Apr 10, 2023 | Hawk Owl Helpers and Heroes, Intercom
Thanks to the Communications and the Audio Tech. departments for their work on two upcoming events later this month—the Big Little Hero Race and the first ever Future Generation Celebration.
Both events are the result of experiential learning projects that were created for NMC students to give them hands-on experience in their areas of study. The hard work that our faculty, staff and students have put into these events helps to enrich our lives and unite our community.
Proceeds from the race fund College for Kids scholarships which provides enriching learning opportunities for K-12 youth throughout the summer, and nurtures the NMC’s value of lifelong learning.
Registration is still open for the eighth annual Big Little Hero Race on April 22. Complete race details can be found at biglittleherorace.com. The Future Generation Celebration will immediately follow the race, running from noon to 7 p.m. with performances from Dixon’s Violin, The Marsupials and more. This event is family friendly and free to attend.
Who’s been a Hawk Owl Helper or Hero for you? Let us know at publicrelations@nmc.edu!
Apr 6, 2023 | HR Corner, Intercom
The following employees are celebrating an anniversary soon. Please join us in congratulating them!
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Apr 6, 2023 | HR Corner, Intercom
Kudos to Eric Carlson! Eric was instrumental in producing the Coffee Chats for EES these last two semesters. He thrived in coordinating, managing, and producing weekly shows without much experience in event production. He was fearless and ambitious in turning out quality content. His support for EES and dedication to NMC’s continued excellence is what the college needs from its talent. Thank you, sir!
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!
Apr 6, 2023 | HR Corner, Intercom
These employees recently started working at the college. Let’s welcome them to the NMC community!
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- Dan Isola, Supplemental – Test Proctor
- Abbie Papcun, Supplemental – Professional Testing Center Lead
- Bree Nolan, Student Employee – Residence Hall Front Desk
- Ceynor Drumm, Student Employee – Archives Assistant
- Nolan Joynt, Student Employee – Enrollment Services
Apr 6, 2023 | Intercom
When schools break for summer, NMC’s College for Kids program steps up to engage students, ages 3-17, in fun experiential learning from June 19 through August 18. Class formats include half and full day, and run one day or one week long. Supervised lunch breaks can be added to create a full day from two half day options. Registration is open now at nmc.edu/kids.
Held at either NMC’s main campus or one of several offside partner facilities, classes are taught by passionate and experienced instructors that provide a safe and exciting learning environment. Developing their own curriculum, teachers make each class unique, of high interest to students, and experiential with hands-on engagement. Young learners are introduced to adventures in art, science, technology, engineering, art, theater, dance and more.
Classes range from Beginning Fly Fishing through Kids Quilt Camp to the annual GRASP Math & Reading summer bridge program. From outdoor recreation like Stand Up Paddleboarding to art classes like Italian Mosaic Tile, to cooking, gaming, Bucket Drumming and much more – there is something for every learner. The catalog can be viewed here.
New and returning partnerships such as Arts for All, DramaKids International, Quarkmine, Grass River Natural Area, Discovery Pier, Maritime Heritage Alliance and Michigan Technological University offer specialized classes: Clay Handbuilding, Acting Up, VEX IQ Robotics, Shelter Building, Power Island Adventure, and Creating Art with STEM.
Regular weekly classes start at $149 ($34 with tuition waiver). Thanks to generous donors through events such as the Gala to Give and the Big Little Hero Race in partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Michigan, partial financial assistance for classes is available for those who qualify. See details at nmc.edu/kids.
To register or to learn more, visit nmc.edu/kids or contact NMC Extended Education at (231) 995-1700. Please create your household profile online before registering.
Apr 6, 2023 | Intercom, Student Events

The Passport Student Lecture Series is a chance to explore other cultures through the experience of NMC students.
Join us as Maritime student Jose Reynoso-Mazoy talks about life and culture in Mexico on Wednesday, April 12 from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. in the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center, Rm 106/107. Attendees will get to make homemade tortillas, sample fresh pico de gallo and other Mexican treats.
Global Endorsement students, please bring your GE passport so that it can be stamped to earn your GE event points!
Apr 6, 2023 | Intercom, Student Events
Come and visit Founders Hall, home of the NMC Audio Tech program! We are hosting an open house on Friday, April 14 from 3-10 p.m.
All are welcome to come and see our recording space, mix rooms, and live-streaming setup. Aspiring musicians and music lovers are encouraged to stop by and check out what students in the program have access to year-round: guitars galore (electric, acoustic bass guitars, even a baritone!), Steinway B grand piano, hi-fi professional grade speakers, 4K Blackmagic cameras, and more!
Check us out in Founders Hall on Main Campus, next to the Health and Science Building and behind the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center!
Apr 5, 2023 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — The community is invited to the Great Lakes Maritime Academy’s “open ship” showcasing the training ship State of Michigan from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 22. The day will include:
- Self guided tours of the T/S State of Michigan
- Interaction with current maritime cadets
- An opportunity to learn more about the Great Lakes Maritime Academy, maritime careers, how to become a chef on a ship and U.S. Navy commissioning options
Tours will begin at the pier security gate entrance on the north side of NMC’s Great Lakes campus, 715 E. Front St. Low-heel, closed-toe, soft-soled shoes are highly recommended. The event will occur rain or shine.
Release date: April 5, 2023
For more information:
Great Lakes Maritime Academy
maritime@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1200
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
Apr 4, 2023 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Registration is now open for College Edge, a new, free program NMC is hosting this summer to help any new college student prepare for their fall semester.
College Edge is a five-week program to help prepare students in the core subjects of math and English before they start college at any school this fall. They’ll also learn tips and tools like time management and studying smarter that will help right away. For completing the program, students will earn a $1,000 scholarship toward NMC’s fall semester tuition.
Students can register at nmc.edu/edge for one of two sessions: June 5–July 7 or July 10–Aug. 11. Held on NMC’s main campus, each session runs Monday–Thursday from 8 a.m.–noon. Breakfast, a laptop and gas cards are all available as well.
College Edge hosted by NMC is just the latest investment the state is making in its student-age population. State scholarships available now include Michigan Achievement for the high school class of 2023, and Michigan Reconnect for adults over 25 who don’t already have a degree. Achievement offers $2,750, or half the cost of NMC’s full-time, in-district tuition, while Reconnect makes tuition free to in-district students (Grand Traverse County residents).
Release date: April 4, 2023
For more information:
Diana Fairbanks
Associate Vice President of Public Relations, Marketing and Communications
dfairbanks@nmc.edu
Media on deadline, call or text (231) 392-6082
Non-deadline inquiries: (231) 995-1020
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
Apr 3, 2023 | Intercom, Student Events

Campus Life is hosting a volleyball tournament on Monday, April 17 at 8 p.m. in the Rajkovich Physical Education Center. This tournament is open to all NMC students, staff and faculty. The deadline to sign up is April 16. Maximum of 6 players per team.
Apr 3, 2023 | 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.
Childcare Apprenticeship Programs Coming to Northwest Michigan Hope to Bring More Childcare Options to the Region
9 & 10 News, March 29
Manistee News-Advocate
Interlochen Public Radio, April 3
Jason Quigno wins Art Park Legacy Award
Record-Eagle, March 29
Cheers: To Jason Quigno
Record-Eagle, April 1
18 Unique Places to Visit in Michigan This Spring
Awesome Mitten, March 27
I Just Retired, 9 Reasons I’m Considering A Move To This Modest Midwestern City
Travel Awaits, April 2
Apr 2, 2023 | Intercom, Student News
It’s spring cleaning at the NMC Bookstore!
Take half off all red tag clearance items Monday, April 17 & Tuesday, April 18. In store only.
Mar 30, 2023 | HR Corner, Intercom
Kudos to EES student workers Rachel Bonesteel and Jennifer Yaple. They have gone above and beyond with their creativity, initiative and positive attitudes in their work on the EES team the past two terms. Along with numerous tasks and creative projects, Rachel took on creating College for Kids coloring books for commencement — be on the lookout for them! She also created an EES catalog wall — printed and framed many of our past catalogs — she even invited the cover models to come in and sign their pictures! Stop into the University Center to check it out. Jennifer, along with many other projects and tasks, took on redesigning our nmc.edu/kids landing page. This was a huge undertaking, working first in the staging site, writing code, etc. It looks great, be sure to check it out. Thank you Rachel and Jennifer.
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!
Mar 29, 2023 | Intercom, Student Events
Join us for a free community discussion related to adult mental health in Northern Michigan presented by GVSU Traverse City and NMC. Panelists from across the community will share information and local resources related to this important topic to care for our community.
Wednesday, April 12, 2023 (7:30–9:30 a.m.)
- Registration and Continental Breakfast: 7:30–8 a.m.
- Program Start: 8 a.m.
Location:
The Hagerty Center at Northwestern Michigan College
715 East Front St,Traverse City, MI 49686
This event is free and open to the public. For more info and to register, go to gvsu.edu/hfnorthernmich/.
Registration deadline is Monday, April 10.
The Health Forum of Northern Michigan is offered in the fall and spring of each year. It is a collaboration between the GVSU Traverse City Regional Center and Northwestern Michigan College. It is supported by a planning committee of community leaders in the Grand Traverse area. The event is sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of West Michigan.
Mar 29, 2023 | Announcements & News, Intercom
We’re bringing the staff appreciation sale back to the NMC Bookstore — this time with an even bigger discount!
Take 30% off your regularly priced purchases April 10–13! Sale includes apparel, gifts, tech — it’s all on sale!
Mar 27, 2023 | Intercom, International Affairs Forum, Student Events
NMC’s International Affairs Forum continues on Thursday, April 20 at 6:30 p.m. in the Milliken Auditorium with a discussion on the evolving dynamics on the Arabian Peninsula, including Saudi Arabia, Iran, Yemen and more. IAF will host Ambassador (ret) Greta C. Holtz for this in-person event with livestream available.
Ambassador Holtz served 35 years as a career diplomat with extensive experience in the Middle East region. Holtz served as Senior United States Coordinator for Operation Allies Refuge in Qatar from August-October 2021 and as Chargé d’affaires in Qatar from June 2020 until April 2021. She was Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary in the State Department’s Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, and she was the Senior Foreign Policy Advisor (POLAD) to the Commanding General of U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) from 2017-2019. She served as the United States Ambassador to Oman from 2012 to 2015.
Jack Segal, a former senior U.S. diplomat and former IAF Board co-chair, will moderate the discussion. Segal served in the U.S. Embassy in Israel as counselor for political/military affairs during the first Intifada and the Gulf War. In the Clinton administration, Segal was the National Security Council director for Russia, Ukraine and Eurasia, and served 10 years as senior political advisor to the NATO Commander where he was responsible for Afghanistan policy. He is an active instructor at NMC Extended Education on a variety of global affairs topics.
The event at Milliken Auditorium is open to the public and will be available to livestream, including a public Q & A. The event includes a welcome reception with appetizers from Food Arabia at 5:30 p.m..
In-person tickets are required and available for purchase at TCIAF.com or at the door for $15 per person. Attendance for students and educators is free. Registration is required to livestream.
For in-person tickets, livestream registration, and all event details, visit TCIAF.com.
Mar 27, 2023 | 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.
‘It’s a noble profession’: Land surveyors are aging and retiring in Michigan amid ongoing needs
MiBiz, March 26
Taking care of teeth: Dental assistant program addresses Native American needs
Washington Times Herald, March 26
Up North Aquaman
Northern Express, March 25
Mary Bevans Gillett: Advocating for the arts today and tomorrow
Record-Eagle, March 24
Bay Mills, NMC partnership could help dental care in Native communities
Interlochen Public Radio, March 22
High school, college students help local filmmaker create his next film
9&10 News, March 23
Anishinaabe sculptor Jason Quigno to be honored with Legacy award
Benzie Record-Patriot, March 23
The Great Lakes need innovation
Navigator newsletter, March 2023
Educational agreements to increase ranks of dental assistants in Native areas
Intertribal Life, March 20
Mar 27, 2023 | Intercom, Student News
Gene Jenneman
( Download a high-resolution photo)
Brad Oleson
( Download a high-resolution photo)
D.J. Oleson
( Download a high-resolution photo)
Marty Oleson
( Download a high-resolution photo) TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College’s highest honor, the NMC Fellow award, has been bestowed for 2023 on Gene Jenneman and Brad, D.J. and Marty Oleson, all of Traverse City.
Jenneman was the first director of NMC’s Dennos Museum Center. The Olesons — siblings Brad and D.J. and cousin Marty — are the third generation of the family whose financial and volunteer support for NMC spans all eight decades of its existence.
Appointed as Dennos director before the museum even opened in 1991, Jenneman led the museum until his retirement in 2019. His mission was to bring the world to Traverse City via the art exhibited in the galleries and performed in Milliken Auditorium. His culminating achievement was a 15,000 square foot expansion completed in 2017, which nearly doubled the museum’s exhibition space. The new galleries showcase pieces from the permanent collection that Jenneman acquired over 30 years, as well as the Dennos’ signature Inuit art collection. One of the permanent collection galleries bears his name.
The Oleson trio carried on the NMC Barbecue tradition started in 1956 by their grandparents, Jerry and Frances Oleson, until it concluded in 2020 after raising nearly $2 million for college projects. Marty Oleson is a member of the NMC Foundation Board, appointed in 2010. She served on the annual campaign and alumni committees, as well as the Innovation Grants Committee, now known as the Office of Possibilities Committee. Brad Oleson was the Oleson family representative on the Barbecue Board for decades. He helped engineer many improvements through the years and was a tremendous stabilizing force. He was typically the first to arrive and the last to leave every Barbecue Day.
D.J. sits at the helm of Oleson’s Corporation and was recently chair of the Michigan Grocer’s Association. His internal leadership with the business helps make it possible for the Oleson legacy to live on as he cheers his sibling Brad and cousin Marty in their community-facing roles.
The Fellow is Northwestern Michigan College’s highest honor, awarded annually since 1964. Fellows may be nominated because they have demonstrated influential networking on behalf of the College, have demonstrated 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. Exceptional contributions in one or more of these areas may justify nomination.
See a list of past recipients here.
Release date: March 31, 2023
For more information:
Diana Fairbanks
Associate Vice President of Public Relations, Marketing and Communications
dfairbanks@nmc.edu
Media on deadline, call or text (231) 392-6082
Non-deadline inquiries: (231) 995-1020
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