Around NMU

Northern Michigan University biology students are doing field research in Chocolay Township to determine how blood-borne pathogens affect the nesting patterns of white-throated sparrows. The work involves catching the birds in a mist net, banding them and collecting blood samples to test for two widespread pathogens impacting birds: avian malaria and West Nile Virus.

Dody Huuki, principal secretary in Counseling and Consultation Services at Northern Michigan University, is one of nine 2021 NMU Excellence in Service Award recipients. She was nominated for her unwavering commitment to serving students with warmth and compassion when they summon the courage to call or stop by seeking services.

Northern Michigan University Music Professor Erin Colwitz is featured in a series titled “Women Choral Conductors and Clinicians You Need to Know,” compiled by Janet Galván, recently retired director of choral activities at Ithaca College. 

Northern Michigan University in Marquette and Finlandia University in Hancock have launched a joint initiative to explore high-level collaborations between the Upper Peninsula schools.

Northern Michigan University is participating in the national COVID-19 College Vaccine Challenge. The White House and U.S. Department of Education have invited colleges and universities to join efforts to end the pandemic by getting their campus communities vaccinated. There is a particular emphasis on young Americans represented in the traditional-age student population, who lag behind older generations in getting their shots, stated the challenge website.

Northern Michigan University's Olson Library is offering community residents free laminated copies of their COVID-19 vaccination cards through Aug. 20. The service has been available to students and employees since April, but is being extended to the community with support from a fund through the NMU Foundation.

Northern Michigan University honored several individuals and teams during its virtual 2021 Faculty and Staff Recognition Celebration. The individual and team award winners above will be featured in more detailed individual stories on this Northern Today news site over the summer.

Northern Michigan University students and employees who upload their proof of vaccination to The Bridge app by July 1 will receive a $100 credit for on-campus eateries. Those who upload the documentation between July 2 and Aug. 1 will receive a $50 credit.

Ismail Msuya, web designer/developer for Northern Michigan University's Lydia M. Olson Library, has been awarded an Institute of Museum and Library Services fellowship to attend the 2021 IDEA Institute on Artificial Intelligence (AI).   

Local historians and Northern Michigan University alumni Barry James ('92) and Troy Henderson ('99) will give a virtual presentation on Upper Peninsula history for the next Northern Now event for NMU alumni and friends. Their presentation begins at 7 p.m. EST Wednesday, May 26.