November 2020

Jesse Sherman is Northern Michigan University's 2020 Student Veteran of the Year. He received a ceremonial coin at a small campus event held on Veterans Day and attended by his family, along with Michigan Rep. Sara Cambensy and Sen. Ed McBroom. Sherman is scheduled to graduate in late November with a master of business administration (MBA) degree.

The DeVos Art Museum at Northern Michigan University is hosting the Senior Art Exhibition for graduating seniors of the art and design program through Friday, Nov. 20. The museum is currently open exclusively to NMU students, faculty and staff. The general public can explore the exhibition online at art.nmu.edu/museum.

NMU alumna Shelley O'Dowd ('70 MAE) was recently surprised with 80th birthday treats and balloons from her colleagues at Pennfield High School in Battle Creek, where she continues to have a meaningful impact on students as a special education teacher. Neither the COVID-19 virus nor the increased emphasis on technology for remote instruction could deter the lung cancer survivor from returning for her 36th year at the school.

The NMU Department of Music and the Siril Endowment for the Musical Arts are presenting a digital streaming event featuring the world-renowned voices of the British ensemble Voces8. The concert will be available from Wednesday, Nov. 11, until Friday, Nov. 13, at midnight. 

Northern Michigan University will hold its fourth consecutive Day of Giving to coincide with the global charitable event, Giving Tuesday, on Dec. 1.

Northern Michigan University's Department of Music will livestream its “Brass Night” performance from 7:30-8:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 9.

Three NMU students have been selected to receive the first scholarships awarded by the Caregiver Incentive Project (CIP), a nonprofit organization focused on improving the lives of the cared for by supporting caregivers. The recipients—all from Michigan—are Stephanie Enrietti of Ishpeming, Emily Hawkins of Clarkston and Rachel Mitchell of Davison. Each will be awarded $2,000 to help further their education and encourage their future or continued caregiver roles.

Northern Michigan University alumnus and former ASNMU President Jason Morgan ('11 BA) has been re-elected to represent District 8 on the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners, receiving nearly 87.5% of the vote. He was first elected to the post in 2016.

Five Northern Michigan University students selected for Anna and Rich Lundin Honors Summer Research Fellowships will give presentations on their projects during a virtual symposium from 5-6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 9. Through donor support, the NMU Honors Program is able to award fellows $5,000 to conduct research alongside a faculty member, focusing on a particular area of their respective major or minor. 

In response to the community spread of the COVID-19 virus, as reflected by an increased number of positive cases among off-campus students, NMU will pause recreational sports activities at the PEIF and Wildcat Fit Zone. The two facilities will tentatively reopen Monday, Nov. 16. President Fritz Erickson said the goal is to further mitigate congregating of students, faculty and staff.