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!
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- 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
Sep 8, 2026 | Intercom
Don’t leave Swoop on the sidelines! As we look ahead to 2027, we know many exciting events and celebrations are already in the works. If you’d like Swoop to make an appearance and bring the energy, now is the time to let us know! Help us plan ahead by submitting your Swoop appearance request as soon as possible.
Exempt employees—if you want to help bring NMC’s energy alive while getting paid for your valuable time to either perform as Swoop or accompany him to events, reach out to Zach Whitaker at zwhitaker@nmc.edu.
Submit your request by filling out the Swoop Appearance Request Form
Sep 4, 2026 | Intercom
The NMC Board of Trustees Building and Site committee will meet at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 9, at Discovery Pier, 13170 S. West Bay Shore Dr., Traverse City.
More information is available here.
For more information, please contact the President’s office at (231) 995-1010.
Sep 4, 2026 | Intercom, Student News
NMC offers open recreation in the Rajkovich Physical Education Building (#16 on the Front Street campus map) on Mondays and Thursdays from 7–10 p.m. as well as Saturdays and Sundays from 6–9 p.m. Join us for basketball, soccer, volleyball, dodgeball, badminton, pickleball, ping pong and more!
All NMC students and employees are welcome. Please bring your NMC ID and clean shoes.
For any questions, please contact mbennett@nmc.edu.
Sep 2, 2026 | Intercom, Student News
All of the fun and connection of a book club with none of the pressure to finish the same book at the same time. No assigned reading! No stress!
Starting this fall, the NMC Library invites you to come share your latest read, your favorite read or your current read! You’re also more than welcome to just to listen and hear recommendations from other readers.
The group will meet at 12 p.m. on the 3rd Tuesday of each month in the Library Fireplace Room.
Since the meetings are during lunchtime, you’re encouraged to bring your lunch. Tea will be provided!
Sep 2, 2026 | Intercom, Student Events
This Constitution Day, the NMC Library invites you to the second annual ‘We the People’ trivia night! Test your knowledge of the U.S. Constitution while enjoying free pizza from Dino’s in the Fireplace Room at the NMC Library from 6–8 p.m. on Thursday, Sep. 17.
Teams will go head-to-head competing for the First Amendment Trophy as well as a prize for each member of the first place team. No advance registration required — just show up and play!
Sep 2, 2026 | Intercom, Student Events
NMC’s Automotive Technology department is hosting the 1st Annual Mike McIntosh Memorial Cruise on Friday, Sept. 11, beginning at NMC’s Automotive Service Technology Building located at 2510 Aero Park Drive, Traverse City. The cruise takes place the evening before the 20th Annual Mike McIntosh Memorial Truck and Car Show and is open to those who plan to show their car or truck the next day. Participants will receive a commemorative “1st Annual Mike McIntosh Memorial Cruise” dash plaque.
Mike’s son, Kevin, will lead the cruise behind the wheel of a 1957 BMW Isetta that Mike owned but never restored to show quality. Kevin has since completed the restoration, and the little BMW will finally have its moment at the show. Before the cruise departs, a hot air lantern will be floated in Mike’s memory.
The cruise will depart around 7 p.m. and travel partway up Old Mission Peninsula. Along the way, the cars will pass through the Front Street Campus on College Drive. Students and employees are encouraged to grab a spot along the route on College Drive at the Front Street Campus and cheer on the cruisers as they make their way through campus and the community.
The cruise will finish at NMC’s Great Lakes Campus, the original home of NMC’s automotive program and the place where Mike spent much of his career. Once the cars arrive, Morganja Farms’ food truck will be on hand with food and beverages, giving everyone a chance to gather, enjoy the vehicles and celebrate Mike’s legacy together. The cruise will also support Project Feed The Kids.
If you plan to participate in the cruise, please RSVP to Wayne Moody at (231) 995-1316 or wmoody@nmc.edu.
Sep 2, 2026 | Intercom, Student News
The Northwestern Michigan College Nursing Department wishes to announce that it will host a site visit for continuing accreditation of its Associate Degree and Practical Nursing programs by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
You are invited to meet with the site visit team and share your comments about the program in person at a meeting scheduled at 4:00 pm on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, in Room 106 of the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center Building located at 1701 East Front Street, Traverse City, MI 49686.
Written comments are also welcome and should be submitted to the ACEN via email at publiccomments@acenursing.org or to the ACEN office: Attn: Accreditation Services Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing 3390 Peachtree Rd NE, Suite 1400 Atlanta GA, 30326 You must identify the full name of the program in your comments.
All written comments should be received by the ACEN by September 21, 2026
Sep 1, 2026 | Data Wranglers, Intercom
Data Wranglers
Insights. Impact. Student Success.
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🎯 Strategic planning & institutional priorities
📊 Data, dashboards & reporting
📝 Surveys & assessment support
🎓 Enrollment & student success insights
Have a question? Start with ORPE.
We can help identify the right data, frame the question, and connect the findings to decision-making.
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What helps us spot students who may need support?
As classes get underway, early information can help us connect students with support before small challenges become larger ones.
What early alert variables do you use or find most useful?
📚 Grades or academic performance
📅 Attendance
⚠️ Faculty/staff alerts or referrals
📝 Missing or incomplete assignments
💻 LMS / digital engagement
❤️ Personal, wellness, financial or support indicators
📈 Enrollment or retention signals
❓ Other / unsure
Take the September Data Wranglers Poll
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Can AI outreach improve student success?
What researchers found
✅ Students receiving AI-enabled outreach had stronger course outcomes
✅ Students were more likely to engage with academic supports such as tutoring
✅ Effects were generally similar across student groups
✅ In one microeconomics course, women receiving the intervention earned final grades about 7% higher than women in the control group
Why it matters
💡 Technology may be most valuable when it helps students connect with people, resources, and support rather than simply providing answers.
Source: NBER Working Paper 35397, July 2026. DOI: 10.3386/w35397
👥 QUESTION FOR CAMPUS
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- Where could timely, personalized outreach help NMC students most?
Sep 1, 2026 | Cyber Minute, Intercom
Start the semester fresh. Clear your browser cookies and cache, and run any pending software updates. Unpatched software is one of the most common ways malware gets onto your device.
Aug 31, 2026 | Intercom
TRAVERSE CITY — John Lutchko, director of the Great Lakes Water Studies Institute at NMC, has been named 
the 2026 recipient of the Ocean News & Technology Early Career Ocean Professional Award by the Marine Technology Society.
The award is presented to an individual within 10 years of their last degree or designation who has shown leadership in MTS and who works in a professional capacity in management, engineering or research and development in a marine technology field. It was presented at the MTS annual meeting Aug. 28.
Lutchko is an alumnus of NMC, earning his associate degree in Freshwater Studies in 2013. He was named GLWSI director in 2024.
The Marine Technology Society promotes awareness, understanding, and the advancement and application of marine technology internationally.
Release date: AUGust 31, 2026
For more information:
Cari Noga
NMC Communications Director
cnoga@nmc.edu
(231) 392-1800 (Call or text)
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
Aug 31, 2026 | Intercom, Student News
As part of NMC’s committment to a safe college community, we notify students, faculty and staff of emergencies, including campus delays or closures due to weather, via multiple methods including texts and phone calls. The next test of emergency communications is set for Sept. 8, so now is a great time to check NMC Self-Service to see that your personal information is entered correctly. Click Personal Details under Personal Info menu.
Thanks for helping us keep NMC safe!
Aug 31, 2026 | HR Corner
Aug 31, 2026 | HR Corner, Intercom
Kudos to all volunteers who assisted with residence hall move in! The Residence Life team would like to say thank you to all the countless volunteers who made the Fall 2026 Move-in a success. The parents that interacted with the volunteers on Thursday, August 20, 2026 and Friday, August 21, 2026 stated they felt welcomed and comfortable knowing that NMC cares about its students based on the positive experience during move in. One parent commented that they were a little worried when they began their tract towards Traverse City, but after experiencing all the positivity on move in day they can sleep a little easier at night.
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!
Aug 31, 2026 | HR Corner, Intercom
These employees recently started working at the college. Let’s welcome them to the NMC community!
- Hannah Mabie – Adjunct – Art History
- Daniel Spencer, supplemental employee – Technology Support Assistant
- Kylie Gibson, student employee – Residence Hall Front Desk
- Riley Parish, student employee – Fitness Center Staff
- Jacqueline Hanna, student employee – Library Assistant
- Noah Betram, supplemental employee – Food Services Back of House
- Lilianah Townes, supplemental employee – Food Services Back of House
- Bella Freysinger, supplemental employee – Food Services Back of House
- Sam TwoCrow, supplemental employee – Learning Services Learning Assistant
- Jack Costine, student employee – Aviation Line Crew
- Madison Long, student employee – Writing Center Reader
- Trenton McGill, student employee – Aviation Line Crew
- Asher Nelson – 2nd shift Custodian
- Daniel Kukla – 3rd shift Custodian
Aug 31, 2026 | Intercom, Student Events
Campus Life is hosting a 3-on-3 basketball tournament on Friday, Sept. 11 at 6 p.m. in the Rajkovich Physical Education Building (#16 on the campus map). This tournament is open to all current students and employees.
If you have any questions please reach out to Marcus Bennett at mbennett@nmc.edu, CJ Schneider at cschneider@nmc.edu or Natalie Laprad at nlaprad@nmc.edu
Aug 31, 2026 | Hawk Owl Helpers and Heroes, Intercom
To the International Affairs Forum, which launches its 33rd season Thursday, Sept. 3 with a free event, “Five Years After the Fall of Kabul: The Afghan Connection in Traverse City.” The evening begins at 6:30 p.m. in Milliken Auditorium. More details here.
Who’s been a Hawk Owl Helper or Hero for you? Let us know at publicrelations@nmc.edu!
