Oct 23, 2025 | Intercom
The new NMC logo gift items have arrived! Apparel and drinkware will be delivered to the designated campus contacts (typically your office manager) beginning on Friday. Thanks for your patience with the ordering and delivery process. We look forward to seeing you sport or carry these items around campus.
New NMC name tags will arrive in November. This turned out to be a longer process than expected. Thanks to Facilities for picking up the logo gift items so that they could get distributed as soon as possible.
Oct 22, 2025 | Intercom
The Campus Bookstore is expanding the professional apparel options available through a new special order program! Check out our special order pieces at bookstore.nmc.edu. Special order apparel is available in men’s and women’s cuts; men’s sizing can range from Small-5XL and some include tall sizing. Women’s cuts can range from X-Small-3XL.
All items are made to order and can be shipped to the bookstore and picked up at the bookstore or sent to your office via campus mail. To take your employee discount, please use the coupon code SPECIALORDER at checkout. Please let us know in the notes of the order if you’d like us to campus mail your order.
Oct 21, 2025 | Student News
Need a little help this Thanksgiving? The students in NMC’s BUS 231 Course are giving any Hawk Owl who could use a little extra help a free meal for the holiday season. Each meal will feed a family of six and will include a turkey, pie, and all of the traditional Thanksgiving sides. There are also a few surprises! Find the QR code around campus or fill out the form below to register for a free meal today!
The deadline for a free meal is November 7 or until we reach 120 requests. Fill out here: 2025 Thanks-for-Giving Meal Request Form
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact:
Sophie McDonald, PR Specialist: mcdon158@mail.nmc.edu
Kristy McDonald, Instructor: kmcdonald@nmc.edu
Oct 20, 2025 | Intercom
Thank you to all who helped make October Conference a success! We appreciate all who led sessions, served on a panel, supported pre-conference arrangements, those who helped out during the day and all who attended. What a great day of connection and learning about the impact of AI!
View the photo gallery.
Oct 20, 2025 | Intercom, Student Events
Campus Life will host a Disc Golf tournament at 4 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 24. Participants will meet in front of East Hall. Prizes will be given for the top participants with the lowest score for 9 holes. Register
For more information, contact Marcus Bennett at mbennett@nmc.edu.
Oct 20, 2025 | Hawk Owl Helpers and Heroes, Intercom
To the Professional Communications (BUS 231) students supporting local families again this Thanksgiving through the 12th annual Thanks-for-Giving experiential learning project. Students strive to alleviate regional food insecurity by providing 175 Thanksgiving meal boxes to families in need. You can donate in the red bins on campus or make a cash donation at nmc.edu/give and enter to win prizes. Read more.
Who’s been a Hawk Owl Helper or Hero for you? Let us know at publicrelations@nmc.edu!
Oct 20, 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.
7 Most Comfortable Michigan Towns For Seniors For 2025
World Atlas, Oct. 19 (more…)
Oct 20, 2025 | Intercom
Much of September and October has been focused on presenting the emerging strategies and strategic drivers to many internal and external stakeholders: Student Government Association, University Partners, Judicial Affairs, ESIMP, Faculty Council, Board of Trustees, NMC Foundation Board, the general public, SwOOPs Student Group, industry groups, and the All Employee Virtual Connection, with several additional groups scheduled in the coming weeks.
Input on diverse topics has been collected during these sessions as well as through the strategic plan feedback form. Please take a moment to share your thoughts if you haven’t already done so.
President’s Council, Leadership Council, and the Strategic Plan Steering Committee continue to shape the framework for strategies and objectives. Objective development will be in full swing around the three strategies, so please provide your input. Leadership Council deserves kudos for their continued support in developing the plan and brainstorming potential objectives. Development of specific actions will occur later this semester with a projected launch of the new strategic plan in early 2026.
Monthly updates will be posted to the Strategic Plan webpage.
Oct 20, 2025 | HR Corner, Intercom
Kudos to Scott Goethals, Lisa Von Reichbauer, Lisa Baldyga, Merrick Adams, Amy Burns Bailey, Joe Deater, Hollianne McHugh, Denver Peters, Laura Stevens, Shirl Martin, Heather VanStratt and Amy Shamroe! Thanks to support from Scott Goethals, Lisa Von Reichbauer, Lisa Baldyga, Merrick Adams, Amy Burns Bailey, Joe Deater, Hollianne McHugh, Denver Peters, and Laura Stevens, the Sixty by 30/NOMIAC Training Fair at Michigan Works was a success! Kudos also to Shirl Martin, Amy Shamroe and Heather VanStratt for planning and setting up the event.
Kudos to Heather VanStratt! Heather VanStratt, Extended Education & Training’s new Grant Manager & Community Coordinator, oversaw her first NoMI Attainment Collaborative (NOMIAC) meeting on Friday, October 10 (the new collaborative’s fourth in-person meeting within 14 months). The in-person meeting convened at GROW Benzie, hosted by Josh Stoltz and Maggie Bacon (BEST Benzie). Individuals reviewed their organizations’ strategic plans to draw alignment with the NOMIAC’s initiative of Sixty by 30. This meeting was full of enthusiasm for the good work that these organizations are already doing in our communities, and for the potential of continued and elevated collaboration between organizations.
Kudos to the October Conference Collaborative Partners: Kristi Hallett, Tracy Welch, Megan Holtry, Maria Ulrich, Judy Albers, Chef Matt King, Chad Schenkelberger, Angie Adamick & the NMC Facilities Team, and the NMC Food Services Team! Thank you to all of our NMC October Conference collaborative partners that helped us host such a great opportunity to learn and connect with each other. We appreciate you and your support of this successful event!
Kudos to Hollie DeWalt, Lori Hodek, Laura Stevens, Eric Carlsson, Hollianne McHugh, Scott Goethals, Ali Thornton, Taylor Nash, Mark DeLonge, Caroline Schaefer-Hills, Tami Livengood, Heather VanStratt, Nick Roster, Dylan Schaub, Lisa Blackford, Kristen Salathiel, Ryan Bernstein, and Mark DeLonge! A huge thank you to the NMC faculty and staff who helped on the day of the conference. These folks schlepped supplies, greeted and directed crowds, facilitated presentations, and popped corn. Special thanks to the Swag Squad — Kristen, Mark, Ryan, and Lisa — for their championship slinging. The training paid off!
Kudos to Emily Crull! Thank you for all your work designing the beautiful NMC October Conference trifold schedule with a really tight turnaround time. We appreciate your coordination and facilitation to brand the event well to create a sense of NMC pride both internally and for the broader community. You exemplify collaboration and excellence in all you do!
Kudos to Carolyn Andrews, Ryan Bernstein, Skylar Berry, Mark DeLonge, Lindsey Dickinson, Brandon Everest, Jennifer Ewing, Pat Kawula, Janet Lively, Kristy McDonald, Kyle Morrison, Nicco Pandolfi, Kristen Salathiel, Melissa Sprenkle, Sherry Trier, Lisa vonReichbauer, Rachel Wilczewski, and Kerrey Woughter! Kudos to each of our NMC October Conference Session Leaders! Thank you for sharing your time and expertise to make this a great day of learning for everyone! We are hearing great things about your presentations. We appreciate you!
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 20, 2025 | HR Corner, Intercom
These employees recently started working at the college. Let’s welcome them to the NMC community!
-
- Emma Griffith, supplemental employee — Tutor
- Eldas Asheber, supplemental employee — Front of House food service
Oct 20, 2025 | Intercom, President Updates
Dear NMC students, faculty and staff:
I hope your fall semester is off to a strong start. As the fall colors peak and the leaves begin to fall, I hope that you’re looking forward to the Thanksgiving break as much as I am. As we prepare for this important time of connection and gratitude, I’m asking your help to make sure everyone can enjoy this meaningful tradition.
For the twelfth annual year, Kristy McDonald’s Professional Communications class is partnering with the NMC Food Pantry and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Michigan to donate to 175 families in the Traverse City community. Boxes–each of which feeds approximately six people–will be distributed at the NMC gym on November 24.
If you are enrolled at NMC as a student (part-time or full-time), or are a faculty or staff member who could use a meal, you can apply to receive a full Thanksgiving meal for you and your family. The process will be confidential and convenient. The boxes also provide support in the days following the holiday, easing any uncertainty families might have.
By donating $10 or more at nmc.edu/give during our month-long drive, donors will have the chance to win exciting prizes, including: a two-night stay at the Great Wolf Lodge and a $250 hotel credit, a six-course wine dinner for two, brunch for two at Aerie (Grand Traverse Resort), and a lunch for two at Lobdell’s. (Choose the amount, select “designate my gift to other,” and type in “Thanks For Giving.”) Donors can only enter the prize drawing once. Winners will be announced after the Thanksgiving holiday.
Community members also have the option to donate at a spooky glow skate event hosted by our class on October 25 between 6 and 8 p.m. at the Howe Ice Arena in the Traverse City Civic Center. Admission will be $10 to enter and $5 to rent ice skates. Costumes encouraged.
The final option to assist is to donate peanut butter or granola bars in their marked red bins, found in NMC’s Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center, Parsons-Stulen Building, and the Great Lakes Campus.
With your help, we can ensure every Hawk Owl enjoys a meaningful and memorable Thanksgiving.
Nick
Oct 17, 2025 | Intercom, Student Events
Come shop a selection of student and faculty made works during the fall pottery sale from 1–7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 21. The sale will be held at the ceramics studio in the Okerstrom Fine Arts Building on NMC’s Front Street Campus (#12 on the campus map).
Oct 16, 2025 | Intercom
Laura Stevens (download high-resolution photo)TRAVERSE CITY — Laura Stevens, director of Extended Education and Training at Northwestern Michigan College, has been named one of the top 20 continuing educators in the country for 2026 by the Learning Resources Network (LERN).
She is the only individual recognized in Michigan. The recognition is for her pioneering research and work in documenting new financial contributions to the college, including continuing education student alumni donations.
“Ms. Stevens is on the cutting of our field and is making a significant contribution to the field,” said William A. Draves, president of LERN.
Stevens’ work will be showcased in a session, Know Your Value to the Institution, at the LERN 2025 annual conference Nov. 17–20, the largest conference in continuing education, with 1,500 attendees.
Release date: October 16, 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 15, 2025 | Intercom
TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) Professional Communications students are supporting local families this Thanksgiving through the 12th annual BUS 231 Thanks-for-Giving experiential learning project.
Students strive to alleviate food insecurity within the area by providing 175 Thanksgiving meal boxes to families in need. In collaboration with Big Brothers Big Sisters, 50 of the meals will be donated to families selected by the organization, while the remaining meals will be given to NMC families.
With the help of local organizations, the students are raising funds and collecting food donations to provide dinner boxes containing a turkey and all the traditional side dishes to serve a family of six. Each box includes a pan for cooking the turkey, along with a family activity. To become a donor, email the student contact listed below.
“We are excited to give back to our community while learning and improving our business communication skills.” said business student Kally Sluiter.
To fund this community project, the BUS 231 class is hosting a Halloween-themed Spooky Glow Skate at Howe Ice Arena in the Grand Traverse County Civic Center on October 25, from 6 to 8 p.m. There will be a $10 entrance fee and a $5 ice skate rental fee for the event. There will be prizes for the best costumes and a bake sale put on by NMC culinary arts students.
A prize giveaway is also available for donors who contribute $10 or more. Prizes consist of a two-night stay at the Great Wolf Lodge (along with a $250 gift card); a six-course wine dinner for two at Chateau Chantal; brunch for two in the Aerie Restaurant at the Grand Traverse Resort; and lunch for two at Lobdell’s, NMC’s teaching restaurant.
Donations can be made as follows:
● Visit nmc.edu/give
● Choose an amount to donate
● Select ”designate my gift to other”
● Enter “Thanks-for-Giving
In addition to monetary donation the community can donate boxes of granola bars or jars of peanut butter. Students are also stocking the boxes with a few healthy snacks for the Thanksgiving break. Donations can be dropped off in any red bin located on NMC’s Front Street campus in the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center lobby or at the Great Lakes campus through Nov. 18.
Meal boxes will be distributed on Monday, November 24.
Release date: OCTOBER 15, 2025
For more information:
Tyler Kastens
Marketing Team Leader
Thanks-for-Giving 2025
Northwestern Michigan College
kastent@mail.nmc.edu
(616) 377-9111 (Call or text)
Kristy McDonald
Business Instructor
kmcdonald@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1059
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 15, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
October 15, 2025
Northwestern Michigan College surpassed a financial aid and philanthropic milestone this summer, awarding more than $2 million in scholarship dollars for the first time ever.
For the 2024–25 academic year, NMC distributed $2.07 million to students. That topped the 2023–24 total of $1.98 million by $91,742. The total includes NMC institutional scholarships ($1.6 million) plus external scholarships ($469,000), which are typically awarded from local sources like community foundations, companies and churches.
As registration for spring semester begins this week, the importance of scholarship support is top of mind.
“The cost of college is one of the most common obstacles to attendance,” said Lindsey Dickinson, NMC director of student success and retention. “Scholarship support is critical for students to be able to complete their educational path and move on to life and career goals.”
Thanks to NMC scholarships, 2024 Great Lakes Culinary Institute student Caroline Clark (above) graduated debt free. Now she’s investing the money she saved on tuition in a wedding cake business, Sweet Caroline’s Confections.
“That’s the path I’m taking, an entrepreneurial path,” said Clark. Working out of her home, she baked cakes for 12 weddings this past summer. But she’s preparing to have a commercial space, hopefully by 2027.
“I was able to purchase some equipment. When the time is right, I can have a commercial space,” Clark said.
Marine Technology student Daniel Heil received an external scholarship from the Marine Technical Society. The Washington DC-based nonprofit promotes awareness, understanding, and the advancement and application of marine technology.
“This scholarship means the world to me. It’s not just recognition of where I’ve been — it’s a vote of confidence in where I’m going. I’m deeply grateful to be supported in this mission to merge deep-sea exploration with next-generation technology,” Heil said.
NMC also announced that the proportion of financial aid from grants — money students don’t have to repay — rose significantly last year. Grants totaled 62 percent of financial aid while loans made up 38 percent.
In the 2023–24 academic year it was nearly evenly split, with 51 percent grants and 49 percent loans. The shift, primarily due to state programs like the Community College Guarantee for high school graduates and Michigan Reconnect for adults 25 and older who don’t already have a degree, is highly positive for students.
Neither Heil nor Clark qualified for those programs, however. For students like them, NMC and external scholarships are vital.
“Instead of worrying about student loans or debt, I was able to focus on my career goal,” Clark said. “I’m very grateful I was able to do that.”
She keeps a list of her 10 scholarships, which ranged from $375 to $5,000. It’s a reminder to the 22-year-old to sustain her healthy financial habits.
“Not only for my career but for my lifetime, that’s a goal of mine, to continue being debt free,” she said.
NMC automatically matches accepted students with scholarships — no extra applications are required. Read more. Find out more about becoming a scholarship donor at nmc.edu/give.
Oct 14, 2025 | Intercom
In honor of the Dennos Museum Center’s 35th anniversary—and in recognition of the museum’s world class Inuit art collection—join museum staff for a cultural trip abroad to Winnipeg on September 24–28, 2026. This trip is a special, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to discover one of Canada’s most significant arts and culture communities alongside Dennos staff and museum members.
Additional details, and information to register will become available in the coming weeks. Contact staff at dmc@nmc.edu to be added to a list for more information and updates.
Oct 14, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
The Dennos Museum Center warmly invites visitors to wander a festive marketplace on Friday, Nov. 7 and Saturday, Nov. 8 from 10 a.m.–4 p.m.. Come discover a unique variety of artful gifts and get a head start on your holiday shopping.
This vibrant juried marketplace is a cherished annual tradition that brings together 30 Michigan artists and a community that celebrates creativity and art. Visit the museum’s Sculpture Court and Milliken Auditorium lobby to discover one-of-a-kind treasures. Admission is free and guests are encouraged to linger, explore, and shop. Merlyn’s Pâtisserie will be on site for a second year, offering their Asian-French inspired artful treats.
Our Museum Store will unveil its festive Holiday Corner featuring beautiful greeting cards, handcrafted ornaments, and unique gifts from around the world. Art-inspired objects, puzzles, jewelry and toys are always right inside!
Our beloved raffle returns with proceeds benefiting children’s educational programming. And remember, DMC memberships are 10% when purchased at the market!
Learn more at shop.dennosmuseum.org
Oct 13, 2025 | Intercom, Student Events
The Student Ambassador’s are inviting all students and staff to sign up to host a ‘trunk’ for their annual Trunk or Treat! Rain or shine this event will take place from 5:30–7 p.m. on October 23 in the back half of Cherry Lot on NMC’s Front Street Campus. This event is open to the community to come and trick or treat!
If you are a NMC employee or student that would like to decorate your trunk, please fill out the Trunk or Treat form by October 20 so the students can prepare the parking lot.
The Ambassadors will be having ‘celebrity’ judges this year and will award the following:
- 1st place: $75 Amazon Gift Card
- 2nd place: $50 Amazon Gift Card
- 3rd place: $25 Gift Card
This is a great opportunity to show off your creativity and spooky spirit with the NMC and TC community.
For questions, please email Katy Knight at cknight@nmc.edu.
Oct 13, 2025 | Hawk Owl Helpers and Heroes, Intercom
Thanks to the International Affairs Forum, Multicultural Club and International Services and Service Learning. Last week the three groups partnered to offer multilayered experiential learning opportunities: On Wednesday, IAF sponsored a screening of the documentary Powerful Women, including a presentation by one of the subjects, Madhvi Dalal, founder of PadMad, an initiative working to end period poverty in Kenya, Somalia and Malawi. On Saturday, the Multicultural Club organized a fundraising walk for PadMad around the Boardman Lake, led by Dalal. In the spring, NMC students will travel to Kenya for a study abroad experience.
Who’s been a Hawk Owl Helper or Hero for you? Let us know at publicrelations@nmc.edu!
Oct 13, 2025 | Intercom
The NMC Board of Trustees Executive Committee will meet Thursday, October 16 at 2 p.m. in the President’s Office Conference Room in the Tanis Building on NMC’s Front Street Campus. More information is available here.
For more information, please contact the President’s office at (231) 995-1010.
Oct 13, 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.
Adapted in TC: Having the good kind of cancer
Instructor Susan Odgers’ monthly column on living with disability, Record-Eagle, Oct. 11
(more…)
Oct 13, 2025 | Intercom
The NMC Board of Trustees Audit Committee will meet Wednesday, October 15 at 10 a.m. in the President’s Office Conference Room in the Tanis Building on NMC’s Front Street Campus. The Building & Site Committee will meet at 1:30 p.m. that day, in the same location. More information is available here.
For more information, please contact the President’s office at (231) 995-1010.
Oct 13, 2025 | Intercom
The NMC Board of Trustees will hold its regular monthly meeting Monday, October 20 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.
Oct 13, 2025 | Intercom
Step away from the daily grind on Friday, Nov. 21 and invest in yourself with this “Out Of Office” one-day personal development retreat tailored for professional women. This immersive experience is designed to help you reignite your motivation, deepen your self-awareness, and confidently own your authority, leaving you feeling refreshed and inspired.
Highlights of Your Day
Self-Awareness Workshops: Gain invaluable tools and insights for accelerated personal and professional growth.
Rejuvenating Body Movement Session: Realign your mind and body with a gentle stretching and yoga session designed to enhance focus and reduce stress.
The Image Dilemma – Define Your Professional Brand: Move beyond conventional notions of “Northern Michigan Professional.” Discover how to strategically align your personal style with the powerful message you want to communicate, ensuring your wardrobe works for you.
Empowered Networking: Connect with a group of professional women, forging meaningful relationships and expanding your network.
Gourmet Lunch & Celebratory Happy Hour: Enjoy a delicious, catered lunch in excellent company, followed by a celebratory happy hour to toast your transformations and new connections.
Join us for this transformative day where you’ll not only depart with practical tools, renewed inspiration, and a powerful sense of purpose, but also cultivate invaluable connections. This retreat is designed to foster genuine interactions, providing empowered networking opportunities with a curated group of like-minded professional women. Expand your circle, share insights and build relationships that will extend far beyond the day’s events. We look forward to seeing you there, ready to connect and thrive!
Tuition Waiver applies. For full-time NMC employees, the cost to attend is $180.
Register here.
Oct 13, 2025 | Intercom, Student Events
The NMC Pride student group will be selling bake goods and crafts from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Oct. 27 in the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center lobby. Stop by and show your support!
