March 2024

Northern Michigan University's gender and sexuality studies program is adding a new component to its annual NMU Gender Fair. For the first time, the group is bringing in an outside speaker. Jesús Gregorio Smith, ethnic studies associate professor and chair at Lawrence University, will present “Fat, Fem and Fabulous: How Body Size, Gender and Race Influence Sexual Negotiations in an Online Dating Market” at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 28, in Jamrich 1100. The Gender Fair will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, March 29, in the Northern Center Ballrooms.

One of the largest studies on wildlife activity—involving more than 220 researchers 163 mammal species and 5,000 camera traps worldwide—reveals that wild animals react differently to humans depending on where the animals live and what they eat. Northern Michigan University Biology Associate Professor Diana Lafferty is among the coauthors of a paper that was published today in Nature Ecology and Evolution.

Northern Michigan University's 28th annual Celebration of Student Scholarship will be held on Thursday, April 18, in Jamrich Hall. Undergraduate and graduate students from all disciplines are encouraged to share their scholarly activity and creative written and artistic works through research posters and oral presentations, in a way that is accessible to a general audience. This year's theme is sustainability and first-generation student researchers will be highlighted. The event is free and open to the public.

Northern Michigan University's annual Jazz Festival will open and close with performances by guest pianist and composer Ellen Rowe and the NMU Jazz Band and Jazz Combo. The opening concert begins at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 5, in Reynolds Recital Hall. The closing concert is a repeat performance at the same time and location on Friday, April 6.

The Northern Michigan University Rec Sports Department, in collaboration with the Marquette City Fire Department, will provide area children and their parents with an opportunitiy to develop water safety skills and learn about related equipment during a Community Water Safety Day. The event runs from noon to 2 p.m. Sunday, April 14, in the NMU PEIF pool. 

Hyeonji Noh, an international student from Seoul, South Korea, came to Northern Michigan University to study English and multimedia production, with the eventual goal of returning to her home country to teach English as a foreign language. Jumpstarting her career with online content, Noh uses her social media presence to create a community of English as a Second Language learners whose native tongue is Korean. She has amassed more than 30,000 Instagram followers with her videos and educational language content.

Northern Michigan University's Music Department will hold its annual musical performance scholarship competition from 7:30-9 p.m. Wednesday, March 27, in Reynolds Recital Hall. Eight Northern music students will demonstrate their abilities by performing a piece of their choice in the hope of securing one of three available scholarship awards. This event is free and open to the public.

Tickets are now available for the "Longer Days Luncheon: a Culinary Community Festival" hosted by Northern Michigan University's Hospitality Leadership Program. The event will be held at noon Sunday, March 31, in the Northern Center Ballrooms. Attendees can indulge in a variety of action stations and buffets that will provide a diverse selection of dishes highlighting student creativity, as well as a bloody mary and mimosa creation station.

As part of its 125th anniversary celebration this year, Northern Michigan University is collecting stories and reflections from alumni, faculty, staff and community members to share throughout 2024 across various NMU platforms. Photos and recordings up to a minute in length are also welcome.

Elise Bur, director of Northern Michigan University's Center for Rural Health, has been elected to the Superior Health Foundation's board of directors. She brings to the role a a vast background in health care and issues related to improving health in the Upper Peninsula.