Articles

The Northern Michigan University Center for Rural Health has announced the winners of its annual essay competition for U.P. high school seniors to coincide with National Rural Health Day. This year's contest was sponsored by the Literacy Legacy Fund of Michigan and the Michigan Center for Rural Health. The top three prizes in each U.P. region—east, central and west—were $500, $250 and $100.

Taking care of crops and animals is hard on farmers and agribusiness professionals, who contend with stressors ranging from low commodity prices and other financial issues to extreme weather events and injuries. NMU alumnus Remington Rice is applying his psychology degrees to his career as a community behavioral health educator with Michigan State University Extension, helping farmers better manage stress and enhance their own health and wellness.  

Northern Michigan University will hold its sixth consecutive Day of Giving on Tuesday, Nov. 29. The NMU Foundation encourages faculty, staff, alumni and friends to show their support for students through a variety of giving options.

Northern Michigan University was among 18 higher education institutions nationwide featured in an Outside Magazine article titled “These Schools Can Help You Break into the Outdoor Industry.” The story addressed a growing number of U.S. colleges offering programs for future adventure-industry workers in response to the booming outdoor recreation industry. NMU was referenced for its outdoor recreation leadership and management program.

NMU 1968 alumna Jeannie Thoren was recently inducted into the Colorado Snowsports Museum Hall of Fame for her internationally recognized role in revolutionizing women's ski equipment. The U.P. native was an avid racer and earned a spot on the Junior National Ski Team. When coaches critiqued her stance, she customized her gear to perfect her technique. The Thoren Theory, based on the motto that “women aren't small men,” evolved through decades of research as a way to help women skiers improve performance through equipment modification.

Northern Michigan University senior Chloe Holt received a Student Honor Award from the Society for Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE) Michigan at its annual conference in November in Traverse City.

NMU alumnus Cody Mayer became Marquette's youngest mayor, at 25, when he was elected by fellow commissioners and sworn in at Monday night's meeting. He is also the first tribal member to serve on the City Commission. The former ASNMU president earned a bachelor's degree in public administration from Northern in August 2020.

A visual arts exhibit revolving around the themes of identity, power and social justice will be on display Nov. 30-Dec. 15 in the Olson Library Atrium at Northern Michigan University. It is a collaboration involving two NMU entities: the School of Art and Design and the French program. A catered opening reception will be held from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8.

Northern Michigan University Theatre & Dance will present A Holiday Double Feature: A Charlie Brown Christmas and The Nutcracker Dec. 9-10 and 14-17. The evening opens with a feel-good, 30-minute musical based on the beloved classic animated television special and closes with excerpts from the timeless ballet. Show times are at 7:30 p.m., with an additional 1 p.m. matinee on Saturday, Dec. 10.

Northern Michigan University Theatre & Dance is bringing back its “Letters to Santa” program starting Monday, Nov. 14. These letters can be found at either Forest Roberts Theatre or the Northern Center. Anyone who fills it out and sends the letter will get a signed postcard from Wildcat Willy in a holiday suit with a promo code for a buy-one-get-one coupon to use for a future show.