Her starting wage is $19.45/per hour, 40 hours per week, with a $10,000 sign-on bonus if she agreed to a two year contract. She did! This is life-changing! She plans to continue on for her nursing degree here at NMC. This is all in thanks to our Sixty by 30 grant initiative and our Student Navigator, Shirl Martin.
Kudos to Marina Call! May 28 marked Marina Call’s last day as a Student Success Coach here at NMC and I want to recognize the incredible contributions she has made while in this position. Marina has served in this role for 5 years and in that time has supported over 400 individual students through nearly 900 coaching appointments! Not to mention the many resource tables at orientation, Welcome Week events, student workshops and classroom visits she has executed. Marina has helped lead and shape the Success Coaching team in many ways and has served as a mentor to other coaches. The impact she has had on the individual students she has supported, our team and on our overall student success and retention goals is immense and we are so grateful to her. While we will miss Marina being a part of the coaching team, we are excited for her to continue in her role with International Services and Service Learning and know that she will bring her coaching skills to all of the students she supports! Thank you, Marina for your dedication, excellence and valuable service as a Student Success Coach and for your continued work on our campus!
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!
Jun 1, 2026 | HR Corner, Intercom
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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- Sharon Angel – Custodian
- Pat Coy – Custodian
- Devin Hill – Adjunct Construction Technology Instructor
- Mathius Kithinji, supplemental employee – Technology Support Assistant
- Kathleen Moore – Business Instructor
- Susan Odgers – Adjunct Psychology Instructor
- Leanne Baumeler – Coordinator of Disability Support
- Luke Bobrowski, student employee – Engineering Tech Lab Assistant
- Rachel Bolger, student employee – Residence Hall Front Desk
- Kaitlyn Bolger, student employee – Writing Center Reader
- Nora Cosnowski, supplemental employee – Tutor
- Ahmin Embil, student employee – Residence Hall Front Desk
- Liam Filson, student employee – Residence Hall Front Desk
- Madison Findlay, student employee – Resident Assistant
- Stuart Ford – Materials Specialist
- Avery Frink, supplemental employee – Aviation Maintenance Technician
- Shelbie Gray, student employee – Enrollment Services Office Assistant
- Gracie Gross, student employee – Residence Hall Front Desk
- Melody Jesiek, student employee – Residence Hall Front Desk
- McKenzie Johnson, student employee – Audio Technology Lab Assistant
- Keith Kasper – Adjunct Certified Flight Instructor
- Namith Kennedy, supplemental employee – Technical Division Lab Assistant
- Gabriel Lantz, student employee – Residence Hall Front Desk
- Aubrey Lantz, student employee – Residence Hall Front Desk
- Sam Laughhunn, student employee – Residence Hall Front Desk
- Jayrwin LeBlanc, supplemental employee – Technical Division Lab Assistant
- Dexter Lilie, student employee – Fitness Center Staff
- Joseph Lyons, student employee – Writing Center Reader
- Vivian Maddox, student employee – Writing Center Teaching Assistant
- Luke McClellan, student employee -– Tutor
- Shauna McLean, student employee – Residence Hall Front Desk
- Julie Merchant, supplemental employee – Test Proctor
- Ayriel Norteña, supplemental employee – Neurodiversity Peer Mentor
- Audrey Nylander, student employee – Residence Hall Front Desk
- Caleb Ordoyne, student employee – Residence Hall Front Desk
- Andrew Osborn, student employee – Residence Hall Front Desk
- Phillip Parker – Adjunct Audio Technology Instructor
- Maria Perez Lopez, student employee – Student Life Office Assistant
- Nate Porras, student employee – Student Life Office Assistant
- Nicholas Punla Smith, student employee – Writing Center Reader
- Alexander Rodgers, student employee – Resident Assistant
- Amanda Sanchez, student employee – Tutor
- Katarina Schoenow, student employee – Residence Hall Front Desk
- Elliot Sorg, student employee – Residence Hall Front Desk
- Mya Stanley, student employee – Residence Hall Front Desk
- Kennedy Stoudt, student employee – Residence Hall Front Desk
- Maren Tepastte, student employee – Residence Hall Front Desk
- Melissa Thomas, supplemental employee – Tutor
- Trinity Trowbridge, student employee – Residence Hall Front Desk
- Cathleen Warner – Adjunct English Instructor
- Olivia Watrous, student employee – Residence Hall Front Desk
- Ayla Weldon, student employee – Fitness Center Staff
- Rosalyn Zalewski, student employee – Tutor
Jun 1, 2026 | HR Corner, Intercom
Micah Richards recently started working at the college as a Welding Assistant. Welcome to the NMC community!
May 29, 2026 | Intercom, Student News
The Dogwood Lot is closed June 15–19 for law enforcement training. Please park in the nearby Cherry, Chestnut or Elm lots instead.
For questions, please contact Garrett Croon at (231) 995-1747 or gcroon@nmc.edu
May 29, 2026 | Intercom, Student Events
What if the greatest risk to global security isn’t a foreign power, but our changing climate? The International Affairs Forum closes its 32nd season with an examination of the U.S. military and its addressing of climate change. Once an “environmental laggard”, our military is now a clean energy and climate leader. In a world where warming temperatures exacerbate everything from terrorism to power plays by Russia and China, the Pentagon now recognizes that “climate readiness is mission readiness.”
This program is supported by IAF members and sponsors and is underwritten by Harold and Pam Lassers.
Sherri Goodman, the Pentagon’s first-ever Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Environmental Security, will take the audience inside the strategy rooms and onto the battlefield to explore the findings of her book, Threat Multiplier: Climate, Military Leadership and the Fight for Global Security. As the Secretary General of the International Military Council on Climate & Security and a former Wilson Center fellow, Goodman has been at the vanguard of this shift for 30+ years.
Goodman argues that we must address climate change with the same alarm as the Cold War nuclear threat, noting that “a warming world exacerbates every threat,” from the stability of our own domestic bases to competition for increasingly scarce food and water abroad. Her work offers a tough yet hopeful “inside story” of the military’s fight for global security, answering the critical question: How can we safeguard both our national defense and our planet?
The discussion will offer unique insights into how military leadership and climate strategy are now inseparable, and what it means for the future of global stability.
When: June 11, 6 p.m. reception, 7 p.m., program in-person and livestream
Where: Milliken Auditorium, Dennos Museum Center
Tickets: Admission is free for current students and educators, including NMC and area secondary schools. Get your tickets at tciaf.com. Advance purchase of in-person or online tickets recommended.
Book sales: Bay Books, 220 N St Joseph St, Suttons Bay, 231-944-6809. Call to reserve a copy or purchase at the event.
May 29, 2026 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — The Audit Committee of Northwestern Michigan College’s Board of Trustees will meet at 2:30 p.m. Monday, June 1 in the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center, room 104/105 on NMC’s Front Street campus, 1701 E. Front St., Traverse City. The official meeting notice is available here.
For more information, please contact the President’s office at (231) 995-1010.
Release date: may 29, 2026
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
May 28, 2026 | Intercom, President Updates
Good afternoon NMC community,
I’m sad to share that NMC recently lost an important connection to our earliest days.
George Comden
George Comden passed away at the age of 92. George was one of the original 23 graduates in NMC’s first graduating class in 1953 and, until his passing, one of the last living members of that class.
I first met George in 2020 during my first year at NMC. At the time, we were still in the thick of the pandemic, and I had the opportunity to spend time with him on campus. I left that conversation feeling like I’d been given a rare opportunity, the chance to hear directly from someone who was here when NMC first opened its doors.
Over the years that followed, I stayed in touch with George and had the opportunity to visit with him several times. He loved talking about NMC and often shared what he thought mattered most about the college.
He spoke about faculty who cared deeply about students and wanted to help them succeed. He shared the opportunities NMC created in his own life through access and affordability. And he talked proudly about the college’s connection to and service to the community.
What stayed with me was that more than 70 years after graduating, George never stopped being proud to be part of NMC. He followed the college closely, celebrated what was happening here, and continued to believe deeply in our mission and in the opportunities NMC creates for students.
As we mark NMC’s 75th anniversary, George’s passing feels especially significant. Each year, there are fewer and fewer members of our first graduating class still with us. It’s a reminder that we inherit something larger than ourselves and are called to leave it stronger for those who follow. George and his classmates helped establish who we are as a college. Generations of students, employees, and supporters have carried that work forward since then, and today we have the privilege and responsibility of continuing to steward NMC’s mission for those who come next.
I’ll always be grateful that I had the chance to know George and learn from him. More than anything, he reminded me that the impact of a college extends far beyond graduation and can stay with someone for a lifetime.
Please join me in keeping George’s family and loved ones in your thoughts.
Nick
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Nick Nissley, Ed.D. | President | Northwestern Michigan College | 231.995.1010
May 26, 2026 | Intercom
The NMC Board of Trustees Policy Committee will meet Thursday, May 28 at 9 a.m. in Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center Room 104/105. More information is available here.
For more information, please contact the President’s office at (231) 995-1010.
May 26, 2026 | Hawk Owl Helpers and Heroes, Intercom
To honor Memorial Day, we pause to remember the service members who gave their lives in defense of our country. At NMC, supporting veterans, active-duty service members and military families is part of who we are. We’re proud to be recognized as a military-friendly school for 2026 and remain committed to creating meaningful pathways, strong support systems and opportunities for those who have served.
Who’s been a Hawk Owl Helper or Hero for you? Let us know at publicrelations@nmc.edu!
May 26, 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.
New lecture series to honor press freedom, and the TC couple who stood for it
Record-Eagle, May 26
(more…)
May 26, 2026 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Registration is now open for College Edge, a free program NMC is hosting this summer to help college students prepare for their fall semester.
Running July 13-Aug.7, College Edge is a four-week program to help prepare students to succeed before they start or continue college at NMC this fall. Interested students can register for one of two options:
- College Edge (English and math) In-person Monday and Wednesday sessions offered mornings (8 a.m.-12 p.m.) OR afternoons, 12 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Hawk Owl Cafe stipend and snacks provided to fuel your learning. Complete other coursework online on your schedule.
- Math Edge (Math only) Attend on-campus Tuesday & Thursday mornings, 9 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Complete other coursework online on your schedule.
Students will also receive success coaching tips and tools like time management and studying smarter. For completing the program, students will earn a $250 scholarship toward NMC’s fall semester and a free graphing calculator. Find out more at nmc.edu/edge
College Edge hosted by NMC debuted in 2023. It is part of the investment the state of Michigan is making in its student-age population. State scholarships available now include the Community College Guarantee for the high school class of 2025 and 2026, and Michigan Reconnect for adults 25 and older who don’t already have a degree.
Release date: may 26, 2026
For more information:
Diana Fairbanks
NMC Public Relations
dfairbanks@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1020
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
May 22, 2026 | Announcements & News, Intercom, Student News
Traverse City Central High School will host a track meet on Tuesday, May 26 at 4 p.m. Please be aware that there may be some congestion in the Cedar Lot during this time.
May 22, 2026 | HR Corner, Intercom
Do you want to get some extra steps in to meet your goals while connecting with colleagues? Brittany from Human Resources is hosting 2 employee walks around the Civic Center loop (this is approximately a 1 mile walk). These group walks are completely optional but can be a fun way to chat and catch up with colleagues so we hope you’ll join us for one or both times!
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- Tuesday May 26, 12:15 p.m.
- Wednesday, May 27, 5:15 p.m.
We will meet in front of the Dennos and plan to leave promptly at the scheduled time so grab your water and we will see you there!
May 22, 2026 | HR Corner, Intercom
Kudos to Lindsey Dickenson! Lindsay Dickinson does a great job of summarizing Campus Safety and Security during school orientations. I appreciate the detail she provides and saying, “See Something Say Something” as it reflects our security posture.
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!
May 22, 2026 | HR Corner, Intercom
These employees recently started working at the college. Let’s welcome them to the NMC community!
- Jamie Kidwell-Brix – Adjunct Beverage Management Instructor Beer
- Justin Roy – Custodian
- Mindy Lopus – Adjunct Beverage Management Instructor (Wine)
- Eric Snoek, supplemental employee – Test Proctor
- Rachael Kornoely, student employee – Aviation Line Crew
May 22, 2026 | Intercom
The NMC Board of Trustees Presidential Performance & Compensation Committee will meet Tuesday, May 26 at 10:30 a.m. in Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center Room 104/105. More information is available here.
For more information, please contact the President’s office at (231) 995-1010.
