Apr 7, 2026 | Intercom, Student Events
TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College invites the public to help welcome Swoop, its new mascot, at a special 75th anniversary Student and Community Block Party from 3-7 p.m. Saturday, April 25 on the Front Street campus.
The event coincides with the end of the spring semester. Students, alumni, staff, faculty, neighbors and friends are all invited to join the festivities, including free carnival rides, activities and live music. Food from several local food trucks will be available to purchase.
Swoop, the newest member of the NMC community, will make his debut at 3:30 p.m. and will then make the rounds of the party for photo opportunities.
NMC adopted the northern hawk owl as a nickname in 2013, and the concept was embraced by the college. Swoop was first visualized as a two-dimensional logo character in 2014. Each graduate receives a Hawk Owl alumni” T-shirt. The student cafeteria is named the Hawk Owl Cafe.
The occasion of NMC’s 75th anniversary this year was a fitting time to embody Swoop as an official mascot, and planning for Swoop’s arrival started in late 2024.
Hawk owls are typically found further north than Traverse City, but Swoop’s journey reflects the diverse and unexpected paths of NMC students. Just as they come from various backgrounds and places to find their purpose at NMC, Swoop was drawn by the college’s unique blend of natural beauty, hands-on learning and welcoming community.
“We want NMC to feel vibrant and alive for our students and our community, and finally having Swoop home is a big part of bringing this vision to life.” said Zach Whitaker, manager of NMC Alumni Relations, where Swoop makes his home in between event appearances. He’s here to cheer on our students and learners as they navigate challenges and celebrate all their accomplishments through their time with us and beyond.”
NMC President Nick Nissley will introduce Swoop at the block party. Mascots from NMC’s University Partners, including Louie the GVSU Laker, Brutus the Ferris bulldog, and Pounce the Davenport panther, will join the welcome party, too. A rain date has been set for Sunday, April 26. For more information, visit nmc.edu/75
Release date: April 7, 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
Apr 6, 2026 | Intercom, President Updates, Student News
Dear NMC faculty, staff, and students,
Put on your best superhero costume and come support an amazing cause. BUS 231 Professional Communications class has been hard at work this semester rebranding our NMC Hero Race (formally known as the Big Little Hero Race). This event helps students develop real-world professional communication skills while raising funds for our very own College for Kids program. We would love for our fellow Hawk Owls to come and support our NMC community and us this year at the NMC Hero Race!
11th Annual NMC Hero Race
Saturday, April 18, 2026
Festivities begin at 9:00 AM at NMC Main Campus, including:
- FREE one-mile Fun Run featuring a special appearance from Captain Hawk Owl!
- 5K/10K timed walk or run (discounts for NMC students, staff, and faculty for $20 off registration)
- Carnival Games
- Silent Auction
- Prizes for best dressed male/female/duo/pet
- Cake Walk
- Bake Sale
- Awards Ceremony
Along with all the exciting events happening on the day of the race, our culinary team will be hard at work the day before, on April 17, 2026, to bring you a carb-fueled pasta dinner. Dinner will begin at 5pm and go until 6:30pm. We are offering pasta, meatballs, and breadsticks. As a student, you only pay $5 for a NMC (our home during the school year) cooked meal.
The fun doesn’t stop there. We are also having a birthday party! This year, NMC is celebrating its 75th birthday. In honor of that, we are excited to announce that this year’s local hero award will be presented to our NMC Outstanding Alumni. This group has continued to pave the way for fellow Hawk Owls for the last 75 years.
If you would like to sign up for the race, head over to our website nmcherorace.com and apply code: student26 (students) or teacher26 (faculty and staff) to receive $20 off your registration.
Even if you are unable to attend, you can still support the cause by entering our prize giveaway for a chance to win: A two-night stay at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac with breakfast included!
To enter:
- Visit https://www.nmc.edu/about/foundation/giving/give.html
- Select “other amount” ($20 minimum)
- Select “NMC Hero Race” in the drop-down tab for “designate my gift to”
One entry per person. The drawing will take place after the race.
I hope to see you there!
Nick
Apr 6, 2026 | Hawk Owl Helpers and Heroes, Intercom
Thanks to the Great Lakes Maritime Academy for hosting its annual spring “open ship” from 1-4 p.m. this Saturday. Last year’s event drew more than 1,000 guests aboard the T/S State of Michigan. In recognition of NMC’s 75th anniversary, this year’s event will include a GLMA history display inside the Great Lakes campus..
Who’s been a Hawk Owl Helper or Hero for you? Let us know at publicrelations@nmc.edu!
Apr 6, 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.
College Connection Fair for high school juniors
WILX TV, April 5
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Apr 6, 2026 | Intercom, Student Events
NMC will host a Graduation Fair on April 15 from 11 a.m to 1 p.m. at the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center. This is your one-stop shop for all things Commencement—from finalizing your graduation application and learning about the ceremony to purchasing your gear and decorating your grad cap.
- Decorate your cap and shop at the Bookstore.
- Verify or submit your graduation app
- Meet with Career & Employee Readiness, Alumni Relations, and Student Financial Services
- Discover Direct Connect with University Partners.
- Get Free Popcorn!
It’s also a perfect time to connect with the Alumni Relations office, as you begin your journey from student to a lifelong Hawk Owl. NMC University Partners, Financial Aid, Advising, Career Services and the NMC Bookstore will also be on hand to help you prepare for your next steps forward.
Apr 6, 2026 | Intercom, Student News
To find these selections and many other new titles, see the NMC library catalog.
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Apr 6, 2026 | HR Corner, Intercom
The following employees are celebrating an anniversary soon. Please join us in congratulating them!
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Apr 6, 2026 | HR Corner, Intercom
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!
Apr 6, 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!
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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
Apr 6, 2026 | HR Corner, Intercom
Mariam Alavidze recently started working at the college as a student Tutor. Welcome to the NMC community!
Apr 6, 2026 | Intercom, Student Events
Celebrate Earth Day on April 22 at the Dennos Museum! Students will receive exclusive access to these events from 10 to 11 a.m. and again from 4 to 5 p.m.
Clothing Swap
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Dennos Museum
The Dennos Museum’s annual clothing swap returns! Clothing can be dropped off at the Dennos Museum from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 17–21. 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!
Plant sale
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Dennos Museum
NMC’s Green Team will host a plant sale with about 500 starter plants, including herbs, flowers and houseplants. Every purchase helps fund campus vibrancy and beautification projects.
Gear & rec swap
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Dennos Museum
The Grand Traverse Conservation District will host a gear & rec swap. Gear can be dropped off Tuesday – Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through April 21 at the Boardman River Nature Center.
Apr 6, 2026 | Intercom, Student Events
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.
Apr 6, 2026 | Intercom
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-discrimination
Apr 2, 2026 | Intercom
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.
Apr 1, 2026 | Intercom, Student Events
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.
Mar 30, 2026 | Intercom
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.
Mar 27, 2026 | Intercom, Student Events
I Am The River, The River Is Me will screen at 4 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 3:30 p.m. and films begin at 4 p.m. in the Dutmers Theater at the Dennos Museum on NMC’s Front Street Campus.
Mar 27, 2026 | Intercom
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-discrimination
