Feature/Profiles

Dietz Honored at Veterans Day Concert

Dietz
Nov. 13, 2018 —

At the Northern Michigan University Veterans Day Concert on Nov. 11, distinguished student veteran Traci Dietz received a commemorative coin from President Fritz Erickson for her dedicated time and service.

“I am honored to have been recognized by [Rep.] Sara Cambensy and President Erickson,” she said. “I have worked hard to make the lives of my fellow veterans easier through my work-study position in the Veteran Services Office with Mike Rutledge and his service dog, Welles, who has helped countless students through rough times.”

Pakistani Exchange Student Enjoying NMU

Ahmad
Nov. 9, 2018 —

The International Education Services Office at NMU is collaborating with World Learning to bring students from other nations to campus for cultural exchange and opportunities to learn at American institutions. Ahmad is one student attending NMU this fall through the Global UGRAD Pakistan Program (IREX), which enables youth leaders from underserved populations across Pakistan to have opportunities to study abroad. He was selected for the program by his alma mater back home.

Reflecting on WWI Impact on NMU

James Kaye
Nov. 8, 2018 —

Veterans Day on Nov. 11 coincides with the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I. Under the leadership of President James Kaye, Northern State Normal School (now Northern Michigan University) participated in WWI regionally, nationally and abroad. War-time concerns were exacerbated by another significant threat a century ago: a Spanish flu pandemic that ultimately shut down Northern for three months in the fall 1918 semester.

Warchol Addresses Illegal Wildlife Trade

Warchol during a past research trip
Nov. 1, 2018 —
Northern Michigan University Professor Greg Warchol is one of the world’s leading experts on the illegal wildlife trade. He was among the first to address the criminal justice aspects, from factors driving the multi-billion dollar international black market to organized crime’s involvement. Warchol recently published a book titled “Exploiting the Wilderness: An Analysis of Wildlife Crime.” He will give a presentation on the topic and display about 30 photos he took during several research trips to Africa from 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 7, in the gallery area of NMU’s Olson Library.

Zoology, Theater Combine in 'Sweeney Todd'

NMU senior Abby Persoon
Oct. 31, 2018 —
NMU senior Abby Persoon has found a unique way to combine her zoology major with her theater minor by matching different bird species to each of the principle characters in the Forest Roberts Theatre (FRT) production of Sweeney Todd. Persoon worked closely with FRT director Keli Truckey to base each character on a bird to capture an underlying theme of bird imagery that most people aren’t aware is included in the play.

FROST Aids Evidence Tech Training

FROST training
Oct. 18, 2018 —

The NMU Public Safety Institute conducts annual training for evidence technicians, alternating between an intensive two-week basic course one year and a series of two-day refreshers the next. The refreshers being held on campus this month focus on death investigations because the institute partnered with NMU’s Forensic Research Outdoor Station (FROST) and Forensic Anthropology Research Laboratory. Both locations offer hands-on training to complement the classroom instruction provided with support from the Michigan State Police.

Detroit Students Aim North

Future NMU student planting a garden
Oct. 3, 2018 —
Graduating high school seniors in Detroit were able to get a head start on college before leaving their hometown through Aim North, a pilot program offered through Northern Michigan University’s Diversity and Inclusion Office. Students could take two summer courses, earning up to eight credits toward the liberal studies requirements for a degree prior to enrolling at NMU or another institution this fall.

Alumnus Joins Elevate97

Bill Hawker ('95 BS)
Oct. 3, 2018 —

Bill Hawker ('95 BS) built a career in professional sports, establishing corporate partnerships for three NFL north division franchises: the Bears, Packers and Lions. Now he has returned to Green Bay as director of business development for Elevate97. The business creates and distributes marketing solutions for world-renowned retail brands. Clients include Carhartt, Calvin Klein, Pandora jewelry, Tommy Hilfiger, TaylorMade Golf and his former employer, the Packers.