International Affairs Forum-Traverse City

09/19/2026

What a brilliant evening to launch the Segal Diplomacy Series at IAF. Paul Hollingsworth illuminated the intelligence sector's role in gathering & analyzing critical information, vital to decision-making and our national security.

This programming at IAF is presented in memory of Jack Segal (1945-2026) and in recognition of his wife, Karen Puschel Segal. Together, Jack and Karen served our country with distinction in the foreign service and later elevated our community discourse as co-chairs of the International Affairs Forum.

Our thanks to Karen Puschel Segal, whose grace and service to our community shone brightly this week. She shared her career and personal intersections with our guest Paul, alongside Jack, as they all served our nation abroad during a rare era in Russia.

Our thanks to Paul, for his insightful time with us, inspiring moments with students and our community, and for his continuing work at Association of Former Intelligence Officers. And thank you for MajGen Mike Lehnert, USMC Ret. for efficient & always entertaining moderation.

This annual series is supported by a gift to IAF from Laura Stein Goldfeder & Leigh Stein McNamara, with sincere thanks from all of us at IAF.

Keep informed about IAF and future events in the Segal Diplomacy Series. Become a member and/or subscribe to the newsletter for updates: tciaf.com
Learn more about AFIO: afio.com

Were you with us online or in person? What did you think and what did you learn? Tell us in comments!

Amazing photos thanks to Tracy Grant KarunaPhoto!

Northwestern Michigan College
International Affairs Forum-Traverse City
NMC Student Life
The Dennos
The World Affairs Councils of America

09/12/2026

From the fall of the USSR to the aftermath of 9/11 and today's rise of AI and digital surveillance, how do intelligence analysts protect national security in an era of rapid change?

Join the International Affairs Forum Thurs, Sep 17 for U.S. Intelligence in the 21st Century: National Security in An Era of Disruption, featuring Paul Hollingsworth, President of the Association of Former Intelligence Officers (AFIO) and former CIA senior executive.

Presented as the inaugural program in the Segal Diplomacy Series, this program honors Jack Segal (1945-2026) and Karen Puschel Segal’s legacy of diplomacy and public service.

Get tickets: https://www.tciaf.com/event-september-17-2026
or join IAF today: https://www.tciaf.com/support

Becoming an IAF member gives you streamlined admission and direct access to world-class experts, elevates local civic dialogue, and fosters student opportunities for the next generation of global leaders.

Northwestern Michigan College
The World Affairs Councils of America

09/04/2026

What a special evening alongside our panel and our Afghan neighbors. Local experts described multifaceted connections to Afghanistan, from 20 years of U.S. operations, to a chaotic exodus, to our own northern Michigan community. We were moved and reminded that we CAN be at our best -- as global citizens, as Americans, as neighbors, and as friends.

Sincere thanks to our panelists, our Afghan community, and our engaged Traverse City supporters for this moving experience together. Special thanks to Karen Puschel whose passionate commitment to our community is absolutely unparalleled.

Were you with us? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Explore what's up next at IAF and join your community.
TCIAF.com

Northwestern Michigan College
The Dennos
Central Michigan University
Grand Traverse Pie Company
Higher Grounds Trading Co.
Northern Express

09/01/2026

25 years since 9/11. 5 years since the fall of Kabul. Now is the time -- and IAF is the space -- for dialogue on these important milestones. Be part of this moment Thurs., Sept 3.
https://www.tciaf.com/event-september-3-2026

We'll bring together our Afghan community and local experts. Hear from Ambassador (ret.) Greta Holtz who served as U.S Coordinator for Operation Allies Refuge in Qatar, facilitating the exodus of Afghans escaping the Taliban. The discussion will be led by Karen Puschel Segal of the Afghan Migrant Ministry Project based at Grace Episcopal Church.

Free event. Registration required.
An event not to be missed.
Our thanks to Northern Express for the Top Ten pick!

Support for IAF makes such a gathering possible. Explore membership options and get admission to 8+ events per season. Attend in person or livestream. Join today for maximum value and engagement.
tciaf.com/support

Five years after the fall of Kabul, what is happening in Afghanistan and here in Traverse City? On Thursday, Sept. 3, at Milliken Auditorium from 6:30-8:3…

08/26/2026

Join us for a special evening to support the International Affairs Forum-Traverse City at Northwestern Michigan College. Secure tickets and tables soon!

International Affairs Forum Gala 2026

Join Northwestern Michigan College’s International Affairs Forum-Traverse City for the 2nd Annual IAF Gala on Oct. 15, featuring award-winning journalist Candy Crowley, former CNN Chief Political Correspondent and host of State of the Union with Candy Crowley. Guests will enjoy a bubbly reception, elegant dinner, keynote and student speakers and live music while supporting the mission of the International Affairs Forum.

Tickets are required; space is limited. Reserve your individual ticket or table today and be part of an evening celebrating global understanding and informed dialogue. tciaf.com/gala2026

08/25/2026

We're thrilled to bring global perspectives & local impact to northern Michigan. Thanks to Traverse City Ticker for sharing these upcoming IAF events. Now it's your turn to spread the word -- go!

The International Affairs Forum (IAF) at Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) opens its 33rd season of public dialogue addressing critical global issues in northern Michigan. Fall events sequence features distinguished diplomats, intelligence leaders, foreign correspondents, foreign policy schola...

08/21/2026

Secure tickets, tables, and sponsorships today. Don't miss this special evening of meaningful dialogue and celebration, your chance to support global affairs education and the IAF mission across northern Michigan.

tciaf.com/gala2026

Join the International Affairs Forum-Traverse City for their 2nd Annual Gala, featuring keynote speaker Candy Crowley on October 15.

The evening at the The Hagerty Center at Northwestern Michigan College is dedicated to global literacy and thoughtful dialogue on today's most pressing issues.

Crowley, an award-winning journalist and former CNN chief political correspondent, is known for moderating the 2012 presidential debate and for her reputation as a fair, balanced voice in political coverage.

The evening includes a cocktail reception, dinner, and program, with proceeds supporting IAF's mission to bring nonpartisan, expert-led global affairs programming to Northern Michigan — free and accessible to students and educators across the region.

📅 Thursday, October 15, 2026 | 6-9 PM
📍 Hagerty Center, NMC Great Lakes Campus

Tickets and sponsorship information: TCIAF.com/Gala2026

08/19/2026

What an honor ... x4! Check out the Northwestern Michigan College affiliated leaders among this stellar group of northern Michigan changemakers.

Our thanks to the Traverse City Record-Eagle for elevating the work of our Great Lakes Water Studies Institute, International Affairs Forum-Traverse City, among so many important orgs in our vibrant region.

Congratulations Jody Lundquist, Kennard Weaver, John Lutchko, and IAF's own Alex Tank!

IN THIS WEEKEND'S RECORD-EAGLE: This year's Leaders of Northern Michigan special section, featuring Joe Short of Short's Brewing Company, Kandi Lannen of Area Agency on Aging of Northwest Michigan, Abby Clear of Lakes And Grapes and many other local leaders. Pick up a copy of this weekend's paper at your nearest newsstand, or visit https://record-eagle-cnhi.newsmemory.com/?special=leaders to read the section online.

07/07/2026

Excellent to learn from Dr. Chris Michelmore & partner with Leland Township Public Library last week. Chris provided a comprehensive explainer of the regional reorg in the Middle East from 2023-2026.

Our thanks to Chris, Chelsea, Mark & the LPL team, and to the 100 folks who joined in person and online for this first partner event with LPL. Thanks to Ruby and the Music Hub team for livestreaming.

We'll share a recording soon. Subscribe to IAF on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/

Join us again in Leland on Tues, July 14 @ 4pm for "Inhumanitarianism? The Origins and Purposes of the Modern Refugee Regime" w/ Laura Robson, Ph.D., Professor of Global Affairs and History, Yale University

Free and open to the public. Attend in person or livestream. Secure your seat right now or register to livestream: https://www.lelandlibrary.org/summinars

Definitely explore Leland Public Library's weekly Summinars series, engaging programs through July 28:
https://www.lelandlibrary.org/summinars

Leland Township Public Library
Northwestern Michigan College

06/15/2026

Such an honor to learn from Sherri Goodman, a visionary leader at the intersection of climate & global security. Thank you, Sherri & CDR Ryan Hawn, for a conversation that reshaped our view of climate risks and defined actions toward a more secure future.

If you haven't read , pick up a copy at Bay Books, our independent bookseller partner for this event.

Much gratitude to all our IAF members & community supporters for an incredible season of programs at IAF. You make it possible for NMC & IAF to serve our community with top-tier global affairs content. What a unique privilege it is to learn from thought-leaders like Sherri Goodman.

Learn how you can support the IAF mission. Our 33rd season starts in September: https://www.tciaf.com/support


Northwestern Michigan College
The World Affairs Councils of America
Princeton University Press