Jun 2, 2025 | HR Corner, Intercom
Kudos to Dennos Museum Center Team. The Dennos Museum hosted its 4th Spring Art Market with 25 Michigan artists in May. As a team, the staff knocked this event out of the park with their creativity, enthusiasm, time, and presence from set-up to tear-down. The event exceeded last year’s attendance and offered a range of fun for all ages through staff collaboration, from a Mother’s Day card-making project to Mimosas & a pianist in the galleries. The market garnered much praise from visitors and participants and one of the compliments heard most centers around the museum’s staff and volunteers. When asked what they love most about the event artists say,
- “The friendliness and helpfulness of staff and volunteers :)”
- “The beautiful venue, the happy atmosphere, and the wonderful staff & people”
- “It’s so nice to feel taken care of in every way. This is one of my favorite venues for a market!”
So, kudos to the entire Dennos Museum Staff!
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!
Jun 2, 2025 | HR Corner, Intercom
These employees recently started working at the college. Let’s welcome them to the NMC community!
- Samantha Joslin – Adjunct – Culinary Arts Pastry Production
- Shawn Hayes – Supplemental – GLMA Vessels Deck Crew (AB)
- Melissa Fruge – Adjunct – Culinary Arts Bakery Sales, Merchandising and Packaging
May 30, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — More than 250 young anglers and their families are expected at the annual Rotary Kids Free Fishing Day, set from 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Saturday, June 14 at Northwestern Michigan College’s Great Lakes campus.
Kids accompanied by an adult are invited to join in the free fishing fun. Under the supervision of the Department of Natural Resources, 500 brown trout 10 inches or longer will be stocked in the campus harbor for the event. Fishing rods, reels and bait are all provided. Children may also bring their own fishing gear.
Experienced volunteers including Rotarians and cadets from the Great Lakes Maritime Academy will help with baiting hooks and fishing skills. Members of the Northwest Michigan Fishing Club will clean the fish for the young anglers. The Great Lakes Children’s Museum will host a free fish painting activity for kids waiting to fish. There will also be a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter flyover.
Parking is available at NMC’s Great Lakes campus, 715 E. Front St., Traverse City, located just east of the Delamar Hotel on U.S. 31. Free Fishing Day is sponsored by Traverse City Rotary Clubs, Rotary Camps & Services, NMC, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, Mike and Rhonda Estes, Great Lakes Children’s Museum and the Northwest Michigan Fishing Club.
Release date: May 30, 2025
For more information:
Christopher DeGood
Traverse City Rotary Clubs
cdegood@bria2.com
(231) 420-5601
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 29, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
From left to right: Laura Stevens Matchett, Director of NMC Extended Education & Training; Lisa Schut, Regional Director at Northwest Michigan Works!; and Lisa vonReichbauer, Director of NMC Admissions
(Download a high-resolution version here.)TRAVERSE CITY – NMC has received $1.19 million in state grants to pilot a first-of-its kind collaborative and team of navigators aimed at creating nontraditional pathways to credentials and degrees for adult learners between 2025 and 2028.
“These investments reflect our deep commitment to adult learners and the communities that support them,” said Beverly Walker-Griffea, director of MiLEAP. “By working with local colleges and community leaders, we are removing barriers to education and helping more Michiganders earn the credentials they need to thrive in today’s economy.”
The NoMi Attainment Collaborative, which includes more than 20 agencies, led by NMC and Northwest Michigan Works!, today opened to new students. The goal is that within three years about 2,000 more northern Michigan residents will possess the certificates or degrees they need to increase their paychecks, thus growing the middle class, and contributing to a thriving regional economy.
“This collaboration is a powerful example of what happens when we imagine more for our region: more opportunity, more access, and more futures unlocked. Together, we’re building a community where learning truly lasts a lifetime,” said NMC President Nick Nissley.
Key to the collaborative’s approach is blurring the line between non-credit and traditional credit classes at NMC. Students will meet with grant-funded navigators for personalized support and access to low-barrier, try-it-out skill attainment opportunities. This stepping stone approach is paired with a “no wrong door” philosophy under which all collaborative members commit to meeting students’ needs first and referring to programs offered within our 10-county region.
“You can start small and follow your curiosity; dip your toes in welding, construction technology, health care, IT or more, without committing to a semester-long class,” said Laura Stevens Matchett, director of NMC Extended Education and Training. In addition, students may be able to obtain credit for prior learning, a strategic initiative at NMC.
The aim of the initiatives supported by the grants is to increase the proportion of working age adults who hold certifications and degrees from 49% to 55% in an 10-county region: Antrim, Benzie, Emmet, Charlevoix, Kalkaska, Manistee, Missaukee, Leelanau, Grand Traverse and Wexford. That translates to 2,344 individuals. Statewide, Michigan has a goal of 60% of adults having a degree or certificate by 2030. The grants are from the office of Sixty by 30.
“This grant will empower more people to achieve industry-recognized credentials and degrees, opening doors to stable, high-wage careers,” said Lisa Schut, regional director at Northwest Michigan Works! “By providing personalized support and breaking down barriers to education and employment, we are strengthening our workforce, expanding the middle class, and fostering long-term economic growth in northern Michigan.”
To get started, contact NMC Extended Education & Training at ees@nmc.edu or (231) 995-1700. A navigator will assist you in choosing your class or program, and with seeking support for entering an educational training pathway, all at your own pace — with you in the driver’s seat.
Current Collaborative members are:
- 20 Fathoms
- BEST Benzie County (LCAN)
- BATA
- Century & Clark
- Char Em ISD
- Davenport University
- Goodwill Northern Michigan
- Grand Traverse County
- Grand Valley State University
- GROW Benzie
- Manistee County Community Foundation
- Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center
- Michigan College Access Network
- Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center
- North Central Michigan College
- Networks Northwest
- Northwest Education Services
- Northwest Michigan Works!
- Northwestern Michigan College
- Sara Lee Frozen Bakery
- SEEDS Ecology & Education Centers
- Traverse Connect
- United Way
- West Shore Community College
Release Date: May 29, 2025
For More Information
Laura Stevens Matchett
Director of NMC Extended Education & Training
lmatchett@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1704
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 28, 2025 | Intercom
Congratulations once again to the 2025 winners of NMC’s annual excellence awards. We know our colleagues do great work every day. Two upcoming award opportunities offer us the chance to share that great work with the community. The Traverse City Business News’ annual 40 under 40 award is seeking nominations through June 11. The Record-Eagle’s Leaders of Northern Michigan is accepting nominations through June 13. Know someone who should be nominated for either? Please send their name to PRMC at publicrelations@nmc.edu. If you’d like to submit a nomination yourself, we’d be happy to collaborate with you to submit the best possible application. Thank you!
May 28, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
Brush up on English, math, college readiness in 4-week session
TRAVERSE CITY — Registration is now open for Adult College Edge (ACE), a free program NMC is hosting July 7–31 to help college students 21+ prepare for their fall semester.
Adult College Edge is a four-week program to help prepare students to succeed in math, English and college skills before they start or continue college at NMC this fall. Edge uses a hybrid schedule. Students will attend on-campus Tuesdays and Thursdays complete other coursework online at their own pace. Two options are available:
- Tuesday and Thursday mornings, 8 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
- Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, 11 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
Upon successfully completing the program, students will earn a $250 scholarship toward NMC’s fall semester and a graphing calculator. Meals, class supplies and gas cards for transportation to campus are also included. To get started, fill out this online interest form.
College Edge debuted in 2023. It is part of the investment the state of Michigan is making in its adult student-age population. State scholarships available now include the Community College Guarantee for the high school class of 2025, and Michigan Reconnect for adults 25 and older who don’t already have a degree. Both programs make tuition free to in-district students (Grand Traverse County residents.)
Release date: May 27, 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 27, 2025 | Hawk Owl Helpers and Heroes, Intercom
Thanks to everyone who contributed to NMC earning Military-Friendly school status this year,The award was based on NMC’s performance in multiple categories of service to military and veteran students. The most heavily weighted, at 30 percent each, are military student support and retention, and graduation and career outcomes. NMC was one of only two community colleges in Michigan to earn the distinction. Read the news release here.
Who’s been a Hawk Owl Helper or Hero for you? Let us know at publicrelations@nmc.edu!
May 27, 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.
Traverse City has one of just two ‘Military-Friendly’ community colleges in Michigan
Ticker, May 26
(more…)
May 27, 2025 | HR Corner, Intercom
The following employees are celebrating an anniversary soon. Please join us in congratulating them!
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May 27, 2025 | HR Corner, Intercom
Kudos to John Lutchko, Scott Swan, Phil McCuien, Brian Sweeney, Colleen Burry, Georgenia Hromada, Lisa Cooper, Tyler Bristol and Lisa vonReichbauer. The Yellow River Conservancy Technical University partnership is unique as it brings together NMC’s Construction Technology and Marine Technology programs for an international education experience. This experience begins by teaching online to the YRCTU cohort in the fall followed by an immersive in-person teaching course in the Spring. This program is over 10 years old, but had to be redeveloped from scratch this spring as the pandemic had changed much of the interaction. Execution would not have been possible without a cross-functional team willing to admit and register the students, passionate instructors to deliver the classes, and effective logistics to add appropriate sections and manage the travel process. I want to recognize those that played key roles in this:
-
- Georgenia Hromada for developing class sections, completing admissions paperwork and managing contracts.
- Lisa vonReichbauer for managing the admissions and applications process (and not skewing our traditional academic metrics).
- Scott Swan, John Lutchko, Phil McCuien, Brian Sweeney and Tyler Bristol for developing and delivering the curriculum for the cohorts. Thank you to John, Phil, Brian and Tyler for traveling to China this spring for the hands-on portion of the classes. The trip is very difficult!
- Colleen Burry for handing the records and registrations aspect including registration, grade reporting and diplomas.
- Lisa Cooper for managing travel logistics including visa applications, travel requirements and business travel.
- To all – thank you for managing the timeline, budget and manual processes that are required to complete this!
Kudos to the NMC Custodial Team. Their unwavering dedication and tireless efforts in turning over both East and North Hall within a limited timeframe has been nothing short of extraordinary. Preparing both dorms for incoming summer students, interns and visiting groups is a monumental task. They rose to the occasion and exceeded expectations with professionalism, speed and care while still managing their daily tasks in other areas of our campuses.
We appreciate the dedication and effort of our custodial team, which allows us to provide clean, inviting and cozy environments that showcase our pride in the campus and our commitment to NMC’s value of excellence. We are sincerely thankful for all that they do (often working quietly in the background) and we acknowledge and honor their vital contribution to our success.
Thank you, custodial team! You are the core of this operation, and we recognize your hard work:
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- Angie Adamick
- Sharon Angel
- Lawrence Albosta
- Pat Coy
- Steve Fewins
- Brenda Garvon
- Nicholas Gates
- Sandy Harrand
- Laura Mashburn
- Elijah McCullough
- Robin Maloney
- Phil Mosier
- Cameron Palmer
- Charles Russell
- Ronda Russell-Yanski
- Terri Scarlett
- Craig Shattuck
- Kenny Sonnabend
- Nathan Sonnabend
- Angela Zirotte
Kudos to Robert Watrous. Many thanks to LT. Robert Watrous for not only agreeing to carry in the U.S. flag for Commencement 2023 but for establishing a functioning Color Guard that participated in our 2024 & 2025 ceremonies. This will be a part of our ceremonies for years to come! He led the training and practice sessions and also secured the required equipment. We are so grateful for this honorable legacy that will live on at NMC. Thank you, Lieutenant!
Kudos to Emily Crull. Emily assisted with the creation of the Commencement program and various other printed materials for the event. She jumped into action when we had last minute requests or unexpected changes and helped us get through some tricky situations at a stressful time. Thank you Emily for your help and for producing high quality graphics for our special day!
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 27, 2025 | HR Corner, Intercom
These employees recently started working at the college. Let’s welcome them to the NMC community!
-
- Derrick Childress — Aviation Recruiter
- Jaxon Beer, supplemental employee — T/S State of Michigan Culinary Intern
May 27, 2025 | Intercom
The Admissions department in collaboration with Public Relations, Marketing & Communications will have a booth at the entrance to the Cherry Festival near Marina Drive (next to the food court near the beverage tent) from Saturday, June 28 to Saturday, July 5.
Admissions will be promoting NMC throughout the week and would like programs and departments to join them to help showcase all that NMC has to offer. Anyone who wishes to participate should bring information, materials, swag and/or interactive activities to engage festival-goers and promote your program, department, or initiative to prospective students, their families and the wider community.
If you would like to participate at this year’s festival, please fill out the Cherry Festival booth signup form. To help us organize the calendar, please submit a form for each day that you would like to be present. For example, if you plan to join for just one day, please complete the form once. However, if you plan to be present on 2 or 3 different days, please complete a new form for each day.
Our past couple years have been a success! We appreciate all who took part and look forward to expanding on the experience again this year.
May 27, 2025 | Announcements & News, Intercom
Show your NMC spirit and join us in the Cherry Royale Parade on Saturday, July 5! Employees, families, and kids are all invited to walk with the college in this beloved community tradition. We’ll have fun NMC-themed costumes available for children; just bring your enthusiasm and pride!
To participate or learn more, contact Rachel Urkowitz, Director of Annual Giving and Special Events, at rurkowitz@nmc.edu.
May 27, 2025 | HR Corner, Intercom
UPDATE (5/28/2025): This course is no longer being offered this spring. It will be offered in the fall instead. More information will be shared as it becomes available.
Registration is open for Crucial Conversations for Accountability! This course is strongly recommended for all supervisors, academic chairs and program coordinators, but all regular employees are welcome with supervisor approval. While Crucial Conversations for Accountability may sound like a “gotcha” approach, it is exactly the opposite. The training provides practical tools grounded in mutual respect, active listening and collaborative problem-solving. During this two-day training, learn how to have difficult conversations in a way that solves problems while improving relationships.
Note: Both days are required for course completion.
Dates/times:
-
- Friday, May 30 & Friday, June 7, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Follow these instructions to sign up now in NEOED Learn. We hope to see you there.
For questions, contact Lori Hodek at lhodek@nmc.edu.
May 23, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY – Northwestern Michigan College has recognized the following employees for excellence in the 2024–25 academic year:
Becca Richardson
(download high-resolution photo)Imogene Wise Faculty Excellence Award: Becca Richardson, mathematics. Chosen by a student selection committee, award criteria includes teaching excellence, rapport with students, innovation in the classroom and a sense of dedication. Student nominators said of Richardson, an NMC alumna who began teaching at NMC as an adjunct in 2013 and became full-time faculty in 2018:
- “She lays out everything a student could possibly need to excel in her class. Mathematics is very challenging, but because of her guidance, her availability whenever I text her (and I mean whenEVER), and her as a person is why I’m here.”
- “Becca uses several different learning styles to promote understanding of the material. She includes concepts that are applicable to personal needs such as; budgeting, saving for a house, retirement, investments. Applying the knowledge to the real world helped me truly understand and appreciate the math needed in these areas.”
Initiated by a contribution from longtime NMC benefactors Harold and Imogene Wise in 1970, the award was first made to a full-time faculty member in 1971.
John Lutchko
(download high-resolution photo)Adjunct Faculty Excellence Award: John Lutchko, Marine Technology. Chosen by a student selection committee, award criteria includes teaching excellence, rapport with students, innovation in the classroom and a sense of dedication. Lutchko is also an NMC alumnus. He graduated in 2013 and began his career as the Great Lakes Water Studies Institute lab coordinator and manager. Last year he was named GLWSI director. Student nominators said:
- “He really cares about the subject and his enthusiasm for it keeps our attention. He also goes above and beyond to help students keep up with coursework.”
- “He is also always there to help with students whether it be about class or even if you’re struggling with time management. He truly loves his job and is invested in getting students involved.”
The award was created in 1999 as a companion to the Imogene Wise Faculty Excellence Award. See a full list of all past faculty and adjunct faculty excellence winners at nmc.edu/cie.
Katharine Marvin
(download high-resolution photo)Staff Excellence Award: Katharine Marvin, Director of Development & Alumni Relations. Marvin, who joined the college in 2015, demonstrates an innate ability to lead with grace and collaborate with enthusiasm. Her achievements this year include securing $1.4 million in gifts for a wide range of programs, including Nursing, Culinary, Construction Technology, Aviation, WNMC and the International Affairs Forum. Her proactive approach to friendraising has cultivated relationships that have blossomed into significant future investments, exemplified specifically by a $500,000 planned gift designated for aviation scholarships. She has also stepped up to hire and mentor new colleagues, serving on no fewer than six search committees as NMC worked to build a strong and cohesive Advancement & Community Engagement (ACE) team.
Team Excellence Award: Public Relations, Marketing & Communications: Diana Fairbanks, Emily Crull, Steve Kellman, Cari Noga, Deanna Silkowski, Joan Sodini and Kelly Yauk (below, left to right). PRMC was cited for its work exemplifying the college values of innovation and collaboration. Over the past year PRMC developed a comprehensive brand strategy, a proactive, strategic endeavor that involved all internal stakeholders and external partners. Funded by a Lumina Foundation grant, the strategy forges alignment between NMC’s mission and messaging, empowering every employee to effectively communicate the college’s distinct value to all those it serves. In addition, PRMC’s strategic enrollment marketing efforts have significantly contributed to six straight semesters of enrollment growth. Finally, PRMC serves the entire college as a central hub for prioritizing and fulfilling all promotion, communication and marketing requests. (Select a photo below for a high-resolution version.)
Release Date: May 23, 2025
For more information:
Cari Noga
Communications Director
cnoga@nmc.edu
(231) 392-1800 (mobile – text preferred)
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 23, 2025 | Intercom
The NMC Board of Trustees Presidential Performance & Compensation Committee will meet at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 28 in the President’s Office Conference Room in the Tanis Building on NMC’s Front Street campus. More information is available here.
For more information, please contact the President’s office at (231) 995-1010.
May 23, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
The NMC Bookstore will be closed June 26-27 for annual inventory and will reopen on Monday, June 30. All web orders placed between June 26-27 will be processed on Monday, June 30.
May 22, 2025 | Intercom, Student Events
NMC will host a Family Field Day in partnership with Up North Pride from 1–4 p.m. on Sunday, June 1 behind North Hall by the Dogwood Parking Lot on NMC’s Front Street Campus.
The family-friendly event will kick off Pride month with outdoor activities, arts and crafts, music and light snacks. This event is open to the public.
Volunteers are needed. If you are interested in helping out with this event, please sign up by clicking the form below.
