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Cari Noga
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(231) 392-1800 (Call or text)
Success story: Lakebed conference shows blue economy momentum
An NMC student prepares to deploy a remotely-operated vehicle aboard the research vessel Northwestern
September 9, 2026
Mapping the Great Lakes has taken a Grand Canyon-sized leap since the last Lakebed 2030 conference, and NMC students are a part of it.
When the effort to map all five Great Lakes at high resolution started five years ago, such data existed for less than 15 percent of the lakes. Next week, when 175 professionals from science, research, policy, government and industry gather again at the Hagerty Center, 17 percent of the U.S. waters will be mapped. The increase of 1,885 square miles roughly equals Grand Canyon National Park.
U.S. Senator Gary Peters speaks via video at a Lakebed 2030 event in 2022.That data is critical to keeping the lakes drinkable, fishable and swimmable. It’s also vital to creating new jobs and industries based around water resources — the essence of the blue economy that NMC is advancing in multiple ways. From seed funding for new entrepreneurs to collaborating with community and academic partners to experiential learning opportunities for NMC students, Lakebed will showcase all of it Sept. 15–17. Highlights include:
- Naming the 2026 Great Lakes Blue Tech Challenge winner. The starting field of 48 early-stage companies has been narrowed to three finalists: Lacuum, Naiad Technologies and NS2, who will compete Sept. 17 in a pitch competition for $55,000. All three are developing innovative products that use autonomous technology to monitor, preserve and improve water quality.
“All three are examples of the kinds of tenants – and employers – NMC wants to see for the Freshwater Research & Innovation Center,” said Jason Slade, vice president for Strategic Initiatives at NMC. “Their work dovetails with NMC programs like Marine Technology and uncrewed aerial systems, where students learn proficiency in autonomous technology.” - Tour of the under-construction, 40,000 square foot FRIC facility on West Grand Traverse Bay Sept. 16. Scheduled for completion in spring 2027, marking another milestone for the blue economy, the Center will unite education, research and economic development under one roof, making it a collaborative hub for freshwater unique in the Great Lakes region.
- NMC Marine Technology students have mapped the Lake Michigan lakebed off the tip of the Leelanau peninsula since 2023, using industry-standard multibeam sonar and hydrographic survey techniques aboard NMC’s research vessel, the Northwestern. NMC Great Lakes Water Studies Institute director John Lutchko, recently named the Early Career Ocean Professional by the Marine Technology Society, who teaches the capstone course, will moderate an industry panel discussion Sept. 16.
- NMC President Nick Nissley will sign the Presidents for Entrepreneur Pledge Sept. 17. A project of the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship, NMC has actively worked to advance entrepreneurship among students for several years, from offering a maker’s space to funding for innovative student projects and ideas. The pledge is a natural next step.
- In another collaboration, the University of Michigan has approved NMC’s application to join the Cooperative Institute for Great Lakes Research. This consortium is now seeking grant funding for research and workforce training.
“NMC is committed to future-focused learning and to being a community cornerstone,” Nissley said. “Both the entrepreneurship pledge and joining CIGLR illustrate those commitments, and how they benefit our students and region.”
Cyber Minute: Back-to-School Scam Season is Here
Phishing emails ramp up with the semester. Watch for fake financial aid notices, IT account warnings, and urgent password reset requests. When in doubt, go directly to the source — don’t click the link.
Mike McIntosh Memorial Truck & Car Show and Block Party
Thanks the organizers and volunteers of the 20th annual Mike McIntosh Memorial Car & Truck Show & Block Party, set for this Saturday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on the Aero Park campus. Aero Park Drive will close to through traffic for a full day of classic cars, food trucks, music and family-friendly activities. Find out more and plan to attend!
Who’s been a Hawk Owl Helper or Hero for you? Let us know at publicrelations@nmc.edu!
Join us in celebrating 75 years of NMC
Faculty and Staff,
As we have been celebrating NMC’s 75th anniversary throughout this year, I’ve been reflecting on the incredible role this college has played in our region—and on the people who have made that impact possible over the past 75 years.
Our anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate where we’ve been, recognize the people who have shaped NMC, and look ahead with excitement to what comes next. Most importantly, it’s an opportunity for our NMC community to come together.
In honor of our 75th year, we are pleased to offer current faculty and staff $75 off the standard ticket price, bringing your ticket to $50.
I hope you’ll join me on Saturday, September 19, at the Hagerty Center for an evening of good food, music, dancing, and celebration with colleagues and friends. It will be a special night as we celebrate 75 years of community impact and look toward a bold tomorrow for NMC.
Event Details
Saturday, September 19, 2026
6:00–10:00 p.m.
Hagerty Center at NMC’s Great Lakes Campus
Festive Cocktail Attire
Employee Rate: $50 (Regularly $125)
Evening Schedule
- 6:00–7:30 p.m. — Food and drinks
- 7:30–8:15 p.m. — 75th Anniversary Program
- 8:15–10:00 p.m. — Music and dancing
Evening Highlights
- Food stations, champagne toast, and one drink token
- A special 75th Anniversary program, live music, and dancing
- The official sealing of the NMC 75th Anniversary Time Capsule
- An opportunity to celebrate our shared history and look toward the future
RSVP
To help us finalize catering and event preparations, the special faculty and staff rate of $50 is available through the end of the day this Friday. Please use the dedicated employee link below to reserve your ticket:
Thank you for everything you do for NMC and, most importantly, for our students and our community. I hope you’ll join me as we celebrate 75 years of NMC and the exciting future ahead!
I look forward to celebrating with you on September 19!
Nick
Media mentions for September 8, 2026
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.
Inside NMC’s $20 million geothermal project
Ticker, Sept. 7
(more…)
New books for September 2026
To find these selections and many other new titles, see the NMC library catalog.
Employee anniversaries – September
The following employees are celebrating an anniversary soon. Please join us in congratulating them!
Kudos!
Kudos to Kristy Jackson, Alex Bloye, Ali LeJeune, Alice Sluss, Ashleigh Fender, Beth Norconk, Beth Straebel, Betsy Boris, Brittany Schneider, Carolyn Andrews, Cheryl Bloomquist, Christa Abdul-Karim, Cindy Duby, Darryl Greathouse, Eli McCullough, Garrett Croon, Hollianne McHugh, Hollie DeWalt, Jacqueline Olson, Jan Root, Kim Gourlay, Kirk Waterstripe, Krista McCarty, Kristi Hallett, Larry Albosta, Lindsay Kimball, Liz Celeste, Marli Blackhurst, Michael Anderson, Nancy Durecki, Patrick Quinlan, Ren Garvon, Robin Maloney, Shannah Vergote, Stephanie Schall-Brazee, Tiffani Wilke, and Randy Melick! College for Kids 2026 hosted over 100 classes this summer! These folks instructed, donated, volunteered and supported these classes on NMC’s campuses. We know that at least 14% of NMC’s current academic students started out in College for Kids. Thank you everyone for giving our new NMC families a fantastic experience this summer.
Kudos to Christa Abdul-Karim, Merrick Adams, Betsy Boris, Michele Ensign, Ashleigh Fender, Nicole Fewins, Terri Gustafson, Brittany Schneider, Megan Holtrey, Rorie Kawula, Shirl Martin, Shayrrl McCready, Tallula Morrison, Denny Nguyen, Nick Nissley, Beth Norconk, Stephanie Powers, Danielle Quinlan, Shannon Schultz, Amy Shamroe, Jason Slade, Cathlyn Sommerfield, Melissa Sprenkle, Heather VanStratt, Cindy Virta, Sarah Wangler, Ken Warner, Tracy Welch, and Beckie Wooters! College for Kids 2026 filled over 800 seats this summer! These folks greeted an estimated 300+ families on NMC’s campuses! We know that at least 14% of NMC’s current academic students started out in College for Kids. Thank you everyone for giving our new NMC families a warm welcome this summer.
Kudos to Logan Leadmon! Logan has been so helpful to the Success Coaching team and the Student Success Department this summer in multiple ways! From assisting us with checking every single computer in TJNIC 123 to make sure they were ready for College Edge students, to helping those students troubleshoot login and password issues, to assisting us in making sure all of our technology was working in TJNIC 106/107 for our last summer orientation session, Logan was always ready to help with a warm and positive energy. Thanks, Logan, for assisting both staff and students with the essential technology that drives all of our work!
Kudos to Garrett Glynn! Garrett is always a warm and inviting face and voice whenever I run into technology snags and brings that same energy to students who need support. Garrett assisted many of our College Edge students over the summer (as well as numerous new, never-attended students!) and helped build their confidence in navigating the technology systems that are essential to their academic success. Thanks, Garrett, for making the Technology Help Desk feel approachable and inviting for both staff and students!
Kudos to Custodial Services! Dear Facilities and Custodial Services Team, I am writing to share a sincere thank you and express our deepest appreciation for the outstanding work you do. As our Simulation Lab continues to rapidly grow and undergo constant changes, your team has consistently risen to the challenge. Maintaining a highly specialized space like the Simulation Lab requires incredible attention to detail. Even though we rarely see you during your shifts, we notice your hard work every single day when we come into a clean and ready space. No matter how fast we evolve or what changes come our way, you always deliver exceptional results. We truly could not do our work without your dedication and support. Thank you for always doing such an excellent job!
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!
Welcome our newest hires!
These employees recently started working at the college. Let’s welcome them to the NMC community!
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- Kiley Ridenour – Adjunct Flight Instructor
- Thomas Nash, student employee – Switchboard Operator & Welcome Desk
- Justin Henning, student employee – Aviation Line Crew
- Anna Brooks, student employee – Residence Hall Front Desk
- Arin Carr, student employee – Residence Hall Front Desk
- Ashtyn Coykendall, supplemental employee – Banquet Server Hagerty Center
- Austin Godfrey, supplemental employee – Welding Assistant
- Mason Bressler, student employee – Fitness Center Staff
- Jacob Greene, supplemental employee – Food Services Back of House
- Amira Fakir, supplemental employee – Food Service Front of House
- Kathryn Joyce, supplemental employee – Human Resources Assistant
- Ella Doolittle, student employee – GLCI Purchasing & Receiving Assistant
Planning an event? Bring the excitement and invite Swoop
Don’t leave Swoop on the sidelines! As we look ahead to 2027, we know many exciting events and celebrations are already in the works. If you’d like Swoop to make an appearance and bring the energy, now is the time to let us know! Help us plan ahead by submitting your Swoop appearance request as soon as possible.
Exempt employees—if you want to help bring NMC’s energy alive while getting paid for your valuable time to either perform as Swoop or accompany him to events, reach out to Zach Whitaker at zwhitaker@nmc.edu.
Submit your request by filling out the Swoop Appearance Request Form
On the menu: Hawk Owl Café specials for September 7–11
The Hawk Owl Café serves specials during the fall and spring semesters from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and from 4:40 to 6:30 p.m. The protein option is $10.99, and the vegetarian option (V) is $9.99. Learn more at nmc.edu/dining.
Menu
Monday, September 7
NO Special Today — Happy Labor Day!
Tuesday, sEptember 8
Beef Barbacoa Tacos w/ Spanish Rice & Refried Beans
Tofu (V) w/ Spanish Rice & Refried Beans
Wednesday, September 9
Roasted Pork & Pineapple Sweet & Sour Stir Fry w/ Jasmine Rice & Egg Roll
Tofu (V) w/ Pineapple Sweet & Sour Stir Fry w/ Jasmine RIce & Egg Roll
Thursday, September 10
Potato Gnocchi w/ Italian Sausage & Alfredo Sauce w/ Garlic Bread & Green Beans
Potato Gnocchi w/Roasted Veg (V) Alfredo Sauce w/ Garlic Bread & Green Beans
Friday, September 11
BBQ Pulled Pork on Brioche w/ Mac & Cheese & Asparagus
BBQ Jackfruit (V) on Brioche w/ Mac & Cheese & Asparagus
Board of Trustees Building & Site committee meeting
The NMC Board of Trustees Building and Site committee will meet at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 9, at Discovery Pier, 13170 S. West Bay Shore Dr., Traverse City.
More information is available here.
For more information, please contact the President’s office at (231) 995-1010.
Open recreation in the Rajkovich Physical Education Building
NMC offers open recreation in the Rajkovich Physical Education Building (#16 on the Front Street campus map) on Mondays and Thursdays from 7–10 p.m. as well as Saturdays and Sundays from 6–9 p.m. Join us for basketball, soccer, volleyball, dodgeball, badminton, pickleball, ping pong and more!
All NMC students and employees are welcome. Please bring your NMC ID and clean shoes.
For any questions, please contact mbennett@nmc.edu.
‘Bring Your Own’ Book Club launches at the NMC Library
All of the fun and connection of a book club with none of the pressure to finish the same book at the same time. No assigned reading! No stress!
Starting this fall, the NMC Library invites you to come share your latest read, your favorite read or your current read! You’re also more than welcome to just to listen and hear recommendations from other readers.
The group will meet at 12 p.m. on the 3rd Tuesday of each month in the Library Fireplace Room.
Since the meetings are during lunchtime, you’re encouraged to bring your lunch. Tea will be provided!
‘We the People’ Constitution Day trivia night
This Constitution Day, the NMC Library invites you to the second annual ‘We the People’ trivia night! Test your knowledge of the U.S. Constitution while enjoying free pizza from Dino’s in the Fireplace Room at the NMC Library from 6–8 p.m. on Thursday, Sep. 17.
Teams will go head-to-head competing for the First Amendment Trophy as well as a prize for each member of the first place team. No advance registration required — just show up and play!
1st Annual Mike McIntosh Memorial Car Cruise
NMC’s Automotive Technology department is hosting the 1st Annual Mike McIntosh Memorial Cruise on Friday, Sept. 11, beginning at NMC’s Automotive Service Technology Building located at 2510 Aero Park Drive, Traverse City. The cruise takes place the evening before the 20th Annual Mike McIntosh Memorial Truck and Car Show and is open to those who plan to show their car or truck the next day. Participants will receive a commemorative “1st Annual Mike McIntosh Memorial Cruise” dash plaque.
Mike’s son, Kevin, will lead the cruise behind the wheel of a 1957 BMW Isetta that Mike owned but never restored to show quality. Kevin has since completed the restoration, and the little BMW will finally have its moment at the show. Before the cruise departs, a hot air lantern will be floated in Mike’s memory.
The cruise will depart around 7 p.m. and travel partway up Old Mission Peninsula. Along the way, the cars will pass through the Front Street Campus on College Drive. Students and employees are encouraged to grab a spot along the route on College Drive at the Front Street Campus and cheer on the cruisers as they make their way through campus and the community.
The cruise will finish at NMC’s Great Lakes Campus, the original home of NMC’s automotive program and the place where Mike spent much of his career. Once the cars arrive, Morganja Farms’ food truck will be on hand with food and beverages, giving everyone a chance to gather, enjoy the vehicles and celebrate Mike’s legacy together. The cruise will also support Project Feed The Kids.
If you plan to participate in the cruise, please RSVP to Wayne Moody at (231) 995-1316 or wmoody@nmc.edu.
Public notice of upcoming accreditation review visit by the ACEN
The Northwestern Michigan College Nursing Department wishes to announce that it will host a site visit for continuing accreditation of its Associate Degree and Practical Nursing programs by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
You are invited to meet with the site visit team and share your comments about the program in person at a meeting scheduled at 4:00 pm on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, in Room 106 of the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center Building located at 1701 East Front Street, Traverse City, MI 49686.
Written comments are also welcome and should be submitted to the ACEN via email at publiccomments@acenursing.org or to the ACEN office: Attn: Accreditation Services Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing 3390 Peachtree Rd NE, Suite 1400 Atlanta GA, 30326 You must identify the full name of the program in your comments.
All written comments should be received by the ACEN by September 21, 2026