Jun 5, 2026 | Data Wranglers, Intercom
Insights. Impact. Student Success.
A Snapshot from ORPE
Data Wranglers is ORPE’s new monthly update designed to keep the NMC community informed about current research, institutional insights, and data projects. Each edition will feature key findings, dashboard updates, and strategic planning highlights to support a culture of evidence-based decision making. Read more below.
CURRENT RESEARCH
Recent studies continue to show that students with a stronger sense of belonging experience:
Source: Inside Higher Ed, Nov. 2025
ORPE SNAPSHOT
NMC’s strategic planning work continues to prioritize:
What We’re Exploring
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Linking belonging survey data with course success outcomes
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Expanding evaluation dashboards
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Identifying student groups with differing experiences
DASHBOARD CORNER
RECENTLY UPDATED / IN PROGRESS
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Course Demand Dashboard
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Belonging & Course Success Dashboards
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Strategic Plan KPI Framework
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Gateway Course Reporting
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EvalKIT Integration Projects
Good data doesn’t replace conversation — it improves it.
Thanks for partnering with ORPE to support informed, student-centered decision making across NMC.
Jun 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.
FOUR CHOSEN FOR HONOR: NMC names its 2026 Fellows
Record-Eagle, June 2
The Ticker, June 2 (more…)
Jun 5, 2026 | Hawk Owl Helpers and Heroes, Intercom
A massive congratulations to everyone who laced up their sneakers and crushed our recent Step Challenge!
Here is a quick look at our mind-blowing final stats:
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88 total participants stepped up.
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58 goal crushers officially hit the target.
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15,306,208 collective steps taken.
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7,605 total miles crushed!
Fun Fact: 7,605 miles is roughly the distance from New York to Tokyo. We literally walked across the globe together!
Thank you for bringing your energy, friendly competition, and determination to this challenge. Give your feet a well-deserved rest today—you’ve earned it!
Who’s been a Hawk Owl Helper or Hero for you? Let us know at publicrelations@nmc.edu!
Jun 5, 2026 | Intercom, Student News
New Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) have been installed on the lower and upper levels of the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center.
Kindly review this video for a refresher on how to use our new AEDs.
Jun 5, 2026 | Intercom, Student Events
Tuesday, June 16
3–6 p.m.
Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center Rm. 104/105
APPOINTMENTS PREFERRED
*Walk-ins welcome, as schedule allows!
Donate and come get this Smokey Bear shirt-because only you can prevent a blood shortage!
Helpful tip: Make sure to eat a healthy meal and drink plenty of water before donating.
For eligibility questions please call 866-642-5663.
Jun 1, 2026 | Intercom
Doug Bishop
(download high-resolution photo)
Jim Huckle with a photo of his late wife Diana
(download high-resolution photo)
Peg Jonkhoff
(download high-resolution photo)TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) proudly announces the newest recipients of its highest honor, the NMC Fellow award: Former trustee Doug Bishop, longtime supporters Jim Huckle and the late Diana Huckle; and alumna, supporter and volunteer Peg Jonkhoff.
Bishop, of Traverse City, was first appointed to NMC’s Board of Trustees in July 2006 to fill a term vacancy and subsequently was elected to three successive six-year terms, completing 18 years of service in 2024. Bishop has been a significant financial supporter and holds emeritus status with the NMC Foundation Board. Practicing law in Traverse City since 1977, Bishop is also a retired captain of the U.S. Naval Reserve.
Jim Huckle and the late Diana Huckle have set a high standard for philanthropic contributions and influential networking on behalf of the college, with annual giving that began in 1991 and continues today with catalytic and transformative gifts, particularly toward the college’s newer, innovative programs such as the Experiential Learning Institute and freshwater initiatives.
Both Jim and Diana are Honorary NMC Foundation Board members.
Jonkhoff, a 1976 graduate of NMC, was named an Outstanding Alumnus in 2013. She serves on the NMC Foundation Board and is a member of the 75th anniversary steering committee. She is vice president at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home actively working with her family and caring staff and serves on many other community boards and organizations.
“We are incredibly fortunate to have individuals like Doug, the Huckles and Peg, who are so dedicated to NMC’s mission,” said Mark Keely, NMC Board of Trustees chair. “They are all truly deserving of this prestigious honor.”
The Fellow is Northwestern Michigan College’s highest honor, awarded since 1964 to individuals who have demonstrated influential networking on behalf of the college, a pattern of outstanding financial or personal time contributions to NMC, or as a retiree of the college, continue to contribute back to their academic or professional fields as volunteers, mentors or advisors.
Release date: June 1, 2025
For more information:
Diana Fairbanks
NMC Public Relations
(231) 995-1020
publicrelations@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
Jun 1, 2026 | Announcements & News, Intercom, Student Events
Please join Northern Michigan E3 for a very special Juneteenth Celebration with special guest speaker Tyasha Harrison and guest performer Crystal Woodward-Turner.
The celebration will be held on Friday, June 19 from 5 to 7 p.m. in the courtyard outside Founders Hall followed by a Family Freedom Skate at the Civic Center.
EVENT SCHEDULE
5–6 p.m.
Youth activities, vendors, food trucks
Founders Hall courtyard and Cedar Lot
5:30 p.m.
Children’s story time with TADL
Founders Hall courtyard
6–7 p.m.
Juneteenth program
Founders Hall courtyard
8–9:30 p.m.
Family Freedom Skate
Civic Center, 1213 W Civic Center Dr.
Jun 1, 2026 | Intercom, Student News
To find these selections and many other new titles, see the NMC library catalog.
(more…)
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!
Jun 1, 2026 | Intercom
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!
Head to the Elmwood Marina and meet up for a morning of Lake Michigan fishing fun. Ply the West Bay waters as you work to land a mighty king salmon or the powerful lake trout. Cap off the day as you enjoy a meal served with a Lake Michigan flare and prepared by Harrington’s on M22. Read more about Catch & Cook.
Saturday, June 20; 8 a.m.–2 p.m.
Tuition Waiver Price: $63 per person (public price $199)
Escape to the bustling markets of Madrid without leaving the zip code. Come celebrate the vibrant soul of Spanish cooking, where the humble grain of rice is transformed into a majestic centerpiece. Read more about Date Night: Paella Passport.
Tuesday, June 16; 6–9 p.m.
Tuition Waiver Price: $62 for two people (public price $199)
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.
14 sessions; Tuesdays & Thursdays, June 23—August 6; 7–8 a.m.
Tuition Waiver Price: $46 per person (public price $249)
Jun 1, 2026 | HR Corner, Intercom
Join NMC Wellness and Yen Yoga for an invigorating outdoor yoga class beneath the pines. This course is free to NMC employees and will be led by Leslie Simionescu from Yen Yoga. Embrace the fresh air, connect with nature and rejuvenate your mind and body. All skill levels are welcome. Start your journey to relaxation and wellness with us today. One lucky attendee will win a brand new yoga bag!
Wednesday, June 24, 11 a.m.
Outside of the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center
In the event of rain we will relocate to the gym in the Rajkovich Physical Education Building
Register
Questions? Email bhanbury@nmc.edu
May 29, 2026 | Intercom, Student News
The Dogwood Lot will be closed from Monday, June 15 through Friday, June 19 to accommodate local law enforcement training exercises. Access to the lot will be restricted beginning Sunday, June 14. Campus Safety would like employees and students to remove their vehicles before the restriction takes effect.
For questions, please contact Garrett Croon at (231) 995-1747 or gcroon@nmc.edu
May 29, 2026 | Intercom, Student News
To help ensure the continued safety of our campus community, fire alarm and sprinkler system testing will take place throughout NMC campuses this summer. Please do not be alarmed if you encounter testing activity in the buildings listed below. Testing is scheduled as follows:
July 24
Scholars Hall
Health & Science Building
Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center
Beckett Building
North Hall
Parsons-Stulen Building
July 29
Okerstrom Fine Arts Building
Aviation
Automotive Service Technology Building
Power House
July 30
Osterlin Building
Tanis Building
1880 Apartment
Front Street Flats
Aero Park Labs
July 31
Rajkovich Physical Education Building
Aug 4
Founders Hall
East Hall
Rogers Observatory
Aug 5
Dennos Museum (7 a.m.)
Les Biederman Building
Great Lakes Campus
1882/1884 apts
Aug 6
Oleson Center for Continuing Education
If you have any concerns about the scheduling, please reach out to Nancy Durecki at (231) 995-1112 or ndurecki@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.
