The NMC Board of Trustees will hold a study session as well as its regular monthly meeting Monday, Sept. 28 in Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center Room 106/107 on NMC’s Front Street campus, 1701 E. Front Street, Traverse City, Mich.
The study session will begin at 3 p.m. The regular meeting will begin at 5:30 p.m. The meeting agendas are available here.
For more information, please contact the President’s office at (231) 995-1010.
Join NMC music instructor Dr. Michael Kudirka for the inaugural gathering of Grand Traverse Deep Listening, a new community devoted to communal listening and immersive, long-form musical experiences.
The first gathering takes place at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 25 in the grassy area between the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center and Founders Hall on NMC’s Front Street Campus.
For this inaugural event, participants will experience in vain by Georg Friedrich Haas, widely recognized as a major work of 21st-century orchestral music. The piece runs a little over an hour; bring a blanket or lawn chair and settle in as the music unfolds alongside the evening sky, with the sun setting and the full moon rising.
The event is being presented in collaboration with NMC’s Audio Technology Department, which will provide a high-fidelity sound system designed to bring the full depth and detail of the recording to life.
To learn more about this project, visit gtdeeplistening.org.
NMC Aviation students Grace Soneral (left) and Rachael Kornoely at the Air Race Classic
September 23, 2026
When Aviation student Grace Soneral starts looking for her first pilot job, she wants both her own resume and those of her fellow NMC flight students to rise above the pack.
So Soneral (pictured above left with teammate Rachael Kornoely) is co-captaining NMC’s first competitive flight team in more than two decades. In two weeks they’ll head to Ohio as the only community college to compete in the National Intercollegiate Flying Association’s (NIFA) Region 3 competition. A kind of aviation track and field meet, with events both in the air and on the ground, NMC Aviation students pitched the idea of a team to NMC’s Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, which awarded them the funding for a SAFECON (Safety and Flight Evaluation Conference) team last May.
“It truly tests your skills as a pilot and shows that you are willing to go above and beyond,” said Soneral, 20, who started at NMC in summer 2025 and will graduate next spring. “This is an opportunity for NMC students to set themselves apart. Not a lot of two-year programs have that option.”
Two-year aviation programs are in fact the exception to the rule, as Soneral found out in June flying in the Air Race Classic, an all-female point-to-point race that this year covered more than 2,700 miles across the Midwest and South. She and her teammates discovered that NMC’s program, which allows students to fly in their first semester, is a structure other students wished they had.
“It was very eye-opening,” Soneral said. “We love NMC. I am proud to be an NMC student and so grateful for a program structure that gets us flying right in our first semester.”
“You’re getting in a plane a lot faster,” her NIFA co-captain Alex Modrzynski (left) said of NMC’s two-year structure. Last year’s addition of a new hangar and eight new planes, which enabled Aviation to double its enrollment, also makes it timely for NMC to raise its profile now.
“We’re rivaling, in our fleet size, other schools in the country,” said Modrzynski, 32, who will graduate this semester. “I love it. I don’t think there’s anywhere more beautiful to fly than northern Michigan.”
NMC’s support of the team via the Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship also aligns with the college’s strategic goal to provide real-world learning opportunities inside and outside the classroom. The flight competition team was one of six projects OIE funded in May. Applications for a fall round of funding are open through Oct. 15.
“My voice was taken seriously and I was supported by the program,” said Soneral, who advocated for the team.
Under the coaching of flight instructor Joel Cairns, NMC will compete against Ohio State University, Western Michigan, Kent State, Bowling Green and Fairmont State in simulation events, written tests and preflight checks, all ground events, at the competition Oct. 4-9 in Bowling Green. Next year, when WMU hosts, they hope to enter flying events.
“We want the safest pilots we can have out there,” Modrzynski said. “This is a great way to do it, and have a little fun.”
“I grew so much as a pilot on the Air Race. I’m going to be a safer, smarter pilot in the future because of this,” Soneral said.
Scanning flyer QR codes is easy, but a scammer can paste a malicious sticker right over a legitimate one. Before you open the link, preview the URL to make sure it’s going where it should.
Accessibility is part of everyone’s work at NMC, not just the responsibility of IT or the Digital Accessibility Committee. This first issue of a new newsletter from NMC’s Digital Accessibility Committee introduces the basics of digital accessibility, explains why accessibility matters, and provides an overview of the federal accessibility requirements. We’ll also introduce the four principles of Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and the accessibility tools available at NMC to help you get started.
We don’t expect you to fix everything at once; we are striving for progress, not perfection, and every little bit we do helps! (more…)
Stop by the Campus Bookstore on Thursdays for a flash sale on apparel, gifts and more! Every Thursday is a different sale!
Planning to hang flyers or share materials on campus? Before you post, take a moment to review the college guidelines so your message can stay up—and reach the right audience.
For more information, view the full Posting (D-505.13) policy.
Thanks for helping keep our campus organized and welcoming!
Thanks to the 75th anniversary Celebration working group, for hosting a fabulous showcase event Saturday at the Hagerty Center. Led by Rachel Urkowitz and Peg Jonkhoff, work group members included Carolyn Andrews, whose Construction Technology and Welding students created centerpieces; Mark Howell, Cari Noga, Laura Stevens and volunteers Debbie Edson, Pam Horne and Laura Oblinger. NMC Audio Technology students performed to an enthusiastic crowd and Foundation staff ensured the event was executed flawlessly.
Who’s been a Hawk Owl Helper or Hero for you? Let us know at publicrelations@nmc.edu!
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.
Spilling the tea on decades of success
Northern Express, Sept. 19
(more…)
TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College joined nearly 350 community colleges around the country last week by signing the Presidents for Entrepreneurship Pledge of the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE).
President Nick Nissley signing the Presidents for Entrepreneurship Pledge (download high-resolution photo)By signing the pledge, NMC President Nick Nissley committed the college to undertake entrepreneurial practices that boost economic vitality in their communities. The pledge includes five action steps to advance entrepreneurship, including:
NMC already has established a strong commitment to entrepreneurship through its office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Nissley signed the pledge at the Lakebed 2030 conference, just before the winner of the second Great Lakes BlueTech Challenge was named. Naiad Technologies received $30,000 in seed funding. No. 2 finisher Nucleic Sensing Systems received $20,000 and No. 3 Lacuum AI received $10,000. The 2027 Great Lakes BlueTech Challenge will open in January.
Headquartered in North Carolina, NACCE is the country’s leading organization focused on promoting entrepreneurship through community colleges. The pledge is one of its foremost leadership tools.
In 2023, NMC won $40,000 in an NACCE pitch competition which helped it acquire a 3D concrete printer and the curriculum to add the revolutionary building technology to its construction curriculum.
Cari Noga
NMC Communications Director
cnoga@nmc.edu
(231) 392-1800 (Call or text)
Campus Life will host a disc golf tournament at 4 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 25. Participants will meet in front of East Hall. Prizes will be given for the top participants with the lowest score for 9 holes. Register
For more information, contact Marcus Bennett at mbennett@nmc.edu or CJ Schneider at cschneider@nmc.edu
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!
STRENGTH N’ STRETCH: EMPOWERMENTEmpower yourself from the inside out with a playfully powerful experience that builds resilience, grace, and grit. Blend traditional postures, flowing transitions, and breath work with functional strength and mobility to improve overall flexibility and balance. Read more about Strength n’ Stretch: EmPOWERment.
11 sessions; Tuesdays, October 6 – December 15; 5:30-6:15 p.m.
Tuition waiver price: $22 per person (Public price: $179)
DATE NIGHT: SHEET PAN DINNERSNew! Streamline weeknight cooking with all-in-one meals that deliver maximum flavor with minimal cleanup. Discover how a single sheet pan can transform fresh ingredients into effortless family favorites. Read more about Date Night: Sheet Pan Dinners.
Tuesday, Oct. 20; 6–9 p.m.
Tuition waiver price: $52 for two people (Public price: $199)
Fitness ConditioningCondition your entire body by using a variety of modalities like Pilates, yoga, strength training, and cardio. By using many different types of exercises that incorporate flexibility, strength, and resistance, you will build strength, agility, and power. Read more about Fitness Conditioning.
16 sessions; Mondays & Wednesdays; October 26 – December 16; 5:30–6:30 p.m.
Tuition waiver price: $35 per person (Public price: $199)
Kudos to Wayne Moody! Wayne Moody was our go-to expert for all things car show. His experience, coordination with so many outside organizations, and work securing donors were invaluable throughout the planning process of the 20th Annual Mike McIntosh Car Show and Block Party, and on the day of the event. And, of course, a huge thank you to the entire Automotive Department, its students, and volunteers, who are at the heart of the Mike McIntosh Car Show. They were there first thing in the morning directing traffic, organizing show vehicles, welcoming participants and making sure the car show ran smoothly. The pride they have in this event was evident throughout the entire day.
Kudos to Carolyn Andrews! Carolyn Andrews was an invaluable team player during the planning process (and day of event) of the 20th Annual Mike McIntosh Car Show & Block Party! She is an incredible problem solver who continually stepped in wherever something needed to be done. Her willingness to jump in and help keep things moving throughout the entire process.
Kudos to Georgenia Hromada! Georgenia Hromada kept so many of the behind-the-scenes details running seamlessly— from reserving meeting rooms and ordering t-shirts to coordinating with Facilities to make sure our NMC-branded decor and event materials were ready and on site for the 20th Annual Mike McIntosh Car Show & Block Party! She really held down the fort for everyone!
Kudos to Shelly VanderMeulen! Shelly VanderMeulen helped ensure the 20th Annual Mike McIntosh Car Show & Block Party was welcoming and family-friendly, while working with all of the technical division programs! She really brought the whole team together!
Kudos to Augusta Kummer! Through incredible organizational skills and communication, Ausgusta kept the Mike Macintosh and Aero Park Block party planning team focused, organized, and on track to deliver the best annual event ever! Her constant enthusiasm was contagious to the whole team and her presence at all planning meetings ensured details were not missed and everyone had a job. From planning to set up to execution to tear down, Augusta was a pivotal force in keeping things moving and keeping the energy high as well as maintaining focus and optimism. Thanks for your invaluable participation in this event, Augusta!
Kudos to Carolyn Andrews, Georgenia Hromada, Wayne Moody, Hollianne McHugh, Shelly VanderMuelen, Scott Goethals, Matt Hirsch, Darryl Greathouse, Brad Wortman, Joe Deater, Ryan Deering, Alex Bloye, Merrick Adams, Derrick Childress, and all Tech division staff/faculty/students/supplementals who participated! I’m sure I’m forgetting someone but also all the Facilities and volunteers who don’t work at NMC. Together, the 20th annual Mike Macintosh Car & Truck show and Aero Park Block party was a huge success and a great way to get the community out to see what we do here on Aero Park Campus! Thank you to all the hands that went into making this a wonderful event and especially the hands that provided perfect weather!
Kudos to Augusta Kummer, the Block Party committee and the Grounds Team! Great job facilitating the 75th Aero Park Block Party! The event was well organized and demonstrated excellent collaboration between departments. Augusta did a fantastic job keeping everything on track, while our committee effectively showcased the outstanding programs in the tech division. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this success: Shelly, Amy, Hollianne, Matt, Alex, Carl, Ryan, Daryl, Georgenia, Dan and the rest of the committee. A big thanks to the Grounds Team for making our campus look great and for managing the signage setup and takedown!
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!
These employees recently started working at the college. Let’s welcome them to the NMC community!
Thank you to everyone who’s been using the brand design resources in the employee brand hub. We recently updated the email signatures there to make the logo sizes more consistent, and to remove the Twitter links from the signatures as we sunset the use of that social media channel to focus on more active ones.
If you haven’t yet updated your signatures, or it’s been a while since you have, grab a fresh one from the brand hub or copy the version below! Choose from the standard version shown below, or a special 75th Anniversary version in green or blue, and modify it as needed with your name, title, department and contact info.
—
Name
Title
Department
Address
Phone: (231) 995-XXXX
TRAVERSE CITY — More than 400 area middle and high school students will have a chance to “try a trade” when NMC hosts its annual Building Tomorrow event Thursday Oct. 1 and Friday, Oct. 2 at the Aero Park Laboratories building.
Set for 9 a.m.-2 p.m. both days, the event is a hands-on experience that allows students to explore multiple skilled trades careers. Students will rotate through stations including carpentry, electrical, HVAC, automotive, welding and excavation site work.
“It’s very, very hands on,” said Carolyn Andrews, coordinator of NMC’s Construction Technology program. Students will take off tires, drive a mini excavator, build benches and picnic tables and wire a light, with the goal of exposing them to career paths they may not have considered.
“We want to change the stigma, change the culture. A lot of these are great careers,” Andrews said.
Aero Park Laboratories is located at 2525 Aero Park Dr. on NMC’s Aero Park campus.
There is strong employer demand for skilled trades workers. Construction laborers and managers, automotive service technicians and mechanics, electricians, HVAC mechanics and installers and plumbers are all among Michigan’s 2026 Hot 50 jobs outlook with the highest projected growth, openings and wages.
NMC offers both degrees and certificates in automotive technology, construction technology, engineering technology, manufacturing technology, renewable energy technology, surveying and welding technology. In all technical programs, enrollments are limited to maximize students’ access to the most current technology and industry-knowledgeable instructors. Technical curriculum is reviewed and approved by local advisory committees.
Cari Noga
NMC Communications Director
cnoga@nmc.edu
(231) 392-1800 (Call or text)
Multi-factor authentication blocks over 99% of account takeover attacks. Never approve an MFA push notification unless you just tried to log in. A random prompt means someone is trying to get in — deny it and report it.