Around NMU

Nursing Student Aids Choking Victim

Shane Hawkins of NMU Dining and Tess Kostelec
Apr. 3, 2019 —
First-year nursing student Tess Kostelec said she is leaning toward a career in an emergency room because the fast pace, high drama and need to think quickly appeal to her. She recently found herself in a situation that involved all of those elements when she saved a student from choking at Northern Lights Dining. Her capable response impressed a staff member and reassured Kostelec that she could indeed thrive professionally in an ER.

Andary Surprised with Award Notification

Andary with students
Mar. 21, 2019 —
Construction management professor Michael Andary ('06 MPA) was visibly perplexed when administrators and colleagues recently walked into his Jacobetti Complex classroom and purposely interrupted a morning lecture. His confusion soon gave way to a smile, followed by a round of applause from his students. The delegation was there to deliver a surprise announcement. Andary is the first member of the NMU Faculty Association to receive the university's Distinguished Faculty Award. NMUFA represents those who teach in the College of Technology and Occupational Sciences.

Prof Writes Book on Mental Illness Portrayals

Richmond
Feb. 27, 2019 —
Mental illness affects about one in five American teens. This is increasingly reflected in young adult fiction, as recent surveys indicate one quarter of the genre's titles feature characters with psychological disorders. Northern Michigan University English Professor Kia Jane Richmond has published a new book that explores how real struggles such as anxiety, depression, schizophrenia and obsessive-compulsive disorder are portrayed through fictional characters. Her hope is that Mental Illness in Young Adult Literature will help educators, librarians and mental health professionals to more effectively address the needs of students.

NMU Policy Change Benefits Transfer Students

Stock Photo
Jan. 17, 2019 —

Northern Michigan University has increased the number of credit hours students can transfer from regionally accredited community colleges from 64 to 90. The recently approved policy change will go into effect this fall. It recognizes the value of students’ past academic work at other institutions and aligns with the statewide initiative to create better transfer pathways that maximize the use of credits earned.

NMU Grad Defies the Odds to Earn Degree

Travis Thetford
Dec. 19, 2018 —

Eleven years after a stranger savagely beat him with a pool stick outside a bar and left him for dead, Travis Thetford crossed the NMU commencement stage in his wheelchair Dec. 15 to accept his diploma. The former star athlete at Escanaba High School suffered a traumatic brain injury and left-side paralysis in the wake of the attack. He has since inspired many with his perseverance and positive attitude in tackling adversity.

NMU Program Earns Innovation Award

Lubig with the award
Nov. 15, 2018 —

Northern Michigan University’s bachelor of science degree in applied workplace leadership received the 2018 Innovation in Transfer Award today at the Michigan Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (MACRAO) annual conference in Frankenmuth. The online program enables individuals holding an associate of applied science degree from any community college to ladder to a bachelor’s degree that will qualify them for management positions.

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.

NMU Honors Alumni Award Winners

From left: Nelsen, Butler, NMU President Fritz Erickson, Millner and Schloegel. Patrick did not attend, but submitted her comments via video.
Sep. 27, 2018 —

Five Northern Michigan University alumni were honored during Homecoming festivities Sept. 21-22 for significant achievements in their fields, substantial contributions to society and demonstrated exceptional leadership and civic qualities. The recipients and their awards were: Keith Nelsen (’86 BS) of Minneapolis, Minn., and Scott Schloegel (’90 BS) of Springfield, Va., Distinguished Alumni; Beth Millner (’08 BFA) of Marquette, Outstanding Young Alumni; Michele Butler (’76 BS, ’78 MAE) of Marquette, Alumni Community Service; and Skye Patrick of Downey, Calif., Alumni Achievement.