Media mentions for June 22, 2026

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.

Dennos Museum Center opens three summer exhibitions, marks Juneteenth with free admission
9&10 News, June 19
(more…)

Extended Education Opportunities

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!

 

Beginner Kayak Adventure with Paddle AntrimBeginner Kayak Adventure with Paddle Antrim

This half-day course meets paddlers where they are and helps them build confidence on the water. You’ll learn essential skills every paddler should know—all taught in a fun, supportive and safety-focused environment. Perfect for recreational paddlers and anyone who’s never taken a formal paddling class. Equipment is included. Read more about Beginner Kayak Adventure with Paddle Antrim.

Thursday, June 25; 12:30–4:30 p.m.
Tuition waiver price: $72 per person (Public price: $99)

Composting 101: Yard Waste, Food Scraps & Wood - Oh My!Composting 101: Food Scraps, Yard Waste & Wood – Oh My!

Do you wish your trash bins weren’t so full of wet, stinky stuff? Learn about the processes and the magnificent organisms that turn your trash into valuable soil amendments! We’ll cover the basics about what materials can go into different composting systems, how to launch a small system in your own backyard and the benefits that come from compost. Read more about Composting 101.

Tuesday, July 21; 3–5 p.m.
Tuition waiver price: $29 per person (Public price: $75)

Date Night: The Full PlateDate Night: The Full Plate

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)

Kudos!

Kudos to Zach Whitaker! On June 5, Zach Whitaker organized a Pitspitters Night at Turtle Creek Stadium for NMC Alumni and employees. It was a great event and it was nice to have an event where employees, alumni and their families could come together. Just wanted to let Zach know that the event was very appreciated by those in attendance. 

Kudos to Brittany Hanbury! Kudos to Brittany Hanbury for all her efforts and support with the NMC Walking Wellness Challenge! I’m looking forward to the next one. 

Kudos to Koleen Kerlin-Spigarelli, Melanie Griffith, Skylar Berry, Paul Schoppe and Lisa Eiden! Another successful season of study abroad recently concluded and we would like to recognize the following people for their work in helping to make it happen:

  • Koleen Kerlin-Spigarelli and Melanie Griffith,(Student Health Services) for their work in ordering and administering medications, often at a reduced rate for the Kenya team.
  • Skylar Berry (Financial Aid), Paul Shoppe (NMC Foundation) for their work investigating and distributing qualifying scholarships to our students. Additional financial support from NMC can often make or break a student’s decision to participate in what can be a life-changing opportunity.
  • Lisa Eiden (Student Financial Services) for her work in making sure all student financial strings were tied up prior to departure. 

Kudos to Marina Call! Marina’s steadfast commitment to seeing through many components that allow a safe and successful study abroad program to be offered annually is highly commendable! Her attention to various logistical details in making international payments, developing schedules, marketing opportunities, working individually with students and overseas providers (often in Spanish or Italian!) to align interests and alleviate anxiety, and following through with faculty, staff and community members is greatly 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!

Employee Wellness: Walking group

Do you want to get some extra steps in to meet your goals while connecting with colleagues? Brittany from Human Resources is hosting an employee walk around the Civic Center loop (this is approximately a one-mile walk). This group walk is completely optional but can be a fun way to chat and catch up with colleagues so we hope you’ll join us!

    • Tuesday, June 30, 12:15 p.m.

We will meet in front of the Dennos and plan to leave promptly at the scheduled time so grab your water and we will see you there!

Welcome our newest hires!

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

    • Stephanie Archambeau, supplemental employee – Music Department Box Office Manager
    • William Lobsinger – Adjunct Certified Flight Instructor
    • Carlos Gomez – Aviation Maintenance Mechanic

Employee Wellness: Yoga under the pines

Join NMC Wellness and Yen Yoga for an invigorating outdoor yoga class beneath the pines. This course is free to NMC employees and will be led by Leslie Simionescu from Yen Yoga. Embrace the fresh air, connect with nature and rejuvenate your mind and body. All skill levels are welcome. Start your journey to relaxation and wellness with us today. One lucky attendee will win a brand new yoga bag! 

Wednesday, June 24, 11 a.m.
Outside of the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center
In the event of rain we will relocate to the gym in the Rajkovich Physical Education Building
Register

Questions? Email bhanbury@nmc.edu

NMC Aviation team to compete in the Air Race Classic

Congratulations to NMC Aviation for their registration and upcoming participation in the historic Air Race Classic! We’re proud to cheer on the Cherry Capital Cruisers (Team #33), featuring flight instructor Emma Dyer alongside student Grace Soneral and team lead Rachael Kornoely. Representing NMC in one of the world’s oldest and most competitive all-women air races, this talented crew will be piloting a Cessna Skyhawk 172SP aircraft (N921BB) dedicated to legendary NMC flight instructor and aviation program director Bob Buttleman during the June 23–26 race.

They won’t be flying solo either, backed by a dedicated Traverse City ground support team managing weather, airspace and logistics every step of the way. Best of luck to our amazing aviators as they prepare for this incredible milestone—clear skies ahead, and Go Team 33! Follow along with the flyers starting June 23 here.


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

Media mentions for June 15, 2026

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.

Abra Berens & Erik Hall to Launch Teaching Kitchen in TC
Ticker, June 15
(more…)

Walk MS Traverse City to impact NMC campus June 20

Walk MS Traverse City will take place on Saturday, June 20, beginning at approximately 9 a.m. The event will start and end at Traverse City Central High School and will impact areas surrounding NMC’s Front Street Campus.

The event includes both a 1-mile and a 2.4-mile route. The 1-mile route enters campus through the US-31/College Drive entrance, while the 2.4-mile route travels around the perimeter of the Front Street Campus.

If you plan to be on campus during the event, please anticipate increased pedestrian traffic and possible delays. We encourage everyone to use caution when driving and allow extra time for travel. Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we support this community event.

Planning an event? Bring the excitement and invite Swoop

Don’t leave Swoop on the sidelines! As we look ahead to 2027, we know many exciting events and celebrations are already in the works. If you’d like Swoop to make an appearance and bring the energy, now is the time to let us know! Help us plan ahead by submitting your Swoop appearance request as soon as possible.

Submit your request by filling out the Swoop Appearance Request Form

Kudos!

Kudos to Dave Weaver! Dave brought together a team for Smart Commute Week and coordinated all of the tracking and reporting. It was so much fun to hear and see all the ways people got to work in a way that reduced the carbon footprint. Thanks for keeping us all sustainable! 

Kudos to STT Security/Robert Basso! On Saturday, May 23, STT Security did a great job protecting the campus and visitors during the Bayshore marathon event which drew 8,500 runners. STT planned for the event and collaborated with multiple departments to ensure a smooth running operation! Great Job. 

Kudos to Nicco Pandolfi! Nicco presented at the Friends of Traverse Area District Library Annual Meeting Thursday, May 28. He gave a timely and well informed presentation about the current state of AI and book publishing. His willingness to share his knowledge on the topic with a group at our regional library was appreciated by all, as was the conversation he guided with the members of the public in attendance.


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!

Celebrating new chapters

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!

    • Lucy Correia, student employee – Library Assistant
    • Brooklynn Golnick – Residence Hall Manager
    • Merek Roman – Adjunct Economics Instructor
    • Avery Verschaeve, student employee – Switchboard Operator & Welcome Desk

Welcome our newest hires!

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

    • Cindy Virta – Academic & Career Advisor
    • Michael Piotrowski – Adjunct Audio Tech Instructor
    • Christian Beehler, supplemental employee – Mascot
    • Kaylee Bradeen – Student Success Coach
    • Joel Cairns – Adjunct Flight Instructor

Board of Trustees Executive Committee to meet June 15

TRAVERSE CITY — The NMC Board of Trustees Executive Committee will meet Monday, June 15 at 1 p.m. in Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center Room 104/105. The meeting agenda is available online.

For more information, please contact the President’s office at (231) 995-1010.

 

Release date: June 11, 2026

 

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