Around NMU

Northern Michigan University invites students, faculty, staff, alumni and Upper Peninsula residents to submit original alma mater compositions in recognition of its 125th anniversary celebration in 2024. An alma mater is traditionally a short-form musical piece with lyrics pertaining to the university's distinctive elements, and is used at official events such as commencement. Selected creations will be eligible for monetary awards of $2,000 for first place, $1,000 for second and $500 for third.

Northern Michigan University's “Path to Carbon Neutrality by 2050” plan is now finalized, outlining the strategies for achieving that goal and targeted reductions in carbon emissions for each decade along the way. The completed plan aligns with NMU's core values and strategic priorities, which include a focus on building a culture of sustainability. 

Northern Michigan University Center for Rural Health Director Elise Bur has been selected to serve on the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services' (MDHHS) Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) Hub Advisory Council.

The Northern Michigan University Center for Rural Health will host a U.P. Community Health Town Hall webinar about Direct Care Workers and the field of caregiving. This webinar will be held from 7–8 p.m. EST Thursday, Jan. 25.

Innovate Marquette SmartZone (Innovate Marquette) and SISU: The Innovation Institute at Northern Michigan University (NMU) have announced dates and programming for the second annual Innovation Week. The professional development conference brings together thought leaders, creatives and entrepreneurs to inspire, enlighten and spark curiosity.

Northern Michigan University President Brock Tessman will share campus updates and answer questions while connecting with alumni and friends during a Northern Now virtual event hosted by NMU Alumni Relations at 7 p.m. EST Wednesday, Jan. 17. 

Northern Michigan University is among the 12 “Best U.S. Colleges and Universities to Get Outdoors and/or Pursue an Outdoors Career,” according to a listing posted by Outdoors.com, founded by adventurer and TV host Bear Grylls in partnership with the Nashville-based firm Savage Ventures. 

Northern Michigan University's DeVos Art Museum will soon unveil the 2024 installment of its UP Focus exhibition, which highlights artists living and working in, or inspired by, the Upper Peninsula. This year's featured artists are connected to the Copper Country: Catherine Benda and Carrie Flaspohler VanderVeen. An opening reception with artist talks is scheduled for 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 18. The event is free and open to the public.

Northern Michigan University will hold a Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service on Monday, Jan. 15. The event will include a noon program featuring NMU President Brock Tessman and 2014 alumna Taylor Johnson, lunch and four service project options from 1-3 p.m. All will take place in The Woods Lodge.

Anne Dahlman, whose higher education experience spans 27 years as a teacher, faculty scholar and administrator, will become Northern Michigan University's next provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, effective April 1. The Finland native most recently served as interim associate provost at Minnesota State University Mankato, where she advanced through the faculty ranks and various leadership positions over the past 17 years.