The UP200 sled dog race, established in 1990, is powered by Northern Michigan University, both in terms of sponsorship and volunteer support. Darlene Walch, president of the U.P. Sled Dog Association, estimates as many as 500 students will volunteer for this weekend's UP200 Powered by Northern Michigan University, Jack Pine 30 and Midnight Run. They help with everything from selling merchandise to vet checks for the dogs and crowd control, with several student organizations involved in the process.

Northern Michigan University's Pre-Vet Club continues to play an important role in three sled dog races taking place this weekend: the UP200 Powered by NMU, Jack Pine 30 and Midnight Run. Eight to 12 members from the club are expected to be volunteering at the events, helping the veterinarians to make sure the dogs' hearts and lungs are good for the journey, as well as checking on the condition of their paw pads, muscles and joints.

Writers with Northern Michigan University connections are well-represented on the 2023 listings of Michigan Notable Books and U.P. Notable Books. Phyllis Michael Wong, a campus and community fixture during her husband Les' tenure as NMU president, earned both distinctions for her historical account of the Gossard Girls, who sewed corsets and bras at factories in Ishpeming and Gwinn from the early 20th century to the 1970s. Several NMU alumni and faculty members contributed to a poetry anthology that was also named a U.P. Notable Book.

Northern Michigan University students in a social entrepreneurship special topics course last semester worked with refugees in Greece to improve their businesses. The students collaborated with Global Brigades, a nonprofit based in the United States with satellite offices that help communities reach health and economic goals. Global Brigades picks the businesses run by clients from different countries and connects them with students.

Northern Michigan University's College of Business will host its annual New Business Venture Competition on Thursday, March 16. The event features a trade show and business after hours event, followed by two “Shark Tank”-style competitions: the Mini Pitch, which students of any major can apply for by the Friday, Feb. 24 deadline; and the Big Pitch. The campus and Marquette communities are encouraged to attend.