March 2020

Northern Michigan University ranks 16th among the “40 Best Affordable Pre-Med Degree Programs” in the United States, according to 2020 rankings released by Affordable Schools. The listing factored in the average cost of attendance, student-to-faculty ratio and graduation rate.

Just as NMU classes moved to remote delivery options in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, NMU's weekly student newspaper, The North Wind, had to forgo its print edition and adapt to an online-only format. 

An NMU Dining Services employee's sustainable suggestion for putting a new name on existing uniforms, rather than disposing of them and buying a new inventory, will save the university money and be kinder to the environment. Theresa “T” Hamari (BS ‘99), manager of employment operations and training for NMU Dining Services, spearheaded the reuse effort.

NMU alumna Amanda Monthei wrote an article that was featured in a recent Patagonia catalog. Monthei wrote about the intersection of her two passions: firefighting and fly-fishing. Her article specifically addresses how high-intensity wildfires are affecting native and non-native fish populations, such as cutthroat and rainbow trout in the Southwest.

The critical shortage of medical supplies and personal protection equipment (PPE) impacts health care professionals working the front lines in a variety of settings. When the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency reached out on behalf of the D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans in Marquette, two NMU entities stepped up to help keep U.P. veterans safe.

NMU-National Training Site Greco-Roman wrestler Spencer Woods had qualified for the U.S. Olympic Trials, scheduled April 3-4. With the competition canceled, the Summer Olympics postponed and his dream deferred, he has returned to his home state of Alaska. Woods is on self-quarantine, living in an Arctic oven tent with a wood stove until he can join his parents in their village.

Northern Michigan University alumnus Brandon Williams is answering the call to action during the COVID-19 pandemic. He's having his Traverse City-based company manufacture 3D-printed antimicrobial face masks, charging only for material costs, for distribution to customers.

Northern Michigan University alumna and U.P. native Kaci Murringer celebrated her 30th birthday by running her first Iditarod Sled Dog Race in Alaska. She was the 34th and final musher to complete the trip to Nome, in a field that began with 57. She won the Red Lantern award as the last across the finish line at the 48th Iditarod. 

NMU student Maggie Compton of Marquette had already departed on a plane bound for South Korea in February when she received official notification that her study-abroad semester at Konkuk University in Seoul would be delayed by COVID-19. She decided to stay put and said she is happy with her choice, as the semester is now underway.