The NMC Board of Trustees will hold a study session Monday, September 22 at 3:30 p.m. in the 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.
Tomorrow marks four weeks since NMC’s refreshed logo was introduced. It’s been great to see the enthusiastic response to the new signage and environmental branding, like the window decals in the Tanis Building and the wall decals in the Hawk Owl Cafe. To help the flyers, posters and social media posts that departments and individuals are now starting to create look just as good, we’ve created a short logo do’s and don’ts reference. The TLDR version? Keep it easy on yourself and keep the logo as is. Same colors, same fonts, same positioning. No need to add or change the elements, like stretching out a logo, or adding a department name. For your convenience, all the official logo versions are on the employee login page.and on the external site.
For those who want to dive a little deeper, Ali Thornton will hold the first class on using the new brand in Canva from 12-1 Tuesday on Zoom. Another is scheduled for Sept. 24 from 3-4. Watch for more classes to come. They’re listed in NeoEd, under the training tab, in the course catalog.
Thanks again for your partnership on rolling out this brand. When we all speak with one voice (and one logo!) it becomes that much stronger.
To NMC Aviation, which increased its fall enrollment by 66 percent thanks to completion of the new hangar and acquisition of eight new planes. NMC celebrates completion of the hangar with a ribbon cutting ceremony today. Read more.
Who’s been a Hawk Owl Helper or Hero for you? Let us know at publicrelations@nmc.edu!
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 Partners With Grand Valley, Notre Dame For Groundbreaking New Marine Technology
The Ticker, Sept. 14
Philanthropy News Digest, Sept. 14 (more…)
Kudos to Chad Schenkelberger and Claire Thelander! Chad and Claire have been wonderfully responsive to concerns about sustainable catering for Center for Instructional Excellence events. Two years ago they replaced plastic water bottles with a water dispenser and cups, and this year they swapped the paper boxes for paper bags. Finding an appropriate replacement for the boxes was a challenge, but they stuck with it. Thanks, Hawk Owl folks, for taking care of your colleagues and our environment!
Kudos to Betsy Boris! Betsy was my professor in 1st semester and she is an amazing teacher and human being. I took a semester off after becoming a LPN, so I had trouble accessing ATI for my third semester in the ADN program. Betsy resolved the issue within 30 minutes of me emailing her. She goes above and beyond!
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!
These employees recently started working at the college. Let’s welcome them to the NMC community!
Join us for a Study Abroad Lunch and Learn event at noon Wednesday, Sept. 17, in Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center Rm. 106/107. Register for the lunch here!
This event is hosted by International Services & Service Learning and the Experiential Learning Institute.
Questions? Email Marina Call at mcall@nmc.edu.
The full-service Secretary of State mobile office will visit the Front Street Campus Thursday, Sept. 11 to assist students with several different types of transactions including:
The mobile office will be at the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Learn more about the services that the Secretary of State provides at michigan.gov/sos.
Enjoy cookies with the Constitution as Dr. Julieanna Frost gives a talk on the 27th Amendment, the newest amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
The talk will he held Wednesday, Sept. 17 from 3–4 p.m. in Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center Rm. 106/107.
To Jason Slade, Lisa Cooper and everyone who has helped the Freshwater Research & Innovation Center get to the point of groundbreaking this Friday. The $28.9 million project, a collaborative effort of Discovery Pier, Northwestern Michigan College, Traverse Connect, Michigan Technological University and 20Fathoms, will establish Northern Michigan as the epicenter of water innovation and a globally relevant hub for the blue economy.
Who’s been a Hawk Owl Helper or Hero for you? Let us know at publicrelations@nmc.edu!
TRAVERSE CITY — NMC’s University Partners will celebrate their new location in the James Beckett Building on the Front Street Campus, enabling them to more closely serve NMC students, with an open house from 3-5 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 23.
“Partners in Possibility: Opening doors to stronger collaboration, greater access, and a shared future” will celebrate the move to Beckett in August, in conjunction with the start of the fall semester. About half of NMC students transfer to complete a four-year degree.
“We’re evolving from a physical hub to a more integrated partnership model, one that reflects how students learn today,” said President Nick Nissley. “Students increasingly seek flexibility: hybrid options, online support and services across multiple locations, not just in a single building.”
Representatives from each partner – Central Michigan University, Davenport University, Ferris State University, Grand Valley State University and Michigan State’s Institute of Agricultural Technology – will speak at the event. University Partner programs are concentrated in the areas of business, education and health and human services.
The physical move builds upon programmatic changes the universities and NMC have already made to create more seamless degree pathways. NMC offers Direct Connect programs with Davenport, Ferris and Grand Valley, for instance. These students are admitted to both the university and NMC simultaneously, with comprehensive, collaborative support, and guaranteed credit transfer.
“The building may change, but the opportunity stays right here in Traverse City,” Nissley said. More than 10,000 area students have earned a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree since the University Partners were established in 1995, in response to the community’s desire for advanced degree options in Traverse City.
NMC’s former University Center campus on the west side of Boardman Lake has been renamed the Boardman Lake campus, in alignment with the geography-based identity used for other campuses. It remains the home of NMC’s business and human resources offices, Extended Education & Training, the NMC Foundation and Strategic Initiatives office. Greenspire High School has a lease through 2030 for much of the second floor.
As part of NMC’s campus master plan, trustees will determine longer-term plans for the Boardman Lake campus property.
Cari Noga
NMC Communications Director
cnoga@nmc.edu
(231) 392-1800 (Call or text)
To find these selections and many other new titles, see the NMC library catalog.
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.
International Affairs Forum: China, America and where relations stand
Record-Eagle, Sept. 6 (more…)
These employees recently started working at the college. Let’s welcome them to the NMC community!
TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College’s surveying program has been named the top two-year program in the nation by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying.
For the distinction, NMC earned a $25,000 grand prize. The NCEES award jury praised NMC’s program for being industry-driven and providing a variety of professional pathways to students. Jurors considered criteria such as student outcomes and involvement, outreach and recruitment, and the promotion of licensure. The four-year university winner was Penn State University.
NMC began offering an associate degree in surveying in 2019. By collaborating with other college programs, students gain experience in both aerial and underwater surveying as well as traditional land surveying.
“It is a pretty significant award in the industry. We are one of the few schools that actually incorporate the aspects of land, sea and air,” said Ryan Deering, NMC surveying recruiter.
Deering thanked surveying program sponsors including Leica Geosystems, Inc., which has donated state of the art equipment, Atwell, and an anonymous donor who made his position possible.
NCEES is a nonprofit organization made up of engineering and surveying licensing boards from all 50 U.S. states. Founded in 1920, NCEES has been committed to advancing licensure for engineers and surveyors in order to safeguard the health, safety, and welfare of the U.S. public.
Cari Noga
NMC Communications Director
cnoga@nmc.edu
(231) 392-1800 (mobile – call or text)
September 4, 2025
Construction begins next week on the highly anticipated Freshwater Research & Innovation Center, a landmark project establishing northern Michigan as the epicenter of water innovation and a globally relevant hub for the blue economy.
Located on West Bay in Greilickville, on the campus of Discovery Pier, the $28.9 million project breaking ground Sept. 12 is a collaborative effort of Discovery Pier, Northwestern Michigan College, Traverse Connect, Michigan Technological University, and 20Fathoms. By co-locating working pier space, advanced laboratories, and business incubation under one roof, the center will serve as the home for water technology and marine mobility, where ideas become solutions, technologies become ventures, and opportunities become careers.
“The Freshwater Research & Innovation Center is not only a Michigan asset, it’s a global platform for blue tech innovation,” said Greg Luyt, chair of the Center’s board. “We invite companies, researchers, and funders from around the world to join us as we move ideas from lab to market, build the workforce of tomorrow, and protect our freshwater resources for future generations through innovation.”
NMC, already the only community college with a Great Lakes harbor, will gain another across West Bay. The Great Lakes Water Studies Institute, which offers a one-of-a-kind bachelor’s degree in marine technology, will occupy the Center, as well as anchor its research vessel, the Northwestern, there. The 38,000-square-foot building will feature advanced laboratories, business incubation space, and working pier access for research vessels. Areas of focus include autonomous and remote systems, AI, acoustic and observation platforms, water quality technologies, and sustainable marine mobility.
On the AI front, just last week NMC was notified it has been named a co-principal investigator on a $873,634 National Science Foundation grant led by Grand Valley State University. The grant will create a six-week training program focused on artificial-intelligence-enabled deployment of autonomous underwater vehicles. Developed in collaboration with GVSU, training will be provided to 72 individuals in four different cohorts. “The experience and credentials provided by our program will propel these students and professionals to the forefront of their field,” according to the grant proposal.
This is the second National Science Foundation grant awarded to the region for water-related work this year. Earlier this summer, Traverse City startup Wave Lumina won a $305,000 grant supporting the research and development into the science underlying their pioneering product — a portable device that field tests for PFAS, or forever chemicals. Now operating out of NMC’s Parsons-Stulen Building, Wave Lumina founder Vernon LaLone thinks the Center could be a natural next location when it outgrows its current space.
The building is set to open in spring 2027.
The center has already secured more than $26 million, including $3 million from NMC, in commitments from federal, state, and private funders, with fundraising ongoing. Once complete, the Center is expected to draw national and international tenants, create high-wage jobs, and generate research with global applications. Visit freshwatercenter.org to find out more.
The NMC Library is hosting a ‘We the People’ Trivia Night! from 6–8 p.m. on Wednesday, Sep. 17 to celebrate Constitution Day. Students are invited to test their knowledge of the U.S. Constitution while enjoying free pizza from Dino’s in the Library Fireplace Room.
Teams will go head-to-head competing for the First Amendment Trophy as well as individual prizes for each member of the first place team. No advance registration required — just show up and play!
On Sep. 2, a fire alarm was activated in the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center. After a comprehensive review, it was determined that a faulty sensor was the cause. This event provided a valuable opportunity to revisit best practices for fire alarms on our campus.
As documented in NMC’s Emergency Management Plan on page 23, please remember the following points:
Fire or presence of smoke in a building:
Fire alarm sounds in a building:
TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. — Regional and state leaders will gather Friday, Sept. 12 to break ground on the Freshwater Research & Innovation Center, a landmark project establishing Northern Michigan as the epicenter of water innovation and a globally relevant hub for the blue economy.
The ceremony begins at 10 a.m. at 13240 S. West Bay Shore Drive, the future site of the center on Discovery Pier’s campus.
The $28.9 million project is a collaborative effort of Discovery Pier, Northwestern Michigan College, Traverse Connect, Michigan Technological University, and 20Fathoms. By co-locating working pier space, advanced laboratories, and business incubation under one roof, the center will serve as the home for water technology and marine mobility, where ideas become solutions, technologies become ventures, and opportunities become careers.
“The Freshwater Research & Innovation Center is not only a Michigan asset, it’s a global platform for blue tech innovation,” said the center’s Board Chair Greg Luyt. “We invite companies, researchers, and funders from around the world to join us as we move ideas from lab to market, build the workforce of tomorrow, and protect our freshwater resources for future generations through innovation.”
The 38,000-square-foot facility will feature advanced laboratories, business incubation space, and working pier access for research vessels. Areas of focus include autonomous and remote systems, AI, acoustic and observation platforms, water quality technologies, and sustainable marine mobility.
“Traverse Connect is proud to help launch a center that will put Michigan on the map for blue tech investment,” said Warren Call, president and CEO of Traverse Connect. “By combining world-class research with entrepreneurial support, the Freshwater Research & Innovation Center will develop and attract companies and capital, creating jobs and driving economic growth across the region.”
The project has already secured more than $26 million in commitments from federal, state, and private funders, with fundraising ongoing. Once complete, the center is expected to draw national and international tenants, create high-wage jobs, and generate research with global applications.
About the Freshwater Research & Innovation Center
The Freshwater Research & Innovation Center is a joint venture of Discovery Pier and Northwestern Michigan College with support from Traverse Connect, Michigan Technological University, and 20Fathoms. Located on Grand Traverse Bay in Traverse City, Mich., the center will serve as the epicenter of water innovation by connecting education, research, industry, and community for sustainable growth in the blue tech sector. Visit freshwatercenter.org to learn more.
Cari Noga
NMC Communications Director
cnoga@nmc.edu
(231) 392-1800 (Call or text)
Pre-nursing students are invited to attend one of the upcoming program informational sessions. Representatives from Admissions will discuss the steps to getting accepted into NMC’s Nursing program. Topics include how to apply to the program, how to register for the HESI exam as well as what courses are included in the program.
Monday, September 8
11:30 a.m.
Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center, room 104/105, Front Street Campus.
Tuesday, September 9
6 p.m.
Virtual
Email Rorie Kawula at rkawula@nmc.edu for more information
Ready to bring our new NMC brand to life? Ali Thornton is hosting two Quick Bytes sessions for NMC Canva team members that will show you how to create on-brand flyers, presentations, infographics, social posts and more. You’ll learn how to access branded templates, apply approved fonts and colors, and maintain a consistent, professional look in everything you design. Whether you’re promoting an event, sharing a report, or building a slideshow, this session will give you the tools to create polished, brand-aligned materials with ease.
NMC’s Canva team members can register for one of the upcoming session in NEOED Learn by accessing the talent portal on my.nmc.edu. All courses are free and are offered via Zoom. Please ensure your camera is on during our session to support collaboration and connection.
For more information about the registration process, refer to these instructions.
The NMC World Languages Department and NMC Student Life have teamed up to present a film series featuring world cinema. On Thursday, Sept. 11 the lineup kicks off with Frida: Viva la Vida, a 2021 documentary about the life of Frida Kahlo, a pioneering artist and feminist, whose work and life story transcend cultural boundaries.
Admission is free and each film will be preceded by an introduction from a speaker; for Frida it will be NMC Student Success Coach Marina Call, who has a degree in History of Art and Architecture from UC-Santa Barbara.
The NMC Global Cinema Series will feature a lineup of free films, one each month through June, 2026, shown at Dutmers Theatre in Dennos Museum on the main campus of Northwestern Michigan College.
Admission is free and open to the public. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the film program will begin at 6 p.m.
Watch this space for details on future films.
Thanks to all the Welcome Week volunteers who contributed their time and energy to create a nurturing, vibrant experience for new and returning students last week. First impressions are key, and our campus shone with your enthusiasm.
Who’s been a Hawk Owl Helper or Hero for you? Let us know at publicrelations@nmc.edu!
Kudos to Chris Hanna! Spent countless hours documenting our acquisition of the 3DCP and has provided some amazing footage. He has been a tremendous supporter and does everything with a great attitude.
Kudos to Benjamin Herman! Ben facilitated the rebranding of our Adjunct faculty office in Scholars Hall with such professionalism and in such an organized way. He had it painted immediately, and then provided ideas that would permit us to utilize our space most efficiently and effectively. He has been amazing to work with, always staying in touch and on top of things. I introduced my colleagues to our new space and they were totally blown away by its redesign and by how quickly and smoothly it all came together. Ben made the challenges look easy. Thanks, Ben! You are amazing!
Kudos (again) to Chris Hanna! Chris Hanna, in collaboration with Garrett Croon, produced exceptional new videos for Campus Safety, Title IX, and ‘See Something, Say Something.’ Chris’ in-house expertise as both a producer and videographer was instrumental in delivering this crucial information through concise and engaging content. His professional skill and talent are a significant asset to NMC.
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!
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.
Restaurant, retail news
Ticker, Sept. 2 (more…)