Apr 3, 2025 | Intercom, International Affairs Forum, Student Events
NMC’s International Affairs Forum continues its 31st season with an unprecedented event led by NMC students on the IAF Student Leadership Team. Join IAF for “Echoes of Change: The Legacy of Student Activism” at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 17 at the Dennos Museum Center. The guest speaker is Danielle K. Brown, Ph.D., 1855 Community and Urban Journalism Professor and an associate professor in the School of Journalism at Michigan State University.
Brown will discuss the social and political underpinnings of student movements. Her interdisciplinary research focuses on “the cross-sections of journalism, political science, and sociology. She specializes in analyses of media representations and narrative change, social movements and activism, and identity and political psychology.”
As part of this exploration, the IAF Student Leadership Team has interviewed scholars and activists. The team will share curated video interview segments during the live event, interwoven with moderated conversation on stage. Discussion will highlight past student protest movements as well current issues around political activism on campuses across the country.
The April 17 in-person event at the museum is open to the public and available to watch online. At 5:30 p.m., enjoy a reception, explore the Dennos Museum Center galleries and meet the students behind this event. At 6:30 p.m., the program begins in Milliken Auditorium. Admission is $15 per person or free for students, educators, and active-duty military. Advance tickets are strongly encouraged. For in-person tickets, online tickets and all event details, visit TCIAF.com.
IAF’s 31st season is sponsored by Mercantile Bank.
Apr 2, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
April 2, 2025
NMC’s distinguished academic programs and innovative experiential learning style are on full view to the community this month, fittingly National Community College Month.
Starting with the free April 12 “open ship” event aboard the State of Michigan, the training ship for the Great Lakes Maritime Academy – one of just six in the nation and the only one on freshwater – to A Taste of Success April 25, where Great Lakes Culinary Institute students will demonstrate skills from sauteing to baking to cocktail mixing, April offers experiences to engage every community member.
Four concerts featuring a range of musical genres and the tenth anniversary of the Big Little Hero race April 19 also occur this month. All showcase experiential learning, or “doing to learn.” The inverse of the traditional “learning to do” teaching technique, NMC has a strategic goal that every student receive at least one experiential learning opportunity.
“Research shows this technique has a higher impact on learners, increasing their persistence and retention,” said Brandon Everest, co-director of NMC’s Experiential Learning Institute.
In addition to the hands-on style, experiential learning includes problem-solving and reflection. Support for both college and community needs is also built in. Both A Taste of Success and Audio Technology’s “Dollars for Scholars” concert on April 12 benefit scholarships for students in the respective academic areas. The Big Little Hero race benefits Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern Michigan. During its 10 years, the race has raised more than $100,000 for the organization, which provides mentors to more than 400 youth in the community.
NMC President Nick Nissley (right) plans to attend all the events. At the Big Little Hero Race, however, he’ll be incognito, running as Captain Hawk Owl.
“Being on campus every day, the singularly outstanding educational experiences NMC students receive are familiar to me,” Nissley said. “I invite all northern Michigan residents to take advantage of the many opportunities this month to experience it themselves.”
National Community College Month has been marked since 1985. Its goal is to raise awareness and understanding of the value community colleges offer.
“Since we were founded by community members, we’ve long been known as the community’s college,” Nissley said. “This time of year we’re thrilled to be able to welcome our community to their campuses, to see for themselves the student accomplishments that we’re so proud of.”
Apr 1, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
In collaboration with the Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency, NMC is offering free tax preparation to students and employees with incomes less than $100,000 on Saturday, April 12.
Participants must sign up in advance for appointments that will be held in the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center, room 123. NMCAA will follow up with what the tax filer about what to bring to their appointment.
For more details, contact Marcus Bennett at mbennett@nmc.edu, 231-995-1401 or Justin Marcum on NMCAA, jmarcum@nmcaa.net, (231) 346-2169.
Mar 31, 2025 | Hawk Owl Helpers and Heroes, Intercom
Thanks to the employees practicing student centrism, from financial aid to faculty, as we enter the homestretch of the semester. Your work is helping to make a transformative impact on our students!
Who’s been a Hawk Owl Helper or Hero for you? Let us know at publicrelations@nmc.edu!
Mar 31, 2025 | Intercom
Enjoy an extra discount at the NMC Bookstore and the Dennos Museum store April 8-10! All regular priced items are 25% off for employees.
Does not include textbooks or consignment items.
Mar 31, 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.
Aviation programs take flight
Community College Daily, March 30
(more…)
Mar 26, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
The WNMC’s next Speaker Series will feature Doug Luciani, former head of the TC Chamber of Commerce and current VP for Strategy and Community Engagement at the development firm Cunningham-Limp.
Luciani and Eric Hines from the WNMC will discuss the changes that have occurred in Traverse City during his seventeen years at the Chamber and some of the service-oriented projects Cunningham-Limp has been involved with in Northern Michigan over the last few years such as Common Grounds, the Mill in Glen Arbor, several area churches and Cordia Senior Living at Grand Traverse Commons.
This interview will air at 7:30 a.m. on April 2 during Wednesday’s edition of Mornings on WNMC. Tune in at 90.7 FM or stream afterward on the WNMC’s Soundcloud account.
Mar 26, 2025 | 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 12. 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: MARCH 26, 2025
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
Mar 26, 2025 | Intercom, Student Events
Northwest Michigan Health Services is hosting a COVID-19 vaccine clinic from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, April 2 in the Cedar Lot on NMC’s Front Street Campus. NMC students, employees and family members ages 12 and older are eligible to receive a vaccine at no cost. Proof of insurance is not needed.
Mar 25, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — NMC’s Music Department invites the community to the following spring performances:
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Saturday, April 12 NMC Audio Technology presents Rockin’ Into Spring – Dollars for Scholars. This scholarship benefit concert features Racing Mount Pleasant, formerly known as Kingfisher, and Trillium Groove. Several Audio Tech alumni are among the performers. 7 p.m., Milliken Auditorium. Admission is $20 for adults and $5 for students. Tickets are now available.
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Saturday, April 19 NMC Jazz Bands present the Spring Jazz Ensemble Showcase. Josh Wagner, director. 7:30 p.m. Milliken Auditorium. General admission. Presale tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students and seniors. ($20 and $15 at the door.)
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Friday, April 25 NMC Concert Band. Pat Brumbaugh, director. 7:30 p.m., Milliken Auditorium. General admission. Presale tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students and seniors ($20 and $15 at the door.)
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Sunday, April 27 NMC Children’s Choirs present choral music from around the world at their final concert of the season. Ashley Larimer-Kelly, Stephanie Schall-Brazee, Joanna Aldridge and Jamie Moreland, directors. 3 p.m., Lars Hockstad Auditorium. Reserved seating. Presale tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students and seniors ($20 and $15 at the door.)
Release Date: March 25, 2025
For More Information:
Cari Noga
NMC Communications Director
(231) 392-1800 (mobile – call or text)
cnoga@nmc.edu
Mar 24, 2025 | Hawk Owl Helpers and Heroes, Intercom
Thanks to those who worked to implement multi-factor authentication for students, which rolled out last week: Bryce Turner, Paul Martin and David Hosler from SLM, Lisa Boike from ITS, and Technology Support Services: Ali Thornton and the Help Desk team of Tyrel Stott, Michelle Beckett, Ricky Hagberg and Cayce Harwood. In addition, thanks to all the faculty and staff who took the time to remind students to update their cell phone numbers in Self-Service, which significantly improved the ease of the roll out. This is an important step to keep NMC data and IT assets secure.
Who’s been a Hawk Owl Helper or Hero for you? Let us know at publicrelations@nmc.edu!
Mar 24, 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.
Women’s History Month special section: Carolyn Andrews, Lindsey Dickinson recognized
Record-Eagle, March 23
(more…)
Mar 21, 2025 | Intercom, Student Events
Audio Technology students will present their “Student Showcase” production at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, April 9 at the Milliken Auditorium in the Dennos Museum Center as part of their experiential learning class project. Admission is free.
This concert will highlight student talent both on and off stage, as Audio Tech students will be running live sound, setting up and tearing down equipment and stage managing during the performances. All of the pre-production and marketing were also entirely student-led.
Performing this year are acts that feature a wide range of genres from indie bedroom pop to hip hop and rock n’ roll, the Audio Tech student body is proud to showcase their hard work over the past semester. The following performers include:
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- Kash Peck
- Student Designed Font (Ayla Bluhm, Hayden Schonesse, and Carina Ingersoll)
- K.4.N.3. (Arriam Kane)
- DJ Flounder (Magnus Mannor)
- Exist 505 (River Leachman)
- 90s Boy Band (AB Rollo, Ben Filipkowski, and Jacob Sundermann)
If you have any further questions about the event, please contact:
David Chown
Audio Tech Professor
dchown@nmc.edu
Sam Boase-Miller
Audio Tech Coordinator
sboasemiller@nmc.edu
Mar 21, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
Spring is here, the snow is melting and the NMC Library has plenty of items in their Library of Things collection to help you get back outside after this brutal winter!
Play some outdoor games with your friends – from old favorites like cornhole and disc golf, to NEW additions to the collection like pickleball, kubb, giant chess and portable laser tag!
Have an outdoor movie night with our NEW mini projector and portable screen! Just add blankets, some popcorn and your favorite film for a perfectly cozy evening under the stars.
Have a picnic with your loved ones, with our NEW portable picnic table! You can also check out a bluetooth speaker, board games and a puzzle to make for a lovely day in the sun!
Go stargazing with our NEW telescope, or our NEW stargazing kit – complete with a red filter headlamp and flashlight as well as a pocket guide to the night sky!
Browse our full collection of Library of Things in the online catalog.
Mar 21, 2025 | Intercom, Student Events
Campus Life is hosting a volleyball tournament at 7 p.m. on Monday, April 14 in the Rajkovich Physical Education Center. This tournament is open to all employees and current students.
Mar 21, 2025 | HR Corner, Intercom
Deanna Silkowski recently started working at the college as a Graphic Coordinator. Let’s welcome her to the NMC community!
Mar 19, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
March 19, 2025
Thomas Russell hasn’t graduated from high school yet, but he can’t wait to become a nurse.
The Traverse City Central senior is dual enrolled in medical terminology and a math class at NMC currently. This summer, following his high school graduation, he’ll take Anatomy & Physiology I, followed by A & P II in the fall. Once he completes all those prerequisites, he’ll be eligible to apply to the nursing program.
Russell’s undaunted by the challenges to a profession which, broadly speaking, is still recovering from the powerful impact of the COVID pandemic. At NMC, he has a lot of company, as nursing remains arguably NMC’s most competitive program. Russell, 18, is among 160 students now in a pre-nursing pipeline, at various stages of prerequisite course completion. April 1, applications will open for the 40 available seats in the associate degree program starting this fall.
Grade point average, prerequisite completion, entrance exam score, prior degree status and veteran status all factor into the admission decision, said nursing program director Betsy Boris.
After completion of his prerequisites, Russell will be eligible to apply this fall for spring 2026 admission. He said “a lot of reflection” led him to choose nursing. He’s worked in construction, and found he wanted more interaction with people. He’s been a caregiver to his mother, who has disabilities, and experienced the patient side himself due to a severe allergy as a child.
“At the base of it, it’s just being able to help people,” he said. “I found a very solid grounding in helping people, and what that made me feel like.”
NMC runs the largest nursing program north of Grand Rapids, and graduates provide skilled, proficient patient care. NMC exceeds both Michigan and U.S. average pass rates on the RN license exam, the NCLEX. In 2024, 97% of NMC nursing students passed.
“Application season is always an exciting time for our students as well as faculty and staff, as we welcome future nurses to this challenging yet rewarding and fulfilling field,” Boris said. “NMC is proud to train many of the nurses who go on to work at Munson Healthcare, at nursing homes and in public health, sharing their skills with the entire region.”
Through a partnership with Davenport University, NMC students can also earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing. The first class of 12 graduated last summer. Another 14 will start this summer.
Right now, Russell is leaning toward long-term care nursing. “Something where I can build a deeper connection with the individual,” he said.
He’ll also be able to take advantage of the Community College Guarantee. As a 2025 high school graduate, the scholarship will cover the cost of his associate degree.
“I’m on top of that,” Russell said. “Very glad and thankful.”
Mar 18, 2025 | Intercom, President Updates, Student News
Good afternoon NMC community,
By now, many of you have likely heard about the significant reductions at the U.S. Department of Education, where nearly 1,300 employees — almost half the department — were affected by a workforce reduction announced last week. Since the news broke, we have been working to understand the full scope of these changes and what they mean for our students, faculty and staff.
Let me be clear: there are no immediate changes to federal student aid. The Department has confirmed that FAFSA processing, Pell Grants and student loan servicing remain fully operational. Our Financial Aid Office continues to monitor the situation, and if anything changes, students will be notified directly.
At NMC, we are committed to staying ahead of changes that may impact our students. Some federal offices responsible for program oversight and compliance are being restructured, and we are keeping a close eye on any potential long-term effects. Our priority remains the same: ensuring every student has the support they need to succeed.
We recognize that change — even at the federal level — can bring uncertainty. But as always, NMC will continue to adapt, innovate and put students first. If you have any questions, please reach out to our Financial Aid team at SFS@nmc.edu or (231) 995-1035.
Thank you for being part of NMC. Together, we will navigate these changes with the same commitment to excellence and student success that has always defined our college.
Nick
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Nick Nissley, Ed.D. | President | Northwestern Michigan College | 231.995.1010
