The Northern Michigan University Board of Trustees' Student Achievement Awards were presented to five recipients for their contributions to the quality of life at NMU. Gwendolyn Feamster from Linden, Mich., and Katarina Rothhorn of Lansing are the 2024 outstanding graduating seniors. Recipients of the remaining outstanding awards in their respective categories are: Erika Laitinen-Odbert of Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., Global Campus Student; Phoebe Martin, San Jose, Calif., Nontraditional Student; Mackenzie Baranski, Caro, Mich., Graduate Student; and Mary Kelly of Plymouth, Mich., Student of Any Class.

Students from Northern Michigan University's Biology and Psychological Science Departments dominated the award categories at the 28th annual Celebration of Student Scholarship held April 18. Students shared their work with the NMU and Marquette communities by presenting research posters and oral presentations. 

Northern Michigan University's spring commencement carries added significance for Kristie Peterson of Marenisco. The mother of three has achieved her deferred dream of earning a bachelor's degree by completing the online applied workplace leadership program through NMU Global Campus. And in a case of serendipitous timing—about a week before Mother's Day—she will march in the ceremony alongside her daughter and elementary education graduate, Nadia Rosemurgy.

In her 1990 student commencement address at Northern Michigan University, Rebecca Slough encouraged her fellow graduates “to lead with integrity, not because anyone is looking, but because it's who you are.” Twenty-five years later, her daughter Kylee (Slough) Deckert stood behind the podium, urging peers to approach the future with courage and “embrace success in all of its forms—not only what we achieve in our respective careers, but the type of people we become.” It is no surprise they expressed similar themes, because Kylee said her mom and dad instilled those qualities in their three children.

Northern Michigan University's Public Relations Students Society of America (PRSSA) hosted its 6th annual Coffee Crawl in downtown Marquette. This event is held yearly in April to coincide with Sexual Assault Awareness Month.  Proceeds go directly to the Women's Center of Marquette. This year's event raised more than $6,000.