Northern Michigan University will launch a new employee recognition program at the end of February that allows for more “in the moment” expressions of gratitude from peers and supervisors. The Northern STAR (Simple, Thoughtful Acts of Recognition) Award offers an opportunity to immediately thank and compliment an employee who contributes exemplary work and/or demonstrates a commitment to NMU's core values.

NMU alumnus Ernest Rospierski (BS 2005) was “an unsung hero" during last year's mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida, which left 17 dead, according to the chair of a commission investigating the incident. The 37-year-old social studies teacher was grazed by two bullets, then pressed himself against the stairwell door to deny the gunman's attempts to open it while he sent students fleeing toward the nearest exit. To read a South Florida Sun Sentinel feature story on Rospierski that reflects on the incident one year later, click here.