November 2021

Marquette, home to Northern Michigan University, is the 31st-safest college town nationwide and the second safest in the state, according to 2021 rankings released by SafeWise. The company based its listing on college towns that report the lowest violent crimes and property crimes per 1,000 residents.

For more than three decades, artist Mary Wright initiated a series of public art projects that helped Upper Peninsula communities connect meaningfully with their past. A committee planning a series of events to celebrate Wright's legacy is seeking help in identifying items from the various projects that are available and in displayable condition for an exhibition demonstrating her contributions to the region.

Northern Michigan University will embark on its fourth “Food for Fines” donation event, in which students who help those in need by contributing items to the NMU Food Pantry can alleviate their parking fines. 

Northern Michigan University Alumni Relations is closing out the year with two Northern Now virtual events: a panel of alumni brewers who will discuss the craft beer business on Wednesday, Nov. 10; and a holiday cooking segment with NMU's executive chef on Wednesday, Dec. 15. Both will be held at 7 p.m. EST. 

The Beaumier U.P. Heritage Center at Northern Michigan University will present a workshop, jam session and concert related to the Métis fiddling tradition Nov. 17-18, featuring Jamie Fox of the Aaniih and Nakoda tribes of Montana. The Métis are members of ethnic groups native to Canada and parts of the United States, who trace their descent to both Indigenous North Americans and European settlers. 

Northern Michigan University will join college campuses across the nation in recognizing the efforts of students who are the first in their families to earn a bachelor's degree. NMU's First-Generation College Student Celebration will be held on Monday, Nov. 8.

The Northern Michigan University Alumni Association announces new leaders and four new members of its Board of Directors. Brendan Franklin (BSN '13) of Traverse City is the new president and Chris Charboneau (BME '93) of Madison Heights is the new vice president. New board members include: Nikk Glazier (BS '08) of Germantown, Md.; Anita Mattson (BS '02) of Worcester, Mass.; Kim Monteaux De Freitas (BFA '02) of Columbus, Ohio; and Andre Stringer (BS '16) of Atlanta, Ga.

In collaboration with Northern Michigan University's Animal Club and the Humane Society of the United States, NMU Dining has signed the Forward Food Pledge, indicating its commitment to increase plant-based options each year through 2024. The goal is to ensure that all students have access to healthy, sustainable and inclusive foods.

DJ Ursal, an award-winning Software as a Service (SaaS) professional who holds seven patents and has worked for such companies as Salesforce, Oracle and Siebel, will present "Data Analytics and Today's Manager” at Northern Michigan University. His talk is scheduled at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 10, in Jamrich Hall room 1322.

Northern Michigan University Theatre and Dance is offering a new bachelor of fine arts (BFA) degree in acting, beginning in fall 2022. The acting major offers students traditional and specialized training, including acting for film, Shakespeare and commercials, as well as voice acting and pantomime.