Articles

Alumni Named Outstanding Staff at Bay College

Jun. 4, 2026
Two Northern Michigan University alumni were honored as the 2026 Outstanding Staff members at Bay College during an awards banquet near the end of the academic year. Marie Johnson, who earned a bachelor's from NMU in applied workplace leadership, serves as Bay's records and registration assistant. Kyle Schaeffer, who holds a bachelor's and master's in education from NMU, serves as the college's academic success manager.
Kyle Schaeffer and Marie Johnson with their 2026 Outstanding Staff awards.

Wiese Reappointed to State Board

Jun. 4, 2026
Hon. Matthew Wiese of Marquette, a 1984 NMU alumnus and judge of the 25th Circuit Court, was reappointed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to the Michigan Domestic and Sexual Violence Prevention and Treatment Board. He graduated from NMU with a bachelor's degree in political science and psychology before earning his juris doctor from Vermont Law School.
Hon. Matthew Wiese

Alumnus Has Year-Round Passion for Sea Kayaking

May. 29, 2026
James Lasak, a May outdoor recreation and leadership management graduate, developed an interest in sea kayaking after attending a presentation by a Munising outfitter in one of his NMU classes. He made it a year-round passion, whether assisting with tours along Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore during summer breaks, or—inspired by local legend Surfer Dan—paddling more impressive waves in a wetsuit during the winter. His post-graduation job is also on Lake Superior, managing an adventure tourism company that offers sea-kayaking tours of the Apostle Islands.
Lasak going vertical in fall waves; and adorned with ice after winter kayak surfing (James Lasak photos)

Klamer Caps Off NMU Experience with Illustration Honors

May. 21, 2026
Northern Michigan University May BFA graduate Lexi Klamer scored some impressive achievements in her final semester. She was selected for the Society of Illustrators (New York) 2026 Student Scholarship Competition, and received the $2,000 Nancy Lee Rhodes Roberts Scholarship for a gouache-on-paper work titled Pond Water Souls. Klamer was one of only 216 artists from more than 4,550 entries selected for an exhibition in the society's museum, which she attended shortly after  commencement.
Klamer with her gold award certificate in front of two pieces she created for the NMU School of Art & Design Senior Exhibition.

Drag Cabaret at NMU May 29-30

May. 21, 2026
Northern Michigan University Theatre & Dance will usher in Pride Month with a Drag Cabaret at 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, May 29-30, in the Panowski Black Box Theatre. Thursday's show will be followed by an opening night party with appetizers, beverages and a meet and greet with the cast and team  
Drag Cabaret graphic with pink letters

NMU, Bay College Create Early Childhood Education Transfer Pathway

May. 20, 2026
Northern Michigan University and Bay College have partnered to create a new 3+1 transfer pathway that expands access to high-quality, flexible education options for students pursuing a career in early childhood education. It is now easier for those earning an associate of applied science (AAS) in early childhood education to complete a bachelor's degree in the same discipline, with the potential to add a birth-to-kindergarten teaching certificate.
Bay College President Nerita Hughes and NMU President Chris Olsen

NMU Offers Summer Youth Camps

May. 15, 2026
Northern Michigan University will host a series of summer camps for K-12 students. Programs range from day camps for young children to specialized residential experiences for high school students, with options focused on recreation, STEM, health careers, performing arts and athletics.
NMU stock photo of youth in a computer lab on campus