Employee anniversaries – September
The following employees are celebrating an anniversary soon. Please join us in congratulating them!
Kudos!
Kudos to Angela Zirotte! We would like to extend super Kudos to Angela Zirotte and her team for making the Beckett Building SPARKLE and SHINE after months and months of renovations. The building looked fantastic as 80+ guests arrived for the University Partner Open House on September 23. Thank you, Angela, for not only making Beckett shine, but also NMC! Your work is very much appreciated!
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!
Welcome our newest hires!
These employees recently started working at the college. Let’s welcome them to the NMC community!
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- Merrick Adams — Great Lakes Water Studies Recruiter
- Holly Daly, supplemental employee — Food Services Back of House
Leadership Grand Traverse and MCCA Leadership Academy alumni
Are you an Alumni of Leadership Grand Traverse or the MCCA Leadership Academy?
Lynne Moritz and Hollie DeWalt are gathering a group of folks who have had the opportunity to participate in these leadership development cohorts over the years either while working at NMC or before NMC.
Please add your name to this google sheet and (if you remember) the approximate year you participated.
We have such a wealth of knowledge and experience right here at our own door step! The alumni would assess and identify a few tangible ways the group’s expertise can be integrated into continued leadership development, mentoring or institutional initiatives at NMC.
The first meeting is planned for November 6.
We’re not phishing at the NMC campus bookstore!
You may have seen the phishing email recently offering 10% off your purchase when you recycle your old logo wear. Way to spot the phishing!
The bookstore always offers 10% off to staff! However, we’re going to improve the deal: Bring in your old tree logo wear to be recycled, and get a coupon for 20% off a new branded item! No rush, we’ll offer this deal between now and Oct. 30. And the coupon will be good until the end of May – no urgency here! Have a lot of logo wear? You’ll get a coupon for every item you recycle.
We can’t wait to show you our newly branded apparel!
Kick, Punt and Pass Competition
Campus Life is hosting a Kick, Punt and Pass Competition at 4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3 on the NMC athletic field between East Hall and North Hall. Register here.
For more information, contact Marcus Bennett at mbennett@nmc.edu.
Three October events for prospective college & transfer students
TRAVERSE CITY — NMC will host Applying to College 101 and College Night, two events for high school students beginning their college search, in the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center on the Front Street campus in early October.
Applying to College 101 – Mon., Oct. 6, 6-7:30 p.m. TJNIC room 106-107
Admissions representatives from NMC and co-sponsor Northern Michigan University will guide participants through the college application process, focusing on what to expect and time frames to be aware of. Food is provided. Students should RSVP online for food count at nmc.edu/applying-101
Event takeaways:
- Understanding application basics: Types of applications, fees, and other requirements like essays and letters of recommendation
- Understanding application decisions: Early, regular and rolling
- How transfer agreements and the Michigan Transfer Association can help you
- What questions to ask a college representative
- Student panel: Hear students’ personal experiences
College Night – Wed. Oct. 8, 6-7:30 p.m.
After preparing at Applying to College, students can visit more than 35 colleges and universities from across the Midwest as well as military branches at College Night. The event offers northern Michigan high school students a one-stop shop to evaluate their post graduation options. Registration is required. Go to strivescan.com
If students are unable to attend College Night, they can visit the same schools at the Transfer Fair held earlier in the day, from noon-2 in the TJNIC.
Release date: SEPTEMBER 22, 2025
For more information:
Cari Noga
NMC Communications Director
cnoga@nmc.edu
(231) 392-1800 (Call or text)
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY NOTICE
Northwestern Michigan College does not discriminate in admission, campus activities, education, employment, housing, public accommodation or public service on the basis of age, color, creed, disability, gender identity/expression, handicap, height, marital or familial status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, service in the military, veteran’s status, weight, or any other legally protected status under federal, state, or local law. No act of retaliation shall occur to any person making a charge, filing a complaint, testifying or participating in any discrimination investigation or proceeding. nmc.edu/non-discriminationLogo gear is almost here!
Thanks for your patience with the delivery of logo gift items. The behind the scenes work was more time-consuming than originally expected, but we do have an updated delivery date of mid-October. Your selected gift item and new name tag will be delivered to your department or office office manager. We’d love to see how everyone looks — snap a picture and send it to publicrelations@nmc.edu. Let us know if there are any issues as well.
In keeping with our value of stewardship, please bring old logo gear items to the PRMC office, Biederman 104, for recycling. As an added incentive, everyone who brings in items with the old logo by Oct. 21 will be entered into a chance to win one of the insulated coffee mugs or glass water bottles. (If you already did so, thank you and let us know; we’ll add you.)
Thanks for your support and enthusiasm of NMC’s refreshed brand.
International Affairs Forum Announces Inaugural Annual Gala Featuring Former Congressman Peter Meijer
TRAVERSE CITY — The International Affairs Forum (IAF) is pleased to announce its inaugural annual Gala event, scheduled for Thursday, October 16, 2025, at the prestigious Hagerty Center on Northwestern Michigan College’s Great Lakes Campus. This landmark event will bring together community members passionate about global affairs for an evening of meaningful dialogue and celebration.
Distinguished Keynote Speaker
The gala will feature Peter Meijer, former Michigan Congressman and military veteran, as the evening’s keynote speaker. Meijer will share his unique perspectives on the value of service to our nation and provide insights into current global challenges facing the U.S. and the international community.
“We are honored to welcome Congressman Meijer to our inaugural gala,” said Major General Michael Lehnert, USMC Ret., Co-chair of the IAF Advisory Board. “His experience in both military service and congressional leadership provides invaluable perspective on the global issues that impact our local community.”
Event Highlights
The evening will begin with a cocktail reception from 6:00-7:00 PM, followed by dinner and the main program from 7:00-9:00 PM. Guests are encouraged to dress in cocktail or semi-formal attire for this special occasion.
“This special evening represents more than just a celebration – it’s an investment in fostering greater understanding of critical global issues through education and thoughtful dialogue. We’re nurturing a tradition of civic engagement – now into our 3rd decade of service – bringing expert insight to northern Michigan. At Northwestern Michigan College, IAF is part of an ecosystem of great value to our present and our future as a highly-informed community – starting with students, reaching working professionals, and folks enjoying the next phase of their lives in our region,” noted Alex Tank, Director of the International Affairs Forum. “Our goal is to welcome more Grand Traverse area citizens into our community of globally-minded individuals.”
Community Impact
Proceeds from the gala will directly support IAF’s exceptional programming and enhance the organization’s educational impact throughout Northern Michigan. Since 1994, the International Affairs Forum has been instrumental in bringing world-class speakers, educational programs, and global perspectives to the region.
Ticket Information & Sponsorship Opportunities
Individual tickets and tables are now available for purchase at tciaf.com/gala2025. The event is expected to attract significant interest from the community. Early ticket / table purchases are recommended. Gala sponsorships are available at various levels. Contact iaf@nmc.edu for sponsorship details.
About the International Affairs Forum
The International Affairs Forum is dedicated to advancing the understanding of critical global issues through education and public dialogue. The organization serves the northern Michigan community by bringing together citizens interested in international affairs and global perspectives.
Event Details
Date: Thursday, October 16, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Hagerty Center, Northwestern Michigan College Great Lakes Campus, Traverse City
Attire: Cocktail Dress/Semi-formal Attire
For tickets and information: tciaf.com/gala2025
For more information:
Alex Tank
Director, International Affairs Forum
atank@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1844
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-discriminationIAF announces inaugural annual Gala featuring former Congressman Peter Meijer Oct. 16
The International Affairs Forum (IAF) is pleased to announce its inaugural annual Gala event, scheduled for Thursday, October 16, 2025, at the prestigious Hagerty Center on Northwestern Michigan College’s Great Lakes Campus. This landmark event will bring together community members passionate about global affairs for an evening of meaningful dialogue and celebration.
Distinguished Keynote Speaker
The gala will feature Peter Meijer, former Michigan Congressman and military veteran, as the evening’s keynote speaker. Meijer will share his unique perspectives on the value of service to our nation and provide insights into current global challenges facing the U.S. and the international community.
“We are honored to welcome Congressman Meijer to our inaugural gala,” said Major General Michael Lehnert, USMC Ret., Co-chair of the IAF Advisory Board. “His experience in both military service and congressional leadership provides invaluable perspective on the global issues that impact our local community.”
Event Highlights
The evening will begin with a cocktail reception from 6:00-7:00 PM, followed by dinner and the main program from 7:00-9:00 PM. Guests are encouraged to dress in cocktail or semi-formal attire for this special occasion.
“This special evening represents more than just a celebration – it’s an investment in fostering greater understanding of critical global issues through education and thoughtful dialogue. We’re nurturing a tradition of civic engagement – now into our 3rd decade of service – bringing expert insight to northern Michigan. At Northwestern Michigan College, IAF is part of an ecosystem of great value to our present and our future as a highly-informed community – starting with students, reaching working professionals, and folks enjoying the next phase of their lives in our region,” noted Alex Tank, Director of the International Affairs Forum. “Our goal is to welcome more Grand Traverse area citizens into our community of globally-minded individuals.”
Community Impact
Proceeds from the gala will directly support IAF’s exceptional programming and enhance the organization’s educational impact throughout Northern Michigan. Since 1994, the International Affairs Forum has been instrumental in bringing world-class speakers, educational programs, and global perspectives to the region.
Ticket Information & Sponsorship Opportunities
Individual tickets and tables are now available for purchase at tciaf.com/gala2025. The event is expected to attract significant interest from the community. Early ticket/table purchases are recommended. Gala sponsorships are available at various levels. Contact iaf@nmc.edu for sponsorship details.
Event Details
Date: Thursday, October 16, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Hagerty Center, Northwestern Michigan College Great Lakes Campus, Traverse City
Attire: Cocktail Dress/Semi-formal Attire
For tickets and information: tciaf.com/gala2025, iaf@nmc.edu, (231)995-1844
Walk to End Period Poverty
Open to students and the community! Join us!
The four-mile walk will be held Saturday, Oct. 11, at 10 a.m., starting and ending at NMC’s Boardman Lake Campus. Find more details here: uplifttravel.org/post/walk-to-end-period-poverty-in-kenya-with-nmc-multicultural-club
Location: 2200 Dendrinos Drive (the former NMC University Center building)
The goal is to raise $10,000 for 1,400 sanitary kits.
Water and snacks will be provided; music, prizes and activity stops will add to the experience.
All funds raised go directly to provide sanitary pads, reproductive health education, clean water and sanitation facilities in Kenyan communities via a partnership between Kenyan organization PadMad and U.S. partner, the Michigan-based Uplift Travel (Utopia Foundation.)
Questions? Please contact Jim Bensley at jbensley@nmc.edu.
Success story: Expanded hangar means a shorter waitlist and more pilots for the airline industry
September 17, 2025
When the elbow room gets tight inside a 33,000-square-foot building, it’s definitely a monumental moment.
That was the scene at Monday’s ribbon cutting for NMC’s newly-expanded aviation hangar. The crowd of community leaders, legislators, students and alumni was there to celebrate a milestone that illustrates NMC’s commitment to meeting the growing needs of the Grand Traverse region and the aviation industry.
The hangar was expanded by 16,500 square feet, which enabled NMC to add eight new planes to its fleet of 19 total aircraft, including a sea plane and an aerobatics plane. It is now 33,530 square feet and includes areas for maintenance, storage and offices.
I was just in awe the entire time I was standing there. It was so exciting,” said aviation student Meigan Lanning (at right, between Aviation Director Alex Bloye, left, and chief flight instructor Frank Jabour, right), who cut the ribbon. She’s the president of NMC’s Aviation Society.
“It’s very impressive. It’ll look very good to new, prospective students,” said alumna Susan Waters. A 1992 aviation graduate who is now a captain with Southwest Airlines, Waters flew in from Houston for the event.
By expanding the college’s aviation facilities, the hangar increases NMC’s capacity to train pilots significantly. This fall, 50 new students started, a 66% increase over typical fall enrollment.
Aviation students take to the skies in their first semester and can earn private, instrument, commercial, multi-engine, and flight instructor ratings, preparing them for successful careers. In her 30-year career, Waters has been a commercial, charter, corporate and cargo pilot.
“I walked out with a wonderful experience,” she said of NMC, where she also served as a flight instructor from 1994–95.
That’s one thing that hasn’t changed.
“There’s a lot of passion for this program,” said Lanning, 19, who will graduate next year. She hopes to become a flight instructor at NMC while she finishes her bachelor’s in business administration-aviation from Ferris State University and then become a commercial airline pilot.
NMC is the only Michigan two-year college to offer a flight training program. Until this year, it typically enrolled 30 new students each fall, and had up to a two-year waitlist.
“There’s never been a better time to launch your aviation career — with rising salaries, signing and retention bonuses, travel perks, and a pilot shortage projected to last another 10 to 15 years,” said Aviation Director Alex Bloye.
Total project cost for the hangar was $7 million. NMC matched a $3.75 million state grant. The project also received $550,000 in federal funding. The hangar is also the first project in NMC’s 10-year campus master plan, NMC Thrive.
“We are incredibly grateful for the support of our state and federal legislators, donors, and community partners who have made this project possible,” said NMC President Nick Nissley. “This expansion demonstrates NMC’s responsiveness to the needs of our region and our ability to deliver results.”
NMC Aviation has a proven track record of success, with exceptional job placement rates for graduates. The college is also a leader in the growing field of uncrewed aerial systems.
Use the digital toolkit to share NMC info
Did you know that all NMC flyers and program brochures are available in a digital toolkit? Here you can find the PRMC-designed program brochures (updated with the new logo!) as well as materials for events and programs like the Community College Guarantee and Michigan Reconnect (the same ones now posted in restrooms.) You can download and share with students, families, high school counselors and others in a convenient, Earth-friendly digital format.
Welcome our newest hires!
These employees recently started working at the college. Let’s welcome them to the NMC community!
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- Josee Hanna, Student – Writing Center Reader
- Gabriel Vermeer, Student – Aviation Line Crew
University Partners Open House
To the University Partners now based in the Beckett Building. Being on NMC’s Front Street campus will allow CMU, Davenport, Ferris, Grand Valley and MSU’s Institute of Agricultural Technology to better serve NMC students seeking to transfer. Stop by from 3–5 p.m. Tuesday for an open house.
Who’s been a Hawk Owl Helper or Hero for you? Let us know at publicrelations@nmc.edu!
Media mentions for September 22, 2025
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 Adventures, One Preserve at Grass River
Northern Express, Sept. 20 (more…)
Partners in Possibility: University Partner Open House
Opening doors to stronger collaboration, greater access, and a shared future.
NMC faculty and staff are cordially invited to the lobby of the James Beckett Building tomorrow, Tuesday, Sep. 23, from 3–5 p.m. Meet NMC’s University Partners and learn more about their offerings! Light refreshments will be available.
Q & A sessions on Ready for Life program offered to faculty & staff Oct. 17
In May, NMC announced it would become the next site of Ready for Life Academy, joining Ferris State University and Hope College in offering a college experience to students with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. The program will begin in fall 2026 with a targeted enrollment of eight students. Grand Rapids-based Ready for Life is hosting the first information day for potential students at NMC from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17 in the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center, room 15.
Faculty and staff are invited to drop-in sessions before and after to find out more about the program and get their questions answered. Options are:
- 9–9:50 a.m.
- 2–2:50 p.m.
To find out more about how the partnership developed between NMC and Ready for Life, watch this slide show.