Oct 13, 2025 | HR Corner, Intercom
Kudos to Carolyn Andrews! Kudos to Carolyn Andrews, her NMC team, and all the community volunteers for another great opportunity for area middle school and high school students to attend the Building Tomorrow event. They showcased the amazing programs NMC has to offer!
Kudos to Denver Peters! Denver Peters, Director of Strategic Portfolio and Development, dove head first into the Blue Tech Challenge. The Blue Tech Challenge is a grant-funded imitative to support “BlueTech” and water-based technology start-up companies and ideas with the goal of having the companies relocate to Traverse City and the Freshwater Research and Innovation Center. Due to unforeseen circumstances, Denver had to lead the BlueTech Challenge finale at the Oceans Conference in Chicago, IL. The event went off without a hitch and the feedback has been very positive as Wave Lumina was named the winner, earning the prize money. Denver not only ran the finale, but also assisted the finalists with networking events, booth displays and follow-ups, all while representing NMC. Way to step up, Denver!
Kudos to Carolyn Andrews, Georgenia Hromada, Ryan Deering, Wayne Moody, Jeff Morse and Dan Simon for an amazing job on the two-day event, Building Tomorrow!!! Students had a great time and loved all of the hands-on activities! Everything flowed seamlessly! What a blast!
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!
Oct 6, 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.
Meet The Traverse City Nonprofit Working To Drive Humanitarian Causes In Kenya
The Ticker, Oct. 6
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Oct 6, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
To find these selections and many other new titles, see the NMC library catalog.
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Oct 6, 2025 | Intercom
We’re excited to invite you to the 10th annual NMC October Conference on Tuesday, Oct. 14! This year’s conference, Reimagining Learning and Work: The Transformative Impact of AI, promises to be extra special with more than a dozen community leaders joining us to share their insights. Classes are cancelled and most offices are closed so faculty and staff can attend this day-long professional development event.
Plan Your Day
The Morning Kickoff
We’ll start at 8 a.m. with donuts and coffee in the Dennos, followed by a panel discussion in Milliken Auditorium. A panel of industry and education leaders from across the community will share how they’re navigating the impact of AI in their organizations. You’ll leave with new perspectives to spark conversation throughout the day — and maybe even snag some swag!
Workshop Sessions
Following the opening session, we will move to classrooms around the Front Street Campus for workshops on all aspects of AI, from hands-on training to discussions of ethics. The conference features three tracks of workshops and a fourth session where we will debrief and plan with our cohorts and President Nick Nissley.
Who should attend?
Attendance is required for full-time faculty and staff. Adjunct faculty are encouraged to attend and should sign in to receive an hourly stipend for their time. Supplemental staff should check with their supervisors before attending. Please wear your name tag!
We can’t wait to spend this day of learning, collaboration and fun with you!
If you have questions, reach out to Lori Hodek at lhodek@nmc.edu, (231) 995-1143 or Janet Lively at jlively@nmc.edu, (231) 995-1231.
Oct 3, 2025 | HR Corner, Intercom
Kristin Hall recently started working at the college as a Health Occupations Assistant. Welcome to the NMC community!
Oct 2, 2025 | Intercom
TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College welcomes community input on the future of the college at a strategic planning input session Wednesday, Oct. 15 as well as via an online survey.
The meeting will be held from 6–7:30 p.m. in the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center rooms 106/107. The survey will be open until Oct. 29.
The strategic planning process will engage all college stakeholders — faculty, staff, students, alumni, board and community members — in focusing energies and resources for 2026–2029. It will build on the success of NMC Next, the strategic plan that ran from 2022–25.
“The voices and critical insights of our entire community, beyond the campus borders, are important to the success of our efforts, and we value everyone’s participation as we engage in this collaborative process,” said NMC President Nick Nissley.
The final strategic plan document is expected to be presented to the Board of Trustees at its December meeting and then launched to the campus community in January 2026.
Release date: October 2, 2025
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-discrimination
Oct 2, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
Show us your perfect society. Show us your ideals. Show us utopia. Show us your nightmares. Show us fear and despair. Show us dystopia. NMC students, faculty, staff, and community-affiliated members can submit their utopian/dystopian polarities thru Friday, October 17.
Visit nmc.edu/nmcmagazine for more information. Please complete a submission form for each entry.
Oct 2, 2025 | Intercom
The bookstore is requesting textbook requisitions for spring. In order to have books available on time for students, please submit your requisition by Oct. 10. Requisition requests are sent from nmc@verbasoftware.com. Please reach out to the bookstore if you have any questions.
Oct 2, 2025 | Intercom
On Saturday, October 18, the Traverse City Police and the Grand Traverse County Emergency Management Team will have a presence on the NMC campus to monitor an event taking place off campus. Any questions can be directed to Garrett Croon at gcroon@nmc.edu or (231) 995-1747 or Campus Safety at (231) 995-1111.
Oct 2, 2025 | Intercom, Student Events
The World Languages department and Student Life are pleased to announce a new Global Cinema Series. Each month, a film will be shown showcasing important topics in our world. Join us on Thursday, Oct. 16 for a showing of Wrestling Ghosts in support of World Mental Health Day. The documentary follows a young mother grappling with parenting, childhood trauma, and healing. Lisa Thomas, NMC’s Dean of Students, is the moderator.
This is a FREE program that is open to students, staff and the community, although seating is limited. Doors open and 5:30 p.m. and films begin at 6 p.m. in the Dutmers Theater at the Dennos Museum on NMC’s Front Street Campus.
Oct 2, 2025 | Student Events
The NMC Green Team invites fellows students to test your nature knowledge and sharpen your detective skills by participating in a scavenger hunt at the The Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 4. Participants should meet at the Cedar Lot on NMC’s Front Street Campus at 12:30 p.m. to carpool.
The Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park is located at 1490 Red Dr., Traverse City, Michigan.
Oct 2, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
Flu season is on the horizon and Student Health Services will be hosting two more flu clinics this fall.
Wednesday, Oct 8
11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Monday, Oct. 20
12–1 p.m.
Flu shots cost $15 for students and $20 for employees without NMC insurance.
For those who are unable to stop by during one of the times listed above call (231) 995-1255 to schedule an appointment.
Student Health Services is located in room 106 of the Les Biederman Building on NMC’s Front Street campus.
Oct 1, 2025 | Intercom, Student Events
Versiti is holding a blood drive on the big pink bus from 1:30 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 2 in the Cedar Lot 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.
Oct 1, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
October 1, 2025
More area students are getting a head start on degrees and careers through record high school enrollment at NMC this fall.
Combined, 544 high school students were dual enrolled or in Early College at NMC this fall, a 13 percent jump from fall 2024. High school students now make up nearly 16% of the 3,460 students on campus.
“For the student and the family, it gives them an opportunity to get a head start and save money,” said NMC Admissions director Lisa vonReichbauer.
Beyond the head start, research shows that students who dual-enroll in a college class or Early College students, who earn an associate degree in just one year, are more likely to get to the finish line — graduation.
“It increases college going skills, college success and college completion,” vonReichbauer said.
Hitting that record took an all-out NMC effort on financial, communication and programming fronts, including a new, lower tuition rate. Tuition for both programs is paid by local school districts, but until last year, the tuition rate for students outside Grand Traverse County left a difference that families had to pay out of pocket. In January 2024, NMC trustees approved a new rate for out of district dual enrolled students that eliminates that out of pocket expense.
Equipped with that new rate, vonReichbauer said NMC has improved outreach to both high schools and families, including home school families.
“We’ve communicated better about the opportunities, so we’re seeing more people taking advantage of that,” she said.
Suttons Bay High School students are among the out-of-district students who are. Counselor Meredith Schmidt said dual enrollment expands course choices.
“We are a very small school, which means we are not always able to offer Honors or AP sections of classes. Many of our students enroll in NMC classes, and the experience is invaluable,” Schmidt said. “NMC is an excellent partner institution, and provides really high quality coursework.”
VonReichbauer said NMC is working to tailor programming to the needs of individual schools and students, such as:
- In-person classes on the high school campus – like EDU 100, offered at schools including TCAPS, Northwest Ed and Greenspire High School this fall,
- New academic tracks for Early College, like law enforcement and business tracks offered through the Wexford-Missaukee ISD, and
- For all students, an emphasis on instilling independence, from orientation and registering for classes to communicating with instructors.
Suttons Bay’s Schmidt said this is the most important benefit. “The most impactful benefit of dual enrollment is the confidence students gain when they realize they can absolutely be successful in college level coursework.”
Schmidt has both personal and professional perspectives, since her own daughter dual-enrolled and transferred all her NMC credits to Grand Valley State University. “(They) truly have an advantage when they enter post-secondary institutions as full-time students,” she said.
The record high school enrollment is part of a strong overall fall enrollment at NMC. Headcount stands at 3,460, up 6.2% from fall 2024, and the seventh straight semester of growth. Students are also taking more classes, with contact hours up 8.2%.
Oct 1, 2025 | Intercom, Student Events
Join Northwestern Michigan College’s International Affairs Forum for a State Theatre Community Night with a documentary film screening of Powerful Women and an in-person presentation by Madhvi Dalal, among the film’s key subjects. Dalal is the founder of PadMad, an initiative working to end period poverty in Kenya, Somalia and Malawi.
Date: Wednesday, October 8, 2025
Time: 6 p.m. doors, 7 p.m. screening and in person presentation
Location: State Theatre, 233 E. Front St. Traverse City, MI
Through their work, Padmad has helped thousands of girls, in Kenya and beyond, stay in school by creating access to safe, reusable menstrual products and education. This is more than a documentary film. It’s a night about courage, dignity, and reimagining what equity can look like for women and girls everywhere.
This State Theatre Community Night is presented in partnership with Uplift Travel Foundation, NMC’s International Services & Service Learning Program, and the International Affairs Forum.
Admission is free for NMC students. Tickets are $10 for the general public and $6 for high school students. Tickets are required. Get your tickets at TCIAF.com.
Then on Oct. 11, join the Walk to End Period Poverty hosted by the NMC Multicultural Club. Donate or pledge to be part of the solution.
Sep 30, 2025 | Student Events
NMC’s Ski & Snowboard Club will hold their first meeting of the season at 6 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 10 in the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center, room 104 to kick off an exciting season on the slopes! Whether you’re new to the club or a returning member, this is your chance to learn what’s in store for the year ahead.
We’ll cover upcoming ski and snowboard trips to local resorts, social events and gatherings throughout the season, benefits and how to make the most of them, and opportunities to connect with fellow snow enthusiasts. This is an informal, welcoming session where you can ask questions, meet the leadership team and get excited about everything we have planned. No RSVP required—just show up ready to hear about an amazing season ahead!
For more information, contact Dylan Raser at raserd@mail.nmc.edu.
Sep 29, 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.
NMC: ‘Ghost applicants’ a growing problem
Record-Eagle, Sep. 27
(more…)
Sep 29, 2025 | Intercom, Student Events
Interested in a career in healthcare? Grand Valley State University is hosting a Healthcare Professionals Panel for experts from diverse healthcare fields to share their insights, experiences and advice. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from professionals, ask questions and gain valuable perspectives on today’s healthcare challenges and opportunities.
Date: Tuesday, October 7
Time: 6–7:30 p.m.
Location: James Beckett Building, Room 215, NMC Front Street Campus (#13 on campus maps)
Sep 29, 2025 | Intercom
Every October, Northwestern Michigan College publishes its Campus Security and Safety Report and Annual Fire Safety Report in compliance with the Clery Act. This report discloses crime statistics, campus safety policies, prevention programs and reporting procedures. Please take a moment to review it — knowing this information helps all of us maintain a safer campus.
Sep 29, 2025 | HR Corner, Intercom
The following employees are celebrating an anniversary soon. Please join us in congratulating them!
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Sep 29, 2025 | HR Corner, Intercom
Kudos to Angela Zirotte! We would like to extend super Kudos to Angela Zirotte and her team for making the Beckett Building SPARKLE and SHINE after months and months of renovations. The building looked fantastic as 80+ guests arrived for the University Partner Open House on September 23. Thank you, Angela, for not only making Beckett shine, but also NMC! Your work is very much appreciated!
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!
Sep 29, 2025 | HR Corner, Intercom
These employees recently started working at the college. Let’s welcome them to the NMC community!
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- Merrick Adams — Great Lakes Water Studies Recruiter
- Holly Daly, supplemental employee — Food Services Back of House
Sep 29, 2025 | Intercom
Are you an Alumni of Leadership Grand Traverse or the MCCA Leadership Academy?
Lynne Moritz and Hollie DeWalt are gathering a group of folks who have had the opportunity to participate in these leadership development cohorts over the years either while working at NMC or before NMC.
Please add your name to this google sheet and (if you remember) the approximate year you participated.
We have such a wealth of knowledge and experience right here at our own door step! The alumni would assess and identify a few tangible ways the group’s expertise can be integrated into continued leadership development, mentoring or institutional initiatives at NMC.
The first meeting is planned for November 6.
Sep 26, 2025 | Intercom
You may have seen the phishing email recently offering 10% off your purchase when you recycle your old logo wear. Way to spot the phishing!
The bookstore always offers 10% off to staff! However, we’re going to improve the deal: Bring in your old tree logo wear to be recycled, and get a coupon for 20% off a new branded item! No rush, we’ll offer this deal between now and Oct. 30. And the coupon will be good until the end of May – no urgency here! Have a lot of logo wear? You’ll get a coupon for every item you recycle.
We can’t wait to show you our newly branded apparel!
Sep 25, 2025 | Student News
Working to continue the semester strong but need a quick check-In? We are here to help! Join the Student Success Coaching team at a drop-in coaching session next week so we can touch base on how your semester is going so far and address any quick questions or high-priority needs:
Monday Sep. 29, Tuesday Sep. 30, Wednesday Oct. 1
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
In-Person in Osterlin (check-in at the Academic & Career Advising Center)
Virtual on Zoom (Join our Cloud HD Video Meeting)
We can provide expert support with things like time management, organization, study strategies for mid-terms and finals, connecting with campus resources, and more!
If you are unable to join us at Drop-In Coaching or you think your question or challenge might need a longer discussion, schedule an appointment with us in My Success!
Already meeting with a coach? Great! You are one step closer on the path to success! You are still welcome to attend a drop-in session to troubleshoot any quick questions or issues as you continue your semester.
