The Public Relations, Marketing and Communications team has created a fun holiday video for employees to share with their professional networks.
To share, drag your cursor over the entire message below, hit copy and then paste into your email program. You can edit the text to customize who the message is from.
Happy holidays,
NMC Public Relations
Wishing you boundless joy and unstoppable momentum in the new year.
President Nick Nissley & Northwestern Michigan College
The NMC Board of Trustees will hold its regular monthly meeting Monday, December 15 at 5:30 p.m. in Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center Room 106/107. More information is available here.
For more information, please contact the President’s office at (231) 995-1010.
The Building & Site committee of NMC’s Board of Trustees will meet Friday, December 12 at 10 a.m. in Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center Room 104/105. More information is available here.
For more information, please contact the President’s office at (231) 995-1010.
TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) Extended Education & Training is excited to announce the release of its Winter-Spring Catalog, offering more than 150 diverse classes for personal and professional growth. The catalog is now available online atwww.nmc.edu/ees, and registration is open for all learners.
This season, NMC is offering a wide range of in-person, livestream, and online courses in both life enrichment and professional and workforce training. Community members can explore topics such as cooking, painting, fitness, gardening, global cultures, technology, and more. New courses this winter includeDrawing Fundamentals, One Day Journal, Maple Sugaring, and Sharpen & Shine: Building Leaders.
For a unique holiday gift, theLearn Togetherprogram offers a variety of classes designed for couples, families, and friends. Whether it’s aDate NightorAdult & Childformat, participants can bond while learning new skills in areas like painting, cooking, wine tasting, partner dancing, and more.
In addition to individual courses, NMC Extended Education & Training also supports local businesses with custom training programs and corporate retreats tailored to meet specific organizational needs. For more information, businesses can contact NMC atees@nmc.edu.
To explore the full catalog and secure your spot, visitnmc.edu/ees. To request a printed catalog, emailees@nmc.edu.
About Northwestern Michigan College Extended Education & Training Northwestern Michigan College Extended Education & Training is a leading provider of lifelong and professional learning opportunities in the region. With a commitment to excellence and innovation, NMC Extended Education & Training strives to empower individuals and businesses to achieve their goals through high-quality educational programs and customized training solutions.
Release date: December 10, 2025
For more information:
NMC Extended Education & Training ees@nmc.edu (231) 995-1700
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
It’s the perfect time to stop into the Dennos Museum store to do a little holiday gift shopping. The museum and store are open until 6 p.m. on Tuesdays through December 23!
Members, NMC employees and students will receive DOUBLE DISCOUNTS at 20% off storewide on purchases through Christmas.
Special holiday sales include 25% off jewelry and 30% off calendars, holiday ornaments and holiday cards.
And if you’re not sure what to get, Museum store gift cards are available at a $10 minimum.
As always, the highest discount prevails, and consignment items are not included in special promotions.
NMC Campus Life will host an ice skating event Saturday, Jan. 17 from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Grand Traverse County Civic Center’s Howe Arena (1125 W Civic Center Dr, Traverse City, MI).
Must present a valid NMC ID to participate. This event is free to all NMC students, employees and their families. Skates will be provided on a first come, first serve basis.
Refreshments provided by His House, NMC Esports, and Student Government Association.
The Marine Technology Society is hosting a holiday party to celebrate the end of the semester from 4–5:30 p.m. on Friday, December 12 in room 104/105 of the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center. There will be a Mario Kart and euchre tournament.
Pizza, pop and snacks will be provided. Please bring a side/dessert to share if possible!
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.
As we head into the winter season, now is the perfect time to confirm that you are signed up for NMC’s Emergency text alert system. Follow the steps below to check your opt-in status now.
Select the opt-in level “Informational incl emergencies”.
Informational will send you a text anytime campus closes due to inclement weather, and emergencies will notify you any time there’s a genuine threat or emergency on any of our 5 campuses and we need you to be aware. It’s important that you receive both types of alerts!
Kudos to Janet Lively and the CIE Board! Kudos to Janet Lively and the CIE Board for an informative fall semester! The professional development on AI, advising, difficult conversations, AI book club and watercolor painting has been interesting and useful. Thank you for all the time and energy you put into providing PD opportunities for NMC employees!
Kudos to Jim Bensley! Kudos to Jim Bensley for his Rock-N-Roll role-playing in his Humanities course. His energy and fun-loving spirit bring joy to his class and those around him. It was fun to see him in the TJNIC dressed up and playing his guitar!
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!
Did you know that your tuition waiver benefits extend beyond credit classes? Take a fitness class, learn a new hobby, or even enjoy a date night with your partner. Check out these exclusive employee passes and get a sneak peek of our team’s upcoming Winter-Spring classes (and register early)!
Sip, socialize, and get creative at our Paint Your Pet Date Night! You and your special someone will each paint a canvas portrait of your beloved pet in this fun and unique evening workshop. No experience is necessary — our instructors will guide you through the techniques to capture your furry (or scaled or feathered!) friend’s likeness. Read more. Wednesday, March 11; 6–9 p.m. Tuition Waiver Price: $52 for two people (public price $125)
What is better than a festive exploration of sparkling wines, from celebratory Champagne to versatile Prosecco and Cava? Focus will be placed on understanding the diverse food pairings that go surprisingly well with sparkling wine—it’s not just for appetizers! Read more. Wednesday, Feb. 25; 6–7:30 p.m. Tuition Waiver Price: $46 for two people (public price $149)
Delve into the rich world of Islam, a global faith practiced by billions. This class offers a fascinating survey of its core beliefs, foundational practices, and remarkable history, from its origins to its impact on the modern world.Read more.
Instructor: Dr. Sarah Montgomery-Richards Monday, March 23; 6–8 p.m. Tuition Waiver Price: $30 per person (public price $65)
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 $9.99, and the vegetarian option (V) is $7.99. Learn more at nmc.edu/dining.
Menu
Monday, December 8
Orange Chicken & Broccoli Bowl with mandarin oranges and spinach served with rice & Bosco stick
Orange Tofu & Broccoli Bowl (V) with mandarin oranges and spinach served with rice & Bosco stick
Tuesday, December 9
Beef Barbacoa Tacos with cheddar, sour cream and salsa served with Spanish rice, tortilla chips & queso blanco
Jackfruit Tacos (V) with cheddar, sour cream and salsa served with Spanish rice, tortilla chips & queso blanco
Wednesday, December 10
Spaghetti & Meatballs with marinara and parmesan served with garlic bread & green beans
Tri-Color Tortellini (V) with pesto cream sauce served with garlic bread & green beans
Call it shaken or call it stirred, the beverage industry has seen significant consumer shifts over the last five years.
No longer are choices limited to wine, beer or soda. Now there’s ciders, seltzers and spirits. There’s specialty cocktails, often handcrafted. There’s RTDs, or ready-to-drink cocktails, conveniently bottled or canned. There’s no/lo — as in alcohol — options, also known as mocktails. Plus teas, coffees and waters, all of which can come flavored or infused, handcrafted or RTD.
To serve that rapidly growing and diversifying industry, NMC’s Great Lakes Culinary Institute will offer a one-year beverage management certificate beginning fall 2026. Culinary Director Les Eckert said that northwest Michigan’s many wineries, breweries, distilleries and most recently, cideries make the credential a good fit for GLCI.
“We could see the growth happening all around us,” Eckert said. “We knew we had to get involved.”
While there are beverage programs elsewhere in the U.S., GLCI’s stand-alone certificate will be on the leading edge in Michigan. The curriculum also embeds the experiential learning that is an NMC hallmark.
“Given that no single program in Michigan offers a comprehensive blend of beverage training, GLCI knew the timing was right to offer the Beverage Management certificate,” Eckert said.
GLCI introduced a beverage management class (CUL 232) in 2022. That and one other existing course will be part of the certificate, plus 13 new classes.
Those classes are designed to be experiential. Eckert said that up to 50 percent of the certificate’s courses will be conducted off-site, with industry visits built into course descriptions. For instance, NMC currently offers a viticulture certificate in partnership with Michigan State – a relationship that will mark 35 years next year. GLCI can lean into partnerships developed with winery vineyard managers to get students into cellars and tasting rooms.
Graduates will earn two industry certifications (ServSafe, CUL 110, and TIPS) and be prepared to take other industry exams.
“It really opens the doors for you to gain more globally recognized certifications,” Eckert said.
The beverage management certificate is the third new credential to emerge from GLCI’s 2021-22 reimagination process, which engaged the college, GLCI alumni and culinary/hospitality employers in designing changes to increase enrollment, improve financial performance and help students achieve success. In 2023 the college introduced a two-year culinary-maritime certificate, and in 2024 a two-year sports performance nutrition certificate debuted.
The NMC Board of Trustees Executive Committee meet Thursday, Dec. 4 at 3 p.m. in Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center Room 08 (Lower Level). More information is available here.
For more information, please contact the President’s office at (231) 995-1010.
Versiti is holding a blood drive from 1:30 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 22 in the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center, room 104/105 on NMC’s Front Street Campus. Do your part to help save lives during a vital time of need!
Make sure you eat a healthy meal and drink plenty of water before donating. Walk-ins are welcome, though scheduling an appointment is recommended.
Students in Cathy Warner’s ENG111 class have spent the semester researching ways to improve the future of NMC and the NMC experience.
Students will be presenting their proposals in 20-minute presentation blocks on:
Friday, December 5, 10:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
Monday, December 8, 10:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
Wednesday, December 10, 10:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
Friday, December 12, 10:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
Presentations will be held in Scholars Hall, room 109, on NMC’s Front Street Campus.
Topics include creating new classes and programs, next generation general education requirements and developing 21st century skills, improving mental health resources and services, campus safety, campus green spaces, health and wellness, nutrition on campus, and future campus housing.
Faculty, staff, NMC board of trustees, NMC foundation members, and fellow students are invited to attend and support these students as they share their visions for NMC.
If you’re unable to attend presentations, but want to “see” their ideas, trifold display boards are currently hung on the first floor of Scholars Hall, sharing the many proposals developed this semester. Display boards will be up through December 12.
NMC Campus Safety will be installing boxes of Narcan in every AED box on campus. The Narcan is supplied by the community-based organization Northern Michigan Opioid Response Consortium (NMORC).
Narcan (naloxone) is used to rapidly reverse the life-threatening effects of an opioid overdose. It is a life-saving medication that can restore normal breathing within minutes to those whose breathing has slowed or stopped due to an opioid emergency.
Watch this video to learn how to identify the signs of opioid overdose and how to administer Narcan.
Winter is here and so we salute NMC’s facilities team, for keeping all four campus parking lots plowed and sidewalks cleared and salted. NMC’s Campus Safety officers will also jump-start dead car batteries if needed – call (231) 995-1111.
On Wednesday, December 10, the International Affairs Forum returns to the Milliken Auditorium with a revealing look at the hidden environmental, social, and economic impacts of U.S. military spending. America’s defense budget exceeds $800 billion, but the real cost goes deeper. The True Cost of Defense follows quadruple-amputee veteran Travis Mills, military recruiters, families on overseas bases, and communities shaped by global military commitments. It reveals defense’s most profound price: the human one—lives forever changed by service and America’s role in world affairs.
A reception will precede the event at 6:30 p.m., with the screening at 7 p.m. followed by a public Q&A panel discussion at 8 p.m.
The panel includes Jack Segal, retired senior U.S. diplomat and former Consul General who served at the White House, held posts in Russia, Israel/Palestine, and Afghanistan, helped craft landmark U.S.–USSR nuclear agreements, and earned a Bronze Star for service in Vietnam; MajGen Mike Lehnert, USMC (ret.), co-chair of the International Affairs Forum Advisory Board and longtime Marine commander with operational roles in Panama, Kuwait, Iraq, and Cuba; and Colonel Steve Briggs, U.S. Army (ret.), a 30-year Army Aviation and senior Operations/Plans Officer with additional service as a DoD analyst and deployments to Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and Afghanistan. More panelists may be announced at TCIAF.com and on IAF socials.
Admission is free—advance registration is recommended. To register, visit TCIAF.com.
Presented in partnership with Free To Choose Media.
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.
Experts suggest maintaining an “attitude of gratitude” increases positivity for yourself and for others. Please encourage your colleagues by 
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 $9.99, and the vegetarian option (V) is $7.99. Learn more at 
Versiti is holding a blood drive from 1:30 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 22 in the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center, room 104/105 on NMC’s 
On Wednesday, December 10, the International Affairs Forum returns to the Milliken Auditorium with a revealing look at the hidden environmental, social, and economic impacts of U.S. military spending. America’s defense budget exceeds $800 billion, but the real cost goes deeper. The True Cost of Defense follows quadruple-amputee veteran Travis Mills, military recruiters, families on overseas bases, and communities shaped by global military commitments. It reveals defense’s most profound price: the human one—lives forever changed by service and America’s role in world affairs. 