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April 9, 2026<\/strong><\/p>\n The public can now take an illustrated walk down NMC\u2019s memory lane, with the publication of a digital timeline<\/a> to celebrate the college\u2019s 75th anniversary.<\/p>\n The timeline covers 110 \u201cmilestones\u201d spanning the founding of Northwestern Michigan College as Michigan\u2019s first community college in 1951 to this year\u2019s 75th anniversary celebration. It was created by a history-focused workgroup with representation from across the college.<\/p>\n The group endeavored to show the people who created NMC history as much as the establishment of programs and construction of the physical campus. The timeline also offers present-day context to help viewers understand NMC\u2019s growth and impact. For example, text about the college\u2019s first Commencement in 1953, when 28 students graduated, notes that in 2025, 565 students earned degrees and certificates, a twentyfold increase. A 2018 milestone, awarding $1 million in scholarships, notes that just a few years later, in 2024-25, NMC would double that achievement, awarding $2 million in scholarships.<\/p>\n \u201cThe timeline depicts both NMC\u2019s lasting legacy and the bold future ahead,\u201d said Stephen Siciliano<\/strong>, NMC Vice President of Educational Services and chair of the history work group. \u201cThroughout the years, we\u2019ve been proud to be the community\u2019s college, helping to transform the lives of our learners and their families.\u201d<\/p>\n Led by Ryan Bernstein<\/strong>, NMC Curriculum and Instructional designer, the group curated the timeline from thousands of historical images, documents and artifacts. Longtime college archivist Ann Swaney<\/strong> is also a member of the history workgroup, providing valuable institutional memory and guidance through the process.<\/p>\n Milestones are spread fairly evenly through the decades. The timeline is available at nmc.edu\/75<\/a>.<\/p>\n NMC will also celebrate its history at a daylong anniversary special event Saturday, July 25. It will include:<\/p>\n NMC has published three history books covering 20-year segments of its history. The most recent ends in 2011. In addition there are Maritime and Art Department history books. All are available to check out at the NMC Library<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n