High school students currently in grades 10-12 are invited to attend Northern Michigan University's week-long Environmental Science Camp, where they will explore the natural resources and scenic landscapes of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The camp will be held July 20-26.

A student crew from the Northern Michigan University construction management program recently built a new pavilion over the NMU Center for Native American Studies (CNAS) fire site. The CNAS describes the pavilion as “a legacy project” that they are excited to share with the campus and community.

Northern Michigan University has received a $100,000 grant from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) to install a rooftop solar array at the campus WellBeing Center. The project will provide reliable renewable energy and reduce utility costs for the university, said NMU Assistant Vice President for Sustainability Jes Thompson. NMU was one of 21 statewide recipients of MDARD grants to promote the sustainability of land-based industries and support infrastructure that benefits rural communities.

Northern Michigan University's Center for Native American Studies will host Marquette's first "Water is Life Festival" on Friday, April 25. The event will bring together Indigenous teachers, local and regional musicians, performance artists, visual and material artists, and grassroots environmental advocates from throughout the Upper Peninsula. Admission to all activities is free.

Students from Northern Michigan University's School of Education recently traveled to Wisconsin to observe a variety of educational settings as part of a course-related field experience. The group was divided among three schools that represent a broad spectrum of student populations, offering NMU teacher candidates the opportunity to engage with diverse educational environments. They visited Danz Elementary School and Preble High School in Green Bay, and Syble Hopp School in nearby De Pere. 

Northern Michigan University will host Career Day for about 1,000 students from more than 20 high schools across the Upper Peninsula on Wednesday, April 23. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Northern Center. Students will have an opportunity to chat about career and educational opportunities with representatives of 45 participating employers and many of NMU's academic departments. 

Northern Michigan University honored several individuals and teams during its 2025 Faculty and Staff Recognition Celebration, held April 9. The event recognized individual and team award winners, along with employees reaching years of service milestones and recent retirees.

Northern Michigan University will close out its 125th anniversary celebration with NMU Giving Day on Thursday, April 17. This year's theme, “Give to What You Love,” encourages Wildcats and friends to show the power of collective generosity and champion the causes they are particularly passionate about, such as student experiences, research, departments and programs, or athletics.

Former Northern Michigan University theater student and Broadway veteran Leah Hocking will be the keynote speaker for NMU's May 3 commencement. The Marquette native will also receive an honorary Doctor of Theater Studies degree. Hocking has appeared in 10 Broadway musicals. Her roles included Mum in "Billy Elliot," Donna Sheridan in "Mama Mia," Sarah Brown in "Guys and Dolls," Velma Von Tussle in "Hairspray," Lucy in "Jekyll and Hyde" and Marty in "Grease." She was also nominated for a Helen Hayes award for her performance as Mrs. Wilkinson in the national tour of "Billy Elliot" at The Kennedy Center.  

Rosalva Brito, a criminal justice major and Spanish minor from Chicago, will be the student speaker at Northern Michigan University's May 3 commencement. The first-generation student said she chose to attend NMU primarily because of scholarships she qualified for as the dependent of a veteran that made the cost more affordable, and because of its safe, friendly and beautiful environment.

Grand Ethiopian Resonance Dam (GERD), the largest hydropower dam in Africa, has caused intense energy and water conflicts between Nile River countries. Scientists from around the world have conducted research and proposed solutions to help mitigate these conflicts. Dr. Jongeun You, assistant professor from the Department of Political Science and Public Administration at Northern Michigan University, contributed to these scholarly efforts and co-authored a publication in Communications Earth & Environment, a Nature journal. It was recently selected as one of the Top 25 papers of 2024 by the journal. 

Ari Koontz, a third-year graduate student in Northern Michigan University's MFA program, has finalized a book deal with Macmillan Publishing for their debut young adult novel, "Just Ask Elsie."

Campus canine celebrity Welles, who is the loyal service dog for NMU Veteran Services Coordinator Mike Rutledge, received the 2025 Silver Tag Award from UPAWS at its annual gala on April 5. He was recognized for his longtime service, and for his “comforting and supportive presence” on campus and in the community.

Northern Michigan University sophomore Henry Moore, who shares the same name as one of the most influential modernist sculptors of the 20th century, is making his mark at NMU in a different artistic pursuit: theater. He plays Peter in the current production of "Jesus Christ Superstar." 

Northern Michigan University's master's degree program in Administration of Outdoor Recreation and Nature-Based Tourism has invited three related business-oriented innovators to campus for a public presentation: keynote speaker Bob Jacquart, owner of Stormy Kromer and Copper Peak; Joe Thiel from Innovate Marquette; and Phil Britton from the Outdoor Recreation Innovation Action Network (ORIAN). The free event is scheduled from 10 a.m. to noon Friday, April 18, in Northern Center Peninsula II.

Daniel and Pamella DeVos have continued their philanthropic support of Northern Michigan University through a recent $2 million gift from the Daniel & Pamella DeVos Foundation. Half of this donation will be added to the permanent endowment of the DeVos Art Museum, ensuring its continued excellence. The remaining $1 million will be directed toward a fund aimed at advancing programs and facilities related to the development of an NMU arts district that will benefit the university and Marquette communities.

Northern Michigan University's Theatre and Dance program will host its Alumni Awards from 6-8 p.m. Saturday, April 26, at Forest Roberts Theatre. The event will honor exceptional achievements in theatre, dance and entertainment arts. 

NMU principal secretary Grace Albert is on the verge of retirement, after 45 years of service at the university, all in the Department of Psychological Science. She will be honored by colleagues for the milestone later this month, but she has also received public recognition for her community service milestone as a blood donor. Inspired by photos of past donors on a wall at the U.P. Regional Blood Center (UPRBC), Albert set a personal goal to join the legacy and just reached 100 donations. Albert received a special cake to mark the achievement and social media praise on April 7 from both the UPRBC and UP Health System – Marquette.

Brock Tessman is stepping down as president of Northern Michigan University, effective July 1, to become president at Montana State University, it was announced today.