Articles

Kristin Tessman on Women's History Month

In honor of Women's History Month, Northern Michigan University First Lady Kristin Tessman shares a short list of the historical and contemporary women she most admires, effective qualities possessed by female leaders she has encountered, and her deliberate efforts to demonstrate to her young daughters that they are capable of becoming or achieving anything they desire.
Kristin Tessman (Montana Free Press photo)

Student Volunteers Aid Active Shooter Training

More than 50 Northern Michigan University students—mostly criminal justice majors—are volunteering as role players for active shooter training scenarios being conducted this week by the Michigan State Police Emergency Support Team (ES Team) in the former hospital's emergency room. Representatives of all Marquette County law enforcement agencies are participating. One NMU student even came up with an idea for a new scenario that became part of the training.
Students in a smoke-filled hallway prepare for role-playing duty (Chris MacMaster photo)

Skiing-Related Virtual Event Features Thoren

The Beaumier U.P. Heritage Center is hosting a live virtual event, “An Evening with Jeannie Thoren,” at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 30. The Marquette native and NMU alumna has spent the past three decades researching the way women ski and developing specialized equipment for them, earning her a place among Skiing magazine's “Top 25 Most Influential People in Skiing in the last 50 years.” She will share her career experiences, as well as what it was like growing up skiing on Cliff's Ridge (Marquette Mountain). Participants will be able to ask questions during the live stream.
Jeannie Thoren

Alumna is Finalist for Red Wings Teacher of the Year

Northern Michigan University alumna Sharon Valascho is one of six finalists for the Detroit Red Wings Teacher of the Year, a title that comes with a $5,000 classroom grant and a virtual meet and greet with a Red Wings player. The elementary art teacher and avid hockey player earned Red Wings Teacher of the Month in January, and said she is hoping she has what it takes to clinch the overall win.
Valascho receiving the January Red Wings Teacher of the Month award at her school

U.P. Food Summit at NMU

Northern Michigan University is hosting the 2023 U.P. Food Summit from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, March 27th at the Northern Center. The event will celebrate local foods, highlight projects from around the Upper Peninsula and provide networking opportunities. NMU began offering a bachelor's degree in controlled environment agriculture—the first northern climate, indoor growing degree program in the nation—last fall, two years after the successful launch of an associate degree in the field. 
NMU Indoor agriculture stock photo