Nov 17, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
NMC will close for the Thanksgiving holiday starting at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 26, through Sunday, Nov. 30. The closure includes the NMC Library and Fitness Center, both of which will reopen Monday, Dec. 1 with normal hours.
The Hawk Owl Café will close at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, and reopen Sunday between 2 and 6 p.m. The Self-Service Kiosk will remain available 24 hours a day.
The Dennos Museum Center will close Thursday and Friday and reopen with normal hours from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Nov 17, 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.
How Dual Enrollment And Early College Programs Became Crucial Offerings For NMC, TCAPS
Ticker, Nov. 16
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Nov 17, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
Spring textbooks will be available Dec. 1. Stop by the Campus Bookstore in the Health & Science Building on NMC’s Front Street Campus or check them out online at bookstore.nmc.edu.
Looking to use financial aid to pay for your books? Financial aid can be used to purchase books for spring classes Dec. 8–Jan. 28.
Fall textbook rentals need to be returned to the Campus Bookstore by Tuesday, Dec. 16. Books that have been purchased can be sold back during Dec. 8 – 12.
Nov 14, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
The NMC Food Pantry team is looking for a few volunteers to help keep the pantry well stocked and organized. In our eight years of operation, this is our busiest season yet! If you are interested in stepping up, please take a look at what we need and let us know how you’d like to help. Interested volunteers can contact Joelle Hannert at jhannert@nmc.edu. Thank you!
Food Drive Helping Hands
Monday, November 24, 9:30am to 12:00pm.
Musician Luke Winslow King is holding a food drive at his November 23 Dennos Concert Series event in support of the NMC Food pantry. Help us move, unpack and organize the goods on Monday, November 24.
Sign up to help with the Food Drive unpacking here. Learn more about the concert and get tickets here.
Liaison to Christ Church Pantry
Ongoing
Work with our neighbor pantry at Christ Church (near the Civic Center) to pick up bread and other extra food they have available and stock it in the NMC Pantry. Shifts could be weekly or biweekly, and someone from the pantry team would come along with you the first time to support you as you learn the process.
Requirements: This volunteer would need to have a vehicle with space enough to haul about 4 crates of food at a time (a car or SUV with a trunk and/or clean backseat would be fine). They would need to be available either Mondays, Wednesdays, or Fridays from 12:30-1:30 p.m. They would need to be able to lift and carry boxes up to 25 pounds.
Liaison to Bubbie’s Bagels
Ongoing
Work with our neighbors at Bubbie’s Bagels to pick up their day-old bagels and stock them in the pantry.
Requirements: This volunteer would need to have a vehicle with enough space to haul food (a car or SUV with a trunk and/or clean backseat would be fine). They would need to be able to lift and carry boxes up to 25 pounds.
Food Pantry Runner
Ongoing
Our small food pantry team could really use a helper who can run sporadic pickups for us to and from local stores. The specific needs would be varied; the volunteer would coordinate with the food pantry team via email to get things done.
Requirements: The ideal volunteer for this position would have a schedule open enough to run one to two errands per month during NMC business hours, be organized, and have a vehicle with enough space to haul food (a car or SUV with a trunk and/or clean backseat would be fine). They would need to be able to lift and carry boxes up to 25 pounds.
Mobile Food Pantry
December 1, 3-5 p.m.
Help distribute food via the mobile food pantry on Monday, Dec. 1 in the Maple Parking Lot. Folks interested in helping out on this date should contact Cathy Warner at cwarner@nmc.edu.
Nov 14, 2025 | HR Corner, Intercom
Jeremy Maloney recently started working at the college as a Groundskeeper. Welcome to the NMC community!
Nov 14, 2025 | Student Events
Join the Student Ambassadors for a celebration of the Thanksgiving holiday from 1-2 p.m. on Tuesday, November 25 in the open space in the Osterlin Building.
Come enjoy good food and connection in a welcoming atmosphere. This is a free event for all students—no need to bring anything!
Nov 14, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
Holiday greeting cards designed by the students in the Visual Communications 220 class are available for purchase at the NMC Campus Bookstore! The proceeds of the sale of the cards goes directly back to the students; this is a great way to support students as part of your holiday shopping!
Nov 13, 2025 | Student News
NMC is a leader in offering experiential learning opportunities, which help you develop durable skills such as communication, resilience, empathy, initiative, creative problem-solving and teamwork. These are essential skills for work and life. The nEXt endorsement showcases these experiences as a transcript credential, alongside the degree or certificate you’re also earning at NMC. It’s an innovative way for you to demonstrate your mastery of these essential durable skills that, heretofore, were not fully addressed by colleges but are highly sought after by employers. If you want to add the nEXt Endorsement to your resume, sign up today by completing the nEXt endorsement signup form.
As a nEXt participant, you have access to resources, mentorship and funds to help you complete experiences that qualify for the endorsement. Funds could help pay for expenses including gas, travel, conference fees and events. Classroom and extracurricular experiences are eligible. If you’re already a nEXt participant interested in receiving grant funding, submit a nEXt resource grant application for consideration.
To learn more, visit the Experiential Learning Institute online, stop by the ELI office in the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center, room 103 or email elinstitute@nmc.edu.
Nov 11, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — The community is invited to join NMC students on Wednesday, Nov. 19 for the tenth annual Walk for Health and Housing, a guided tour of downtown Traverse City from the perspective of people experiencing homelessness and the providers who serve them.
Ryan Hannon, leader of Central Outreach, will lead participants on the 90-minute walk departing from the rear entrance of Central United Methodist Church, 222 Cass St., at 6 p.m. Nov. 19. Central Outreach is a hub of services for people without housing in the area. Tour stops will highlight service and volunteering opportunities, including the Government Center, where participants will learn ways citizens can provide input and get involved.
Free parking will be available beginning at 5 p.m. in Municipal Parking Lot B on North Cass Street.
The walk is a part of National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, happening Nov. 16-20. Led by NMC faculty Lisa Blackford, Brandon Everest, and Melissa Sprenkle, students in NMC social work, sociology and English classes have collaborated on projects to support the week since 2015.
In addition to the walk, this year’s activities include individual and group community service, an underwear/sock drive, development of awareness posters and engagement with community leaders in a series of panel discussions on understanding homelessness, housing insecurity and food insecurity. All activities are examples of Experiential Learning at NMC. EL actively engages the learner through relevant and ongoing experiences, critical problem solving and reflective practices.
In addition to NMC and CUMC, the walk is sponsored by the Northwest Michigan Coalition to End Homelessness.
Release date: November 5, 2025
For more information:
Lisa Blackford
Faculty, Social Sciences Area
lblackford@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1294
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
Nov 11, 2025 | Student Events
Phi Theta Kappa, our international honor society for two-year colleges, is celebrating Founders Day on Wednesday, Nov. 19.
Join us for cake from noon to 1 p.m. in the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center lobby and learn more about PTK’s pillars — scholarship, leadership, fellowship and service.
Nov 11, 2025 | Student Events
Join us for a Finals Prep Workshop and free Qdoba lunch Wednesday, Nov. 19, in Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center Room 106/107!
The Workshop and Qdoba Bar will be held from 11–11:45 a.m., with study tables available between noon and 2 p.m. Learn all the tips and tricks to use your time wisely and go into finals prepared.
Please register for lunch here.
Nov 10, 2025 | Intercom
The NMC Board of Trustees Building & Site Committee will meet Tuesday, November 8 at 2:30 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.
Nov 10, 2025 | Intercom
Don’t miss your opportunity to sign up for these great in-person training events! Seats are limited! Register for all courses through NeoEd Learn using these instructions.
AVERT (Active Violence Emergency Response Training)
Friday, November 14, 9–11:00 a.m.
Instructor: Eric Darling, Fife Lake Fire Chief
When acts of violence occur, you can’t always wait for EMS to arrive. AVERT Training was developed with law enforcement and medical experts to empower everyone to become an immediate responder. This course is designed to equip individuals with the skills and knowledge to respond effectively to active violence and emergency situations. AVERT teaches both active shooter response skills and emergency bleeding techniques. Certification period: 2 years.
For questions, contact Garrett Croon at gcroon@nmc.edu or (231) 995-1747.
CPR-AED Training
Friday, December 5, 9–10 a.m.
Instructor: Eric Darling, Fife Lake Fire Chief
Learn how to administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and use an automated external defibrillator (AED) to respond to sudden cardiac arrest. This is a non-certification training that will provide attendees with hands-on learning opportunities.
For questions, contact Garrett Croon at gcroon@nmc.edu or (231) 995-1747.
Stop the Bleed
This training is required to be able to use the Stop the Bleed kits that will soon be installed in your building!
The American College of Surgeons (ACS) Stop the Bleed Interactive Course guides individuals through the three methods of bleeding control using video demonstrations, interactive learning and spontaneous quizzes. This ACS Stop the Bleed Interactive Course can be taken multiple times to learn and refresh knowledge of the ACS Stop the Bleed Course. This course is estimated to take 25 minutes and is free to all. Click this link to enroll and begin the course (search for Stop the Bleed).
Nov 10, 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.
Author sheds new light on the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald
WKAR-TV Online, Nov. 9
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Nov 10, 2025 | Intercom, President Updates
The NMC Board of Trustees Fellows Nominating Committee is seeking nominations for the 2026 Northwestern Michigan College “Fellow” award. The Fellow is NMC’s highest honor and the following criteria are taken into consideration during the selection process.
- Demonstrated influential networking on behalf of the College – Exercising helpful influence among their resource networks in public life, academe or business and industry with those who can positively affect the mission of the College.
- Financial contribution – Demonstration of pattern of outstanding contributions over time to NMC.
- Time devoted in the interest of NMC – Exemplifying dedicated and loyal volunteer service over a period of years.
- Retirees – In addition to service deemed extraordinary during their active careers as members of the faculty and staff, retirees who continue to contribute to their academic or professional fields and provide exemplary service back to NMC as volunteers, mentors or advisors shall be considered.
Exceptional contributions in one or more of these areas may justify nomination. No staff, faculty, or trustee shall be named a Fellow while still employed or in office. A list of previously selected Fellows is available at nmc.edu/fellows
Please complete the Fellows nomination form to nominate a worthy candidate. Nominations may be submitted to the President’s Office and via e-mail to nmcpresident@nmc.edu by Friday, December 5, 2025.
President’s Office
1701 E. Front Street
Traverse City, MI
Phone: (231) 995-1010
Nov 10, 2025 | Student Events
Join us at the NMC Library on December 3 from 5–11 p.m. for the Long Night Against Procrastination (LNAP)! We’ll be staying open LATE to help you finish off your fall semester as stress-free as possible, offering services like research consultations, a WRC pop-up, and tutoring as well as a variety of activities and prizes throughout the night. We’ll also be serving up pizza/snacks to keep you full as well as coffee/tea to keep you focused as you prep for finals. You can do it!
Nov 10, 2025 | HR Corner, Intercom
Nathan Richey recently started working at the college as a Student Accounts Specialist. Welcome to the NMC community!
Nov 6, 2025 | Intercom, Student Events
Join the Allied Health Sciences student group from Grand Valley State University for Heroes and Hoagies on Tuesday, November 11 from 11 a.m. to noon in the lobby of the James Beckett Building. The event is a small thank you to honor those who have served with free sandwiches and good company.
Special thanks to Jimmy John’s for their generous support of this event!
Nov 6, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
Through a partnership with Anu Sushi, a refugee-founded sushi company based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, sushi purchased from the Hawk Owl Café during the third quarter provided 620 meals, along with shelter and supplies, for at-risk children in Myanmar!
Sushi is available on Tuesdays and Fridays starting at 11 a.m. in the grab-and-go cooler at the Hawk Owl Café (while supplies last).
Nov 6, 2025 | Intercom, Student Events
Campus Life is hosting a volleyball tournament at 6 p.m. on Friday, November 21 in the Rajkovich Physical Education Building. This tournament is open to all employees and current students.
Nov 5, 2025 | Intercom, Menu, Student News
The Hawk Owl Café will run a Thanksgiving special on Tuesday, Nov. 18! Each meal costs $9.99 and includes turkey or quinoa-stuffed acorn squash, mashed potatoes with gravy, green bean casserole, fresh rolls with butter and pumpkin pie with whipped cream. The special will be served from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and from 4:40 to 6:30 p.m., or while supplies last.
Nov 5, 2025 | Student Events
Join International Services and students from NMC as we sample unique teas from around the world while getting together in a casual setting to make connections.
Meet on Wednesday, Nov. 12 from 9:15–10:30 a.m., in the International Student Lounge outside the O100 offices in the Osterlin Building (#3 on the Front Street Campus Map).
For more information, contact Marina Call at mcall@nmc.edu.
Nov 5, 2025 | Intercom, Student Events
The Marine Technology Society will host a bake sale from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 12 in the Timothy J. Innovation Center hallway.
All proceeds benefit the Marine Technology Society Club.
Nov 5, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
To find these selections and many other new titles, see the NMC library catalog.
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Nov 5, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
November 5, 2025
Next week’s fiftieth anniversary of the tragic Edmund Fitzgerald sinking in Lake Superior has renewed attention to the last Great Lakes shipwreck, but for Great Lakes Maritime Academy cadet Jeffrey Jager, no anniversary is required to remember.
“Most of us live with the Fitzgerald, especially those of us that consider the Midwest our home,” said Jager, 31, who grew up in metro Detroit before becoming a fourth-year deck cadet at GLMA, the nation’s only freshwater maritime academy.
The last ship he sailed on was built just two years after the Fitzgerald, by the same company. GLMA faculty worked with and taught others who sailed on the Fitz, at the time one of the largest ships on the Great Lakes. As a deck officer, when aboard ship he stands two four-hour watches per day, a duty he always takes seriously and which can be especially challenging on Superior, due to its size, geography and cold.
“Ultimately the vessel and its safe navigation are your responsibility,” he said. “As the watch officer, the lives of 30 people are in your hands.”
Crews are the same size now as they were then, too. The Fitzgerald went down with 29 aboard, including GLMA cadet David Weiss and alumnus Thomas Bentsen. GLMA, now a flagship NMC program but then just six years old, held a memorial service within a week. That tradition has continued every year since, and will be held again Nov. 10 at noon in the GLMA harborside courtyard. In 2023 Jager was tasked with ringing the memorial bell as each sailor’s name was read.
This year, he will spend Nov. 10 representing GLMA at another ceremony, the 26th annual Lost Mariners Remembrance, a joint U.S.-Canadian event on Detroit’s Belle Isle. But he urges the community to turn out for GLMA’s Mariners Memorial, when the often-invisible role of shipping becomes as clear as that bell tolling 29 times.
“We have a lot of people working extremely hard to keep our entire economy running, and they do it at great personal risk,” he said.
