Traverse City, MI — January 7, 2026 — Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) officially kicked off its year-long 75th anniversary celebration this week with the release of a special list honoring 75 outstanding alumni from across the institution’s history.
The announcement was made on Tuesday at a gathering held on the NMC campus, located on East Front Street in Traverse City, where faculty, staff, current students, and community members joined in recognizing the wide-ranging achievements of former students. The full list of honorees — spanning industries such as health care, aviation, business, government, education, and the arts — highlights individuals who have made significant contributions to their communities and exemplify the values of the college.
Included among those recognized are Chasten Buttigieg, author and educator; Betsy Coffia, state representative; and Amy Shamroe, Mayor of Traverse City. The complete honoree list is available on the college’s website as part of the anniversary celebration materials.
Founded in 1951 with just 65 students and six full-time staff, NMC has grown into a cornerstone of higher education in northern Michigan, now serving thousands of students across several campuses and offering a wide range of academic, vocational, and community programs. The college’s mission has long centered on expanding access to education, reflecting the regional desire for local learning opportunities that first inspired its creation more than seven decades ago.
The 75th anniversary festivities — scheduled throughout 2026 — include a Student & Community Block Party in April, a History Walk in July, and a signature Anniversary Celebration this September. These events are designed to bring students, alumni, and community partners together to celebrate the college’s legacy and its role in shaping the region’s future.
