Success story: Explore 75 years of NMC history, 1951–2026
April 9, 2026
The public can now take an illustrated walk down NMC’s memory lane, with the publication of a digital timeline to celebrate the college’s 75th anniversary.
The timeline covers 110 “milestones” spanning the founding of Northwestern Michigan College as Michigan’s first community college in 1951 to this year’s 75th anniversary celebration. It was created by a history-focused workgroup with representation from across the college.
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’s growth and impact. For example, text about the college’s 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.
“The timeline depicts both NMC’s lasting legacy and the bold future ahead,” said Stephen Siciliano, NMC Vice President of Educational Services and chair of the history work group. “Throughout the years, we’ve been proud to be the community’s college, helping to transform the lives of our learners and their families.”
Led by Ryan Bernstein, NMC Curriculum and Instructional designer, the group curated the timeline from thousands of historical images, documents and artifacts. Longtime college archivist Ann Swaney is also a member of the history workgroup, providing valuable institutional memory and guidance through the process.
Milestones are spread fairly evenly through the decades. The timeline is available at nmc.edu/75.
NMC will also celebrate its history at a daylong anniversary special event Saturday, July 25. It will include:
- 10 a.m. History Showcase, Milliken Auditorium: Debut screening of 75th anniversary video; panel discussion of NMC history, opening of 50th anniversary time capsule
- 11 a.m.–2 p.m.: Self-guided history walk to activity stations around NMC’s Front Street campus; opportunity to contribute to centennial time capsule; lunch in the NMC Innovation Center
- 7 p.m. (tentative time): NMC Music Department Concert, Milliken Auditorium
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.
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