Northern Michigan University will join college campuses across the nation in recognizing the efforts of students who are the first in their families to earn a bachelor's degree. NMU's First-Generation College Student Celebration will be held on Monday, Nov. 8.

The Northern Michigan University Alumni Association announces new leaders and four new members of its Board of Directors. Brendan Franklin (BSN '13) of Traverse City is the new president and Chris Charboneau (BME '93) of Madison Heights is the new vice president. New board members include: Nikk Glazier (BS '08) of Germantown, Md.; Anita Mattson (BS '02) of Worcester, Mass.; Kim Monteaux De Freitas (BFA '02) of Columbus, Ohio; and Andre Stringer (BS '16) of Atlanta, Ga.

In collaboration with Northern Michigan University's Animal Club and the Humane Society of the United States, NMU Dining has signed the Forward Food Pledge, indicating its commitment to increase plant-based options each year through 2024. The goal is to ensure that all students have access to healthy, sustainable and inclusive foods.

DJ Ursal, an award-winning Software as a Service (SaaS) professional who holds seven patents and has worked for such companies as Salesforce, Oracle and Siebel, will present "Data Analytics and Today's Manager” at Northern Michigan University. His talk is scheduled at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 10, in Jamrich Hall room 1322.

Northern Michigan University Theatre and Dance is offering a new bachelor of fine arts (BFA) degree in acting, beginning in fall 2022. The acting major offers students traditional and specialized training, including acting for film, Shakespeare and commercials, as well as voice acting and pantomime.