Around NMU

Northern Michigan University's 125th Anniversary Homecoming will be held Sept. 20-21. Homecoming features several events for alumni and community members. All activities can be found on nmu.edu/homecoming. 

Northern Michigan University rededicated Vandament Arena, which now serves as the home court for Wildcat volleyball and women's/men's basketball. At a ceremony Thursday afternoon, attendees were able to see the larger court area, four-sided stadium seating for about 1,400—including some courtside—and modernized look. Additional upgrades include new and more efficient arena lighting, dynamic digital scoreboards, and visual displays inside the arena and in the hallway that highlight the three programs.

Northern Michigan University's 10th day fall enrollment report shows an increase of nearly 3% in overall student headcount fueled by growth in first-time freshmen, graduate students and Global Campus online enrollment. Other strides include a record-setting retention rate and positive momentum in attracting diverse student populations, both of which align with goals identified in the university's new strategic plan.

Northern Michigan University's Surgical Technology program will celebrate its students and staff during national Surgical Tech Week Sept. 15-21. Twenty-one students are preparing for careers that involve working alongside surgeons and other medical professionals to create and maintain a safe, efficient operating environment.

The Honorable Judge Robert Allen Edgar (Al Edgar), a Munising native, will present a guest Constitution Day lecture at Northern Michigan University titled "The Supreme Court Unhinged: A Retired Federal Judge's Perspective on the Constitution and the Supreme Court." The event will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday Sept 17, in room 2904 of NMU's Science Building. It is free and open to the public. 

Northern Michigan University is among 228 colleges and universities nationwide and one of only three public institutions in Michigan named to the 2024 Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society's Transfer Honor Roll for “creating dynamic pathways” to support transfer students. This accomplishment marks the third consecutive year Northern has been recognized for outstanding transfer student services.

The folk-jazz fusion group American Patchwork Quartet, which showcases the dynamic diversity of contemporary culture by reimagining timeless songs from America's past, will perform at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, at Northern Michigan University's Forest Roberts Theatre. The Beaumier U.P. Heritage Center at NMU is hosting the concert.

Northern Michigan University has again partnered with Marq Tran to offer a free Friday shopping shuttle to students, faculty and staff. Those wishing to utilize the service only need to show their NMU IDs. The shuttle will operate every Friday through April 25, with the exception of Dec. 27.  

In the highly competitive arena of college athletics, some programs have ventured beyond traditional training methods to explore the value of unconventional approaches that have the potential to optimize physical and mental performance. The Northern Michigan University men's soccer team received an assist over Labor Day weekend from 2010 alumnus and Peak-Performance Coach Tim Mann. He credits his recovery from a severe auto accident to the Wim Hof Method, which revolves around three pillars: specialized breathing techniques; cold therapy; and commitment.

Northern Michigan University will hold a rededication ceremony for Vandament Arena, which has been newly renovated to serve a dual purpose as the home court for both Wildcat volleyball and basketball. The event is scheduled for 3 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 12. It will be followed by a reception and the volleyball team's first home game of the season at 5 p.m. against Findlay.