Northern Michigan University closed out its 125th anniversary celebration with the second annual NMU Giving Day on April 17, exceeding the $125,000 goal by raising nearly $169,000 for student experiences, research, departments and programs. The “Give to What You Love” event theme encouraged Wildcats and friends to show the power of collective generosity and champion the causes they are particularly passionate about.
The 355 participating donors hailed from as far away as California, Texas and Florida. NMU employees accounted for 22% of Giving Day donors. A number of individuals on campus and in the community were decked out in green and gold to demonstrate their Wildcat spirit during the event.
Range Bank President and CEO Roxanne Daust, a 1994 accounting/information systems alumna, encouraged her staff to show their Wildcat pride. As described in a blog post, she was a single mother working as a bank teller when she enrolled at Northern full time as a pathway to career advancement in the banking industry. Daust credits NMU for where she is today, and made a gift to the College of Business to help provide current students with opportunities they might not otherwise have.
“I feel that supporting NMU through donations is crucial to help make education more affordable and accessible, as well as enhancing the student experience,” she said. “I really like NMU Giving Day since it is a day where I could give to the department, team, or program that I love. I chose the College of Business Fund since this department is near and dear to my heart. I also feel it is important to support the economic drivers of our community. NMU is a vital asset. … We are lucky to have a strong higher education system in our region that drives economic development by preparing a skilled workforce as well as attracting businesses and talent.”
Nikk Glazier, a 2008 construction management grad, was also motivated to give back to the program that played a pivotal role in preparing him for career success. He serves as project manager at The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company.
“I truly feel that had I attended another institution, I would not have received the type of education that best fit my learning style and personality,” Glazier said. “The entire university staff deeply cared about my success and pushed me to excel academically, socially and personally. That is why I feel a deep-rooted connection to the university. I continue to maintain that by recruiting the great talent the department produces year after year, and through my involvement with the NMU Alumni Advisory Board.”
Vicki Ellingrod, dean and John Gideon Searle Professor of Pharmacy at the University of Michigan, decided to participate in Giving Day, not because of her own experience at Northern, but as the parent of a current NMU student.
“I am so impressed with not only the academics, but also the nurturing campus culture that encourages students during their time in school,” she added. “NMU offers such unique experiences that many other undergraduate programs cannot provide, given their close-knit relationship with faculty and extraordinary laboratory experiences. It is important for students to understand that not everyone has those experiences and that really sets NMU apart. Being able to reduce the costs of education for those unable to make that investment in their future is certainly a worthwhile effort for me, personally, as I am investing in the future of our state and nation.”
NMU employee Chris Danik, who serves as director of software development and mobile apps, is a two-time Northern alumnus. He earned a bachelor's in computer science in 2014, and a master's in business in 2024. Danik said he is grateful for the quality education he received, and was proud to participate in Giving Day to provide others with the same opportunities that shaped his time at Northern.
“I wanted to support funding for student experiences inside and outside of the classroom, such as innovative technologies or attending academic and professional conferences,” he said. “Additionally, I contributed to the NMU Food Pantry to ensure it can continue its vital mission of supporting students with basic necessities, allowing them to focus on their studies without the added stress of food insecurity. There's something special about working on campus and witnessing the next generation of Wildcats embrace the opportunities NMU offers to learn, grow and forge their own paths.”
See the full impact of NMU Giving Day at nmu.edu/givingday.