Nominations open for Staff and Team Excellence Awards

Mar 9, 2026 | HR Corner, Intercom

Every day, we see colleagues who go above and beyond, not for recognition, but because they care deeply about our students, our colleagues, our community, and our mission. Now is our chance to say “thank you.”

Who to nominate?

A staff member or a team who:

    • Consistently embodies NMC’s values?
    • Has made a clear, positive impact on NMC this year?
    • Inspires you with their dedication?

Who is eligible?

  • Staff: Full-time, part-time, or supplemental.
  • Teams: Departments, committees, or project groups (2+ employees).

How to nominate 

Complete and submit the Staff Excellence Nomination Form or the Team Excellence Nomination Form by Thursday, April 2, 2026

Help us highlight the incredible work happening across our campus! Recipients will receive a monetary award and an engraved plaque to be presented at the You Made It Possible Celebration on May 13, 2026.

NMC Employee Recognition Committee: Lori Hodek, Chair, Marcus Bennett, Hollie DeWalt, Les Eckert, Kim Gourlay, Craig Hadley, Taylor Nash, Denny Nguyen, Nancy Parshall and Lisa vonReichbauer.

 
 

Food for the Soul

Mar 9, 2026 | Hawk Owl Helpers and Heroes, Intercom

Thanks to the Hawk Owl Café staff and Associate Dean of Campus & Residence Life Marcus Bennett for offering a Food for the Soul menu in February. This four-week series of special menus was presented as part of NMC’s Embrace the Dream programming and in support of NMC’s goal to create a vibrant campus where everyone belongs.

Who’s been a Hawk Owl Helper or Hero for you? Let us know at publicrelations@nmc.edu!

Media mentions for March 9, 2026

Mar 9, 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.

The People’s College: 75 years of higher learning
Baylife Magazine, March-April 2026, pp. 34-45
(more…)

Mobile food pantry March 16

Mar 9, 2026 | Intercom, Student News

NMC Mobile Food Pantry

NMC will host a mobile food pantry on Monday, March 16 from 3–5 p.m. in the Maple Lot on the Front Street campus. The menu includes potatoes, onions, cottage cheese, applesauce, pinto beans, juice, cereal, venison and pasta.

While our program is designed for NMC college students and their families, it is open to all in the community who are in need of food.

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.

 

 

Kudos!

Mar 6, 2026 | HR Corner, Intercom

Kudos to Amy Shamroe! Last Friday, the NOMIAC team hosted an Industry Navigator Lunch and Learn. Industry Navigator Amy Shamroe delivered a compelling and informative presentation that clearly outlined the breadth of training opportunities available through Extended Education, workforce training programs, and partner institutions across the 10-county region. Attendees walked away with a deeper understanding of available resources and a renewed appreciation for the collaborative strength behind the NOMIAC and Sixty by 30 initiatives. Thank you, Amy, for leading our industry partners in training with NMC and the NOMIAC!

Kudos to Emily Crull! Emily has recently gone above and beyond in providing support to our department. She laid out an entirely new webpage that was needed for a tight turnaround while her team was short-staffed – and it looks fantastic! She has also created extensive graphic libraries for several different initiatives that our department is involved with, so our materials look professional and polished. We truly appreciate all you do!

Celebrating new chapters

Mar 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!

    • Gabriella Baldino, supplemental employee – Food Service Front of House
    • Andre Dean, supplemental employee – Instructional Tech Specialist
    • Jillian Kaley, student employee – Residence Hall Front Desk
    • Steven Miles – Adjunct Math Instructor

Welcome our newest hires!

Mar 6, 2026 | HR Corner, Intercom

These employees recently started working at the college. Let’s welcome them to the NMC community!

    • Bee Kelly, student employee – Ceramic Studio Lab Assistant
    • Kim Ockert, supplemental employee – Test Proctor
    • Charlotte Davis, supplemental employee – Banquet Server. Hagerty Center
    • Mitchell Gingras, supplemental employee – Tutor

Volunteers sought for A Taste of Success

Mar 6, 2026 | Intercom

Want a front-row seat to the hottest ticket in town? The NMC Foundation and Alumni Relations are looking for volunteers for the annual A Taste of Success on Friday, April 24 at the Hagerty Center.

We’d love to have you on the team! From greeting guests to helping with our high-energy Heads or Tails game or the “By the Glass” live donation portion of the evening, our volunteers are the secret sauce that makes this night special. Most importantly, you’ll be helping us raise critical funds and scholarship dollars for the students of the Great Lakes Culinary Institute.

It’s fast-paced, social and an absolute blast. Fill out the yellow sections of the Google Sheet to secure your spot. We will send out email communications the week of the event to give you a rundown of what to expect, and your day-of contact will be there upon arrival.

If you have any questions, please contact Zach Whitaker at zwhitaker@nmc.edu or (231) 995-2826.

Sign up to volunteer at A Taste of Success

NMC Jazz Lab Band and student vocalists to perform at The Alluvion

Mar 5, 2026 | Intercom, Student Events

The NMC Jazz Lab Band and vocalists from NMC’s music program will join the Jeff Haas Trio for an evening of performances from 6-8:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 26 at The Alluvion.

The roster is part of the Alluvion’s weekly Jazz 4 All series. NMC students will be singing a wide range of jazz favorites including:

    • Anna Dewey, “Don’t Know Why”
    • Gloria Sobkoviak, “L-O-V-E”
    • Liliana Sosa Dunn, “Over The Rainbow”
    • Mason Moran, “All The Things You Are”
    • Rheanna Gilzene, “Almost Like Being In Love”
    • Tae Detweiler-Smith, “I’m Beginning To See The Light”

The Alluvion is located on the 2nd floor of the Commongrounds Cooperative at 414 East 8th Street in Traverse City. There are no advanced sales. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with a “pay what you can” cover at the door. Come as you are and don’t miss the show!

Success Story: Commitment Scholarship expands access

Mar 4, 2026 | Intercom, Student News

An NMC student stands in the Campus Bookstore holding class supplies

March 4, 2026

The NMC Commitment Scholarship is vastly expanding the ranks of eligible first-generation college students this spring, increasing the impact of a unique college access opportunity that began more than thirty years ago.

Starting with the high school class of 2028 (current high school sophomores), prospective first-generation college students in the six-county area can self-nominate for a Commitment Scholarship.

Previously students had to be nominated by their high school counselor as freshmen. Eligibility was limited to 18 regional public high schools, each of which could nominate only three students. Charter, private and homeschooled students are also now eligible. 

Kai Collins, NMC commitment scholarIn addition to the financial help (up to $2,000/year for up to three years) Commitment helps students gain confidence and focus. At a Michigan Tech recruiting fair last fall, seeking a summer internship among throngs of other students, sophomore Kai Collins (right) believes lessons he learned years earlier as an NMC Commitment Scholar helped him stand out.

“Being a Commitment scholar felt like I was being treated as an adult. I had to learn management skills,” said Collins, a 2024 Mancelona High School graduate. “It’s made me a lot more confident in my college journey. I know I can use opportunities I’m given to their fullest.” 

Collins landed an internship, with Milwaukee Tool, and is headed to Wisconsin this summer. 

The scholarship can be combined with other aid, including the Michigan Community College Guarantee. First-generation is defined as neither parent having earned an associate degree or higher. 

The goal is to expand access and have more students take advantage of the scholarship, which was established by NMC donors in 1993. Students must also participate in two preparatory events prior to starting at NMC and maintain a 2.0 GPA in high school.

Gillian Lovett, a 2023 Bellaire High School graduate, is a Commitment scholar currently enrolled at NMC. She will graduate this May. She said the scholarship helped make college a realistic prospect for her.

“I was definitely pretty surprised. College wasn’t on my radar yet. I felt pretty lucky to be nominated, and I felt grateful that I did have an opportunity ahead of me to go to school and not  worry about the money,” Lovett said.

Lovett is studying psychology and plans to transfer to Western Michigan University to complete her bachelor’s degree. She’s considering a career in the correctional field, as a rehabilitation counselor.

Collins expects to graduate from Michigan Tech in 2028 with a degree in mechanical engineering. While at NMC he also earned a certificate in Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS).

Apply online.

Fall 2026 textbook requisitions are due by Friday, March 20

Mar 2, 2026 | Intercom

Faculty, department heads and office managers, it’s time to submit your Textbook and Course Material adoptions for the Fall 2026 semester. Be on the lookout for an email from nmc@verbasoftware.com with a personalized link to submit your course materials adoptions.

To ensure your students have access to the right materials on the first day of class, please submit your adoptions by March 20, 2026.

Embrace Creativity and Focus: Craft Your Own Analog Bag

Mar 2, 2026 | HR Corner, Intercom

In today’s digital age, it’s easy to get lost in screen time. The “analog bag” offers a simple way to step back and enjoy offline activities.

Picture a bag filled with hobbies that bring you joy. Whether it’s a sketchbook, novel, knitting supplies, or a puzzle, your analog bag is limited only by your imagination. The goal: provide a tangible alternative to mindless scrolling.

Creating your own analog bag is fun and rewarding. Here’s why every employee should try it:

  1. Boost Creativity and Productivity
    Hands-on activities stimulate creativity and problem-solving. Doodling, writing, or crafting can spark new ideas that benefit your work.

  2. Enhance Focus and Mindfulness
    Analog activities require focus, making you more present and reducing stress—improving effectiveness both at work and personally.

  3. Encourage Work-Life Balance
    An analog bag helps set boundaries between work and personal time, improving mental health and refreshing your mind.

  4. Personalize Your Downtime
    Your bag reflects your interests. Fill it with items that resonate with you, creating a personalized escape from the digital world.

To start, consider hobbies you’d like to explore. Gather materials and keep your analog bag near where you often use your phone. This way, when tempted to reach for your device, you’ll have an enticing alternative.

Create your own analog bag and enrich your personal and professional life by fostering a more balanced, focused, and creative mindset. Let’s embrace the power of analog and make room for meaningful moments.