December 2024

NMU's $2.5 Million NIH Grant Addresses Addiction, Employment and Poverty

NMU Receives $27 Million in 'Rip and Replace Funding'

Dec. 19, 2024 —
The national defense bill awaiting the president's signature includes funding to protect a federal program that helps American broadband operators remove and replace any telecommunications equipment that was produced by the Chinese-owned Huawei Technologies Company and ZTE Corporation. According to a release from Sen. Gary Peters, the equipment poses a threat to national security. Of the $35 million allotted for Michigan under the “Rip and Replace” program, NMU would receive $27 million for equipment upgrades and broadband network expansion.

Governor Announces NMU Board Appointments

Dec. 19, 2024 —
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has announced two appointments to the Northern Michigan University Board of Trustees, effective Jan. 1. Venus Joy Brown of Detroit serves as vice president of human resources, organizational effectiveness and employee experience for Assembly Global. Lisa Fittante of Kingsford, whose term as an NMU trustee was set to expire at the end of the year, will continue to serve on the board. The NMU alumna is owner of Fittante and Colenso, CPA, P.C. Both appointments expire Dec. 31, 2032.

Week of Service to Honor King's Legacy

Dec. 19, 2024 —
Northern Michigan University is planning a week of service activities around the theme, “Empowering Community through Action,” beginning with Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, Jan. 20. The overarching goal will be to assemble and donate winter care kits to Room at the Inn to support those in need during the cold-weather months, but additional daily programming is scheduled as well.

You Receives Future Shocks Challenge Grant

Dec. 19, 2024 —
Northern Michigan University Assistant Professor Jongeun You has been awarded one of nine Future Shocks Challenge Grants for his case study on the integration of land use and water planning in Colorado. The Future Shocks initiative, led by the IBM Center for The Business of Government and the National Academy of Public Administration, is designed to help governments identify and develop core capabilities critical to building resilience.

Alumnus Promoted at Environmental Education Center

Dec. 17, 2024 —
NMU international studies alumnus Chris Wellens was promoted to assistant executive director at Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center in Laconia, N.H. The nonprofit offers year-round programs for all ages designed to "preserve and pass down knowledge and skills that encourage an understanding of the natural systems that sustain us all and respect for the environment."

Grad and Former Professor Wins Evergreen Award

Dec. 16, 2024 —
Lucille Contois, former NMU professor and alumna, was selected as the recipient of the 2024 Marquette County Evergreen Award, which honors an individual who makes the county a better place for women and girls. The Upper Peninsula native has demonstrated her dedication to educating students at NMU, helping programs gain accreditation, and advocating for women with Marquette's Zonta Club.