Call it shaken or call it stirred, the beverage industry has seen significant consumer shifts over the last five years.
No longer are choices limited to wine, beer or soda. Now there’s ciders, seltzers and spirits. There’s specialty cocktails, often handcrafted. There’s RTDs, or ready-to-drink cocktails, conveniently bottled or canned. There’s no/lo — as in alcohol — options, also known as mocktails. Plus teas, coffees and waters, all of which can come flavored or infused, handcrafted or RTD.
To serve that rapidly growing and diversifying industry, NMC’s Great Lakes Culinary Institute will offer a one-year beverage management certificate beginning fall 2026. Culinary Director Les Eckert said that northwest Michigan’s many wineries, breweries, distilleries and most recently, cideries make the credential a good fit for GLCI.
“We could see the growth happening all around us,” Eckert said. “We knew we had to get involved.”
While there are beverage programs elsewhere in the U.S., GLCI’s stand-alone certificate will be on the leading edge in Michigan. The curriculum also embeds the experiential learning that is an NMC hallmark.
“Given that no single program in Michigan offers a comprehensive blend of beverage training, GLCI knew the timing was right to offer the Beverage Management certificate,” Eckert said.
GLCI introduced a beverage management class (CUL 232) in 2022. That and one other existing course will be part of the certificate, plus 13 new classes.
Those classes are designed to be experiential. Eckert said that up to 50 percent of the certificate’s courses will be conducted off-site, with industry visits built into course descriptions. For instance, NMC currently offers a viticulture certificate in partnership with Michigan State – a relationship that will mark 35 years next year. GLCI can lean into partnerships developed with winery vineyard managers to get students into cellars and tasting rooms.
Graduates will earn two industry certifications (ServSafe, CUL 110, and TIPS) and be prepared to take other industry exams.
“It really opens the doors for you to gain more globally recognized certifications,” Eckert said.
The beverage management certificate is the third new credential to emerge from GLCI’s 2021-22 reimagination process, which engaged the college, GLCI alumni and culinary/hospitality employers in designing changes to increase enrollment, improve financial performance and help students achieve success. In 2023 the college introduced a two-year culinary-maritime certificate, and in 2024 a two-year sports performance nutrition certificate debuted.
The NMC Board of Trustees Executive Committee meet Thursday, Dec. 4 at 3 p.m. in Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center Room 08 (Lower Level). More information is available here.
For more information, please contact the President’s office at (231) 995-1010.
Versiti is holding a blood drive from 1:30 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 22 in the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center, room 104/105 on NMC’s Front Street Campus. Do your part to help save lives during a vital time of need!
Make sure you eat a healthy meal and drink plenty of water before donating. Walk-ins are welcome, though scheduling an appointment is recommended.
Students in Cathy Warner’s ENG111 class have spent the semester researching ways to improve the future of NMC and the NMC experience.
Students will be presenting their proposals in 20 minute presentation blocks on:
Friday, December 5, 10:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
Monday, December 8, 10:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
Wednesday, December, 10:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
Friday, December 12, 10:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
Presentations will be held in Scholars Hall, room 109, on NMC’s Front Street Campus.
Topics include creating new classes and programs, next generation general education requirements and developing 21st century skills, improving mental health resources and services, campus safety, campus green spaces, health and wellness, nutrition on campus, and future campus housing.
Faculty, staff, NMC board of trustees, NMC foundation members, and fellow students are invited to attend and support these students as they share their visions for NMC.
If you’re unable to attend presentations, but want to “see” their ideas, trifold display boards are currently hung on the first floor of Scholars Hall, sharing the many proposals developed this semester. Display boards will be up through December 12.
NMC Campus Safety will be installing boxes of Narcan in every AED box on campus. The Narcan is supplied by the community based organization Northern Michigan Opioid Response Consortium (NMORC).
Narcan (naloxone) is used to rapidly reverse the life-threatening effects of an opioid overdose. It is a life-saving medication that can restore normal breathing within minutes to those whose breathing has slowed or stopped due to an opioid emergency.
Watch this video to learn how to identify the signs of opioid overdose and how to administer Narcan.
Winter is here and so we salute NMC’s facilities team, for keeping all four campus parking lots plowed and sidewalks cleared and salted. NMC’s Campus Safety officers will also jump-start dead car batteries if needed – call (231) 995-1111.
On Wednesday, December 10, the International Affairs Forum returns to the Milliken Auditorium with a revealing look at the hidden environmental, social, and economic impacts of U.S. military spending. America’s defense budget exceeds $800 billion, but the real cost goes deeper. The True Cost of Defense follows quadruple-amputee veteran Travis Mills, military recruiters, families on overseas bases, and communities shaped by global military commitments. It reveals defense’s most profound price: the human one—lives forever changed by service and America’s role in world affairs.
A reception will precede the event at 6:30 p.m., with the screening at 7 p.m. followed by a public Q&A panel discussion at 8 p.m.
The panel includes Jack Segal, retired senior U.S. diplomat and former Consul General who served at the White House, held posts in Russia, Israel/Palestine, and Afghanistan, helped craft landmark U.S.–USSR nuclear agreements, and earned a Bronze Star for service in Vietnam; MajGen Mike Lehnert, USMC (ret.), co-chair of the International Affairs Forum Advisory Board and longtime Marine commander with operational roles in Panama, Kuwait, Iraq, and Cuba; and Colonel Steve Briggs, U.S. Army (ret.), a 30-year Army Aviation and senior Operations/Plans Officer with additional service as a DoD analyst and deployments to Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and Afghanistan. More panelists may be announced at TCIAF.com and on IAF socials.
Admission is free—advance registration is recommended. To register, visit TCIAF.com.
Presented in partnership with Free To Choose Media.
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.
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 and get a sneak peek of our team’s upcoming Winter-Spring classes (and register early)!
New! In this four-session drawing class, you’ll build a strong foundation in drawing techniques, from basic shapes to more complex subjects. Each session focuses on a different aspect of drawing, covering topics from exploring basic shapes to perspective, texture, light and shadow, and adding dimension. Read more. 4 sessions; Saturdays, Feb. 21 – Mar. 14; 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Tuition Waiver Price: $22 per person (public price $199)
Hone your detective skills in this class exploring the captivating world of mysteries! We’ll delve into diverse mystery types, uncovering their connection to classic story structures. Learn to craft intriguing, suspicious characters and masterful red herrings that keep readers guessing. Read more. 6 sessions; Thursdays, Mar. 5 – April 16; 7 – 9 p.m. Tuition Waiver Price: $22 per person (public price $175)
New! Have you ever seen weather maps, radar, or satellite images and thought, “what in the world is that?” Then this is the class for you! Over two class periods we will look at the imagery that meteorologists use to create a weather forecast including: surface and upper air maps, atmospheric soundings, as well as satellite and radar images. Read more. 2 sessions; Fridays, Feb. 20 & 27; 1–3 p.m. Tuition Waiver Price: $22 for two people (public price $99)
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, December 1
Chicken Fettuccine with pesto cream sauce served with garlic crostini & broccolini
Roasted Vegetable Fettuccine (V) with pesto cream sauce served with garlic crostini & broccolini
Tuesday, December 2
Grilled Steak Fajitas with peppers and onions served with Spanish rice & refried beans
Roasted Vegetable Fajitas (V) with peppers and onions served with Spanish rice & refried beans
Wednesday, December 3
Sweet & Sour Stir Fry with roasted pork and pineapple served with basmati rice & egg roll
Sweet & Sour Stir Fry (V) with tofu and pineapple served with basmati rice & egg roll
Thursday, December 4
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, December 5
BBQ Pulled Pork with brioche bun served with mac and cheese & asparagus
BBQ Jackfruit (V) with brioche bun served with mac and cheese & asparagus
Update: This showing has been postponed until April 2026.
the reason i jump will screen at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 4 in the Dutmers Theater as part of NMC’s Global Cinema Series.
Admission is FREE and is open to students, staff and the community, although seating is limited. Doors open and 5:30 p.m. and films begin at 6 p.m. in the Dutmers Theater at the Dennos Museum on NMC’s Front Street Campus.
While I try to bring an attitude of gratitude to work with me every day, Thanksgiving affords a special opportunity to pause and reflect on all that I have to be thankful for. And, while I am grateful for all that you do every day, Thanksgiving affords me a special day to say thanks to you, for all that each and every one of you do to breathe life into our NMC mission.
An attitude of gratitude is woven into the fabric of our NMC culture. This past month, I saw it expressed by students, faculty, and staff alike:
I saw 5th grade students from Blair Elementary here on our campus, grateful for the friendship they receive from their generous NMC mentors.
I saw the largest turnout ever for the “Walk for Health and Homelessness”, where our students show compassion for those experiencing housing insecurity.
I saw Kristy McDonald’s service-learning class assemble free Thanksgiving meals – 212 of them – providing members of our community (including NMC students and their families) an opportunity to enjoy a Thanksgiving celebration. I also saw the Culinary Students in Kristy’s class create a cookie decorating kit, to offer joy along with the sustenance.
I saw our faculty and staff welcoming TCAPS 5th graders – every 5th grader at TCAPS – to explore our campus and learn about health occupations so they might begin to imagine themselves at NMC and perhaps in a future career in health care.
I saw the College and community join together for our annual Veterans Day ceremony, giving thanks to our country’s veterans.
And, I also saw students, faculty, staff, trustees, and Foundation board members join together as volunteers to distribute approximately 7,000 lbs. of food at our mobile food pantry, yesterday – our largest ever distribution.
I am grateful that together we get to serve our NMC mission, helping students move from where they are today to where they hope to be. There’s no more meaningful and fulfilling job than ours: to help ensure that our students succeed in the pursuit of their dreams.
Lastly, I am reminded of the NMC Foundation’s mission, to mobilize generosity. These examples above show how generous our NMC family is – showing up and caring for our College and our community. This is not new, this is our NMC mission – transforming lives and enriching our communities – and has been practiced for the past 74 years. As we look to next year, and celebrating the College’s 75th Anniversary, let’s ask how we might grow that generosity and impact.
Campus Life is hosting a dodgeball tournament on Thursday, December 4 at 7 p.m. in the Rajkovich Physical Education Building on NMC’s Front Street Campus.
Prizes for 1ˢᵗ and 2ⁿᵈ place teams
No entry fees
Open to all current NMC students and employees
Maximum of 5 persons per team
The deadline to sign up is December 4 by 4 p.m.
If you have any questions, please contactMarcus Bennett at mbennett@nmc.edu.
NMC is hosting a mobile pantry on from 3–5 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 1 in the Maple Lot on the Front Street campus.This will be the last distribution of the semester.
We have 6,420 pounds of food to share with our students and community. The menu includes potatoes, celery, peppers, carrots, apples, milk, cottage cheese, granola cereal and peanut butter.
NMC’s mobile pantry program is designed specifically for NMC students and their families. While this is intended for students, all are welcome. There are no financial requirements or means tests. Drive-thru and walk-up options are both available. If a student is unable to attend the distribution due to a class conflict, they may send a friend or family member to pick-up on their behalf.
We’re proud to announce that 729 students are taking advantage of the Community College Guarantee at NMC this fall. Collectively, they are helping the state of Michigan reach its Sixty by 30 goal – 60% of adult Michiganders earning a post-high school degree or certificate by 2030.
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.
The NMC Board of Trustees will hold its regular monthly meeting Monday, November 24 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.
Versiti is holding a blood drive from 1:30 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 22 in the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center, room 104/105 on NMC’s 
On Wednesday, December 10, the International Affairs Forum returns to the Milliken Auditorium with a revealing look at the hidden environmental, social, and economic impacts of U.S. military spending. America’s defense budget exceeds $800 billion, but the real cost goes deeper. The True Cost of Defense follows quadruple-amputee veteran Travis Mills, military recruiters, families on overseas bases, and communities shaped by global military commitments. It reveals defense’s most profound price: the human one—lives forever changed by service and America’s role in world affairs. 
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 
Update: This showing has been postponed until April 2026.
