September 2024

Northern Michigan University will host two screenings of "Letters from Brno," an award-winning documentary film that relays a powerful, heart-wrenching story of parental love and unspeakable sacrifice during the Holocaust. They are scheduled for 5 p.m. Monday, Oct. 7, and Tuesday, Oct. 8, in Mead Auditorium (2701 Science Building). The film's writer and producer, Karen Kruger, will participate in discussions afterward. She will also lead an interactive workshop for current and future educators at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 9, in the Whitman Commons. All events are free and open to the public.

The uniquely gritty, determined and self-disciplined spirit required of an ultramarathoner is hard to come by, but Northern Michigan University student Mia Rucoba exhibited these characteristics while competing in the Superior Fall 100 ultramarathon—100 miles, not kilometers—in early September.

Northern Michigan University's WNMU Public Media and WLUC-TV6 have teamed up to present a pre-recorded, one-hour forum featuring the two candidates for the Michigan House of Representatives 109th District. Incumbent Jenn Hill is seeking a second two-year term, while Republican challenger and political newcomer Karl Bohnak is looking to unseat her.

U.S. News & World Report released its Best Colleges rankings for 2024. Among Midwest regional universities, Northern Michigan University tied for both 20th in top public schools and 67th best overall. It also tied for 31st among best colleges for veterans, and ranks 62nd in the best value schools category. See the full rankings here.

“I grew up learning that all people deserve an opportunity and that we have a responsibility to each other to create those opportunities when we can. I grew up seeing that strength doesn't come from wielding power, but from empowering people. I grew up experiencing the impact of sitting at tables big enough for everybody and every voice. And I've made it my personal and professional mission to make sure that wherever I go, I continue to build big enough tables for everyone.”

Northern Michigan University presented its Distinguished Alumni Award to Ann (Wheeler) Cashin and Patrick Cashin of Port Washington, Wis., during NMU's 125th Anniversary Homecoming Sept. 20-21. The retired optometrists, whose careers were closely intertwined, became the first joint recipients of the award in the university's history.

Northern Michigan University 2010 biochemistry alumnus Ryan McAllister of Roselle, N.J., received one of two Outstanding Young Alumni Awards presented by his alma mater during its 125th Anniversary Homecoming. He serves as biosafety program manager, biosafety officer and alternate responsible official at Rutgers University. He leads a team of seven infectious disease professionals, overseeing biohazardous research in diverse laboratory and clinical settings.

Jim Thorburn of Livonia, Mich., a decorated police officer whose law enforcement career spanned nearly 30 years, accepted Northern Michigan University's Alumni Achievement Award during a 125th anniversary Homecoming celebration. He was a two-time Police Officer of the Year, and retired in 2022 as a detective and public information officer for the Allen Park Police Department. It was in the latter role that he helped to bridge the divide between law enforcement and the communities they serve.

After retiring as a university administrator, Northern Michigan University alumnus and former Wildcat football player Jim Mansfield found fulfillment in his longtime volunteer role as a blood courier in Spokane, Wash. He was honored last year with a President's Lifetime Achievement Award, signed by Joe Biden, for his “7,304 hours of service to this nation.” He also received every award bestowed by his local blood center for his efforts.