Around NMU

Northern Michigan University's Northern Shores Storywork Writing Project has announced 46 regional award winners, from among 130 Upper Peninsula submissions, of the 2026 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. Presented by the nonprofit organization the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers, the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards are the country's longest-running and most prestigious scholarship and recognition program for creative students in grades 7–12.

The Northern Michigan University Board of Trustees approved a construction authorization for Harden Hall Phase II renovations and related capital projects during a special meeting held this morning via Zoom.

“Letters Jim Harrison May Never Read.” “Walt Whitman and His Lake Superior Baptism.” “John Lennon at the Old Marquette Inn.” “Chagall Taught Me How to Drive.” These are some of the titles featured in Northern Michigan University English Professor Russell Thorburn's latest collection of poetry, And the Heart Will Not Quicken. The book is populated by imaginative scenarios featuring pop culture, artistic and literary legends who move freely across various decades and countries.

Venus Joy Brown describes herself as “a connector who helps people be better, do better and perform better.” This quality contributed to her recognition as one of nine “Sisters with Superpowers” by rollingout.com two years ago. It is also a guiding mantra for her career in organizational effectiveness and leadership development, her community service, and her role as a Northern Michigan University trustee.

Northern Michigan University's Music Department will host a free jazz concert at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 11, in Reynolds Recital Hall. The event will feature the NMU Jazz Band, composed of nearly 20 players representing various academic majors and directed by Mark Flaherty, along with two smaller ensembles coached by Patrick Booth.

The Northern Michigan University College of Graduate Studies and Research will host its first Winter Research Day on Thursday, Feb. 19. This event is free and open to the public. It will be held in room 1100 John X. Jamrich Hall and the adjacent atrium.

Eleven Northern Michigan University faculty members have been selected to receive 2026 Faculty Research Grants. The awards of $7,000 each support scholarly activities such as publications, the creation of artistic works, research projects, and manuscript development. The recipients and their project titles are:

Northern Michigan University will celebrate the completed renovation of Harden Hall with a rededication ceremony at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 13, in the Olson Library Atrium. The event will include refreshments, open house activities and facility tours from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

Northern Michigan University Theatre and Dance will present “A Streetcar Named Desire,” the Pulitzer Prize-winning play by Tennessee Williams, Thursday-Saturday, Feb. 19-21 and 26-28, in the Panowski Black Box Theatre. The show will be directed by assistant professor Kaitlyn Frotton.