Northern Michigan University's Diversity Common Reader Program will kick off this semester's activities with a virtual discussion of the featured book, Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates, and how it relates to current events at 4 p.m. Friday, Jan. 29. 

Northern Michigan University diverted 287 pounds of glove waste from landfills during the fall semester, further demonstrating its commitments to sustainability and social responsibility. The NMU Safety Department began participating in the RightCycle personal protection equipment recycling program because it anticipated increased reliance on single-use gloves as a Covid-19 precaution this academic year.

Northern Michigan University's Office of Diversity and Inclusion will host two events to close out its celebration honoring Martin Luther King Jr. A virtual tour of the Jim Crow Museum of Racist Memorabilia will be held from 1-2:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 28, and guest speaker Khayree Williams will discuss truth, racial healing and transformation in higher education at 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 29.

Evan Lucas, an associate professor for NMU's new multidisciplinary indoor agriculture associate degree program, contributed to an Associated Press story on the burgeoning indoor farming industry. Lucas said the industry is getting a boost from high-tech growing methods developed for cannabis and declining costs of LED lighting.

A car accident motivated U.P. native and alumnus Mike Sherman (BFA '83, MA '89) to refocus on his art, which he had honed as an illustration major at NMU. The self-described “artist naturalist” creates vibrant watercolors and detailed drawings that often combine his love of nature with nostalgic structures such as an old building or barn.