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.”