Colin Clancy wrote the first draft of his debut novel “Ski Bum” while attending Northern Michigan University. The book is about a college dropout named Jimmy who moves to Colorado to chase the ski bum lifestyle, often working at resorts and doing menial labor to devote as much time as possible to his favorite activity. Jimmy tries to chase the Rocky Mountain high by shredding down Silver Mountain, while engaging in a “spontaneous party life of hot-tub poaching, illicit sledding, and living scrappy and poor in a place where rich people vacation.”

Three Northern Michigan University students have been awarded Spooner Research Grants of up to $500 each to support their ongoing research projects under the supervision of faculty advisers. This year's recipients are Ender Harris of Negaunee, Delaney Anderson of Lake Orion, Mich., and Rylee Jensen of Clearfield, Utah.

Northern Michigan University offers one of the nation's best online master's degree programs in early childhood education, according to 2023 rankings released by OnlineMastersDegrees.org (OMD). Northern ranks 36th overall in the category because of its "overall quality, affordability and commitment to student success." 

Northern Michigan University's Black Student Union is celebrating Black History Month with several events in February. They include a Black History 101 Mobile Museum making a stop at Jamrich Hall, a comedy show featuring comedians who have appeared on network television programs, film screenings and a Black Love Day bake sale. All events are free, unless otherwise noted.

Northern Michigan University English professor Lynn Domina will host a webinar with award-winning author Shelly Puhak about her nonfiction debut, The Dark Queens, at 1 p.m., Friday, Feb. 17. The event is part of the continuing series “Let's Talk about Books at NMU.” Registration is required, but free.