Mar 25, 2026 | Intercom, Student News
March 25, 2026
Recent high school graduates in the five-county area kept more than $1.68 million in their pockets this academic year by using the Community College Guarantee at NMC.
The state scholarship offers free tuition to in-district high school graduates, with no GPA or income requirements. Tuition is significantly discounted to graduates outside the district (Grand Traverse County), with other scholarships often making up the difference.
“We definitely get the word out. We just want kids to take advantage of it because it’s such a great deal,” said Kalkaska High School counselor Ciara McCullough.
The amount awarded across Grand Traverse, Leelanau, Benzie, Antrim and Kalkaska counties was up from $1.04 million awarded in 2024–25, the first year of the CCG.
While amounts were highest in Grand Traverse County, growth increased most in Kalkaska and Leelanau counties. Dollars awarded to Kalkaska high school graduates more than doubled. Dollars awarded to Leelanau high school graduates nearly tripled.
2025 Kalkaska graduate Kylee Moore (right) is studying elementary education at NMC. She considered Ferris, but chose NMC in order to save money. Now with her first year nearly complete, she’s found the advantages to be more than financial.
“I’m really happy with it. At NMC, I really love my instructor (Cheryl Bloomquist),” Moore said. NMC’s scheduling also allowed her to keep her job at Pitter Patter Preschool & Childcare in Kalkaska.
“It’s more flexible and I really like that,” said Moore, who has used NMC campus services like the Writing Center and the library. She expects to complete her bachelor’s through Central Michigan University.
Moore chose education as her field after attending the Teacher Academy at the regional Career Tech Center in high school. McCullough said that more than half of Kalkaska juniors and seniors attend the CTC, which dovetails well with NMC programs like Construction Technology, Automotive Technology, Engineering Technology, surveying, renewable energy and welding.
“Going into the trades is very popular with our kids (and) NMC offers a lot of (skilled) trades programs,” she said.
The Community College Guarantee must be used within 15 months of high school graduation. Class of 2025 graduates can still enroll for NMC’s summer or fall 2026 semesters. The class of 2026 will also be eligible through the fall 2027 semester. Find out more at nmc.edu/guarantee.
Mar 24, 2026 | Intercom, Student Events
The NMC student Kenya study abroad team is holding a fundraiser to support their work on-the-ground enhancing girls’ education. NMC students and The Filling Station (642 Railroad Place, Traverse City) invite everyone to join them for food and drinks on Monday, April 13 anytime between 4–10 p.m. Fifteen percent of all your food purchases and $1 from every pint will be donated to the effort.
Bring your family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers out for an enjoyable evening down by the tracks! Asante sana!
For more information, contact NMC International Services and Service Learning at (2310 995-2527.
Mar 24, 2026 | Intercom, Student Events
TRAVERSE CITY — Community members are invited to join students at NMC’s updated, expanded 2026 Career & Majors Fair from 1–5 p.m. Friday, April 10 at the Hagerty Center on NMC’s Great Lakes campus.
Several hundred students and community members are expected to attend the fair, which utilizes a guided pathway format. Employers will be clustered with faculty and staff from NMC’s relevant academic areas to showcase how NMC programs can lead to employment opportunities in northern Michigan. See the list of participating employers at nmc.edu/careerfair.
The fair will also showcase Michigan’s two Sixty x 30 initiatives — the student scholarships aimed at helping the state reach its goal of 60 percent of adult residents earning a degree or certificate by 2030. The Michigan Reconnect scholarship offers free in-district tuition to students 25 and up who don’t already have a degree. The Community College Guarantee makes the same offer to students in the high school classes of 2025 and 2026.
The free event is presented in partnership with Northwest Michigan Works and Networks Northwest. Find out more at nmc.edu/careerfair.
Release Date: March 24, 2026
For more information:
Tallula Morrison
Student Success and Retention Office Manager
(231) 995-1040
tmorrison@nmc.edu
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
Mar 23, 2026 | Intercom, Student News
Severe weather can happen quickly, so be ready. Follow these three simple steps to stay safe: get in, get down, and cover up.
Mar 23, 2026 | Intercom, Student Events
Northwestern Michigan College will present its Spring Jazz Concert on Saturday, April 18, at 7:30 p.m. in Milliken Auditorium. The concert features the NMC Jazz Lab Band, a High School All-Star Big Band with students from regional schools, and the NMC Jazz Big Band with guest soloist Robbie M. Smith, director of jazz studies at Central Michigan University. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for seniors and students; NMC students are free with ID. Advance tickets are available at nmcmusicdepartment.simpletix.com or by calling the NMC Box Office at (231) 995-1340.
Earlier in the day, NMC will host its first High School Jazz Invitational beginning at 1 p.m., featuring big bands from Traverse City West, Traverse City Central, Elk Rapids and St. Francis. Afternoon performances are free and open to the public.
Mar 23, 2026 | Hawk Owl Helpers and Heroes, Intercom
Thank you to all who kept NMC running on three consecutive snow days, and readied campus for the resumption of classes last Wednesday. That includes the facilities and grounds crews, who plowed parking lots and sidewalks, the Hawk Owl Café and Northwest Grind staff, who kept residence hall students fed, and custodial staff and security.
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Who’s been a Hawk Owl Helper or Hero for you? Let us know at publicrelations@nmc.edu!
Mar 23, 2026 | 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.
Tool or terror: Publishers, educators talk AI in writing
Record-Eagle, March 7
(more…)
Mar 20, 2026 | Intercom
The NMC Board of Trustees will hold its regular monthly meeting Monday, March 23 at 5:30 p.m. in Hagerty Center Room C on NMC’s Great Lakes Campus. More information is available here.
For more information, please contact the President’s office at (231) 995-1010.
Mar 20, 2026 | Intercom, Student Events
Calling all innovators and change-makers! Are you ready to shape the future of freshwater?
From now through April 6, 2026, AquaAction is inviting emerging innovators from across the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence region to take part in the AquaHacking Binational Program: A free, 7-month innovation and entrepreneurship journey designed to help you develop real solutions to today’s most pressing water issues.
This is your chance to join a dynamic community of students, researchers, young professionals, and aspiring entrepreneurs who are passionate about making a measurable impact. Throughout this free program, you’ll gain the tools, mentorship, and support you need to transform bold ideas into practical, scalable innovations and launch your startup.
Join us for a co-hosted virtual info session with AquaAction and Northwestern Michigan College on Thursday, March 26 from noon to 1 p.m.
During this information session, you will:
- Learn about the exciting prizes and benefits of the program ($70,000 in funding prizes!)
- Get a deep dive into the AquaHacking Binational program and what you can expect as a participant
- Discover the skills, networks, and funding opportunities you’ll gain through this 7-month program
- Learn about the resources, expert guidance, and hands-on support available to help you build your startup
- Explore how your participation can drive real progress in water innovation and sustainability across North America
If you’re ready to lead, innovate, and create lasting impact for our shared waters, this is your moment!
Invite your friends, colleagues, and anyone who might be interested in making a real difference.
Mar 20, 2026 | Intercom, Student Events
Audio Tech student Garrett Williams (in collaboration with the NMC Audio Tech program) is proud to be hosting a Spring Concert at Milliken Auditorium featuring ‘The Go Rounds’. The concert starts at 7 p.m. Friday, March 27, and doors open at 6:30 p.m. Ticket prices range from $11.63 to $22.13.
This event will be entirely student-produced and is an opportunity for Garrett and his fellow Audio Technology students to gain experiential learning opportunities and valuable hands-on experience.
All proceeds from ticket sales will go to scholarships for NMC students.
Mar 20, 2026 | Intercom, Student Events
NMC host a mobile food pantry on Monday, March 23 from 3–5 p.m. in the Maple Lot on the Front Street campus. The menu includes potatoes, carrots, frozen broccoli, ground turkey, applesauce, dried beans, mac and cheese, oranges, and Pop-Tarts.. This event is the rescheduled distribution originally planned for March 16, which was canceled due to inclement weather.
We ask that recipients queue up in the car line in a counter-clockwise circle around the edge of the parking lot. Please do not block the main access roads, be aware of other students using the parking spaces and watch for children being picked up at the Oleson Learning Center adjacent to the Maple Lot.
Free and open to all students and their families. Interested in volunteering? Email Cathy Warner at cwarner@nmc.edu.
Mar 20, 2026 | HR Corner, Intercom
Kudos to Amy Burns Bailey and Maggie West! In partnership with the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO), Amy Burns-Bailey (Workforce Programs Director) and Maggie West (Tutoring Coordinator) helped arrange for two NMC students, Maggie Vansickle (Culinary Arts – Baking & Pastry) and Harley Waldron (Welding Technology) to participate in filming a video to promote Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs in Michigan. Amy and Maggie were recognized by Virginia Zimmerman, from LEO’s workforce development office, for their efforts to help inspire other students to participate in CTE programs. NMC is one of two spotlight colleges that will be featured in the CTE video. Kudos to Amy and Maggie for shining a light on the perseverance and success of our students and for efforts with NMC’s Perkins programs to expand CTE opportunities for students in our region.
Kudos to Avery Verschaeve, Niusha Rahjoo, and McKenna Davids! Immense gratitude and appreciation to the Advising office student employees McKenna Davids, Niusha Rahjoo, and Avery Verschaeve. Not only are they the first voice callers hear and the first point of contact when calling the switchboard line, they have also project managed as a group to create resources for students who visit advising and have stepped up to take on additional responsibilities that are traditionally handled by the office assistant.Each of them has shown admirable dedication towards learning how better to support their fellow students. From the thoughtful questions they ask, to how they problem solve – they don’t just answer phones – they are providing genuine customer service and compassionate support.
In addition to answering phones and responding to emails, McKenna has stepped up to support with inventory management and is supporting the streamlining process; Niusha is our office’s steadfast anchor of calming support when assisting students who need help with scheduling or registering; and Avery has grown into an adept problem solver and is learning to think outside the box and create solutions quickly.
These three incredible people make my job easier and I look forward to every day I get to work with them. I’m so incredibly proud of their growth and the way they conduct themselves with integrity and respect for themselves, their fellow staff and students. They have taken on multiple projects and challenges over the past four months and leveled up their skills. I’m thrilled to see what they accomplish next!
If you see them around, please take a moment to thank them for being amazing NMC ambassadors.
Kudos to Lil Anderson! Lil was able to diagnose and rectify a technical issue during concurrent events serving our stakeholders.
Mar 20, 2026 | HR Corner, Intercom
These employees recently started working at the college. Let’s welcome them to the NMC community!
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- Micah Daniel, student employee – Maritime Assistant
- Keiara Pettengill, supplemental employee – Banquet Server Hagerty Center
- Matthew Raymond, supplemental employee – Hagerty Center Banquet Server
Mar 19, 2026 | Intercom, Student News
Due to the recent snow days, the deadline for submissions to the Office of Possibilities for Education’s 2026 Request for Proposals for funding grants has been extended to Tuesday, March 24. Submit your innovative ideas that promote lifelong learning, advance educational offerings, facilitate student or employee success, create organizational efficiencies, or improve campus. Current NMC students, faculty, staff, or departments can apply for funding, which typically ranges from $500 to $10,000.
Read more about the RFP here and submit an application here.
Mar 19, 2026 | Student Events
Due to NMC’s closure, the in-person pre-nursing information session has been rescheduled to March 25 from 12:30–1:30 p.m. in room 116 of the Health & Science Building.
Join to meet with representatives from Admissions and discuss the steps you need to take to get 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.
Wednesday, March 25
Health & Science Building, room 116
12:30–1:30 p.m.
Food will be provided
RSVP to attend
Mar 18, 2026 | Intercom, Student Events
GVSU College of Computing Presents
Applied AI & Entrepreneurship: Building Connections for Innovation
@ Northern Michigan Startup Week
Monday, April 20
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
NMC’s Hagerty Center
715 E Front St, Traverse City, MI
The GVSU College of Computing brings together faculty, students, startups, and regional partners to explore how Applied AI can drive innovation and commercialization in Northern Michigan. This event is designed to spark collaborations, help startup teams, and connect ideas to funding pathways. Veterans and military-connected entrepreneurs are especially welcome.
Goals: Form new startup and research teams, discover internship and collaboration opportunities, and establish pathways from research to market (SBIR, STTR, PFI).
Who Should Attend: Entrepreneurs, Startup Teams, Industry Leaders, Faculty, Students, Investors, and Community Innovators.
Seats are limited.
#nmsw #gvsucomputing #innovation
Mar 18, 2026 | Intercom
The Executive Committee of NMC Board of Trustees will meet at1 p.m. Thursday, March 19 in room 104-105 of the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center on NMC’s Front Street campus. More information is available here.
For more information, please contact the President’s office at (231) 995-1010.
Mar 18, 2026 | Intercom
The Building & Site Committee of NMC Board of Trustees will meet at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 18 in room 08 (lower level) of the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center on NMC’s Front Street campus. More information is available here.
For more information, please contact the President’s office at (231) 995-1010.
Mar 12, 2026 | Intercom, Student News
Check out NMC’s new course this fall: CIT115 – Intro to Generative AI! Learn to work with AI in your field of study. No tech background required. Use real-world applications to work smarter, think critically and stay competitive. Learn your way; CIT115 is offered online, livestream or face-to-face.
Fall registration is now open. Talk to your advisor today!
Mar 12, 2026 | Intercom, Student News
On Friday, March 6, over 50 NMC faculty, staff, and students gathered at the Traverse City Curling Club for a fun night of learning a new sport, curling!
Participants were divided among the five curling sheets, and volunteers from the club led the instruction on the basics of curling and friendly competition.
Shout out to the 20 GLMA Cadets that showed up for the event! Way to represent the Academy!
Thanks to Marcus Bennett, Lynne Moritz and Terri Gustafson for organizing this event.
Mar 10, 2026 | Intercom, Student Events
TRAVERSE CITY — Registration is now open for Northwestern Michigan College’s Hero Race, hosted by Professional Communications students on Saturday, April 18 on NMC’s Front Street campus as a part of an experiential learning class.
This is a family-friendly chip-timed race with a superhero theme. Last year’s race earned the Traverse City Track Club’s Favorite Race of 2025 award. Race events include:
- One-mile fun run (free event and cape) 9 a.m. start
- 5k run ($30) 10 a.m. start
- 10k run ($35) 10 a.m. start
- Medals and prizes
All proceeds from the event go towards a goal of $5,000 to support scholarships for NMC College for Kids, which helps local youth attend the college’s summer educational programs.
Families and spectators can also enjoy several activities throughout the event, including:
- Carnival games and food
- Cake walk
- Sensory room
- Bake sale
- Silent auction
- Award ceremony
Each year, the race recognizes a community member as a “Local Hero” for their leadership and impact. This year’s Local Hero Award celebrates the 2026 Outstanding Alumni honorees of NMC. This is NMC’s 75th anniversary, and this year’s race will have a celebratory theme
Participants are encouraged to register early:
- Early bird pricing deadline: March 18
- Race shirt guarantee deadline: March 31
Packet pickup will be held the evening before the race, featuring a pasta dinner and mask and cape decorating from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Participants who cannot attend the evening pickup may also pick up their race packets the morning of the event.
Community members who cannot attend the race are encouraged to donate for a chance to win a two-night stay at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island with a one-time donation of $20 or more through the NMC Foundation (designate NMC Hero Race).
To register, become a sponsor, or learn more about the event, visit nmcherorace.com today.
RELEASE DATE: March 10, 2026
For more information:
Roberto Cuadra
Public Relations Specialist
(269) 930-1046
cuadrar@mail.nmc.edu
Kristy McDonald
Business Instructor
(231) 735-1055
kmcdonald@nmc.edu
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
Mar 9, 2026 | HR Corner, Intercom
Every day, we see colleagues who go above and beyond, not for recognition, but because they care deeply about our students, our colleagues, our community, and our mission. Now is our chance to say “thank you.”
Who to nominate?
A staff member or a team who:
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- Consistently embodies NMC’s values?
- Has made a clear, positive impact on NMC this year?
- Inspires you with their dedication?
Who is eligible?
Help us highlight the incredible work happening across our campus! Recipients will receive a monetary award and an engraved plaque to be presented at the You Made It Possible Celebration on May 13, 2026.
NMC Employee Recognition Committee: Lori Hodek, Chair, Marcus Bennett, Hollie DeWalt, Les Eckert, Kim Gourlay, Craig Hadley, Taylor Nash, Denny Nguyen, Nancy Parshall and Lisa vonReichbauer.
Mar 9, 2026 | Hawk Owl Helpers and Heroes, Intercom
Thanks to the Hawk Owl Café staff and Associate Dean of Campus & Residence Life Marcus Bennett for offering a Food for the Soul menu in February. This four-week series of special menus was presented as part of NMC’s Embrace the Dream programming and in support of NMC’s goal to create a vibrant campus where everyone belongs.
Who’s been a Hawk Owl Helper or Hero for you? Let us know at publicrelations@nmc.edu!
Mar 9, 2026 | 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.
The People’s College: 75 years of higher learning
Baylife Magazine, March-April 2026, pp. 34-45
(more…)
Mar 9, 2026 | Intercom, Student Events
Campus Life is hosting a 3-on-3 basketball tournament on Friday, March 20 at 6 p.m. in the Rajkovich Physical Education Building (#16 on the campus map). This tournament is open to all current students and employees.
If you have any questions please reach out to CJ Schneider at cschneider@nmc.edu or Marcus Bennett at mbennett@nmc.edu.
