Jul 27, 2026 | Intercom
TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College’s Police Academy has a new training vehicle courtesy of the Traverse City Police Department.
The department donated the 2017 Ford Explorer Interceptor last month. Based on the Ford Explorer, it is a heavy-duty SUV designed specifically for law enforcement.
TC Police Sgt. and NMC adjunct Jeremy Metdepenningen (download high-resolution photo)
Equipped with emergency lights, a push bumper, a backseat cage, and a rear locker, other Interceptor features include engineering for high speed police pursuit and a perimeter alert system. Police Academy director Gail Kurowski said she used it in an emergency vehicle operations in-service training last year, and is delighted to add it to the Academy’s fleet.
“This vehicle is already outfitted with standard police equipment, making it ideal for us to use in training. It’s a win-win, saving Police Academy resources and helping us better prepare officers to keep our communities safe,” Kurowski said.
NMC offers two full-time, 16-week police academies per year. It is also the only Michigan academy to offer drone certification to its recruits, and far exceeds the minimum requirement for scenario training, which simulates real-world situations, set by MCOLES, the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards. Students who already have a degree can become an officer in just one semester, after passing a licensing exam. Find out more at nmc.edu/police.
Release date: JULY 28, 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
Jul 27, 2026 | Hawk Owl Helpers and Heroes, Intercom
Thanks to the Explore History Day Committee and partner Home–Agency for creating Lasting Legacy, Bold Tomorrow: NMC at 75, a new video that celebrates NMC’s 75th anniversary. Home–Agency donated its services to help create the video, which premiered at Saturday’s Explore History Day and is available now to share on NMC’s YouTube channel.
Who’s been a Hawk Owl Helper or Hero for you? Let us know at publicrelations@nmc.edu!
Jul 27, 2026 | Intercom, Student News
At NMC, our first priority is to keep our entire college campus community safe. As part of that commitment, earlier this year NMC invested in a new, faster emergency notification system with more comprehensive capabilities. This system, Mitel Revolution, is tested the first Monday of each month.
Beginning Monday, Aug. 3, new and updated methods of communication will be included with the monthly test. Here is what to expect:
NEW:
- Overhead paging: In the Dennos and North Hall
UPDATED:
- Screen capture of laptops and desktops connected to NMC’s network or virtual private network (VPN), including campus monitors showing events and announcements. Previously, screen capture included only desktops and laptops. Users can close the notification by acknowledging it or exiting the window.
- Phones: We are increasing the speed of notifications to cell phones and landlines. Campus phones will also broadcast notifications in classrooms and offices. Calls come from 231-995-1101. You may want to save the number in your phone.
- Emails. Sender is “nmc-notifications.” You may want to whitelist it.
CONTINUING:
- Texting. Alerts come from “NMC Security.” You may want to save the number in your phone.
Students and employees are automatically opted into the emergency notification system. For more information on campus safety, visit nmc.edu/safety. Thanks for helping to keep campus safe.
Jul 27, 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.
Bergman provides legislative update
Alpena News, July 27
(more…)
Jul 27, 2026 | Intercom
Welcome Week 2026 is Aug. 20–28. The Welcome Week planning committee is currently organizing a series of engaging events for our students and is seeking additional support for a select number of events. Your participation would greatly assist in ensuring each student feels welcome and appreciated at NMC! Volunteers for the East Hall move-in on Friday, Aug. 21 are especially needed.
For questions, please contact studentlife@nmc.edu.
Jul 27, 2026 | HR Corner, Intercom
Kudos to Terri Gustafson! During our Zoom licensing renewal, Terri saved the college a significant amount of money with her negotiating prowess. Additionally, she represented NMC on 9&10 News, speaking to the college’s AI strategy.
Kudos to Skylar Berry! I want to share thanks with Skylar because he is always willing to take the extra step and seek a solution. Today, Skylar helped me with a student situation that could have left the student with a balance and unable to adjust her fall schedule. He took the extra moment to review her file and found an alternative solution so she can continue with her final semester at NMC. Thank you for going above and beyond, Skylar!
Kudos to Angie Adamick, Robin Maloney, Ronda Russell-Yanski and Stephanie Liss! Thank you to the custodial team who jumped in and helped rearrange TJNIC 106/107 when weather forced a last minute location change to the Rotary Lunch. Their willingness to get the job done and help ensure a successful event was much appreciated!
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!
Jul 27, 2026 | HR Corner, Intercom
These employees recently started working at the college. Let’s welcome them to the NMC community!
-
- Lynne Warren, supplemental employee – Music Ensemble Accompanist
- Rob Reed – Adjunct Visual Communications Instructor
Jul 27, 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!
One Seat Left! There is no better way to experience a northern Michigan river than by paddling its calm waters and enjoying its unique wildlife! On this guided tour, students will explore Grass River by kayak and find out about Grass River Natural Area’s conservation efforts, wetland ecology, and Michigan wildlife. Read more about Kayak River Tour.
Wednesday, July 29; 9:30 a.m.–12 p.m.
Tuition waiver price: $59 per person (Public price: $89)
The wildflowers of Michigan’s wetlands are unique and striking. Take a walk through Grass River’s boardwalk trails that give you access to some of the most exquisite wetlands in northern Michigan as we learn the natural history and conservation of these gorgeous flowering plants. Read more about Wetland Wildflowers.
Friday, July 31; 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
Tuition waiver price: $19 per person (Public price: $59)
New! Treat yourself to a night of flavor and fun! Dive into the joy of cooking by preparing a Full Plate: a vibrant appetizer, a savory entrée, and a luscious dessert. Explore new ingredients, sharpen your kitchen skills, and enjoy the reward of eating every course you create. Read more about Date Night: The Full Plate.
Tuesday, August 4; 6–9 p.m.
Tuition waiver price: $62 for two people (Public price: $199)
Jul 23, 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.
Thursday, September 10
4–5 p.m.
Osterlin Building, room 205 (upstairs)
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.
Jul 23, 2026 | Intercom
When acts of violence occur, you can’t always wait for EMS to arrive. AVIRT Training was developed with law enforcement and medical experts to empower everyone to become an immediate responder. This course is designed to equip individuals with the skills and knowledge to respond effectively to active violence and emergency situations. AVIRT teaches both active shooter response skills and emergency bleeding techniques. Certification period: 2 years.
Tuesday, October 13 (October Conference)
1:20–3 p.m.
Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center, room 15
Tuesday, October 20
3–5 p.m.
Osterlin Building, room 205
Register through NeoEd Learn using these instructions. For questions, contact Garrett Croon at gcroon@nmc.edu or (231) 995-1747.
Jul 21, 2026 | Cyber Minute, Intercom
A caller claiming to be ‘IT’ asking you to read back a verification code or install remote access software is a vishing attempt. The real Technology Help Desk will never ask for your password over the phone. Hang up and call us back directly.
Jul 20, 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.
OOPs 2.0: NMC Reimagines Its Innovation & Entrepreneurship Office
The Ticker, July 19 (more…)
Jul 20, 2026 | Hawk Owl Helpers and Heroes, Intercom
Golfers are invited to register for the Scholarship Open golf tournament Thursday, Aug. 6 at the Grand Traverse Resort & Spa. Golfers may register as a team or individual. A premier northern Michigan golf outing since 1982, the Scholarship Open has raised over $2 million for merit-based scholarships, making higher education accessible for NMC students. Visit nmc.edu/golf to register or find out more.
Who’s been a Hawk Owl Helper or Hero for you? Let us know at publicrelations@nmc.edu!
Jul 20, 2026 | HR Corner, Intercom
Kudos to Zach Whitaker, Rachel Urkowitz, Sam Boase-Miller, Patrick Quinlan, Uriah Petersen, Danielle Quinlan, Lexi Galla, Bill Czyzyk, Bridget Munroe, Lisa vonReichbauer, Heather VanStratt, Kelly Yauk, Joan Sodini, Wayne Moody, Jim Nelson and Shannah Vergote! A massive thank you to everyone who built the float, took down the float, drove the route, played the tunes, and walked the parade to hype up the crowd while giving out swag. Seeing the joy on people’s faces—especially our alumni spotting the float and sharing their connection—was the absolute best. Everyone represented the college with so much pride and energy. Cheers to a job well done and a ton of fun had by all!
Kudos to Heather VanStratt, Krista McCarty, Shirl Martin, Amy Shamroe and Elizabeth Sonnabend! Heather VanStratt, Grant Manager & Community Coordinator, with the support of Krista McCarty, Shirl Martin, Amy Shamroe, and Elizabeth Sonnabend, led the quarterly meeting of The Northern Michigan Attainment Collaborative (NOMIAC) on July 15th at the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center. With over 35 members in attendance, organizations like Manthie Construction, North Central Michigan College, Char Em ISD, and Crystal Mountain among many others were represented. The St. Clair Butterfly Foundation (SCBF) gave a powerful and informative presentation about their work which they described as being the “foundation” or layer before students could succeed in the strategic pathways laid out by the NOMIAC.
The St. Clair Butterfly Foundation (SCBF) is a national nonprofit headquartered in Michigan that strengthens schools, justice, behavioral health, and community systems through a neuroscience-informed approach to human behavior.
In addition, Gaia Pampu from Third Sector, presented about the work she is doing with Maggie Bacon and BEST Benzie, and Heather VanStratt, to build out funding opportunities for adult learners. This is a LiLA (Lifelong Learning Account) initiative, much like a MESP 529. BEST Benzie will be piloting an Earn to Learn model this year, which is an 8 to 1 tuition match for Benzie residents ages 25+ with no post secondary education. All members were welcome to bring promotional materials and share about their upcoming events.
The NOMIAC Heathcare Strategic Pathway is set to launch in December, 2026 (after NMC prepares to launch the blended Healthcare Pathway this fall).
Kudos to Elizabeth Sonnabend and Heather VanStratt! Elizabeth Sonnabend has spearheaded and launched a high-demand program for regional employers, Industrial Sewing. The story was picked up by 9 & 10 News on July 15, 2026. The program has been a long time coming due to a lack of regional instructors and the need for equipment. Elizabeth worked with Diane Arnold of Neuco Furniture & Upholstery and has worked with two of her employees to become our Industrial Sewing trainers.
In addition, Elizabeth has worked with several local companies such as Tent Craft, TC Canvas, Warbird, and others to utilize equipment and for their input on curriculum. The press release has already caught the attention of other employers in the region. Registration is open for a cohort of 8-10 students this September – October. A second cohort will run in the new year. Kudos to Elizabeth and Heather VanStratt for stitching together this program over the past year!
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!
Jul 20, 2026 | HR Corner, Intercom
These employees recently started working at the college. Let’s welcome them to the NMC community!
- Brooke Adcock – TSSOM Culinary Intern
- Jordan Muzzy – Residence Hall Manager
- Don Trilla – Groundskeeper
- Tiff Falls – Adjunct – Audio Tech Instructor
Jul 17, 2026 | Intercom
The NMC Board of Trustees will hold its regular monthly meeting Monday, July 20 at 5:30 p.m. in Parsons-Stulen Room 222 on NMC’s Aero Park campus. More information is available here.
For more information, please contact the President’s office at (231) 995-1010.
Jul 15, 2026 | Intercom
TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College will again host the Scholarship Open golf tournament Thursday, Aug. 6 at the Grand Traverse Resort & Spa.
Presented by Bill and Susie Janis in memory of Julie Janis Finch and Eddie Janis, the Scholarship Open is now open for golfer registration. It includes an 18-hole scramble on the award-winning Bear or Wolverine course at the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa in Acme, food and prizes. Golfers may register as a team or individual.
A premier northern Michigan golf outing since 1982, the Scholarship Open has raised over $2 million for merit-based scholarships, making higher education accessible for NMC students. Visit nmc.edu/golf to register or find out more.
Release date: July 15, 2026
For more information:
Rachel Urkowitz
NMC Foundation
(231) 995-1834
Email: rurkowitz@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
Jul 13, 2026 | Cyber Minute, Intercom
Working remotely from a local coffee shop this summer? Public Wi-Fi is rarely secure. Connect to the college’s VPN before logging into Canvas, grading systems, or MyNMC.
TC Police Sgt. and NMC adjunct Jeremy Metdepenningen (download high-resolution photo)
