Northwestern Michigan College announces its 5th Annual Learning Symposium, scheduled to take place from April 23 to May 2. This event, sponsored by the Experiential Learning Institute, will showcase the diverse ways NMC students and faculty engage in high-impact teaching and learning.
The Learning Symposium will feature a variety of student and faculty artifacts, experiences, and scholarship. Attendees can expect to see oral and poster presentations on research and community engagement projects, academic courses, service learning experiences, and community partnerships. The learning symposium highlights experiential learning and other high-impact practices in and/or out of the classroom.
NMC & GVSU Student Science Symposium presentations
5:30–7:30 p.m.
Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center, room 106/107
April 27–May 2
Displays and Artifacts Timothy J Nelson Innovation Center lobby and hallways
April 28
Reflective Table Talks
Noon–1 p.m.
Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center hallways This is an informal session where students and staff will share about their projects and events at tables in the hallways
We are looking forward to celebrating all of our wonderful colleagues at our You Made it Possible on May 13. We hope you’ll join us in celebrating the following employees who have reached milestone anniversaries:
5 Years
Christa Abdul-Karim – EES Program Coordinator
Kevin Avery – Adjunct English Instructor
Skylar Berry – Financial Aid Specialist
Justin Casey – Lead Flight Instructor
Timothy Hudson – Adjunct Sociology Instructor
Tyler King – Adjunct Flight Instructor
Kenneth Klumpp – Technical Instructor
Michael Kudirka – Adjunct Applied Music Instructor
Christine Mac – Math & Science Instructor
Randy Melick – Humanities Instructor
Jim Patterson – Director of Financial Aid
Uriah Petersen – Adjunct Construction Technology Instructor
At the March 23rd meeting of the Board of Trustees, Jason Slade presented a summary of Strategy 1: Future-Focused Education:
Objective 1: AI Integration The college aims to embed responsible and effective Artificial Intelligence (AI) use across teaching, learning, and operations to improve student outcomes and workforce readiness.
Success Indicators: Faculty and staff will receive training to add ethical AI enhancements to curriculum, while students will develop digital skills required for 4-year transfer institutions. NMC will adapt to meet the needs of regional employers
Year 1 Focus: Identify “AI navigators” and develop a departmental AI decision-making framework covering ethics, cost, and impact. Identify employer and transfer institution needs and expectations.
Objective 2: Experiential Learning & Durable Skills This objective focuses on integrating work-based learning and “durable skills” (soft skills) across all programs to enhance employability.
Success Indicators: Align curriculum with priority skills identified by regional employers and expand the experiential learning endorsement (nEXt). Create opportunities to provide career resources, micro internships, and pathways to apprenticeship credentials.
Year 1 Focus: Identify programs lacking experiential activities and roll out durable skills language into a new faculty-led advising model. Identify opportunities and funding mechanisms for additional work-based projects.
Objective 3: Distinguished Programs NMC intends to invest in and innovate “distinguished programs” that attract students from outside the immediate region.
Success Indicators: Increase visibility and stature for Aviation, Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS), Great Lakes Culinary Institute, Maritime Academy, and the Water Studies Institute (GLWSI). Leverage the Freshwater Research and Innovation Center. Develop advanced certifications for UAS courses.
Year 1 Focus: Develop a comprehensive UAS strategy. Align GLWSI and FRIC for academic and professional blue tech training. Full utilization of GLMA’s Robinson Bay tug.
Objective 4: Support for At-Risk Students The college will use a data-driven approach to support students in courses with high DFW (D, F, or withdrawal) rates.
Success Indicators: Scale the CollegeEdge preparedness program and implement coordinated early interventions in gateway courses to improve outcomes. Increase success and retention rates for at-risk students.
Year 1 Focus: Define “at-risk.” Improve workflows. Create an early alert process. Establish sustainable funding for CollegeEdge.
A dancer in a past graduation pow wow
(download a high-resolution version here)TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College’s Native American Student Organization will hold a traditional pow wow honoring 2026 graduates from 1–4 p.m. Saturday, April 25, on NMC’s Front Street campus. This annual event is open to the public and celebrates vibrant and culturally significant Native American tribes of our region. Four Native American students are graduating this spring.
The pow wow will take place under the pines on the south side of the Osterlin Building, and feature Native American dancers, drummers, storytelling, music and more. Food and vendors will also be available. Grand Entry is set for 2:30 p.m. Attendees can park in the Aspen or Cherry lots. A campus map is available at nmc.edu/maps.
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-discrimination
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.
To the Business 231 students organizing the NMC Hero Race to benefit College for Kids scholarships this coming Saturday, April 18. More than 220 runners are registered for 1 mile, 5K and 10K races. The event also includes a Friday evening pasta dinner and family fun after the race. Register and find out more here.
Kudos to Nick Gates and Sharon Angel! Thank you so much to Nick Gates and Sharon Angel for their above-and-beyond efforts cleaning the vent hood in the Parsons-Stulen Makerspace! It was a large, messy job; their efforts made all the difference, making a presentable environment in this public space. Amazing!
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!
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!
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)
New! Discover the powerful, direct link between your food choices and cognitive performance, memory, mood, and focus. This class explores the essential nutrients and foods that nurture a healthy gut-brain connection—the critical axis for mental well-being. Read more about Date Night: Fuel Your Focus.
Wednesday, April 22; 6 – 8 p.m.
Tuition Waiver Price: $27 for two people (public price $145)
New! Conclude your culinary journey with dessert, mastering classic French techniques for stunning finales. We’ll focus on texture and contrasting flavors with three elegant recipes. Read more about Date Night: Decadent Desserts.
Tuesday, April 28; 6–9 p.m.
Tuition Waiver Price: $46 for two people (public price $99)
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 13
Chicken Gyros with grilled pita served with lemon rice and roasted fingerling potatoes
Falafel Gyros (V) with grilled pita served with lemon rice and roasted fingerling potatoes
Tuesday, April 14
Chicken & Cheese Quesadillas served with Spanish rice and refried beans
Roasted Poblano & Bean Quesadillas (V) served with Spanish rice and refried beans
Wednesday, April 15
Sesame Chicken Stir Fry served with basmati rice and egg rolls
Sesame Tofu Stir Fry (V) served with basmati rice and egg rolls
Thursday, April 16
Italian Sausage Rigatoni with sundried tomato cream sauce served with garlic bread and broccoli
Roasted Vegetable Rigatoni (V) with sundried tomato cream sauce served with garlic bread and broccoli
Friday, April 17
Crispy Chicken with buffalo sauce served with mac & cheese and asparagus
Battered Cauliflower Bites (V) with buffalo sauce served with mac & cheese and asparagus
The public can now take an illustrated walk down NMC’s memory lane, with the publication of a digital timeline to celebrate the college’s 75th anniversary.
The timeline covers 110 “milestones” spanning the founding of Northwestern Michigan College as Michigan’s first community college in 1951 to this year’s 75th anniversary celebration. It was created by a history-focused workgroup with representation from across the college.
The group endeavored to show the people who created NMC history as much as the establishment of programs and construction of the physical campus. The timeline also offers present-day context to help viewers understand NMC’s growth and impact. For example, text about the college’s first Commencement in 1953, when 28 students graduated, notes that in 2025, 565 students earned degrees and certificates, a twentyfold increase. A 2018 milestone, awarding $1 million in scholarships, notes that just a few years later, in 2024-25, NMC would double that achievement, awarding $2 million in scholarships.
“The timeline depicts both NMC’s lasting legacy and the bold future ahead,” said Stephen Siciliano, NMC Vice President of Educational Services and chair of the history work group. “Throughout the years, we’ve been proud to be the community’s college, helping to transform the lives of our learners and their families.”
Led by Ryan Bernstein, NMC Curriculum and Instructional designer, the group curated the timeline from thousands of historical images, documents and artifacts. Longtime college archivist Ann Swaney is also a member of the history workgroup, providing valuable institutional memory and guidance through the process.
Milestones are spread fairly evenly through the decades. The timeline is available at nmc.edu/75.
NMC will also celebrate its history at a daylong anniversary special event Saturday, July 25. It will include:
10 a.m. History Showcase, Milliken Auditorium: Debut screening of 75th anniversary video; panel discussion of NMC history, opening of 50th anniversary time capsule
11 a.m.–2 p.m.: Self-guided history walk to activity stations around NMC’s Front Street campus; opportunity to contribute to centennial time capsule; lunch in the NMC Innovation Center
7 p.m. (tentative time): NMC Music Department Concert, Milliken Auditorium
NMC has published three history books covering 20-year segments of its history. The most recent ends in 2011. In addition there are Maritime and Art Department history books. All are available to check out at the NMC Library.
TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) Extended Education & Training invites the community to a day of educational exploration at Campus Day 2026 on Friday, May 8, at NMC’s Front Street Campus. This community event is geared towards those 50 and better, though all ages are welcome to attend. Registration is open now at nmc.edu/campus-day.
Attendees personalize their learning experience by selecting three sessions from a diverse offering of over forty topics. The event will feature time for ‘Coffee & Connection’ before the sessions commence, followed by a hosted lunch for all attendees.
Campus Day 2026 features a wide range of sessions, from “Rocking Your World” to “The Edmund Fitzgerald: The Stories, The Song” to “NMC at 75”, and many more. Sessions will be presented by NMC instructors and other local subject matter experts. Sessions are filled on a first come, first served basis, so early registration is recommended. Cost for attendance is $75, which includes coffee and donuts, attendance at three 75-minute sessions, and lunch. Students may register online at nmc.edu/campus-day, by calling (231) 995-1700, or stopping into the NMC Extended Education & Training office. The office is located on NMC’s Boardman Lake Campus at 2200 Dendrinos Drive, Traverse City, MI.
Release date: April 9, 2026
For more information:
NMC Extended Education & Training ees@nmc.edu (231) 995-1700
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
TRAVERSE CITY — Registration is now open for all NMC Extended Education & Training summer adult classes. Community members are invited to enroll in classes ranging in topics from culinary and creative arts to Northern Naturalist, recreation, fitness, and more. Some classes may fill quickly, so early registration for all classes is recommended.
New this summer are expanded offerings to get out and enjoy nature in northern Michigan. Classes include rowing, kayaking, boating, charter fishing, and more. Students are encouraged to enroll online at nmc.edu/ees.
Additional community education options include nearly 80 in-person classes from delicious culinary adventures like “Under the Tuscan Spoon” and “Rice to the Occasion” to exploratory Northern Naturalist offerings, like “Wetland Wildflowers.” Additional classes are offered in fitness, art, music, global, yoga, and recreation. Adult & Child and Date Night classes are perfect for those looking to share quality time and learn new skills with their partners, parents, or friends. Visit nmc.edu/ees to see all categories and class options.
Release date: April 8, 2026
For more information:
Laura Stevens NMC Extended Education & Training lstevens@nmc.edu (231) 995-1704
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
TRAVERSE CITY — 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 (Grand Traverse County) high school graduates, with no GPA or income requirements. Tuition is significantly discounted to graduates outside the district, 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.
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.
County
2024–25 amount
2025–26 amount
Antrim
$49,996
$69,373
Benzie
$56,104
$87,786
Grand Traverse
$854,156
$1,317,185
Kalkaska
$32,950
$68,194
Leelanau
$48,891
$141,847
TOTAL
$1.04 million
$1.68 million
2025 Kalkaska graduate Kylee Moore 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 daycare 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.
Release date: April 8, 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
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).
Experts suggest maintaining an “attitude of gratitude” increases positivity for yourself and for others. Please encourage your colleagues by 
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 
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