As the NMU Food Pantry closes out the academic year and prepares for more limited hours this summer, statistics indicate an increase in the number of visits. The pantry opened in November 2017. Students stopped in 341 times during the winter 2018 semester, compared with more than 500 visits recorded over the same semester this year. More than 125 individuals have utilized its services since January, according to the Dean of Students Office.

The grand opening of the Upper Peninsula Cybersecurity Institute at NMU—the only facility of its kind in the U.P. and one of six statewide—will be held Thursday, May 2. The institute offers non-degree and industry credentials relevant to emerging careers in cybersecurity. It also augments NMU's existing cyber defense bachelor's degree and provides additional career exploration and training opportunities with U.P. K-12 school districts and postsecondary institutions.

NMU's Behavioral Education, Assessment and Research (BEAR) Center received a $20,000 grant from the Superior Health Foundation. The funding will help to develop a professional association to support educational and development needs of professionals working in areas related to Applied Behavior Analysis techniques. ABA is used extensively at the center. 

Northern Michigan University Recreation Sports and Marquette Ending Hunger present the Dance 4 Food 2019 Zumbathon® Charity Event at 8 p.m. Wednesday, April 24 at the Vandament Arena. Those attending are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items that will be donated to local food pantries.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has announced her first appointment to the Northern Michigan University Board of Trustees. Bridget Summers of Baraga will fill a vacancy created by the unexpected death of Travis Weber in February. Summers is vice president of the Baraga County Chamber of Commerce and director of the Village of L'Anse Downtown Development Association. She previously served as director of Settlements and Global Operation at Chicago Mercantile Exchange Inc.