Jalen Sims of Waterford, Mich., will be the student speaker for Northern Michigan University's May 1 commencement. The graphic design major recalled an early project in which he had to create brand and marketing materials around a fictitious business. He came up with Home Grown seed packets, a nod to his passion for gardening and plants. That might have been prophetic. Sims plans to remain in Marquette to cultivate a farming career while pursuing an online graduate degree related to running an agriculture business.

NMU Dining launched a new Eco-Bag initiative this semester, providing more than 900 residence hall students with a free bag to reuse at all of its locations. The program was created in response to student concerns about disposable plastic bag waste generated by the increased reliance on takeout meals and snacks during the pandemic.

Northern Michigan University President Fritz Erickson announced the formation of a campus committee to conduct a national search for a new provost and vice president for academic affairs. Carol Johnson, dean of the School of Business, will serve as chair. The 25 members comprising the committee include faculty, staff, students and administrators.

Several Northern Michigan University student organizations are collaborating to make Anderton's Earth Week 2021 the biggest celebration of its kind on campus. The April 17-22 event will feature three virtual presentations on innovative ways to reduce the carbon footprint and daily activities that promote environmental sustainability.

Northern Michigan University has canceled vaccine clinics for students scheduled today and tomorrow in response to calls from two federal agencies, the FDA and CDC, for an immediate pause on the use of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. NMU's Health Center was notified last week it would receive an allocation of J & J single-shot doses and scheduled clinics in the hope of fully vaccinating students before the end of the semester.