Jan 26, 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 summer camp shuffle: Your guide to 2026 sign-up season
Ticker, Jan. 24
(more…)
Jan 26, 2026 | Intercom, Student Events
Campus Life and Esports are hosting a NBA 2K26 basketball tournament at 6 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 6 in the Esports Lab, located in the lower level of the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center (#9 on the Front Street campus map).
- Xbox Series X/S and Playstation 5 versions available
- Prizes for the top two winners on each console
- Earn bragging rights for the season
- Free to play
For more information please contact Andre Dean at adean@nmc.edu or Marcus Bennett at mbennett@nmc.edu.
Jan 26, 2026 | Intercom, Student Events
Join the NMC Library from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 29 to celebrate Black History Month, diverse characters and the power of reading to break down barriers at the fifth annual Embrace the Dream Read-Aloud & Craft Night! This is a completely FREE event with no registration necessary and children ages 3-12 are invited to READ, CRAFT and get a FREE BOOK! Adults can join in on the fun or find a space in the building to relax while the kiddos hang out with the librarians, reading and getting crafty!
For more information, please contact the NMC Library by phone at (231) 995-1060 or by email at library@nmc.edu.
Jan 26, 2026 | HR Corner, Intercom
Kudos to Amy Klei! Amy was responsible for updating a BANNER report that was needed for Financial Aid to complete information for the National Center for Education Statistics. The instructions provided by IPEDS did not include all of the information that was needed for the report. This situation created a great deal of rework. Amy has a great deal of knowledge and experience which helped me find the missing pieces to this project. She was very responsive in working through this cumbersome process so we could meet our submission due date.
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!
Jan 26, 2026 | HR Corner, Intercom
These employees recently started working at the college. Let’s welcome them to the NMC community!
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- Paolo Perez Lopez, student employee — Student Life Office Assistant
- Mya Stanley, student employee — Residence Hall Front Desk
Jan 23, 2026 | Intercom
The NMC Board of Trustees will hold its regular monthly meeting Monday, January 26 at 5:30 p.m. in Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center Room 106/107. More information is available here.
For more information, please contact the President’s office at (231) 995-1010.
Jan 21, 2026 | Intercom, Student News
January 21, 2026
The Great Lakes Blue Tech Challenge, the third straight entrepreneurial pitch competition NMC has sponsored, launched this week, seeking innovative ideas to fast-track businesses developing solutions for a wide range of issues impacting the world’s largest freshwater system.
At stake is $55,000 in seed funding. First prize is $30,000, second prize is $15,000 and third prize will win $10,000. Finalists will present at the Lakebed 2030 conference in Traverse City Sept. 17, gaining visibility and networking opportunities.
“The Blue Tech Challenge is progressing in parallel with the Freshwater Innovation Center and with the wider idea of TC becoming this freshwater innovation ecosystem. It’s all maturing together in a way which is beneficial for northern Michigan and the entire, bi-national Great Lakes region,” said Canadian Trade Commissioner Dakota Korth, a judge for the 2025 competition. The Challenge is open to entrants from the U.S. and Canada.
Vernon LaLoneThe poster child for the Blue Tech Challenge is the 2025 winner, Wave Lumina of Traverse City. The company, which manufactures a portable, rapid-response PFAS testing device, also placed second in Aquahacking the Great Lakes, the 2024 competition. Since launching in founder Vernon LaLone’s spare bedroom in 2023, Wave Lumina has won a $305,000 National Science Foundation Small Business Innovation & Research grant; hired two employees, both NMC alumni; and served its first paying customers in December.
Now operating in a lab at NMC’s Parsons-Stulen Building, Lalone hopes to become a tenant at the Freshwater Research & Innovation Center when it opens in 2027.
Korth hopes that businesses with Canadian roots will be there, too. The Canadian government contributed $5,000 to last year’s competition and he hopes to provide at least that much again.
“A big piece for me is a deepened Canadian participation,” Korth said. In the 2025 event, 35 companies made initial inquiries, and 18 submitted first-round pitches. Of those, three were Canadian.
“We’re trying to help eliminate the challenge of the border as an impediment to economic progress on both sides,” said Korth, whose office is in Detroit. “It’s natural for us to look to our neighbors to find ways to work together to find what buoys our livelihoods and our health.”
The Challenge is open to motivated entrepreneurs, startups, early-career professionals, and even student-led ventures from across the United States and Canada. Areas of focus are:
- Resilience and Adaptation
- Aquatic Ecosystems and Aquaculture
- Maritime Mobility and Exploration Systems
- Water Treatment and Purification
- Resource Recovery and Circular Solutions
- Water Intelligence and Decision Support
- Water Infrastructure and Asset Management
For more information visit nmc.edu/bluetechchallenge.
Jan 20, 2026 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — NMC has opened registration for the Great Lakes Blue Tech Challenge, seeking startups with solutions for a wide range of issues impacting the world’s largest freshwater system.
At stake is $55,000 in seed funding. First prize is $30,000, second prize is $15,000 and third prize will win $10,000. Finalists will present at the Lakebed 2030 conference in Traverse City Sept. 17, gaining visibility and networking opportunities.
The third such competition of its kind at NMC, the Blue Tech Challenge is progressing in parallel with the Freshwater Research and Innovation Center, with the wider idea of Traverse City becoming a freshwater innovation hub.
“It’s all maturing together in a way which is beneficial for northern Michigan and the entire, bi-national Great Lakes region,” said Canadian Trade Commissioner Dakota Korth, a judge for the 2025 competition.
The Challenge is open to entrants from the U.S. and Canada. Registration closes March 27, and first-round pitches will take place on June 29. The Challenge is open to motivated entrepreneurs, startups, early-career professionals, and even student-led ventures from across the United States and Canada. Areas of focus are:
- Resilience and adaptation
- Aquatic ecosystems and aquaculture
- Maritime mobility and exploration systems
- Water treatment and purification
- Resource recovery and circular solutions
- Water intelligence and decision support
- Water infrastructure and asset management
After 35 initial inquiries, 18 teams entered the 2025 Challenge, won by Wave Lumina of Traverse City. The company, which manufactures a portable, rapid-response PFAS testing device, also placed second in Aquahacking the Great Lakes, the 2024 competition. Since launching in founder Vernon LaLone’s spare bedroom in 2023, Wave Lumina has won a $305,000 National Science Foundation Small Business Innovation & Research grant; hired two employees, both NMC alumni; and served its first paying customers in December.
Now operating in a lab at NMC’s Parsons-Stulen Building, LaLone hopes to become a tenant at the Freshwater Research and Innovation Center when it opens in 2027.
For more information visit nmc.edu/bluetechchallenge.
Release date: January 21, 2026
For more information:
Denver Peters
Director, Strategic Portfolio and Development
dpeters@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1215
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
Jan 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.
Community mourns Brutus woman, GoFundMe launched to help family
Petoskey News-Review, Jan. 16
(more…)
Jan 16, 2026 | Intercom, Student News
The Campus Bookstore is offering $10 off all regular priced hoodies from Jan. 19–30.
Jan 16, 2026 | HR Corner, Intercom
Is one of your goals for this year to be more active? Here are some creative ways to stay active during the day!
- Walking meetings: Having a walking meeting with a colleague can be a great way to get some extra steps in and accomplish a common goal.
- Stretching at your desk: If you can’t get away from your desk, try to stretch a few times a day. Stretching boosts your circulation, which can help relieve stress and tension. Check out some stretches you can do at your desk.
- Taking the stairs: When possible take the stairs instead of the elevator; this can be a great way to stay active.
Also be sure to check out NMC’s fitness center; employees are eligible for a discounted rate, and it’s convenient location makes it easy to squeeze in a quick workout before or after work or even on your lunch break!
Jan 16, 2026 | HR Corner, Intercom
These employees recently started working at the college. Let’s welcome them to the NMC community!
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- Adam Raupp – Adjunct Culinary Arts Instructor
- Stephanie Randles – Adjunct Nursing Instructor
- Matt Keilen – Adjunct Flight Instructor
- Shyann Hillier, student employee – Writing Center Teaching Assistant
- Alina Dhaseleer, supplemental employee – Tutor
- Gabby Baldino, supplemental employee – Food Service Front of House
- Peyton Abney, supplemental employee – Food Service Front of House
Jan 16, 2026 | HR Corner, Intercom
Join us for these Embrace the Dream events and activities as we celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Black History Month!
Beginning January 17 and continuing throughout the month, we invite you to take part in Embrace the Dream. This series of events and activities honors the legacy and values of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. These experiences center around reflection through learning, service, community, connection, and inclusion.
Join your colleagues and engage with these meaningful opportunities, both on campus and in the community. Below is a list of currently scheduled events and activities, with more to come:
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Freedom Walk & Celebration (sponsored by Northern Michigan E3)
January 17
- 1:30 – 2 p.m. – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Freedom Walk, Rotary Square (Corner of Union and State St.)
- 2 – 3 p.m. – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration
- 3 – 4:30 p.m. – Socialize after at Bushell’s Kitchen, 127 South Union Street
Contact: Marcus Bennett, mbennett@nmc.edu
Dennos Museum “I have a dream” Day
January 19, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Free admission to the Dennos
Contact: Craig Hadley, chadley@nmc.edu
5th Annual Embrace the Dream Read – Aloud and Craft Night
January 29, 4:30 – 6 p.m.
NMC Library
Kids, preschool through 6th grade are invited to the NMC Library to READ, CRAFT and receive a FREE Book!
Volunteers needed. Contact: Kerrey Woughter, kwoughter@nmc.edu
Children’s Literacy
January 30, 9:45 – 11:15 a.m.
Traverse Heights Elementary School
Join us in reading and crafting with local elementary school students at Traverse Heights Elementary School! You will be paired with one or two fourth-grade students to read part of a children’s book and do a related craft. Volunteers needed. Contact Kerrey Woughter, kwoughter@nmc.edu
Food for the Soul
Thursday, February 5, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 4:30–6 p.m.
Hawk Owl Café
$6.00/NMC staff & students; $12.00/community members
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- Rib tips or BBQ jack fruit (vegetarian)
- Baked beans
- Mac and cheese
- Sweet potato pie
- Drink option (sweet tea)
Food for the Soul
Thursday, February 12, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 4:30–6 p.m.
Hawk Owl Café
$6.00/NMC staff & students; $12.00/community members
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- Fried chicken or black bean burger (vegetarian)
- Coleslaw
- Collard greens (with or without ham)
- Banana pudding
- Drink option (Arnold Palmer)
Food for the Soul
Thursday, February 19, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 4:30–6 p.m.
Hawk Owl Café
$6.00/NMC staff & students; $12.00/community members
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- Country fried steak or mac and cheese (vegetarian)
- Mashed potatoes and gravy
- Red beans and rice
- Yellow pound cake
- Drink option (lemonade)
Food for the Soul
Thursday, February 26, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 4:30–6 p.m.
Hawk Owl Café
$6.00/NMC staff & students; $12.00/community members
- Shrimp and Grits or blackened tofu (vegetarian)
- Collard Greens (with and without ham)
- Corn bread (jiffy)
- Cherry cheesecake
- Drink option (sweet tea)
For full details, to add events to your Google Calendar, or to watch for new opportunities, visit the NMC Embrace the Dream calendar. If you have an event or activities to add, please contact lhodek@nmc.edu. Thank you for supporting inclusion and community at NMC!
Jan 15, 2026 | Intercom, Student News
Nancy Gray, NMC English instructor and Neurodiversity Support Center coordinator, passed away unexpectedly Monday, January 12.
Visitation will take place Tuesday, January 20, 2026, from 4-7 p.m. at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, 305 Sixth St., and on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at 10 a.m. at Milliken Auditorium. Her memorial service will follow at 11 a.m. in Milliken Auditorium. There will be reserved parking in the Aspen Lot next to the Dennos Museum for memorial visitors; visitors may also park in any other lot on campus.
If you are interested in making a gift in memory of Nancy Gray, you may select the Neurodiversity Support Center from the drop-down menu at nmc.edu/give. You can dedicate your gift to and make it in memory of Nancy.
Read her complete obituary here. Read NMC President Nick Nissley’s message to campus here.
Jan 15, 2026 | Intercom, Student Events
NMC’s mobile pantry has been rescheduled due to inclement weather and will be held from 3–5 p.m. on Wednesday Jan. 21 in the Maple Lot on the Front Street campus. This is the first distribution of the semester.
We have over 6,000 pounds of food to share with our students and community. The menu includes potatoes, apples, tangerines, chocolate fudge Pop-Tarts, milk, peanut butter, zucchini, cheese and boxed mac & cheese kits.
NMC’s mobile pantry program is designed specifically for NMC students and their families though all members of the community are welcome. Drive-thru and walk-up options are both available. If a student is unable to attend the distribution due to a class conflict, they may send a friend or family member to pick-up on their behalf.
Jan 13, 2026 | Intercom, President Updates
Dear NMC community,
It is with a heavy heart that I share the news that our colleague and friend Nancy Gray passed away unexpectedly.
Nancy was a teacher through and through. For more than 15 years at NMC, she brought extraordinary care and determination to her work, particularly in support of students who often struggled to feel seen or be successful in academic spaces. Her teaching was grounded in empathy, high standards, and a deep belief in human potential.
Nancy played a central role in strengthening our developmental English curriculum and in ensuring students could earn credit while receiving the support they needed to succeed. Most recently, she founded and led the Neurodiversity Support Center, the first such center at a Michigan community college. In just two years, it became a transformative resource and a physical place of belonging for many on our campus.
Her excellence as an educator was widely recognized, including receiving the NISOD Award for Teaching Excellence. Yet those who worked with Nancy know that her greatest impact was quieter and more enduring: the way she showed up for students, listened without judgment, and advocated relentlessly for inclusive learning environments.
Her recorded memorial service is available to watch. Nancy was a fierce advocate for students and individuals who experienced the world differently. Her legacy lives on in the countless students she encouraged, supported, and believed in, often at moments when that belief mattered most. Our deepest sympathies are with her family, including husband and child here in Traverse City.
Loss like this affects each of us differently. Some may feel grief immediately, others more slowly, and some in ways that are hard to name. All of those responses are valid. I encourage you to extend grace to yourselves and to one another in the days ahead.
Confidential support is available to employees through the Employee Assistance Program. You can reach them at 800-448-8326 or through the Ulliance Life Advisor website. Students can contact NMC Personal Counseling for confidential support.
This is a profound loss for NMC and for all who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside Nancy. May we honor her by continuing to lead with compassion, courage, and care for all of our students and one another.
Holding our community close,
Nick
Nick Nissley, Ed.D. | President | Northwestern Michigan College | 231.995.1010
Jan 12, 2026 | Intercom, Student News
At the end of January, the NMC Library will host its fifth annual Embrace the Dream Read-Aloud and craft event series — a celebration of Black History Month, diverse characters and the power of reading to break down barriers!
We are counting on NMC employees and student to turn out in large numbers to ensure this program series’ success. Interested in volunteering during one of these events?
NMC Library Read-Aloud & Craft Night
Thursday, Jan. 29, 4:15-6:30 p.m.
Hosted at the NMC Library for preschool through 6th graders
*Volunteer for the entire event or pick a shift!
4th Grade Book Buddies
Friday, Jan. 30, 1:15-2:30 p.m.
Book give-away, read-aloud & crafting with fourth grade students at Traverse Heights Elementary School (933 Rose Street, TC)
If you would like to volunteer, fill out the Embrace the Dream Read-Aloud & Craft Event series volunteer form.
Jan 12, 2026 | Hawk Owl Helpers and Heroes, Intercom
Congratulations to the more than 1,100 students who made the Dean’s List for the fall semester. May their success continue as they begin spring semester classes.
Who’s been a Hawk Owl Helper or Hero for you? Let us know at publicrelations@nmc.edu!
