GRATITUDE REPORT
July 2024–June 2025
Dear Friend of NMC,
One of my favorite things about serving as NMC’s President is meeting students and hearing their stories. In this report you will read many of those stories, made possible by your generosity.
Last March, when 80,000 residents lost power in an ice storm, students of our Uncrewed Aerial Systems program used their drone skills to help restore electricity weeks faster than expected. In our Construction Technology program, Luke Klug (NMC ’26) has learned to use one of the first model 3D concrete printers, mastering technology that shows what happens when talent meets opportunity.
Your support makes a difference that reaches far beyond the classroom.
Throughout these pages, you’ll discover how your generosity creates opportunities students couldn’t get anywhere else. Maritime Cadets now train aboard the Robinson Bay, our first new vessel in more than 20 years. Aviation students are taking flight immediately instead of waiting two years to enter the program, thanks to our newly expanded hangar. Through our ADN to BSN partnership with Davenport University, nursing students are completing their degrees and entering the workforce faster, strengthening our community’s healthcare.
As you read, I hope you’ll also notice something deeper. Your support extends beyond programs and facilities. Through scholarships, The Fund for NMC, the Emergency Assistance Fund, and the Student Food Pantry, you’re removing barriers that might derail a student’s education. You’re helping students grow not just as professionals, but as well-rounded individuals discovering how they want to contribute to our community.
As we celebrate our 75th Anniversary, I’m reminded that NMC was founded by members of our very own community with a vision that education could transform lives and build a stronger region. The students you’ll meet in these pages are carrying that vision forward, preparing to give back to Northern Michigan in ways that honor the commitment this community made 75 years ago.
Every success story you’re about to read begins with your belief in what’s possible.
Thank you for making it all happen.
With sincere appreciation,
Nick Nissley, Ed.D. President, Northwestern Michigan College
Your Support Eliminated Barriers and Opened Opportunities for NMC Students
Thank you from 1,489 NMC students who received scholarships:
You helped NMC distribute more than $2 million in scholarship dollars in 2024-2025—the first time in the college’s history—eliminating or defraying the cost of college for recipients. “Scholarship support is critical for students,” says Lindsey Dickenson, NMC Director of Student Success and Retention. “It removes one of the most common obstacles to attendance.”
Thank you from Aviation students who no longer have to wait 2 years to pursue their dreams:
You eliminated a 2-year waitlist by expanding our hangar and acquiring new planes—expanding the fleet to 20 aircraft—leading to 66% enrollment growth. The updated 48-year-old hangar is now a state-of-the-art facility, completing the first project in NMC’s 10year campus master plan and opening the skies to students ready to soar.
Thank you from future maritime professionals training on the Robinson Bay:
You donated a tugboat to the Great Lakes Maritime Academy, transforming it into a hands-on training vessel—the program’s first new vessel since 2002— giving students real-world experience on the water that will launch their careers in the maritime industry.
Thank you from 12 graduates of the fast-track Bachelor of Science in Nursing program:
Thanks to your support of NMC’s partnership with Davenport University, nursing students are entering the healthcare workforce faster and more affordably, addressing the critical nursing shortage in our region.
Thank you from Construction Technology students learning on cutting-edge equipment:
You gave students a competitive edge in the construction industry by providing access to a model 3D concrete printer designed by Build Additive, preparing them with skills, hands-on experience, and emerging technology that set them apart in their field.
Thank you from 34 students of the Great Lakes Culinary Institute awarded scholarships at the 2025 Taste of Success event:
You raised more than $165,000 for student scholarships, helping aspiring chefs achieve their dreams.
Thank you from the students, researchers, and entrepreneurs who will shape freshwater’s future:
You helped establish the Freshwater Research and Innovation Center, a collaborative hub where scientific research, innovative technologies, and workforce development come together to protect the Great Lakes—and serve as the future home of NMC’s Great Lakes Water Studies Institute, putting NMC at the heart of the region’s blue economy.
Thank you from culinary students who learn with fresh, year-round produce:
You provided six new hydroponic garden towers, each 6 feet tall, that grow lettuce, herbs, and edible flowers year-round, giving culinary students hands-on learning opportunities in sustainable agriculture while supplying Lobdell’s teaching restaurant with fresh, locally grown ingredients.
Thank you from alumni who reconnected with NMC and current students who benefit from their wisdom:
You helped reignite and strengthen alumni engagement through a revamped monthly newsletter featuring fresh original content and inspiring stories, creating connections that give current students access to mentorship, career guidance, and a network of professionals who started right where they are today.
Thank you from the many students who will discover exciting STEM careers through hands-on exploration:
The GeoTrek Recruiting Trailer sponsored by Atwell, LLC, brings direct access to surveying, freshwater studies, marine technology, and drone technology to students across Michigan. Launched in March 2025 at career fairs and school events, this mobile learning lab bridges classroom theory with real-world application, engaging students of all ages and sparking curiosity about high-demand careers in geospatial technologies and freshwater innovation.
Thank you from the 3,725 community members you kept from going hungry:
You provided 57,639 pounds of nutritious food and personal items through the NMC Mobile Food Pantry, ensuring the community had reliable access to the nourishment they needed and could focus on what matters
most instead of worrying about their next meal.
Thank you from 64 students who stayed in school when emergencies threatened to derail their education: You distributed $11,090 through the Emergency Assistance Fund covering unexpected expenses like vehicle repairs, tire replacements, gas cards, utilities, and course-related needs, ensuring students could get to class even when crisis struck.
Your Support Strengthened Our Community and Inspired Lifelong Learning
Education doesn’t stop at graduation, and neither does your impact. Through the arts, cultural programming, community radio, and learning opportunities for adults, you’ve fostered a vibrant community of lifelong learners.
Thank you from 260 adult learners who received 25% off registration at Campus Day:
Your support made lifelong learning more accessible at this annual community event hosted by NMC Extended Education & Training, giving community members the chance to explore new interests and develop new skills.
Thank you from WNMC listeners near and far:
Your support brings truly independent, grassroots radio to thousands on the airwaves— and around the world. This year, more than 32,000 people listened to WNMC online for a combined 278,181 hours, representing listeners in 174 countries.
Thank you from the thousands who experienced Ice Into Ocean: Arctic Tracings:
Despite the loss of many federal funds, your generous support ensured that 7,000 museum visitors could experience the Dennos Museum Center’s exhibition exploring the Arctic landscape and climate change.
Thank you from our growing community of globally-engaged citizens:
Thanks to your direct support, the International Affairs Forum exceeded its membership goals, hosted its first NMC student-led event, and strengthened local partnerships with the State Theatre, the Old Art Building, Interlochen Public Radio, Economic Club of Traverse City, and Zonta Club of Rogers City. You expanded access to worldrenowned experts and welcomed international perspectives relevant to our region.
Thanks to you, Luke Klug (NMC ’26) now has excellent instructors like Devin Hill, a job he enjoys, and a clear path forward.
From ‘Ambiguous’ to Building A Confident Future in Construction Technology
Thanks to you, Luke went from an uncertain path to building a meaningful career—and a future family business—right here in Grand Traverse County.
Growing up in Northern Michigan, Luke Klug (NMC ’26) graduated from high school and headed to college downstate. But it wasn’t the right fit; it didn’t feel personal. Three years later, he found himself working an entry-level position in the trades—doing work he enjoyed, but without a clear path forward.
Thanks to you and the help of his family, Luke discovered scholarship opportunities and enrolled at NMC. Because of your generosity, he received scholarships that made his education possible, learned from exceptional instructors who saw his potential before he saw it himself, and gained access to cutting-edge technology.
Today, Luke has project management experience and enjoys his leadership responsibilities as a crew lead at work.
On track to graduate this spring, he’s working toward his dream of creating a family business in home building—a business that he hopes will serve the Grand Traverse community for generations to come.
Your support made it possible for Luke to afford his education. Through honors construction technology scholarships, technical awards, and the Global Opportunities scholarship, you removed the financial barriers that might have kept him stuck. “The scholarship support made all the difference,” says Luke, allowing him to focus on learning and gaining experience in the field.
But your generosity provided more than tuition. It created an environment where Luke could truly thrive.
At NMC, Luke found instructors who invested in him personally. They brought local suppliers and vendors into the classroom, giving him access to industry experts he never would have had the confidence to approach on his own. They challenged him with real-world projects, and classmates began asking Luke for help. Encouraged by his instructors, Luke realized he had valuable knowledge to share.
One instructor, while working with Luke on an honors project, gave him a perspective that changed everything: Luke had strong potential, but was living in an “ambiguous state.” He was completing the assignments, but needed to push himself to take the next step. That balance—believing in his potential while pushing him to reach higher— helped Luke move from someone who felt intimidated in a lumber store to someone who knows he belongs in the industry.
Because of donors like you, Luke experienced opportunities he never imagined possible. With encouragement from his instructors and funding from the Global Opportunities scholarship, he traveled to Denmark, where he learned about integrating 3D concrete printing technology (3DCP) into traditional trades. When he returned to campus, your support had brought that same technology to NMC, and Luke became part of the first class of students to learn 3DCP right here in Northern Michigan.
Your investment helped Luke develop more than technical skills. Through courses like communications, he learned how to work effectively with suppliers and teams—skills he uses every day. Luke admits he never thought of himself as much of a leader, but NMC helped him learn how to be a manager, and he enjoys helping others.
Most importantly, you helped Luke discover that his work could be more than just a job—it could be a meaningful career. Thanks to the foundation you helped him build, he’s working toward creating his own home building family business in the Grand Traverse community.
Because of your generosity, Luke moved from that “ambiguous state” to having a clear path forward and the confidence to build a future that will benefit our entire community. You didn’t just fund scholarships—you invested in exceptional instructors, innovative programs, cutting-edge technology, and personalized experiences that met Luke exactly where he was.
Thank you for caring enough about local students like Luke to support scholarships, dedicated faculty, cutting-edge technology, and transformative programs at NMC. Your generosity changes lives, one opportunity at a time.
Dear Friend of Northwestern Michigan College,
This report exists because of you.
Throughout Fiscal Year 2025, your generosity opened doors to education, eased unexpected hardships, and strengthened programs that serve our entire region. Whether you supported scholarships, provided emergency assistance, or invested in programs and facilities, your giving made a real and lasting difference for students. You also strengthened our community’s cultural life by supporting the Dennos Museum Center, WNMC Radio, and the International Affairs Forum.
Because of you, uncertainty turned into opportunity. Students stayed enrolled, focused, and supported when challenges arose. Programs across campus were strengthened, ensuring NMC continues to prepare learners for meaningful careers and lifelong success.
The financial statements that follow tell only part of the story. The rest lives in the lives you touched and the futures you shaped.
As we approach Northwestern Michigan College’s 75th Anniversary, we do so with gratitude for the people who have made the college what it is today. You are part of that legacy, and you are building what comes next.
Thank you for believing in education and for supporting the community’s college.
With sincere gratitude,
Katharine Marvin Vice President of College Advancement, NMC Executive Director, NMC Foundation
FINANCIAL REPORT (July 1,
Your Generosity (NMC Foundation Resources) Our Collective Impact (Resources Distributed to NMC)
NMC Foundation Board
NMC Foundation Board Officers
Katharine Marvin (Executive Director)
Pat Warner (Chair)
Suzanne Allen (First Vice-Chair)
Nick Nissley (Second Vice-Chair)
Debbie Edson (Secretary)
Chris Lamb (Treasurer)
Jayne Mohr (Immediate Past Chair)
General Members
Lorraine Beers
Barb Benson
Cheryl Bloomquist (Faculty)
Chris Branson
Jeff Caviston
Don Coe
Matt Desmond
Bill Donberg
Liam Filson (Student)
Steve Fisher
Pam Horne (Trustee)
Peg Jonkhoff
Mike Lipp
Eleanor Lynn
Mark Keely (Trustee)
Mary Pelcher
Steve Rice (Faculty)
Andy Robitshek (Trustee)
Dave Shooltz
Timothy Young
Al Zelinski
Nancy Zimmer
KALLY SLUITER
Business Administration
“The scholarship not only eases the financial challenges of continuing my education but also motivates me to keep working hard toward my goals. I am grateful for the support and confidence this scholarship represents, and I’m committed to making the most of this opportunity as I prepare for my future.”
Honorary Members
Diana Huckle*
Jim Huckle
Mark Lundmark
NICK WEDRA
Engineering:
“The scholarship helps relieve some of the financial pressure while I balance school, work, and being a dad. It also feels good to know someone believes in the direction I’m heading.”
Emeritus Board Members
Bonnie S. Alfonso
George W. Anderson*
Robert M. Andrews*
James J. Beckett* (Secretary Emeritus)
Douglas S. Bishop
Robert M. Boeve
James Brown, Jr.*
Bruce L. Byl
J. Kermit Campbell
John Dancer
Francis J. Gingras
Robert L. Goff
Don A. Good
David L. Gray
(Treasurer Emeritus)
Kathleen Guy
Thomas C. Hall*
James W. Hook
Walter J. Hooper
Jean Howard
Susanne M. Janis
Thomas C. Jones
Charles B. Judson* (Chair Emeritus)
Barbara J. Kausler
Randall J. Kiessel
Kenneth P. Kleinrichert, Sr.
Douglas E. Linder*
Terry Lobdell
James D. MacInnes
Terence Malone*
Bill F. Marsh
Patrick J. McCafferty*
Robert R. McDonald
George A. McManus*
Timothy J. Nelson
Gail M. Nugent
Shirley S. Okerstrom*
Gerald E. Oleson, Jr.
Marty Oleson
Helen C. Osterlin*
Timothy G. Quinn*
Richard L. Redmond Jr.
Susan Sheldon
Barbara A. Smith*
Edward C. Walker
*Deceased
NMC Foundation Staff
Katharine Marvin // Vice President of College Advancement, Executive Director of the NMC Foundation
Megan Bylsma // Director of Development & Alumni Engagement
Bill Czyzyk // Database & Prospect Research Specialist
Michele Ensign // Foundation Team Assistant
Alexandra Galla-Williams // Individual Giving Officer
Alana McKinnie // Foundation Team Assistant
Bridget Munroe // Individual Giving Officer
Danielle Quinlan // Foundation Operations & Advancement Manager
Paul Schoppe // Financial Manager
Rachel Urkowitz // Director of Annual Giving & Special Events
Zach Whitaker // Manager of Alumni Relations
