Jan 13, 2026 | Intercom, President Updates
Dear NMC community,
It is with a heavy heart that I share the news that our colleague and friend Nancy Gray passed away unexpectedly.
Nancy was a teacher through and through. For more than 15 years at NMC, she brought extraordinary care and determination to her work, particularly in support of students who often struggled to feel seen or be successful in academic spaces. Her teaching was grounded in empathy, high standards, and a deep belief in human potential.
Nancy played a central role in strengthening our developmental English curriculum and in ensuring students could earn credit while receiving the support they needed to succeed. Most recently, she founded and led the Neurodiversity Support Center, the first such center at a Michigan community college. In just two years, it became a transformative resource and a physical place of belonging for many on our campus.
Her excellence as an educator was widely recognized, including receiving the NISOD Award for Teaching Excellence. Yet those who worked with Nancy know that her greatest impact was quieter and more enduring: the way she showed up for students, listened without judgment, and advocated relentlessly for inclusive learning environments.
Her recorded memorial service is available to watch. Nancy was a fierce advocate for students and individuals who experienced the world differently. Her legacy lives on in the countless students she encouraged, supported, and believed in, often at moments when that belief mattered most. Our deepest sympathies are with her family, including husband and child here in Traverse City.
Loss like this affects each of us differently. Some may feel grief immediately, others more slowly, and some in ways that are hard to name. All of those responses are valid. I encourage you to extend grace to yourselves and to one another in the days ahead.
Confidential support is available to employees through the Employee Assistance Program. You can reach them at 800-448-8326 or through the Ulliance Life Advisor website. Students can contact NMC Personal Counseling for confidential support.
This is a profound loss for NMC and for all who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside Nancy. May we honor her by continuing to lead with compassion, courage, and care for all of our students and one another.
Holding our community close,
Nick
Nick Nissley, Ed.D. | President | Northwestern Michigan College | 231.995.1010
Jan 12, 2026 | Intercom, Student News
At the end of January, the NMC Library will host its fifth annual Embrace the Dream Read-Aloud and craft event series — a celebration of Black History Month, diverse characters and the power of reading to break down barriers!
We are counting on NMC employees and student to turn out in large numbers to ensure this program series’ success. Interested in volunteering during one of these events?
NMC Library Read-Aloud & Craft Night
Thursday, Jan. 29, 4:15-6:30 p.m.
Hosted at the NMC Library for preschool through 6th graders
*Volunteer for the entire event or pick a shift!
4th Grade Book Buddies
Friday, Jan. 30, 1:15-2:30 p.m.
Book give-away, read-aloud & crafting with fourth grade students at Traverse Heights Elementary School (933 Rose Street, TC)
If you would like to volunteer, fill out the Embrace the Dream Read-Aloud & Craft Event series volunteer form.
Jan 12, 2026 | Hawk Owl Helpers and Heroes, Intercom
Congratulations to the more than 1,100 students who made the Dean’s List for the fall semester. May their success continue as they begin spring semester classes.
Who’s been a Hawk Owl Helper or Hero for you? Let us know at publicrelations@nmc.edu!
Jan 12, 2026 | Intercom, Student News
Planning to hang flyers or share materials on campus? Before you post, take a moment to review the college guidelines so your message can stay up—and reach the right audience.
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- Post flyers and posters only on designated bulletin boards (one per board, max size 11” x 17”). Include the sponsor name and contact info on all materials.
- Only one copy may be placed on any designated bulletin board. Posting must not cover up any other posting or information.
- Posting on doors, walls, vehicles, or other surfaces isn’t allowed and may be removed.
- Non–date-specific postings may be removed after 21 days; event flyers come down after the event.
- Only the individual or entity responsible for posting the material or NMC Security may remove materials.
- Printed literature may only be distributed in designated areas.
For more information, view the full Posting (D-505.13) policy.
Thanks for helping keep our campus organized and welcoming!
Jan 12, 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.
No Winter Blues Here: 40+ Concerts & Shows | Features
Northern Express, Jan. 11
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Jan 9, 2026 | Intercom
The NMC Board of Trustees Policy Committee meet Wednesday, January 14 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.
Jan 9, 2026 | Intercom, Student News
To find these selections and many other new titles, see the NMC library catalog.
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Jan 9, 2026 | HR Corner, Intercom
Welcome to a new year full of possibilities! As we step into this fresh chapter, it’s the perfect time to embrace new opportunities and make positive changes. Check out the opportunities NMC already has available to help you on this journey below and keep an eye out for even more wellness events and information coming from NMC’s newly revamped wellness program!
Wellness Resources at NMC:
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- Fitness Center:
- Staff, Faculty, Adjuncts, and Supplementals are all eligible for a discounted membership!
- Library:
- Did you know you could check out pickleball, corn hole, disc golf and other fitness activities from the Library of Things?!
- Also check out their collection of cookbooks, and books on fitness and wellbeing!
- Extended Education & Training:
- Employees eligible for the tuition waiver can get discounted rates on yoga classes through yen yoga, climbs at elevate, rowing with the Leelanau Rowing Club, discounts at PickleU, and more! Check out their website edu/ees for even more opportunities.
- Ulliance Employee Assistance Program:
- Full-time NMC employees have access to wellbeing resources and free counseling through the Ulliance portal
Jan 9, 2026 | HR Corner, Intercom
The following employees are celebrating an anniversary soon. Please join us in congratulating them!
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Jan 9, 2026 | HR Corner, Intercom
Kudos to Rob Rider! I had a very new staff member who unexpectedly had to work from home the other day. I emailed Rob Rider asking if there was anyway to get her setup with MiCollab, so she could answer our phone from home. Rob responded within 30 minutes, and had our new employee up and running swiftly. Thank you, Rob, for your dedication to keeping things running (and ringing!) here at NMC. Your kind and swift communication and follow-through are so greatly appreciated.
Kudos to Krissy Steinebach! Krissy took charge and coordinated a gift box full of wishes for a Salvation Army family in need over the holidays. Without her efforts and thought fullness this family may have not enjoyed Christmas as much. We appreciated her efforts.
Kudos to Danielle Quinlan and Lynne Mortiz! On Tuesday, December 9, 2025, an NMC student was involved in a car accident on College Drive while exiting the Cedar Lot. The vehicle airbags deployed and the student was badly shaken up.NMC Employees Danielle Quinlan and Lynn Moritz comforted the student until her dad arrived on scene. Employees Quinlan and Moritz’s actions were valuable, should be recognized and commended.
Kudos to Angela Adamick and Kristi Hallett! Thank you to Kristi Hallett, Angela Adamick and the facilities crew for setting up the Osterlin first floor for the CIE Faculty PD. It was perfect for the event!
Kudos to Kyle Morrison and Dylan Schaub! Thank you to Kyle Morrison and Dylan Schaub for setting up all the technology needed for a successful CIE Faulty PD day!
Kudos to Crystal Bailey, Chef Scott Williams, Lindsey Bradeen and crew! Thank you to Crystal, Chef Jim and the crew at Food Services for the delicious breakfast at the CIE Faculty PD day.
Kudos to Janet Lively and the CIE board! Kudos to Janet Lively and the CIE board for bringing back Robert Talbert for the January Faculty professional development event!
Kudos to Anna Bachman! Many cheers and accolades to Anna Bachman for finding solutions that made the upgrade of the registration system in Banner as smooth as possible. There were considerable challenges to overcome and Anna was an open, informative and strategic team member as we worked through potential challenges. I am grateful every day for her support!
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!
Jan 9, 2026 | HR Corner, Intercom
These employees recently started working at the college. Let’s welcome them to the NMC community!
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- Perry Harmon, supplemental employee — Oleson Center Kitchen Manager
- Luci Correia, student employee — Library Assistant
- Karena Feiger, student employee — Library Assistant
- Michael Wolpe — Adjunct Audio Tech Instructor
- Uriah Petersen — Adjunct Construction Supervision/Carpentry Instructor
- Sarah Bauerle — Adjunct Applied Music Instructor
- Dawn Kucera — Adjunct Clinical Nursing BSN Instructor
- Nathan Fish — Adjunct Applied Music Instructor
- Ayla Weldon, student employee — Fitness Center Staff
- Zygmund Villalobos, student employee — Residence Hall Front Desk
Jan 7, 2026 | Intercom
Please join us in celebrating the retirement of Craig Shattuck after 19 years of dedicated service to NMC. As the leader of our second-shift custodial team, Craig has been the definition of a ‘take-charge’ leader.
He is deeply respected for his encyclopedic knowledge of our campus and its people, but he will be missed most for what he brought to our culture. Whether it was a perfectly timed movie reference, a great story, or simply his unwavering cheerful personality, Craig made NMC a better place to work. Craig, we wish you nothing but the best as you head into a well-deserved season of rest and relaxation!
A retirement party will be held for Craig from 4–6 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 30 in the Sculpture Court at the Dennos Museum Center. All employees are welcome to attend.
Jan 7, 2026 | Intercom, Student News
January 7, 2026
A community cornerstone was born 75 years ago when Northwestern Michigan College opened its doors, establishing itself as the state’s first community college and a reputation for excellence, innovation and responsiveness that continues today.
NMC is launching its 75th anniversary year by introducing a special 2026 class of Outstanding Alumni — a group of more than five dozen individuals who have made exceptional contributions to their communities and career fields — as well as a year-long slate of special events.
“The accomplishments of these alumni span an incredible range of professions, from entrepreneurs to health care providers, from law enforcement to elected leadership,” NMC President Nick Nissley said of the class of 2026. “Daily, they embody NMC’s mission to transform lives and enrich our communities.”
The recipients are from every decade since NMC opened its doors in 1951. Some of the more familiar names include current state representatives Betsy Coffia and John Roth, Networks Northwest CEO Janie McNabb, city of Traverse City manager Benjamin Marentette , Grand Traverse County Sheriff Mike Shea and author Chasten Buttigieg. It also includes seven current NMC faculty and staff members.
The yearlong anniversary celebration is highlighted by three signature events open to the public:
- April 25: Student and community block party, Front Street campus
- July 25: History walk, Front Street campus
- Sept 19: Anniversary celebration, Great Lakes campus
“In 1951, the community spoke loud and clear — they wanted a college in northern Michigan. Seventy-five years later, that wisdom is reflected in a healthy, thriving NMC,” Nissley said. “We want the community to join us in a celebration of that founding vision, which we plan to carry out for 75 more years.
NMC opened its doors on Sept. 19, 1951. A total of 65 students attended classes held at the Traverse City airport terminal building. Today, more than 3,400 students are enrolled.
NMC has named Outstanding Alumni since 1988. In addition to the class of 2026, the college is honoring all past recipients of the award, as well as NMC’s Fellow award, as Legacy recipients. Visit nmc.edu/75 to see the list.
Jan 7, 2026 | Intercom
Are you planning an event or communication during the 75th anniversary year? Whether or not your initiative is on the ‘official’ anniversary calendar, you can infuse 75th anniversary branding into your work this year!
NMC has a 75th anniversary branding toolkit available in Canva. Most offices/departments/teams have a Canva user. If you need help identifying someone, email publicrelations@nmc.edu.
Additionally, we hope everyone uses the special 75th anniversary email signature this year, which can be accessed on the employee intranet.
Jan 7, 2026 | Intercom
Outstanding Alumni Class of 2026 and Legacy list released
TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College is launching its 75th anniversary by introducing a special 2026 Outstanding Alumni class – a group of more than five dozen students who have made exceptional contributions to their communities and career fields and exemplify NMC values.
“The accomplishments of these alumni span an incredible range of professions, from entrepreneurs to health care providers, from law enforcement to elected leadership,” said NMC President Nick Nissley. “Daily, they embody NMC’s mission to transform lives and enrich our communities.”
“The saying ‘your success is our success’ rings especially true as we celebrate these remarkable alumni,” said Zach Whitaker, NMC manager of Alumni Relations. “I’m so excited to share their stories more broadly.”
NMC defines an alumnus as anyone who has completed at least one for-credit course. The class of 2026 includes alumni from every decade since NMC opened in 1951, and seven current NMC faculty and staff members. It was revealed at NMC’s January opening conference, an all-college event held at the start of the spring semester. Five alumni also participated in a panel discussion about how NMC has shaped their careers and lives.
NMC has named Outstanding Alumni since 1988. For the 75th anniversary, in addition to the class of 2026, the college is honoring all past recipients of the award, as well as NMC’s Fellow award, as Legacy recipients.
The Class of 2026 is listed below. Bios and pictures of each are available online. A series of community events for the 75th anniversary is also available at nmc.edu/75.
By field, alphabetically within each:
Art/marketing/publishing
Chasten Buttigieg, author
Aaron Draplin, Draplin Design Co.
Gary L. Howe Jr., Traverse City Horse Shows
Christopher Linsell, Luxury Presence
Beth Milligan, Traverse City Ticker
Aviation
Alex Bloye, NMC
Bob Buttleman*
Wes Clanton, United Airlines
Kegan Gill, entrepreneur/author/veteran
Koji Iwamoto, Amazon Japan
Kelly C. Lepley, B-747 captain
Business
Kathryn Bertodatto, Golden Swan Management
Walter Gordon Breidenstein, GasTechno Energy & Fuels LLC
Chris M. Bott, Andrews Hooper Pavlik CPAs
Amanda Eshleman, Golden-Fowler Home Furnishings
Erica Gaylord, Northern Lights Insurance Agency
Nathan D. Griswold, Inhabitect, LLC
Bryan Hammis, Flying Acres Ag
Mark Keely, NoMi STAY
Andrew Kohlmann, Image 360
Len Mankowski, VP geology
Richard C. Lewis*
Matthew Moss, ENTACT
Laura Oblinger, Rehmann
Dakota Porter, ActionGlow
Garret Porter, ActionGlow
Christopher Schmidt*
Rebecca Teahen, R.W. Baird-Rivard Teahen Wheatley Group
R. Peter Weaver – Orbital Advisors
Derek Woodruff – Queen’s Bouquet Network
Culinary
James Bloomfield, private chef
Courtney K. Lorenz, Cultured Kombucha
Jim Morse, NMC
Ray Priebe, That New Place
Stephanie Lee Wiitala, S2S
Education
Jacquelyn Abeyta – Grand Valley State University
Lindsey Dickinson, NMC
Ryan Deering, NMC
Nicholus Kopacki -Grand Valley State University
Gail Kurowski – NMC
John Lutchko – NMC
Jonathan T. Lyon, Murray State University
Randall L. Milstein – Oregon State University
Rebecca Richardson – NMC
Alexander Walsh, student, University of Chicago
Government/politics
Christal Frost Anderson, Networks Northwest
Betsy Coffia, state representative
Benjamin Marentette, City of Traverse City
George A. McManus III, Berrien County, MI
Janie McNabb, Networks Northwest
John R. Roth, state representative
Amy Shamroe, Traverse City mayor
Sandra L. Witherspoon, Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa & Chippewa Indians
Health care
Leslie K. Casperson, Gift of Life Michigan
Alex Hogarth – Munson Medical Center
Vincent R. Prusick, MD, orthopedist
Tamara Putney, Munson Healthcare
Samuel Surgalski – U.S. Navy
Human services
Ryan Hannon, Central United Methodist Church
Abagail McKiernan, HelpLink
Paula P. Prusick, Father Fred Foundation
Rebekah TenBrink, LIFT Teen Center
Law
Marcelo N. Betti, Immigration Law & Justice Michigan
Mark Klein, Goss Law Group
Michael Shea, Grand Traverse County Sheriff
Nonprofits
Marilyn Dear, A Soldier for Christmas
Alison Metiva, Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation
Jason Whittaker, Traverse City Track Club
*awarded posthumously
Release date: January 6, 2026
For more information:
Cari Noga
NMC Communications Director
(231) 392-1800 (mobile – call or text)
cnoga@nmc.edu
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
Jan 6, 2026 | Intercom
NMC is implementing a new process for ordering name tags. To place future orders, visit the name tag order form page on NMC’s employee website, select one of the layout options and complete the corresponding Google form. This webpage replaces the PDF form that was previously used.
Employees can select from multiple layouts including options for listing preferred pronouns, long job titles or long department names. Each layout option has a corresponding form to ensure accuracy.
Before submitting your request, please review the tips and recommendations on the page, including:
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- Character limits for each line to prevent font scaling
- Guidance on shortening titles and avoiding redundancies
- Best practices for splitting long job titles or department names
These tips help ensure the finished name tag is consistent with NMC standards.
If you have questions or need assistance, contact Don Loeffler at dloeffler@nmc.edu.
Jan 5, 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.
Northwestern Michigan College to Sell Boardman Lake Building for $27M to Fund Campus Upgrades
9&10 News, Jan. 4
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Jan 5, 2026 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY— Northwestern Michigan College congratulates the 1,193 students who made the Dean’s List for the fall 2025 semester, earning a grade point average of 3.5 or above out of a possible 4.0 while taking five or more credits.
The full list is available here.
