Cyber Minute: QR Code Caution on Campus
Scanning flyer QR codes is easy, but a scammer can paste a malicious sticker right over a legitimate one. Before you open the link, preview the URL to make sure it’s going where it should.
Accessibility in Action: Accessibility Starts With Us
What digital accessibility means and why it matters
Accessibility is part of everyone’s work at NMC, not just the responsibility of IT or the Digital Accessibility Committee. This first issue of a new newsletter from NMC’s Digital Accessibility Committee introduces the basics of digital accessibility, explains why accessibility matters, and provides an overview of the federal accessibility requirements. We’ll also introduce the four principles of Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and the accessibility tools available at NMC to help you get started.
We don’t expect you to fix everything at once; we are striving for progress, not perfection, and every little bit we do helps! (more…)
Thursday flash sales at the Campus Bookstore
Stop by the Campus Bookstore on Thursdays for a flash sale on apparel, gifts and more! Every Thursday is a different sale!
Posting on campus
Planning to hang flyers or share materials on campus? Before you post, take a moment to review the college guidelines so your message can stay up—and reach the right audience.
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- Post flyers and posters only on designated bulletin boards (one per board, max size 11” x 17”). Include the sponsor name and contact info on all materials.
- Only one copy may be placed on any designated bulletin board. Posting must not cover up any other posting or information.
- Posting on doors, walls, vehicles, or other surfaces isn’t allowed and may be removed.
- Non–date-specific postings may be removed after 21 days; event flyers come down after the event.
- Only the individual or entity responsible for posting the material or NMC Security may remove materials.
- Printed literature may only be distributed in designated areas.
For more information, view the full Posting (D-505.13) policy.
Thanks for helping keep our campus organized and welcoming!
A Celebration 75 years in the making
Thanks to the 75th anniversary Celebration working group, for hosting a fabulous showcase event Saturday at the Hagerty Center. Led by Rachel Urkowitz and Peg Jonkhoff, work group members included Carolyn Andrews, whose Construction Technology and Welding students created centerpieces; Mark Howell, Cari Noga, Laura Stevens and volunteers Debbie Edson, Pam Horne and Laura Oblinger. NMC Audio Technology students performed to an enthusiastic crowd and Foundation staff ensured the event was executed flawlessly.
Who’s been a Hawk Owl Helper or Hero for you? Let us know at publicrelations@nmc.edu!
Media mentions for September 21, 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.
Spilling the tea on decades of success
Northern Express, Sept. 19
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NMC joins national entrepreneurship effort
TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College joined nearly 350 community colleges around the country last week by signing the Presidents for Entrepreneurship Pledge of the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE).
President Nick Nissley signing the Presidents for Entrepreneurship Pledge (download high-resolution photo)By signing the pledge, NMC President Nick Nissley committed the college to undertake entrepreneurial practices that boost economic vitality in their communities. The pledge includes five action steps to advance entrepreneurship, including:
- Form teams to focus on entrepreneurship
- Connect with entrepreneurs in the community
- Collaborate with industry in the local region
- Focus on business and job creation
- Share stories through events and the media
NMC already has established a strong commitment to entrepreneurship through its office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Nissley signed the pledge at the Lakebed 2030 conference, just before the winner of the second Great Lakes BlueTech Challenge was named. Naiad Technologies received $30,000 in seed funding. No. 2 finisher Nucleic Sensing Systems received $20,000 and No. 3 Lacuum AI received $10,000. The 2027 Great Lakes BlueTech Challenge will open in January.
Headquartered in North Carolina, NACCE is the country’s leading organization focused on promoting entrepreneurship through community colleges. The pledge is one of its foremost leadership tools.
In 2023, NMC won $40,000 in an NACCE pitch competition which helped it acquire a 3D concrete printer and the curriculum to add the revolutionary building technology to its construction curriculum.
Release date: September 21, 2026
For more information:
Cari Noga
NMC Communications Director
cnoga@nmc.edu
(231) 392-1800 (Call or text)
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-discriminationeCampus textbook requisition training
It’s time to talk about textbook requisitions for spring! If you submit textbook requisitions at NMC, please attend the virtual training at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 24. The training will be recorded for anyone who is unable to attend.
Please contact Sarah at sdenniston@nmc.edu if you did not receive the link to the call.
Disc golf tournament
Campus Life will host a disc golf tournament at 4 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 25. Participants will meet in front of East Hall. Prizes will be given for the top participants with the lowest score for 9 holes. Register
For more information, contact Marcus Bennett at mbennett@nmc.edu or CJ Schneider at cschneider@nmc.edu
Kudos!
Kudos to Wayne Moody! Wayne Moody was our go-to expert for all things car show. His experience, coordination with so many outside organizations, and work securing donors were invaluable throughout the planning process of the 20th Annual Mike McIntosh Car Show and Block Party, and on the day of the event. And, of course, a huge thank you to the entire Automotive Department, its students, and volunteers, who are at the heart of the Mike McIntosh Car Show. They were there first thing in the morning directing traffic, organizing show vehicles, welcoming participants and making sure the car show ran smoothly. The pride they have in this event was evident throughout the entire day.
Kudos to Carolyn Andrews! Carolyn Andrews was an invaluable team player during the planning process (and day of event) of the 20th Annual Mike McIntosh Car Show & Block Party! She is an incredible problem solver who continually stepped in wherever something needed to be done. Her willingness to jump in and help keep things moving throughout the entire process.
Kudos to Georgenia Hromada! Georgenia Hromada kept so many of the behind-the-scenes details running seamlessly— from reserving meeting rooms and ordering t-shirts to coordinating with Facilities to make sure our NMC-branded decor and event materials were ready and on site for the 20th Annual Mike McIntosh Car Show & Block Party! She really held down the fort for everyone!
Kudos to Shelly VanderMeulen! Shelly VanderMeulen helped ensure the 20th Annual Mike McIntosh Car Show & Block Party was welcoming and family-friendly, while working with all of the technical division programs! She really brought the whole team together!
Kudos to Augusta Kummer! Through incredible organizational skills and communication, Ausgusta kept the Mike Macintosh and Aero Park Block party planning team focused, organized, and on track to deliver the best annual event ever! Her constant enthusiasm was contagious to the whole team and her presence at all planning meetings ensured details were not missed and everyone had a job. From planning to set up to execution to tear down, Augusta was a pivotal force in keeping things moving and keeping the energy high as well as maintaining focus and optimism. Thanks for your invaluable participation in this event, Augusta!
Kudos to Carolyn Andrews, Georgenia Hromada, Wayne Moody, Hollianne McHugh, Shelly VanderMuelen, Scott Goethals, Matt Hirsch, Darryl Greathouse, Brad Wortman, Joe Deater, Ryan Deering, Alex Bloye, Merrick Adams, Derrick Childress, and all Tech division staff/faculty/students/supplementals who participated! I’m sure I’m forgetting someone but also all the Facilities and volunteers who don’t work at NMC. Together, the 20th annual Mike Macintosh Car & Truck show and Aero Park Block party was a huge success and a great way to get the community out to see what we do here on Aero Park Campus! Thank you to all the hands that went into making this a wonderful event and especially the hands that provided perfect weather!
Kudos to Augusta Kummer, the Block Party committee and the Grounds Team! Great job facilitating the 75th Aero Park Block Party! The event was well organized and demonstrated excellent collaboration between departments. Augusta did a fantastic job keeping everything on track, while our committee effectively showcased the outstanding programs in the tech division. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this success: Shelly, Amy, Hollianne, Matt, Alex, Carl, Ryan, Daryl, Georgenia, Dan and the rest of the committee. A big thanks to the Grounds Team for making our campus look great and for managing the signage setup and takedown!
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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- Jonathan Mikowski, student employee – Engineering Tech Lab Assistant
- Ava Mae-Bardford, supplemental employee – Food Service, Front of House
- Caleb Jesse, student employee – Residence Hall Front Desk
- Breana Beaver, supplemental employee – Food Service, Front of House
- Noah Dexter, supplemental employee – Food Service, Back of House
Get your updated email signatures!
Thank you to everyone who’s been using the brand design resources in the employee brand hub. We recently updated the email signatures there to make the logo sizes more consistent, and to remove the Twitter links from the signatures as we sunset the use of that social media channel to focus on more active ones.
If you haven’t yet updated your signatures, or it’s been a while since you have, grab a fresh one from the brand hub or copy the version below! Choose from the standard version shown below, or a special 75th Anniversary version in green or blue, and modify it as needed with your name, title, department and contact info.
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Name
Title
Department
Address
Phone: (231) 995-XXXX
Middle, HS students to try trades at Building Tomorrow
TRAVERSE CITY — More than 400 area middle and high school students will have a chance to “try a trade” when NMC hosts its annual Building Tomorrow event Thursday Oct. 1 and Friday, Oct. 2 at the Aero Park Laboratories building.
Set for 9 a.m.-2 p.m. both days, the event is a hands-on experience that allows students to explore multiple skilled trades careers. Students will rotate through stations including carpentry, electrical, HVAC, automotive, welding and excavation site work.
“It’s very, very hands on,” said Carolyn Andrews, coordinator of NMC’s Construction Technology program. Students will take off tires, drive a mini excavator, build benches and picnic tables and wire a light, with the goal of exposing them to career paths they may not have considered.
“We want to change the stigma, change the culture. A lot of these are great careers,” Andrews said.
Aero Park Laboratories is located at 2525 Aero Park Dr. on NMC’s Aero Park campus.
There is strong employer demand for skilled trades workers. Construction laborers and managers, automotive service technicians and mechanics, electricians, HVAC mechanics and installers and plumbers are all among Michigan’s 2026 Hot 50 jobs outlook with the highest projected growth, openings and wages.
NMC offers both degrees and certificates in automotive technology, construction technology, engineering technology, manufacturing technology, renewable energy technology, surveying and welding technology. In all technical programs, enrollments are limited to maximize students’ access to the most current technology and industry-knowledgeable instructors. Technical curriculum is reviewed and approved by local advisory committees.
Release date: SEPTEMBER 16, 2026
For more information:
Cari Noga
NMC Communications Director
cnoga@nmc.edu
(231) 392-1800 (Call or text)
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-discriminationCyber Minute: MFA is Non-Negotiable
Multi-factor authentication blocks over 99% of account takeover attacks. Never approve an MFA push notification unless you just tried to log in. A random prompt means someone is trying to get in — deny it and report it.
Goodchild, Yauk graduate from MCCA Leadership Academy
Dan Goodchild (download a high-resolution photo)
Kelly Yauk (download a high-resolution photo)TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College staff members Dan Goodchild and Kelly Yauk have graduated from the 2025–26 Michigan Community College Association Leadership Academy this month, members of a statewide cohort of future leaders of the institutions where half of Michigan students begin college.
Goodchild is director of NMC’s Technical division, overseeing the college’s skilled trades programs including automotive technology, construction technology, engineering technology, manufacturing technology, surveying and welding technology.
Yauk is NMC’s marketing director, leading development and implementation of NMC’s strategic marketing plan, and increasing enrollment, visibility and brand awareness for the college.
Now in its tenth year, the MCCA Leadership Academy is a premier professional development program for emerging leaders in the community college sector. Participants, nominated by their college president or chancellor, engage in a Michigan-specific curriculum focused on leadership roles, student experience, institutional change, and building external partnerships. It is is designed to prepare leaders to champion student success, advance equity, and drive transformation across the state’s colleges.
Release date: September 16, 2026
For more information:
Cari Noga
NMC Communications Director
cnoga@nmc.edu
(231) 392-1800 (Call or text)
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-discriminationCollege Night brings 30+ colleges to NMC
TRAVERSE CITY — High school students beginning their college search can visit more than 30 colleges and universities at NMC’s annual College Night, from 6-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6 in the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center on the Front Street campus.
The event offers northern Michigan high school students a one-stop shop to evaluate their post-graduation options, including military service. Students can also learn about dual enrollment and Early College, which allow them to begin earning college credit in high school.
Both NMC Financial Aid and Michigan Student Aid representatives will be available to provide financial aid and scholarship information.
Registration is required. Go to strivescan.com or use the button on the event page, www.nmc.edu/collegenight.
If students are unable to attend College Night, they can visit the same schools at the Transfer Fair held earlier in the day, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in the TJNIC.
Release date: SEPTEMBER 15, 2026
For more information:
Cari Noga
NMC Communications Director
cnoga@nmc.edu
(231) 392-1800 (Call or text)
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-discriminationNMC Extended Education & Training hosts open house and ribbon cutting for new location
TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College Extended Education & Training invites community members, business partners, and lifelong learners to an Open House celebrating the grand opening of its new office location on Tuesday, Sept. 15, from 2–4 p.m.
The event will take place in the Parsons-Stulen Building on NMC’s Aero Park Campus, with the main reception inRoom 114. Highlighted by a special ribbon-cutting ceremony with Traverse Connect at 3 p.m., the afternoon offers guests the opportunity to explore the building, tour the office suite and adjoining classroom, and greet the team.
Light refreshments will be served, and staff will be available throughout the event to provide information of upcoming personal enrichment and professional development offerings.
Event Details:
What: NMC Extended Education & Training Open House & Ribbon Cutting
When: Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2–4 p.m. (ribbon cutting at 3 p.m.)
Where: Parsons-Stulen Building, room 114, NMC Aero Park Campus, 2600 Aero Park Drive Traverse City, MI 49686
Cost: Free and open to the public
RSVP: Advance registration requested via the online RSVP Form.
To learn more about Extended Education & Training programs, visit nmc.edu/eet or call (231) 995-1700.
Release date: September 10, 2026
For more information:
Shannah Vergote, Marketing & Promotion Coordinator
NMC Extended Education & Training
(231) 995-1702
svergote@nmc.edu
nmc.edu/eet
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-discriminationMedia mentions for September 14, 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.
NMC’s annual car show adds cruise night
Record-Eagle, Sept. 10
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