Around NMU

Dr. Jongeun You, assistant professor in Northern Michigan University's Department of Political Science and Public Administration and a member of NMU's Artificial Intelligence (AI) Workgroup, has published a case study examining how Michigan uses AI to compete in the national race for talent. The study focuses on the AI-powered Michigan Career Portal and a statewide workforce plan with a unified brand and messaging strategy to attract talent.

NMU Giving Day on Thursday exceeded expectations and goals. The event raised $140,000 for NMU students through gifts from more than 550 donors. It also generated $30,000 in additional support through participation challenges, the “Power Hour” from noon-1 p.m., and match gifts.

Northern Michigan University will host a staged reading of “Find a TV,” a play about regional residents' memories of the 9/11 attacks, based on dozens of oral interviews. Three readings are scheduled at 7 p.m. Thursday-Friday, March 26-27, and 2 p.m Saturday, March 28, in Jamrich 1100. They are free and open to the public, though donations are appreciated. Each performance will be followed by a discussion with the cast. crew and writers. 

Comedian Sal Vulcano of "Impractical Jokers" fame will make a stop at Northern Michigan University on his "Everything's Fine" tour Thursday, April 23. Doors to Vandament Arena open at 6:15 p.m. and the show begins at 7.

Northern Michigan University Professors Matt Van Grinsven and James DeDecker will present the next Climate @ Noon presentation, titled “Soil Samples and Sustainable Agriculture.” The event will be held from noon to 1 p.m. Friday, March 20, in 1300 Jamrich Hall.

Northern Michigan University's longstanding UNITED Conference has been transformed for 2026 into a three-day event March 25-27. It weaves together NMU initiatives— Campus Sustainability Summit, Common Reader Program, Poetry Without Borders and Wildcat WellBeing Fair—and a partnership with the PEAK26 professional development conference into one cohesive experience. 

The Northern Michigan University community, including alumni and friends, will come together Thursday, March 19, for NMU Giving Day. The theme of this year's fundraising event is “Give to what you love, and rally your fellow Wildcats to do the same.” Participants are encouraged to support the causes that shaped their time at NMU, from academic departments and athletic teams to student organizations and campus programs.

Northern Michigan University's Music Department has announced that the scheduled 3 p.m. Sunday, March 15 concert featuring the NMU Choirs and the NMU Wind Ensemble is canceled because of the major winter storm predicted for the region. This concert has been rescheduled for 3 p.m. next Sunday, March 22, in Reynolds Recital Hall. Admission is free. 

The NMU Center for Native American Studies (CNAS) is hosting its Fire Site Storytelling Series on select Thursdays in March and April. These events are free and open to the public.

Northern Michigan University Police Det./Lt. Jon Kovar has been selected as the 2025 Officer of the Year by the Marquette County Law Enforcement Administrators Association (MCLEAA). The award presentation took place March 12 at the organization's monthly meeting. Kovar is also an NMU alumnus. He earned a bachelor's degree in criminal justice in 2010 and an MPA in 2021.