May 19, 2025 | HR Corner, Intercom
Thank you to everyone who joined us for this year’s You Made It Possible celebration! This heartfelt event honors the incredible dedication of our employees, board members, and retirees whose service makes a lasting impact on the lives of our learners.
This year, we celebrated 810 years of collective service and honored 10 retirees this year, representing an incredible 236 years of combined commitment to NMC.
Congratulations to our 2025 Excellence Award recipients:
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- Adjunct Faculty Excellence Award – John Lutchko
- Imogene Wise Faculty Excellence Award – Becca Richardson
- Staff Excellence Award – Katharine Marvin
- Team Excellence Award – Public Relations
We also took this opportunity to celebrate the excellence each of you, our employees, demonstrate every day. Your passion, care and professionalism are at the heart of who we are as a college and what makes NMC truly special. Thank you for making it all possible every day! Your contributions are the foundation of our community and we are deeply grateful for all you do!
Photos from the event can be viewed on SmugMug.
May 19, 2025 | HR Corner, Intercom
Kudos to Colleen Burry, Seth Turner, Suzanne Rizzo and Alyssa Irani. Job well done on a flawless Commencement! I heard nothing but great things and the lead up was very well organized making everyone’s job easier.
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!
May 19, 2025 | HR Corner, Intercom
Leslie Bilbey recently started working at the college as the EES Community Coordinator. Welcome to the NMC community!
May 16, 2025 | Intercom
The NMC Board of Trustees will hold its regular monthly meeting Monday, May 19 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.
May 14, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
Cherryland Electric CEO Rachel Johnson
May 14, 2025
Anyone who’s weathered a northern Michigan storm knows when the power goes out, the countdown to restoration starts.
In the aftermath of March’s devastating Gaylord-area ice storm, some 80,000 residential customers were facing a long countdown — nearly three weeks. Using drones and special permission to fly them beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS), NMC worked with local electrical co-ops to make the response more efficient. In one 20-minute stint, for instance, a drone flying BVLOS inspected 75 poles, a task which would have taken a day using traditional methods.
With the benefit of BVLOS clearly illuminated, NMC this week officially joined the NorthSky Consortium to work towards establishing a BVLOS drone corridor from Camp Grayling to Grand Traverse County.
The BVLOS corridor is a key focus of the NorthSky Consortium, which also includes regional economic development agency Traverse Connect and startup incubator 20Fathoms. All three organizations signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) Monday, May 12. Both Camp Grayling and U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Traverse City will support the consortium as well.
NMC, which enters the consortium with 15 years of expertise offering drone, or UAS training, currently has an FAA waiver to fly BVLOS for utility pole inspection. That waiver proved vital to the region following the late March storm. Cherryland Electric CEO Rachel Johnson (right) said the storm impacted 8,000 miles of electrical infrastructure owned by Great Lakes Energy and Presque Isle Electric and Gas, much of it in “deep right of way” inaccessible to vehicles.
“Accessibility was an incredible challenge. We couldn’t get to things to inspect what was going on,” Johnson said. “When you are having to constantly move to assess, during a storm, it’s highly inefficient.”
Enter NMC with its BVLOS waiver. College UAS coordinator Tony Sauerbrey (left) and Cherryland communications control field engineer Zach Endres, an NMC alumnus, were able to inspect 600 deep right-of-way utility poles in the Onaway-Lewiston area in two days.
“It was a great opportunity for Cherryland to assist alongside NMC and bring them aboard to help the communities that were in need,” said Endres. (Cherryland customers were not affected but the co-op supported the response of the others.)
“Being able to know where the damage was and being able to deploy to that location was incredibly impactful,” Johnson agreed. All power was restored by April 18.
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer declared a state of emergency for much of northern Michigan due to the storm.
“It’s by far the worst thing I’ve ever seen while working at Cherryland,” Endres said. “Talking with a lot of lineman who have gone on hurricanes, this was by far the worst they’ve ever dealt with in their careers.”
A dedicated BVLOS corridor would allow for testing and deploying advanced drone technology by multiple users, including the Michigan National Guard and Michigan Department of Transportation.
“We are very, very grateful for the work NMC has done to get that exemption,” Johnson said. “When it’s critical infrastructure, basic health and human safety, it’s a really good use of that exemption.”
In addition to the BVLOS corridor, which NMC is co-leading with Camp Grayling, goals of the NorthSky Consortium include:
- Workforce development and academic innovation, including curriculum aligned with FAA certifications, in order to build a skilled talent pipeline (NMC lead)
- Promote northern Michigan as a premier destination for UAS and advanced aerial mobility (AAM), attracting businesses and startup growth (Traverse Connect lead)
- Establishing a UAS Center of Excellence. This dedicated facility will be developed to serve as a hub for AAM innovation, research and workforce training. (NMC and Traverse Connect co-lead.)
Later this month, Camp Grayling will host an Uncrewed Triple Challenge, in which teams compete to move a package across water, air, and land using unmanned system(s) in varying conditions and obstacles with no human interaction.
May 14, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY— Northwestern Michigan College congratulates the 992 students who made the Dean’s List for the spring 2025 semester, earning a grade point average of 3.5 or above out of a possible 4.0 while taking five or more credits.
The full list is available here.
May 13, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) proudly announces Mark Lundmark and Jayne Mohr as the newest recipients of its highest honor, the NMC Fellow award. Both Lundmark and Mohr are respected community leaders and dedicated philanthropists who have been recognized for their extraordinary contributions to the college and the greater Traverse City region.
Mark Lundmark ( download high-resolution photo) 
Jayne Mohr ( download high-resolution photo)Lundmark’s expertise as a financial advisor and wealth manager and his commitment to community service have made a significant impact on NMC. His nine years of leadership on the Foundation Board, particularly his work on the Finance & Audit Committee, has ensured the college’s financial stability and its ability to support students for years to come.
A retired Traverse City Area Public Schools associate superintendent, Mohr’s dedication to NMC is exemplified by her 20 years of service on the Foundation Board, including six and a half years in leadership positions. Her influence on the board, coupled with her extensive community engagement, has been instrumental in strengthening NMC’s ties with the region and advancing its mission.
“We are incredibly fortunate to have individuals like Mark and Jayne who are so dedicated to NMC’s mission,” said Laura Oblinger, NMC Board of Trustees chair. “Mark’s financial acumen and strategic thinking, combined with Jayne’s passion for education and her skill at forging connections have been invaluable to the college. They are both truly deserving of this prestigious honor.”
Lundmark’s contributions to NMC include:
- Financial stewardship: A member of the NMC Foundation Board from 2005 to 2022, Lundmark served on the Finance & Audit Committee, playing a crucial role in strengthening the Foundation’s financial policies and ensuring long-term scholarship funding. He designed and created the professionally-advised, balanced fund program that continues to benefit the Foundation today.
- Leadership in fundraising: Lundmark served as co-chairman of the Advanced Major Gifts committee for the NMC Great Lakes Campus Capital Campaign.
- Philanthropic support: Mark and his wife, Karen, have committed an estate gift as part of Be What’s Possible: The Campaign for NMC, and they are members of the President’s Club and Biederman Society.
- Community engagement: Lundmark’s commitment to the community extends beyond NMC. He has served on the boards of Child and Family Services of Northwest Michigan, the Finance Committee of the Central United Methodist Church, and the public board of Munson Healthcare. He is currently a member of the Traverse City Economic Club, the Grand Traverse Area Estate Planning Council, and the Chamber of Commerce.
Mohr’s contributions to NMC include:
- Influential community engagement: Mohr has been a vital link between NMC and local school systems, including Traverse City Area Public Schools and Northwest Educational Services, the intermediate school district. Her involvement with the Rotary Club has provided a platform to showcase NMC leadership and programs. She also played a key role in Be What’s Possible: The Campaign for NMC. Mohr has also served community organizations such as United Way and Traverse Bay Children’s Advocacy Center.
- Significant philanthropic support: Mohr and her husband, Cal Karr, have a long history of generous giving to NMC, including establishing the Jayne Mohr and Cal Karr Scholarship. They have also supported programs like Taste of Success and other NMC initiatives. They are members of the President’s Club and Biederman Society.
- Exceptional service and leadership: During her 20 years on the Foundation Board, in addition to her elected roles Mohr has served on the Executive Committee, Development Committee, and Strategic Planning Steering Committee, and was instrumental in developing NMC’s new mission, vision, and values. She has also provided invaluable guidance during board and staff transitions and played a key role in many strategic projects.
- Athena Award recipient (1997): Mohr’s leadership embodies the principles of the Athena Award, which recognizes women leaders who demonstrate authentic self, celebration and joy, collaboration, fierce advocacy, giving back, learning, and strong relationships.
Mohr and Lundmark’s combined commitment to NMC and the broader community is evident in all that they do. Their leadership, passion, and dedication make them both truly deserving NMC Fellows.
The Fellow is Northwestern Michigan College’s highest honor, awarded since 1964 to individuals who have demonstrated influential networking on behalf of the college, a pattern of outstanding financial or personal time contributions to NMC, or as a retiree of the college, continue to contribute back to their academic or professional fields as volunteers, mentors or advisors.
Release date: May 15, 2025
For more information:
Cari Noga
NMC Communications Director
cnoga@nmc.edu
(231) 392-1800 (Call or text)
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY NOTICE
Northwestern Michigan College does not discriminate in admission, campus activities, education, employment, housing, public accommodation or public service on the basis of age, color, creed, disability, gender identity/expression, handicap, height, marital or familial status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, service in the military, veteran’s status, weight, or any other legally protected status under federal, state, or local law. No act of retaliation shall occur to any person making a charge, filing a complaint, testifying or participating in any discrimination investigation or proceeding. nmc.edu/non-discrimination
May 12, 2025 | Intercom, President Updates, Student News
Good afternoon, NMC community –
I’m writing to share the May 11th passing of former NMC President Tim Quinn, a leader whose influence continues to shape our college and community. His thoughtful leadership, deep commitment to student opportunity, and belief in collaborative governance left an enduring mark on NMC.
President Quinn led the college from 1989-1996, a tenure which would prove pivotal for NMC. During his presidency the college established the shared governance structure we continue to use today. It was also under Quinn that NMC successfully passed a Grand Traverse County property tax millage in perpetuity. This stable source of funding is an invaluable resource as the college continues to thrive, thirty years after his presidency.
According to his partner, Shelley Keith, Quinn’s proudest achievements at NMC were the formation of the University Center and the Commitment Scholarship for first-generation college students, back-to-back accomplishments in 1995 and 1996. Since 1996, more than $2.2 million has been awarded to more than 600 Commitment students. Also under his leadership, the Dennos Museum Center opened in 1991. These cultural and community assets continue to benefit all of northern Michigan.
President Quinn came to NMC in 1988 as vice president of instructional services. In addition to his NMC service, he was active in the community, serving on the Munson Healthcare board and as president of the Traverse City Chamber of Commerce board.Following his retirement from NMC, Quinn founded the Michigan Leadership Institute, which developed and led the SUPES Academy, an eight-day superintendent preparation program which trained over 435 education leaders in Michigan between 1998-2008.
Quinn earned a Ph.D. from The University of Michigan and was recognized with honorary doctoral degrees from Eastern Michigan, Central Michigan and Grand Valley State Universities for his statewide leadership in the field of education. Most recently, he accepted the volunteer role of Director of Donor Engagement for Northwest Ed’s foundation, just established in 2024. The Foundation partnered with NMC and other colleges to provide scholarships for Northwest Ed’s career-tech and special education students.
We are grateful for President Quinn’s many contributions and the vision he brought to NMC. His legacy endures through the programs he launched, the lives he touched, and the community he helped strengthen.
On behalf of the college, I extend our deepest sympathies to his family and all who knew and worked alongside him. An informal gathering and celebration of his life will take place on Saturday, June 14, from 1-3 pm, at the Hagerty Center. You can read his full obituary here.
Nick
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Nick Nissley, Ed.D. | President | Northwestern Michigan College | 231.995.1010
May 12, 2025 | Hawk Owl Helpers and Heroes, Intercom
Congratulations to the Great Lakes Culinary Institute and NMC Foundation teams which made last month’s A Taste of Success scholarship fundraiser a huge financial success.
- Sold out with 380 attendees
- Highest sponsorship revenue in the event’s 31-year history at $85,700
- Highest gross revenue at $193,195
- Estimated record-setting net of $161,500
Who’s been a Hawk Owl Helper or Hero for you? Let us know at publicrelations@nmc.edu!
May 12, 2025 | HR Corner, Intercom
Kudos to Lexi Wilkins for going above and beyond and volunteering her time to assist in the clean up the Outdoor Classroom space between Les Biederman and Health Science Buildings. We lovingly refer to this area as the PIT and we want you to use it this summer for lunch, breaks, class, and enjoyment! Last fall we planted some daffodils and tulips, stop by and check them out today!
Kudos to Nick Roster & Nicole Speelman for initiating and hosting the First Annual Science & Research Symposium at NMC. The student displays were impressive, and we look forward to this event growing in the future!
Kudos to Caroline Schaefer-Hills and the Visual Communications Studio students for presenting at the 4th Annual NMC ELI Learning Symposium Reflective Table Talk session! Their work was creative, clever, and professional. The students engaged with NMC faculty and staff and shared their portfolios from their semester projects. Way to go!
Kudos to Jim Bensley & Charles Macphee. Thank you to Jim Bensley, Co-Advisor of the Multicultural Club, and Charles Macphee, Adjunct Technical Division, for supporting their students who presented at the 4th Annual NMC ELI Learning Symposium Reflective Table Talks. The Multicultural Club shared the events they participated in and hosted. Charles’s student presented his honors project on construction management. Way to support your students and NMC!
Kudos to Kristy McDonald & Charles Macphee for opening their student presentations to NMC and the community for the 4th Annual NMC ELI Learning Symposium. Kristy’s BUS 231, Big Little Hero Race Reflection, and Charles’s EGY 105, Final Presentations, were outstanding!
Kudos to Tait Ricks. A big shout out to Tait Ricks for jumping into her new role and filling in for many of my duties while I was out on medical leave. Tait went above an beyond expectations!
Kudos to Carol Rocheleau, Tony Sauerbrey & Matt Hirsch. Carl, Tony and Matt supported the Skyline & Shoreline: West Bay Aerial Mobility Showcase on Tuesday, May 6 at Discovery Pier in Traverse City. This live demonstration event, led by Traverse City and the Michigan’s Advanced Aerial Mobility Activation fund featured three real-world drone missions over West Grand Traverse Bay — including: Search & Rescue with the U.S. Coast Guard, Water sampling using overwater drone tech, and LIDAR-enabled bathymetric mapping of the lakebed. It also brought premier drone companies to the region that are developing the next generation of drone and enabling technology.
Kudos to Betsy Boris, Tam Livengood and Meghan Light. The Munson Trauma Service successfully hosted its first Advanced Life Support course at the NMC Health Science building. This collaborative event would not have been possible if it was not for the great work from all three entities of Munson Healthcare, NMC, and GVSU. In prior years, this course was held in Petoskey without the use of live actors and required transportation of equipment from Grand Rapids. Relocating the course to Traverse City significantly reduced logistical strain on instructors and staff and made the experience more accessible for the 16 providers (Physicians, NPs, and PAs) who participated. NMC was critical in this effort by providing the necessary lab equipment and support to make this possible. Betsy and Meghan coordinated with Munson to outfit and update the lab properly. Tam and Meghan helped lead the day of operations. Others from the nursing program were instrumental in this, especially at the end of the semester. Thank you for collaborating with Munson to make this happen.
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!
May 12, 2025 | HR Corner, Intercom
These employees recently started working at the college. Let’s welcome them to the NMC community!
- Eli Stallman – Student – Library Assistant
- Evan Daniels – Supplemental – GLMA Vessels Deck Crew (AB)
- Seamus Callaghan – Supplemental – Tutor
- Elise Schultz – Supplemental – EES Grant Project Manager & Marketing Coordinator
- Sherry Streeter – Supplemental – TSSOM Culinary Intern
- Waled Al Kharbi – Supplemental – TSSOM Culinar Intern
- Brianna Linderholm – Supplemental – GLMA Vessels Deck Crew (AB)
May 12, 2025 | 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.
NMC proceeds with geothermal project
Record-Eagle, May 11
CNHI News, May 11 (more…)
May 9, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
To find these selections and many other new titles, see the NMC library catalog.
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May 9, 2025 | Intercom
The NMC Board of Trustees Building & Site Committee will meet at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, May, 13 in the President’s Office conference room. More information is available here.
For more information, please contact the President’s office at (231) 995-1010.
May 5, 2025 | Hawk Owl Helpers and Heroes, Intercom
Congratulations to the class of 2025 and to all who helped make every Commencement event a success. That includes the Honors and Leadership Convocation, three Commencement ceremonies, plus additional ceremonies for the Police Academy, Maritime, nursing and Native American graduates.
Who’s been a Hawk Owl Helper or Hero for you? Let us know at publicrelations@nmc.edu!
May 5, 2025 | 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.
‘Set the example;’ These NMC grads find their future through reconnecting to education
Record-Eagle, May 4
(more…)
May 2, 2025 | Announcements & News, Intercom, Student News
The NMC Library will be open for summer hours from May 3 through August 22. It will be open to students and the public 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and closed on Saturdays and Sundays. The library will also be closed for the Memorial Day (Monday, May 26) and Independence Day (Friday, July 4) holidays.
May 1, 2025 | Intercom, Student Events
Mark your calendar! The next pitch event is Wednesday, May 21, from noon–1:30 p.m. in the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center, room 106/107. The OOPs team is looking for pitches that are focused on educational initiatives, including new programs, increasing enrollment in existing programs, accelerating college strategies and implementing the campus master plan.
Pitches are open to NMC students, faculty and staff. If you have a great idea or project that needs resources to reach its full potential, the Office of Possibilities wants to hear from you!
Fill out this application to connect with an OOPs team member who will assist in planning your pitch.
If you have any questions about the application or the process, please email oops@nmc.edu and someone will get back to you promptly. Meeting with an OOPs team member is required before entering a pitch so please plan accordingly.
The Office of Possibilities is grateful for the generous support from the NMC Foundation that provides funding for innovative projects across campus!
The OOPs team looks forward to seeing you there!
