Employee anniversaries – April
The following employees are celebrating an anniversary soon. Please join us in congratulating them!
Kudos!
Kudos to Michael Anderson! Huge kudos to Michael Anderson for his exceptional leadership of the English Faculty recruitment committee. Michael managed to lead us through one of the most efficient and successful faculty searches yet. His organization and clear communication turned a typically complex process into a seamless experience. Thank you, Michael, for setting a new gold standard for hiring! Your leadership is simply outstanding!
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!
Celebrating new chapters
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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- Kirk Rose, student employee – Engineering Tech Lab Assistant
- Alexander Lane, supplemental employee – Test Proctor
- Luis Qian – Adjunct Certified Flight Instructor
- Steven Schmitt – Adjunct Certified Flight Instructor
Welcome our newest hires!
These employees recently started working at the college. Let’s welcome them to the NMC community!
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- Mariam Alavidze, student employee – Tutor
Earth Day clothing swap
The Dennos Museum will host an Earth Day Clothing Swap from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on April 22. The first and last hour of the swap is reserved for NMC students. Faculty and staff are encouraged to sign up as volunteers ahead or during the event to sort clothing. Those interested in volunteering should fill out the Earth Day Clothing Swap volunteer form. Pro tip: anyone who signs up to sort also gets first view and dibs on finds!
Clothing can be dropped off at the Dennos Museum from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 17–21.
This year, NMC’s Green Team will have a plant sale with about 500 starter plants, including herbs, flowers, and houseplants during the event and the Grand Traverse Conservation District will be doing a Gear & Rec Swap. Gear can be dropped off until April 21st (Tues – Friday) between 10 – 4pm at the Boardman River Nature Center.
Mobile food pantry April 6
NMC host a mobile food pantry on Monday, April 6 from 3–5 p.m. in the Maple Lot on the Front Street campus. We have 4,500 pounds of goods including lettuce, onions, potatoes, beans, cereal, oranges, cottage cheese, applesauce and frozen pizzas.
We ask that recipients queue up in the car line in a counter-clockwise circle around the edge of the parking lot. Please do not block the main access roads, be aware of other students using the parking spaces and watch for children being picked up at the Oleson Learning Center adjacent to the Maple Lot.
Free and open to all students and their families. Interested in volunteering? Email Cathy Warner at cwarner@nmc.edu.
IAF explores the rights of nature
TRAVERSE CITY — What if rivers, lakes, fish, and ecosystems had legal rights? IAF will further the conversation on the global Rights of Nature movement, rooted in Indigenous principles, with ecological values relevant to northern Michigan. This global movement has echoes in recent local successes like the rewilding of the Boardman-Ottaway River and the region’s long-standing commitment to habitat and watershed stewardship.
This program is supported by IAF members with grant funding provided by Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa & Chippewa Indians, and event underwriting by the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation.
Tribal Attorney Frank Bibeau, Director of the Tribal Rights of Nature Program at the Center for Democratic and Environmental Rights (CEDR), will explore how Indigenous legal frameworks are advancing Rights of Nature in the U.S. through treaty rights, sovereignty, and environmental protection. According to the CEDR, Bibeau “has developed several legal defense strategies based on the Rights of Manoomin and represented Manoomin (wild rice) and the White Earth Band of Ojibwe in Manoomin v DNR in White Earth Tribal Court and DNR v White Earth Band of Ojibwe and Chief Judge DeGroat in Minnesota District Court and the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals (2021-2022). Frank’s legal work focuses on the Treaty rights of tribes and members to help protect the natural resources for future generations.
Providing global context, environmental lawyer and activist Hugo Echeverría (CEDR) will examine Ecuador’s constitutional Rights of Nature experience, showing how this framework has been applied—and tested—internationally. Echeverría is best known for advancing Ecuador’s historic constitutional recognition of nature as a rights-bearing entity. With the CEDR, he has shaped legislation, influenced court decisions, and helped communities apply these protections in practice. Rooted in sumak kawsay, from the Quechua meaning “living in harmony with nature”, his work ensures ecosystems are treated not as property, but as subjects of law with enforceable rights to protection and restoration.
The discussion will offer insights into how legal and cultural approaches can shape environmental stewardship, the protection of ecosystems, and the evolving understanding of human responsibility to the natural world.
What: International Affairs Forum | Rights of Nature: Global Movement, Indigenous Values
When: April 15, 6 p.m. reception, 7 p.m. program in person and livestream
Where: Dennos Museum Center Milliken Auditorium
Tickets available at tciaf.com
Advance purchase of in-person or online tickets recommended. All IAF regular season events are free admission for current students and educators.
For more information:
Alexander Tank
Director
International Affairs Forum at Northwestern Michigan College
(231) 995-1844
atank@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-discriminationExtended Education Opportunities
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!
Weight Strengthening
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.
Instructor: Kyle Morrison
22 sessions; Tues & Thurs, April 7 – June 18; 6:30 – 7:45 a.m.
Tuition waiver price: $60 per person (Public price: $325)
Introduction to Buddhism
Discover the profound teachings of the Buddha in this insightful course exploring one of the world’s oldest and most influential wisdom traditions. Trace the life of Siddhartha Gautama and the development of core concepts like the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. Read more about Introduction to Buddhism.
Instructor: Sarah Montgomery-Richards
Monday, April 13; 6–8 p.m.
Tuition waiver price: $30 per person (Public price: $65)
Painting With Acrylics: Spring Flowers
Learn how to paint beautiful spring flowers using acrylic paints. Acrylics are easy to work with and dry quickly, making them perfect for creating vibrant and fresh flower scenes. Read more about Painting With Acrylics: Spring Flowers.
Saturday, April 18; 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Tuition waiver price: $22 per person (Public price: $99)
On the menu: Hawk Owl Café specials for April 6–10
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, April 6
General Tso’s Chicken Bowl with broccoli served with rice & vegetable potstickers
General Tso’s Tofu Bowl (V) with broccoli served with rice & vegetable potstickers
Tuesday, April 7
Carne Asada Chicken Tacos with cheddar, sour cream and salsa served with Mexican street corn & Spanish rice
Carne Asada Jackfruit Tacos (V) with cheddar, sour cream and salsa served with Mexican street corn & Spanish rice
Wednesday, April 8
Italian Pasta Bake with meatballs and mozzarella served with garlic bread & broccoli
Tri-Color Tortellini (V) with pesto cream sauce served with garlic bread & broccoli
Thursday, April 9
Breakfast for Dinner!
- French Toast Sticks with Syrup
- Sausage Links
- Hashbrowns
- Quiche Lorraine
- Fresh Fruit
Friday, April 10
Beer-Battered Cod Sandwich with tartar sauce served with French fries & green beans
Roasted Cauliflower Steak (V) with chimichurri sauce served with French fries & green beans
Joint Executive committees meeting
The NMC Board of Trustees Executive Committee and NMC Foundation Board Executive Committee will hold their annual joint committee meeting at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 7, in room 08 (lower level) of the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center on NMC’s Front Street campus, 1701 E. Front St., Traverse City, Mich.
The meeting agenda is available online. The meeting will be canceled if NMC closes due to weather conditions.
For more information, please contact the President’s office at (231) 995-1010.
International Affairs Forum: Rights of Nature
What if rivers, lakes, fish, and ecosystems had legal rights? The International Affairs Forum will further the conversation on the global Rights of Nature movement, rooted in Indigenous principles, with ecological values relevant to northern Michigan. This global movement has echoes in recent local successes like the rewilding of the Boardman-Ottaway River and the region’s long-standing commitment to habitat and watershed stewardship.
This program is supported by IAF members with grant funding provided by Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa & Chippewa Indians, and event underwriting by the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation.
Tribal Attorney Frank Bibeau, Director of the Tribal Rights of Nature Program at the Center for Democratic and Environmental Rights (CEDR), will explore how Indigenous legal frameworks are advancing Rights of Nature in the U.S. through treaty rights, sovereignty, and environmental protection. According to the CEDR, Bibeau “has developed several legal defense strategies based on the Rights of Manoomin and represented Manoomin (wild rice) and the White Earth Band of Ojibwe in Manoomin v DNR in White Earth Tribal Court and DNR v White Earth Band of Ojibwe and Chief Judge DeGroat in Minnesota District Court and the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals (2021-2022). Frank’s legal work focuses on the Treaty rights of tribes and members to help protect the natural resources for future generations.
Providing global context, environmental lawyer and activist Hugo Echeverría (CEDR) will examine Ecuador’s constitutional Rights of Nature experience, showing how this framework has been applied—and tested—internationally. Echeverría is best known for advancing Ecuador’s historic constitutional recognition of nature as a rights-bearing entity. With the CEDR, he has shaped legislation, influenced court decisions, and helped communities apply these protections in practice. Rooted in sumak kawsay, from the Quechua meaning “living in harmony with nature”, his work ensures ecosystems are treated not as property, but as subjects of law with enforceable rights to protection and restoration.
The discussion will offer insights into how legal and cultural approaches can shape environmental stewardship, the protection of ecosystems, and the evolving understanding of human responsibility to the natural world.
When: April 15, 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, and all enrolled citizens of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians. Get your tickets at tciaf.com. Advance purchase of in-person or online tickets recommended.
Versiti blood drive April 9
Versiti is holding a blood drive from 12:30 to 5 p.m. on Thursday, April 9 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.
Donors will receive a pair of flannel pajama pants and a coupon for a free sandwich from Jimmy John’s (while supplies last).
PRMC wins national award
Northwestern Michigan College received a 2025 Paragon Award from the National Council for Marketing & Public Relations (NCMPR) at the council’s national conference in March in Washington, D.C.
The award celebrates the Public Relations, Marketing and Communications team at NMC for its work on the 2024 Community Report.
“Behind every enrollment milestone, retention gain and student success story is a team of marketing and communications professionals working strategically and creatively to connect students with opportunity,” said Patrick Stone, NCMPR’s 2025-26 president and the director of strategic communications and marketing for Cape Cod Community College in Massachusetts. “This year’s winners stood out in an extraordinary field of entries, demonstrating that when community colleges invest in creativity and innovation, they amplify their mission and transform lives.”
NCMPR’s Paragon Awards recognize outstanding achievement in design, strategy and communication at community and technical colleges. It’s the only national competition of its kind that honors excellence exclusively among marcom and PR professionals at community and technical colleges.
This year’s awards drew 1,585 entries from 216 colleges across the country and was judged by 67 professionals from the marcom and public relations industry.
Global Cinema Series: I Am The River, The River Is Me
I Am The River, The River Is Me will screen at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, April 22 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.
NMC Honor Society wins three awards
TRAVERSE CITY — NMC’s chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, the international community college honor society, received three awards at this week’s annual Catalyst conference in Baltimore.
NMC’s chapter, Alpha Rho Pi, was named a REACH chapter, for excelling in membership development. The chapter has 241 members. Membership requires maintaining a 3.50 GPA and taking at least 12 credits.
NMC President Nick Nissley received the Shirley B. Gordon Award of Distinction, the organization’s most prestigious recognition for community college presidents, made to those who have demonstrated sustained, exceptional commitment to student success. It represents the voices of students who nominated Nissley for the support, opportunity, and encouragement he provided to them and to students like them.
Dean of Students Lisa Thomas received a Distinguished College Administrator Award, which recognizes college leaders who work directly with student leaders to strengthen campus
communities and expand opportunities for student success. Known for her highly engaged leadership style, Thomas works with student leaders to align co-curricular initiatives with institutional priorities while ensuring students have the resources and encouragement needed to thrive academically and personally.
Nissley and chapter Vice President Amanda Sanchez both traveled to Baltimore for the conference.
Release date: MARCH 27, 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-discriminationNorthern Michigan Startup Week April 20–24 – Registration is open!
Register now for Northern Michigan Startup Week (NMSW) events! NMSW, taking place April 20–24, is where the region’s builders, founders, investors, students, and problem-solvers come together to turn ideas into momentum.
The focus is on amplifying homegrown talent and strengthening our innovation ecosystem. Please check out the GVSU & NMC events taking place during NMSW!
- April 20, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.: Applied AI and Entrepreneurship: Building Connections for Innovation, Hosted by GVSU
- April 22, 10 a.m.–Noon: NMC Program Overview (Water Studies, Marine Tech, and UAS), Parsons-Stulen Facility Tour, and Networking Lunch
- April 22, Noon–1 p.m.: Panel Discussion Hosted by NMC & Traverse Connect – From Education to Operations: How Northern Michigan Is Building a National Model for Drone Integration
- April 23, 1–3 p.m.: NMC Office of Possibilities for Education Pitch Competition
- April 23, 5:30–7:30 p.m.: NMC & GVSU Student Science Symposium
Register at nmsw.co
Success Story: CC Guarantee saves regional families $1.68 million
March 25, 2026
Recent high school graduates in the five-county area kept more than $1.68 million in their pockets this academic year by using the Community College Guarantee at NMC.
The state scholarship offers free tuition to in-district high school graduates, with no GPA or income requirements. Tuition is significantly discounted to graduates outside the district (Grand Traverse County), with other scholarships often making up the difference.
“We definitely get the word out. We just want kids to take advantage of it because it’s such a great deal,” said Kalkaska High School counselor Ciara McCullough.
The amount awarded across Grand Traverse, Leelanau, Benzie, Antrim and Kalkaska counties was up from $1.04 million awarded in 2024–25, the first year of the CCG.
While amounts were highest in Grand Traverse County, growth increased most in Kalkaska and Leelanau counties. Dollars awarded to Kalkaska high school graduates more than doubled. Dollars awarded to Leelanau high school graduates nearly tripled.
2025 Kalkaska graduate Kylee Moore (right) is studying elementary education at NMC. She considered Ferris, but chose NMC in order to save money. Now with her first year nearly complete, she’s found the advantages to be more than financial.
“I’m really happy with it. At NMC, I really love my instructor (Cheryl Bloomquist),” Moore said. NMC’s scheduling also allowed her to keep her job at Pitter Patter Preschool & Childcare in Kalkaska.
“It’s more flexible and I really like that,” said Moore, who has used NMC campus services like the Writing Center and the library. She expects to complete her bachelor’s through Central Michigan University.
Moore chose education as her field after attending the Teacher Academy at the regional Career Tech Center in high school. McCullough said that more than half of Kalkaska juniors and seniors attend the CTC, which dovetails well with NMC programs like Construction Technology, Automotive Technology, Engineering Technology, surveying, renewable energy and welding.
“Going into the trades is very popular with our kids (and) NMC offers a lot of (skilled) trades programs,” she said.
The Community College Guarantee must be used within 15 months of high school graduation. Class of 2025 graduates can still enroll for NMC’s summer or fall 2026 semesters. The class of 2026 will also be eligible through the fall 2027 semester. Find out more at nmc.edu/guarantee.
Kenya Study Abroad Fundraiser April 13
The NMC student Kenya study abroad team is holding a fundraiser to support their work on-the-ground enhancing girls education. NMC students and The Filling Station (642 Railroad Place, Traverse City) invite everyone to join them for food and drinks on Monday, April 13 any time between 4–10 p.m. Fifteen percent of all food sales and $1 from every pint will be donated to the effort.
In addition, you will also have a chance to purchase raffle tickets ($10) for any of four international baskets (Kenya, China, Italy, World Travel) worth over $200!
Bring your family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers out for an enjoyable evening down by the tracks! Asante sana!
For more information, contact NMC International Services and Service Learning at (2310 995-2527.