Sep 14, 2026 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College Extended Education & Training invites community members, business partners, and lifelong learners to an Open House celebrating the grand opening of its new office location on Tuesday, Sept. 15, from 2–4 p.m.
The event will take place in the Parsons-Stulen Building on NMC’s Aero Park Campus, with the main reception inRoom 114. Highlighted by a special ribbon-cutting ceremony with Traverse Connect at 3 p.m., the afternoon offers guests the opportunity to explore the building, tour the office suite and adjoining classroom, and greet the team.
Light refreshments will be served, and staff will be available throughout the event to provide information of upcoming personal enrichment and professional development offerings.
Event Details:
What: NMC Extended Education & Training Open House & Ribbon Cutting
When: Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2–4 p.m. (ribbon cutting at 3 p.m.)
Where: Parsons-Stulen Building, room 114, NMC Aero Park Campus, 2600 Aero Park Drive Traverse City, MI 49686
Cost: Free and open to the public
RSVP: Advance registration requested via the online RSVP Form.
To learn more about Extended Education & Training programs, visit nmc.edu/eet or call (231) 995-1700.
Release date: September 10, 2026
For more information:
Shannah Vergote, Marketing & Promotion Coordinator
NMC Extended Education & Training
(231) 995-1702
svergote@nmc.edu
nmc.edu/eet
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
Sep 14, 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.
NMC’s annual car show adds cruise night
Record-Eagle, Sept. 10
(more…)
Sep 14, 2026 | Intercom, Student Events
What better way to celebrate Founders Day than by taking a trip back through campus history?
As part of NMC’s 75th anniversary celebration, employees and students are invited to a special viewing of 25th Anniversary Time Capsule footage on Thursday, Sept. 17 (Founders Day), from noon–1 p.m. The event will take place in Les Biederman Building, room 38 (#6 on the campus map).
The time capsule footage offers a special glimpse into the people, moments and memories that helped shape our campus. In addition to the 25th Anniversary footage, other anniversary footage may also be shown, giving attendees even more opportunities to look back and see how the NMC community has evolved over the years.
Sep 14, 2026 | Intercom, Student News
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 $10.99, and the vegetarian option (V) is $9.99. Learn more at nmc.edu/dining.
Menu
Monday, September 14
General Tso’s Chicken & Broccoli Bowl w/ Rice & Veg Potstickers
Tofu (V) & Broccoli Bowl w/ Rice & Veg Potstickers
Tuesday, sEptember 15
Carne Asada Chicken Tacos w/ Cheddar, Sour Cream, & Salsa w/ Mexican Street Corn & Spanish Rice
Jack Fruit (V) Tacos w/ Cheddar, Sour Cream, & Salsa w/ Mexican Street Corn & Spanish Rice
Wednesday, September 16
Spaghetti & Meatballs w/ Marinara & Parmesan w/ Garlic Bread & Broccoli
Tri-color Tortellini (V) & Pesto Cream Sauce w/ Garlic Bread & Broccoli
Thursday, September 17
Breakfast Dinner- French Toast Sticks w/ Syrup, Sausage Links, Hashbrowns, Quiche Lorraine & Fresh Fruit
Friday, September 18
Beer-Battered Cod on Brioche w/ Tartar Sauce w/ Crispy Kale, French Fries & Green Beans
Roasted Sweet Potato (V) on Brioche w/ Tartar Sauce w/ Crispy Kale, French Fries & Green Beans
Sep 14, 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!
Even brief periods of meditation practice can reduce and help heal the effects of stress, balance emotions, boost immune function, and improve overall physical and spiritual well-being. For this livestream class, seated in a chair at home, you will learn meditation techniques and breath exercises. Read more about Meditation: Evolution of Consciousness.
12 sessions; Wednesdays, Sept. 16-Dec. 9; 12–1 p.m.
Tuition waiver price: $22 per person (Public price: $169)
New! Savor the soul-warming traditions of the Emerald Isle by exploring two iconic culinary staples. This flavor-filled journey dives into the art of crafting a rich, savory shepherd’s pie topped with pillowy mashed potatoes and baking a crusty, authentic Irish soda bread from scratch. Read more about Date Night: Dublin Your Dinner.
Tuesday, September 29; 6-9 p.m.
Tuition waiver price: $46 for two people (Public price: $199)
New! Bats are among Northern Michigan’s most fascinating—and misunderstood—mammals. Join Grass River staff as we explore the incredible world of our local bats, learning about their biology, identification, echolocation, life history, and the important role they play in keeping insect populations in check. Read more about Bats of Northern Michigan.
Friday, September 18; 7–9 p.m.
Tuition waiver price: $26 per person (Public price: $69)
Sep 11, 2026 | Intercom, Student Events
Join us this Constitution Day for an engaging, interactive panel discussion exploring one of the most important, and sometimes challenging, freedoms protected by the U.S. Constitution: freedom of speech. Bring your questions, perspectives and curiosity for a thought-provoking conversation about free speech and its role in a democratic society.
When: Thursday, Sept. 17, 3–4:30 p.m.
Where: Osterlin Building, room 203, NMC’s Front Street Campus
Cost: Free & open to the public
Featured Panelists
-
- Eleanor Lynn, Esq., Constitutional Law Specialist
- Grant Parsons, Esq., Civil Liberties Attorney
- John Zachman, Ph.D., Political Science & Philosophy Instructor at NMC
The discussion will be moderated by Nicco Pandolfi, NMC Instruction Librarian
Sep 11, 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!
-
- Lee Elston – Adjunct Nursing Instructor
- Aaron Gage – Adjunct – Adjunct Nursing Instructor
- Willow MacLaughlin – Adjunct Certified Flight Instructor
- Andrew Osborn, student employee – Residence Hall Front Desk
- Megan Peltier, supplemental employee – Banquet Hall Server, Hagerty Center
- Scott Trumbull – Adjunct Certified Flight Instructor
- Stephen Tupper – Adjunct Aviation Ground Instructor
- Simon Utterback, student employee – Writing Center Reader
- Lucas Vokes, supplemental employee – Banquet Hall Server, Hagerty Center
Sep 11, 2026 | HR Corner, Intercom
These employees recently started working at the college. Let’s welcome them to the NMC community!
-
- Aspen Burns – Groundskeeper
- Jenna Casler, supplemental employee – Food Service Front of House
- Dylan DeBoer, student employee – Aviation Line Crew
- Beio Vickers, student employee – Residence Hall Front Desk
Sep 11, 2026 | Intercom
Learn how to administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and use an automated external defibrillator (AED) to respond to sudden cardiac arrest. This is a non-certification training that will provide attendees with hands-on learning opportunities.
Tuesday, October 13 (October Conference session 2)
11:15 a.m.–Noon
Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center, room 15
Thursday, November 5
4–5 p.m.
Osterlin Building, room 205 (upstairs)
Register through NeoEd Learn using these instructions. For questions, contact Garrett Croon at gcroon@nmc.edu or (231) 995-1747.
Sep 9, 2026 | Intercom
An NMC student prepares to deploy a remotely-operated vehicle aboard the research vessel Northwestern
September 9, 2026
Mapping the Great Lakes has taken a Grand Canyon-sized leap since the last Lakebed 2030 conference, and NMC students are a part of it.
When the effort to map all five Great Lakes at high resolution started five years ago, such data existed for less than 15 percent of the lakes. Next week, when 175 professionals from science, research, policy, government and industry gather again at the Hagerty Center, 17 percent of the U.S. waters will be mapped. The increase of 1,885 square miles roughly equals Grand Canyon National Park.
U.S. Senator Gary Peters speaks via video at a Lakebed 2030 event in 2022.That data is critical to keeping the lakes drinkable, fishable and swimmable. It’s also vital to creating new jobs and industries based around water resources — the essence of the blue economy that NMC is advancing in multiple ways. From seed funding for new entrepreneurs to collaborating with community and academic partners to experiential learning opportunities for NMC students, Lakebed will showcase all of it Sept. 15–17. Highlights include:
- Naming the 2026 Great Lakes Blue Tech Challenge winner. The starting field of 48 early-stage companies has been narrowed to three finalists: Lacuum, Naiad Technologies and NS2, who will compete Sept. 17 in a pitch competition for $55,000. All three are developing innovative products that use autonomous technology to monitor, preserve and improve water quality.
“All three are examples of the kinds of tenants – and employers – NMC wants to see for the Freshwater Research & Innovation Center,” said Jason Slade, vice president for Strategic Initiatives at NMC. “Their work dovetails with NMC programs like Marine Technology and uncrewed aerial systems, where students learn proficiency in autonomous technology.”
- Tour of the under-construction, 40,000 square foot FRIC facility on West Grand Traverse Bay Sept. 16. Scheduled for completion in spring 2027, marking another milestone for the blue economy, the Center will unite education, research and economic development under one roof, making it a collaborative hub for freshwater unique in the Great Lakes region.
- NMC Marine Technology students have mapped the Lake Michigan lakebed off the tip of the Leelanau peninsula since 2023, using industry-standard multibeam sonar and hydrographic survey techniques aboard NMC’s research vessel, the Northwestern. NMC Great Lakes Water Studies Institute director John Lutchko, recently named the Early Career Ocean Professional by the Marine Technology Society, who teaches the capstone course, will moderate an industry panel discussion Sept. 16.
- NMC President Nick Nissley will sign the Presidents for Entrepreneur Pledge Sept. 17. A project of the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship, NMC has actively worked to advance entrepreneurship among students for several years, from offering a maker’s space to funding for innovative student projects and ideas. The pledge is a natural next step.
- In another collaboration, the University of Michigan has approved NMC’s application to join the Cooperative Institute for Great Lakes Research. This consortium is now seeking grant funding for research and workforce training.
“NMC is committed to future-focused learning and to being a community cornerstone,” Nissley said. “Both the entrepreneurship pledge and joining CIGLR illustrate those commitments, and how they benefit our students and region.”
Sep 9, 2026 | Cyber Minute, Intercom
Phishing emails ramp up with the semester. Watch for fake financial aid notices, IT account warnings, and urgent password reset requests. When in doubt, go directly to the source — don’t click the link.
Sep 8, 2026 | Hawk Owl Helpers and Heroes, Intercom
Thanks the organizers and volunteers of the 20th annual Mike McIntosh Memorial Car & Truck Show & Block Party, set for this Saturday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on the Aero Park campus. Aero Park Drive will close to through traffic for a full day of classic cars, food trucks, music and family-friendly activities. Find out more and plan to attend!
Who’s been a Hawk Owl Helper or Hero for you? Let us know at publicrelations@nmc.edu!
Sep 8, 2026 | Intercom, President Updates
Faculty and Staff,
As we have been celebrating NMC’s 75th anniversary throughout this year, I’ve been reflecting on the incredible role this college has played in our region—and on the people who have made that impact possible over the past 75 years.
Our anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate where we’ve been, recognize the people who have shaped NMC, and look ahead with excitement to what comes next. Most importantly, it’s an opportunity for our NMC community to come together.
In honor of our 75th year, we are pleased to offer current faculty and staff $75 off the standard ticket price, bringing your ticket to $50.
I hope you’ll join me on Saturday, September 19, at the Hagerty Center for an evening of good food, music, dancing, and celebration with colleagues and friends. It will be a special night as we celebrate 75 years of community impact and look toward a bold tomorrow for NMC.
Event Details
Saturday, September 19, 2026
6:00–10:00 p.m.
Hagerty Center at NMC’s Great Lakes Campus
Festive Cocktail Attire
Employee Rate: $50 (Regularly $125)
Evening Schedule
- 6:00–7:30 p.m. — Food and drinks
- 7:30–8:15 p.m. — 75th Anniversary Program
- 8:15–10:00 p.m. — Music and dancing
Evening Highlights
- Food stations, champagne toast, and one drink token
- A special 75th Anniversary program, live music, and dancing
- The official sealing of the NMC 75th Anniversary Time Capsule
- An opportunity to celebrate our shared history and look toward the future
RSVP
To help us finalize catering and event preparations, the special faculty and staff rate of $50 is available through the end of the day this Friday. Please use the dedicated employee link below to reserve your ticket:
Employee Ticket Link
Thank you for everything you do for NMC and, most importantly, for our students and our community. I hope you’ll join me as we celebrate 75 years of NMC and the exciting future ahead!
I look forward to celebrating with you on September 19!
Nick
Sep 8, 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.
Inside NMC’s $20 million geothermal project
Ticker, Sept. 7
(more…)
Sep 8, 2026 | Intercom, Student News
To find these selections and many other new titles, see the NMC library catalog.
(more…)
Sep 8, 2026 | HR Corner, Intercom
The following employees are celebrating an anniversary soon. Please join us in congratulating them!
(more…)
Sep 8, 2026 | HR Corner, Intercom
Kudos to Kristy Jackson, Alex Bloye, Ali LeJeune, Alice Sluss, Ashleigh Fender, Beth Norconk, Beth Straebel, Betsy Boris, Brittany Schneider, Carolyn Andrews, Cheryl Bloomquist, Christa Abdul-Karim, Cindy Duby, Darryl Greathouse, Eli McCullough, Garrett Croon, Hollianne McHugh, Hollie DeWalt, Jacqueline Olson, Jan Root, Kim Gourlay, Kirk Waterstripe, Krista McCarty, Kristi Hallett, Larry Albosta, Lindsay Kimball, Liz Celeste, Marli Blackhurst, Michael Anderson, Nancy Durecki, Patrick Quinlan, Ren Garvon, Robin Maloney, Shannah Vergote, Stephanie Schall-Brazee, Tiffani Wilke, and Randy Melick! College for Kids 2026 hosted over 100 classes this summer! These folks instructed, donated, volunteered and supported these classes on NMC’s campuses. We know that at least 14% of NMC’s current academic students started out in College for Kids. Thank you everyone for giving our new NMC families a fantastic experience this summer.
Kudos to Christa Abdul-Karim, Merrick Adams, Betsy Boris, Michele Ensign, Ashleigh Fender, Nicole Fewins, Terri Gustafson, Brittany Schneider, Megan Holtrey, Rorie Kawula, Shirl Martin, Shayrrl McCready, Tallula Morrison, Denny Nguyen, Nick Nissley, Beth Norconk, Stephanie Powers, Danielle Quinlan, Shannon Schultz, Amy Shamroe, Jason Slade, Cathlyn Sommerfield, Melissa Sprenkle, Heather VanStratt, Cindy Virta, Sarah Wangler, Ken Warner, Tracy Welch, and Beckie Wooters! College for Kids 2026 filled over 800 seats this summer! These folks greeted an estimated 300+ families on NMC’s campuses! We know that at least 14% of NMC’s current academic students started out in College for Kids. Thank you everyone for giving our new NMC families a warm welcome this summer.
Kudos to Logan Leadmon! Logan has been so helpful to the Success Coaching team and the Student Success Department this summer in multiple ways! From assisting us with checking every single computer in TJNIC 123 to make sure they were ready for College Edge students, to helping those students troubleshoot login and password issues, to assisting us in making sure all of our technology was working in TJNIC 106/107 for our last summer orientation session, Logan was always ready to help with a warm and positive energy. Thanks, Logan, for assisting both staff and students with the essential technology that drives all of our work!
Kudos to Garrett Glynn! Garrett is always a warm and inviting face and voice whenever I run into technology snags and brings that same energy to students who need support. Garrett assisted many of our College Edge students over the summer (as well as numerous new, never-attended students!) and helped build their confidence in navigating the technology systems that are essential to their academic success. Thanks, Garrett, for making the Technology Help Desk feel approachable and inviting for both staff and students!
Kudos to Custodial Services! Dear Facilities and Custodial Services Team, I am writing to share a sincere thank you and express our deepest appreciation for the outstanding work you do. As our Simulation Lab continues to rapidly grow and undergo constant changes, your team has consistently risen to the challenge. Maintaining a highly specialized space like the Simulation Lab requires incredible attention to detail. Even though we rarely see you during your shifts, we notice your hard work every single day when we come into a clean and ready space. No matter how fast we evolve or what changes come our way, you always deliver exceptional results. We truly could not do our work without your dedication and support. Thank you for always doing such an excellent job!
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!
Sep 8, 2026 | HR Corner, Intercom
These employees recently started working at the college. Let’s welcome them to the NMC community!
-
- Kiley Ridenour – Adjunct Flight Instructor
- Thomas Nash, student employee – Switchboard Operator & Welcome Desk
- Justin Henning, student employee – Aviation Line Crew
- Anna Brooks, student employee – Residence Hall Front Desk
- Arin Carr, student employee – Residence Hall Front Desk
- Ashtyn Coykendall, supplemental employee – Banquet Server Hagerty Center
- Austin Godfrey, supplemental employee – Welding Assistant
- Mason Bressler, student employee – Fitness Center Staff
- Jacob Greene, supplemental employee – Food Services Back of House
- Amira Fakir, supplemental employee – Food Service Front of House
- Kathryn Joyce, supplemental employee – Human Resources Assistant
- Ella Doolittle, student employee – GLCI Purchasing & Receiving Assistant
