The Beaumier U.P. Heritage Center is accepting nominations for the 2020 Upper Peninsula Folklife Awards through June 1. The annual awards honor individuals and organizations for their notable efforts in preserving and promoting the folk culture of the region. 

It began with an isolated request months ago, but has expanded into a meaningful mission during the COVID-19 pandemic. On most days since the “stay home” order was implemented, recently retired music teacher and NMU alumnus Chris Charboneau ('93) has posted a video of himself playing a different song on the piano—and frequently singing along—for his Facebook friends. The activity gives him a sense of purpose and allows him to channel his creativity in a way that boosts others' spirits during socially isolated, uncertain times.

Recent NMU graduate and Michigan Army National Guard Sgt. Adam Szabo is one of six soldiers delivering personal protective equipment (PPE) and other supplies to county seats in the Upper Peninsula for distribution to those in need. He is an automotive logistics specialist with the 1431st “Sappers” Combat Engineers in Calumet.

The Beaumier U.P. Heritage Center recently received a gift of $25,000 to create a new multi-media web project based on the relationship between the Upper Peninsula and Northern Michigan University. The website will feature expansive content detailing how the U.P. defined NMU and, in turn, how NMU helped shape the future of the Upper Peninsula.

A number of NMU academic departments are celebrating their graduates virtually, in lieu of the university's formal commencement, which was postponed by COVID-19. Two examples are the School of Nursing, which will hold an online BSN ceremony on Friday, May 8; and the Department of Earth, Environmental and Geographical Sciences (EEGS), which offered a live-stream ceremony May 1.