New books for January 2026
To find these selections and many other new titles, see the NMC library catalog.
New year, new me!
Welcome to a new year full of possibilities! As we step into this fresh chapter, it’s the perfect time to embrace new opportunities and make positive changes. Check out the opportunities NMC already has available to help you on this journey below and keep an eye out for even more wellness events and information coming from NMC’s newly revamped wellness program!
Wellness Resources at NMC:
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- Fitness Center:
- Staff, Faculty, Adjuncts, and Supplementals are all eligible for a discounted membership!
- Library:
- Did you know you could check out pickleball, corn hole, disc golf and other fitness activities from the Library of Things?!
- Also check out their collection of cookbooks, and books on fitness and wellbeing!
- Extended Education & Training:
- Employees eligible for the tuition waiver can get discounted rates on yoga classes through yen yoga, climbs at elevate, rowing with the Leelanau Rowing Club, discounts at PickleU, and more! Check out their website edu/ees for even more opportunities.
- Ulliance Employee Assistance Program:
- Full-time NMC employees have access to wellbeing resources and free counseling through the Ulliance portal
- Fitness Center:
Employee anniversaries – January
The following employees are celebrating an anniversary soon. Please join us in congratulating them!
Kudos!
Kudos to Rob Rider! I had a very new staff member who unexpectedly had to work from home the other day. I emailed Rob Rider asking if there was anyway to get her setup with MiCollab, so she could answer our phone from home. Rob responded within 30 minutes, and had our new employee up and running swiftly. Thank you, Rob, for your dedication to keeping things running (and ringing!) here at NMC. Your kind and swift communication and follow-through are so greatly appreciated.
Kudos to Krissy Steinebach! Krissy took charge and coordinated a gift box full of wishes for a Salvation Army family in need over the holidays. Without her efforts and thought fullness this family may have not enjoyed Christmas as much. We appreciated her efforts.
Kudos to Danielle Quinlan and Lynne Mortiz! On Tuesday, December 9, 2025, an NMC student was involved in a car accident on College Drive while exiting the Cedar Lot. The vehicle airbags deployed and the student was badly shaken up.NMC Employees Danielle Quinlan and Lynn Moritz comforted the student until her dad arrived on scene. Employees Quinlan and Moritz’s actions were valuable, should be recognized and commended.
Kudos to Angela Adamick and Kristi Hallett! Thank you to Kristi Hallett, Angela Adamick and the facilities crew for setting up the Osterlin first floor for the CIE Faculty PD. It was perfect for the event!
Kudos to Kyle Morrison and Dylan Schaub! Thank you to Kyle Morrison and Dylan Schaub for setting up all the technology needed for a successful CIE Faulty PD day!
Kudos to Crystal Bailey, Chef Scott Williams, Lindsey Bradeen and crew! Thank you to Crystal, Chef Jim and the crew at Food Services for the delicious breakfast at the CIE Faculty PD day.
Kudos to Janet Lively and the CIE board! Kudos to Janet Lively and the CIE board for bringing back Robert Talbert for the January Faculty professional development event!
Kudos to Anna Bachman! Many cheers and accolades to Anna Bachman for finding solutions that made the upgrade of the registration system in Banner as smooth as possible. There were considerable challenges to overcome and Anna was an open, informative and strategic team member as we worked through potential challenges. I am grateful every day for her support!
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!
Welcome our newest hires!
These employees recently started working at the college. Let’s welcome them to the NMC community!
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- Perry Harmon, supplemental employee — Oleson Center Kitchen Manager
- Luci Correia, student employee — Library Assistant
- Karena Feiger, student employee — Library Assistant
- Michael Wolpe — Adjunct Audio Tech Instructor
- Uriah Petersen — Adjunct Construction Supervision/Carpentry Instructor
- Sarah Bauerle — Adjunct Applied Music Instructor
- Dawn Kucera — Adjunct Clinical Nursing BSN Instructor
- Nathan Fish — Adjunct Applied Music Instructor
- Ayla Weldon, student employee — Fitness Center Staff
- Zygmund Villalobos, student employee — Residence Hall Front Desk
Craig Shattuck’s retirement party
Please join us in celebrating the retirement of Craig Shattuck after 19 years of dedicated service to NMC. As the leader of our second-shift custodial team, Craig has been the definition of a ‘take-charge’ leader.
He is deeply respected for his encyclopedic knowledge of our campus and its people, but he will be missed most for what he brought to our culture. Whether it was a perfectly timed movie reference, a great story, or simply his unwavering cheerful personality, Craig made NMC a better place to work. Craig, we wish you nothing but the best as you head into a well-deserved season of rest and relaxation!
A retirement party will be held for Craig from 4–6 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 30 in the Sculpture Court at the Dennos Museum Center. All employees are welcome to attend.
Success Story: Lasting Legacy. Bold Tomorrow. NMC marks 75 years
January 7, 2026
A community cornerstone was born 75 years ago when Northwestern Michigan College opened its doors, establishing itself as the state’s first community college and a reputation for excellence, innovation and responsiveness that continues today.
NMC is launching its 75th anniversary year by introducing a special 2026 class of Outstanding Alumni — a group of more than five dozen individuals who have made exceptional contributions to their communities and career fields — as well as a year-long slate of special events.
“The accomplishments of these alumni span an incredible range of professions, from entrepreneurs to health care providers, from law enforcement to elected leadership,” NMC President Nick Nissley said of the class of 2026. “Daily, they embody NMC’s mission to transform lives and enrich our communities.”
The recipients are from every decade since NMC opened its doors in 1951. Some of the more familiar names include current state representatives Betsy Coffia and John Roth, Networks Northwest CEO Janie McNabb, city of Traverse City manager Benjamin Marentette , Grand Traverse County Sheriff Mike Shea and author Chasten Buttigieg. It also includes seven current NMC faculty and staff members.
The yearlong anniversary celebration is highlighted by three signature events open to the public:
- April 25: Student and community block party, Front Street campus
- July 25: History walk, Front Street campus
- Sept 19: Anniversary celebration, Great Lakes campus
“In 1951, the community spoke loud and clear — they wanted a college in northern Michigan. Seventy-five years later, that wisdom is reflected in a healthy, thriving NMC,” Nissley said. “We want the community to join us in a celebration of that founding vision, which we plan to carry out for 75 more years.
NMC opened its doors on Sept. 19, 1951. A total of 65 students attended classes held at the Traverse City airport terminal building. Today, more than 3,400 students are enrolled.
NMC has named Outstanding Alumni since 1988. In addition to the class of 2026, the college is honoring all past recipients of the award, as well as NMC’s Fellow award, as Legacy recipients. Visit nmc.edu/75 to see the list.
75th anniversary toolkit and email signature
Are you planning an event or communication during the 75th anniversary year? Whether or not your initiative is on the ‘official’ anniversary calendar, you can infuse 75th anniversary branding into your work this year!
NMC has a 75th anniversary branding toolkit available in Canva. Most offices/departments/teams have a Canva user. If you need help identifying someone, email publicrelations@nmc.edu.
Additionally, we hope everyone uses the special 75th anniversary email signature this year, which can be accessed on the employee intranet.
NMC launches 75th anniversary celebration
Outstanding Alumni Class of 2026 and Legacy list released
TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College is launching its 75th anniversary by introducing a special 2026 Outstanding Alumni class – a group of more than five dozen students who have made exceptional contributions to their communities and career fields and exemplify NMC values.
“The accomplishments of these alumni span an incredible range of professions, from entrepreneurs to health care providers, from law enforcement to elected leadership,” said NMC President Nick Nissley. “Daily, they embody NMC’s mission to transform lives and enrich our communities.”
“The saying ‘your success is our success’ rings especially true as we celebrate these remarkable alumni,” said Zach Whitaker, NMC manager of Alumni Relations. “I’m so excited to share their stories more broadly.”
NMC defines an alumnus as anyone who has completed at least one for-credit course. The class of 2026 includes alumni from every decade since NMC opened in 1951, and seven current NMC faculty and staff members. It was revealed at NMC’s January opening conference, an all-college event held at the start of the spring semester. Five alumni also participated in a panel discussion about how NMC has shaped their careers and lives.
NMC has named Outstanding Alumni since 1988. For the 75th anniversary, in addition to the class of 2026, the college is honoring all past recipients of the award, as well as NMC’s Fellow award, as Legacy recipients.
The Class of 2026 is listed below. Bios and pictures of each are available online. A series of community events for the 75th anniversary is also available at nmc.edu/75.
By field, alphabetically within each:
Art/marketing/publishing
Chasten Buttigieg, author
Aaron Draplin, Draplin Design Co.
Gary L. Howe Jr., Traverse City Horse Shows
Christopher Linsell, Luxury Presence
Beth Milligan, Traverse City Ticker
Aviation
Alex Bloye, NMC
Bob Buttleman*
Wes Clanton, United Airlines
Kegan Gill, entrepreneur/author/veteran
Koji Iwamoto, Amazon Japan
Kelly C. Lepley, B-747 captain
Business
Kathryn Bertodatto, Golden Swan Management
Walter Gordon Breidenstein, GasTechno Energy & Fuels LLC
Chris M. Bott, Andrews Hooper Pavlik CPAs
Amanda Eshleman, Golden-Fowler Home Furnishings
Erica Gaylord, Northern Lights Insurance Agency
Nathan D. Griswold, Inhabitect, LLC
Bryan Hammis, Flying Acres Ag
Mark Keely, NoMi STAY
Andrew Kohlmann, Image 360
Len Mankowski, VP geology
Richard C. Lewis*
Matthew Moss, ENTACT
Laura Oblinger, Rehmann
Dakota Porter, ActionGlow
Garret Porter, ActionGlow
Christopher Schmidt*
Rebecca Teahen, R.W. Baird-Rivard Teahen Wheatley Group
R. Peter Weaver – Orbital Advisors
Derek Woodruff – Queen’s Bouquet Network
Culinary
James Bloomfield, private chef
Courtney K. Lorenz, Cultured Kombucha
Jim Morse, NMC
Ray Priebe, That New Place
Stephanie Lee Wiitala, S2S
Education
Jacquelyn Abeyta – Grand Valley State University
Lindsey Dickinson, NMC
Ryan Deering, NMC
Nicholus Kopacki -Grand Valley State University
Gail Kurowski – NMC
John Lutchko – NMC
Jonathan T. Lyon, Murray State University
Randall L. Milstein – Oregon State University
Rebecca Richardson – NMC
Alexander Walsh, student, University of Chicago
Government/politics
Christal Frost Anderson, Networks Northwest
Betsy Coffia, state representative
Benjamin Marentette, City of Traverse City
George A. McManus III, Berrien County, MI
Janie McNabb, Networks Northwest
John R. Roth, state representative
Amy Shamroe, Traverse City mayor
Sandra L. Witherspoon, Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa & Chippewa Indians
Health care
Leslie K. Casperson, Gift of Life Michigan
Alex Hogarth – Munson Medical Center
Vincent R. Prusick, MD, orthopedist
Tamara Putney, Munson Healthcare
Samuel Surgalski – U.S. Navy
Human services
Ryan Hannon, Central United Methodist Church
Abagail McKiernan, HelpLink
Paula P. Prusick, Father Fred Foundation
Rebekah TenBrink, LIFT Teen Center
Law
Marcelo N. Betti, Immigration Law & Justice Michigan
Mark Klein, Goss Law Group
Michael Shea, Grand Traverse County Sheriff
Nonprofits
Marilyn Dear, A Soldier for Christmas
Alison Metiva, Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation
Jason Whittaker, Traverse City Track Club
*awarded posthumously
Release date: January 6, 2026
For more information:
Cari Noga
NMC Communications Director
(231) 392-1800 (mobile – call or text)
cnoga@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-discriminationNew name tag ordering process now available
NMC is implementing a new process for ordering name tags. To place future orders, visit the name tag order form page on NMC’s employee website, select one of the layout options and complete the corresponding Google form. This webpage replaces the PDF form that was previously used.
Employees can select from multiple layouts including options for listing preferred pronouns, long job titles or long department names. Each layout option has a corresponding form to ensure accuracy.
Before submitting your request, please review the tips and recommendations on the page, including:
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- Character limits for each line to prevent font scaling
- Guidance on shortening titles and avoiding redundancies
- Best practices for splitting long job titles or department names
These tips help ensure the finished name tag is consistent with NMC standards.
If you have questions or need assistance, contact Don Loeffler at dloeffler@nmc.edu.
Media mentions for January 5, 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.
Northwestern Michigan College to Sell Boardman Lake Building for $27M to Fund Campus Upgrades
9&10 News, Jan. 4
(more…)
Fall semester Dean’s List students named
TRAVERSE CITY— Northwestern Michigan College congratulates the 1,193 students who made the Dean’s List for the fall 2025 semester, earning a grade point average of 3.5 or above out of a possible 4.0 while taking five or more credits.
NMC, Grand Traverse Band sign letter of intent for Boardman Lake Campus sale
TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College and the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa & Chippewa Indians agreed to terms in principle for the sale of the Boardman Lake campus from the college to the Band, including a purchase price of $27 million.
Both parties have signed a letter of intent (LOI) to proceed, and NMC has suspended the Request for Proposals (RFP) process it began in October, which led to the Band’s initial offer. The sale could be completed by spring, following due diligence and pending NMC trustees’ approval.
Under the terms of the agreement, The Band has committed to never using the property for gaming activities. The Band has also stated that they will use the property, part of their ancestral homeland, as a centralized governmental services center. They will maintain public access for recreation, including the Boardman Lake loop trail, and lake and river access.
NMC has owned the property since 1989. For 30 years it was the home of the University Center, and more than 10,000 students have earned advanced degrees from four-year partners located there between 1995 to 2025.
Today, however, with different dynamics in higher education and online and hybrid course delivery options, NMC’s University Partners wanted to be on the college’s Front Street campus. That was accomplished in August. Now, NMC President Nick Nissley said it is time for the property to enter its next era.
“We are deeply grateful to the community members and donors whose vision helped make the Boardman Lake Campus a place of opportunity for thousands of learners,” Nissley said. “This next chapter allows us to honor that legacy while investing even more directly in our students, our campus, and the long-term vitality of the region.”
Board of Trustees chair Laura Oblinger, an alumnus of both NMC and two university partners, said the Band’s proposal was thoroughly vetted. The trustees’ duty of fiscal stewardship and sustainability led to their Dec. 15 vote to respond to the Band’s purchase offer.
“This was a decision the Board approached with care,” Oblinger said. “We weighed what the Boardman Lake Campus has meant to our students and our community, and we believe this path best supports NMC’s mission now and into the future.”
Nissley emphasized that the sale proceeds will be directed toward priorities already identified in NMC’s strategic plan and campus master plan, all focused on strengthening student success and the region’s future workforce. Those priorities include converting the Osterlin Building into a one-stop Student Success hub, addressing essential campus infrastructure such as a new power plant, and expanding student housing, which is currently at capacity. Together, these long-term priorities represent well over $100 million in planned investments, meaning the sale allows NMC to make meaningful progress, but represents only a portion of what is required.
“This investment gives us momentum, but it doesn’t change the scale of the work ahead,” Nissley said. “Supporting student success and the region’s future will continue to require strong partnerships with donors and the state.”
Release date: January 2, 2026
For more information:
Diana Fairbanks
NMC Associate Vice President of Strategic Communications and Change Initiatives
(231) 392-6082 (mobile – call or text)
dfairbanks@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-discriminationLetter of intent for Boardman Lake campus sale signed
Dear colleagues,
As you know, in December NMC’s Board of Trustees authorized me to negotiate with the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians following their initial offer to purchase the Boardman Lake campus. I’m writing to let you know we have now agreed to terms in principle, including a purchase price of $27 million. Both parties have signed a letter of intent to proceed with the sale, and I have suspended the RFP process that began in October, which led to the Band’s initial offer. We anticipate completing the sale in the spring, following due diligence and pending trustee approval.
The Band shared they will use the property, part of their ancestral homelands, as a centralized governmental services center. Additionally, they are committing to maintaining public access for recreation, including the Boardman Lake loop trail, and lake and river access. Under the terms of the agreement, the Tribe has committed to never using the property for any gaming activities.
I know this continuity of community engagement reflects the intent of those who campaigned for the property over 35 years ago, when NMC purchased the property from Sara Lee. The building quickly grew into a critical asset for the college and our region. More than 10,000 students have earned advanced degrees through the Boardman Lake Campus thanks to the generosity of donors like Art and Mary Schmuckal, for whom the building was named, and the innovative vision of those who advocated for the acquisition.
Now, with different dynamics in higher education and course delivery options, including online and hybrid formats, and with our University Partners relocated to our Front Street campus, it is the right time for the property to enter its next era. The sale of this property will support and help accelerate more than $100 million in projects set forth in our campus master plan (basic infrastructure needs, like the need for more student housing and a new power plant), as well as advance our strategic priorities: future focused education, student engagement and success, and a vibrant college community.
As we begin a new year, I’m feeling incredibly grateful as we advance this opportunity. An opportunity for a win-win-win: a win for the Grand Traverse Band, a win for the College and our NMC students, and a win for the community.
Thank you for all you do for NMC.
Nick
Employee Wellness: The power of reading for pleasure
Have you ever thought about how awesome it is to just chill with a good book? Step away from the hustle and bustle for a bit and get lost in a story. Reading is the perfect way to unwind, spark your creativity, and build empathy. Whether you’re into gripping novels or inspiring biographies, each page is a chance for fun and growth. So, carve out a little “me time” every day. Let your imagination run wild and dive into new adventures.
Kudos!
Kudos to Brittany Hanbury! Brittany coordinated the first ever NMC Book Swap, bringing book lovers from all departments together for some holiday cheer and great reads. Thanks to her for coordinating a fun gathering with the added bonus of sending participants home with new-to-them reads in time for the holiday break.
Kudos to Ben Post! Ben answered a very last-minute, very panicked, and very-end-of-the-semester call for help to correct a weighted scoring problem with a Canvas gradebook. Ben assessed the issue (after working hours), suggested a correction, then made the necessary changes himself (also after working hours). The result was an accurate gradebook and a majorly relieved faculty member. Ben saved the day in a totally selfless way!
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!
Welcome our newest hires!
These employees recently started working at the college. Let’s welcome them to the NMC community!
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- Kimberlee Dobek – Adjunct College Success Instructor
- Melody Jesiek, student employee – Residence Hall Front Desk
- Justin Deo, student employee – Fitness Center Staff
- Trinity Trowbridge, student employee – Residence Hall Front Desk
- Kristinia Bindschatel, supplemental employee – Tutor
- Al Laursen – Adjunct Aviation Ground Instructor
Anchor and Edge: Modernizing for what’s next
At their meeting on December 15, 2025, the Board of Trustees approved the strategic plan as presented. This document summarizes the strategies, objectives, strategic drivers, and the strategic impact statement of Anchor and Edge, NMC’s new strategic plan. In this preliminary phase of strategic plan development, work continues behind the scenes drafting actions for the thirteen objectives with three deep-dive strategy workshops scheduled for early January. Teams will work to finalize their action steps, identify resourcing needs, and align with internal processes during spring. The official launch of this three-year plan will coincide with the start of FY27 on July 1, 2026.
Strategic Initiatives would like to thank the Strategic Plan Steering Committee, Leadership Council, ESIMT, Faculty and Staff Councils, student groups, ORPE, industry partners, and the many others that provided valuable input and support during the development process. Look for more engagement as objective leads reach out as they implement action steps.