All News Releases

Wildcat Joins Wildpups Program

Northern Michigan University's popular animal-assisted intervention (AAI) program has appropriately gained a new Wildcat named Luna to complement the beloved Wildpups therapy dogs that routinely interact with the campus community, providing comfort, joy and companionship. Luna belongs to NMU social work major Emilee DeForge. After seeing her tortoiseshell feline's therapeutic potential in terms of personality and temperament, the Houghton native was eager to certify her pet for service.
Luna with her handler/owner Emilee DeForge

Cyprus Natives Reunite with Gant Hall Housemates

Erhan Raif and his brother, Korhan, were flipping through Barron's Collegiate Guide in their native island country of Cyprus decades ago, seeking an international student experience in the United States. Northern Michigan University's profile attracted their attention because of its academic programs and size, among other qualities. They decided to trade the Mediterranean for Lake Superior in the early 1980s and embarked on what Erhan calls “an American adventure I'll always be grateful for in Marquette.”
The reunion included Gant Hall housemates (standing from left) Mike Wasche, Erhan Raif, Ray Hall, Dr. Korhan Raif and Scott DeKryger, along with (seated from left) Dr. Ayça Raif, Nesrin Raif, Terry Hall and Sheila Hall.

Clemens Named to MACC's Rising Leaders Cohort

Randi Clemens, executive administrative assistant/adjunct assistant professor in Northern Michigan University's English Department and an NMU alumna, is one of 16 individuals statewide selected to join the Michigan Arts and Culture Council's  2025–2026 Rising Leaders cohort. Clemens is the only representative from Michigan's Upper Peninsula to be named to this year's group.
Randi Clemens

Sonderegger25 Addresses Great Lakes Maritime History

The Beaumier U.P. Heritage Center at Northern Michigan University will host the 25th annual Sonderegger Symposium, which features several presentations revolving around Upper Peninsula history. The theme of this year's event is "Above and Below the Surface: Maritime History of the Great Lakes." It will be held on Friday, Nov. 14, in the Northern Center Ballroom IV. Admission is free, and includes a light lunch at noon.
ALGOMA (1883) - Image courtesy of the Great Lakes Maritime Collections, Bowling Green State University

Fisher Selected for Master Class with Tony Award-Winning Composer Adam Guettel

Northern Michigan University musical theater major Liam Fisher was one of only 12 performers nationwide selected to participate in a master class centered on the Broadway singing voice with Tony Award–winning composer and lyricist Adam Guettel. His selection came through a juried audition process organized by the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS).
NMU senior Liam Fisher (right) receiving constructive critique from composer/lyricist Adam Guettel

NMU Students to Lead French Camp

Students in Northern Michigan University's French program will lead another “French Camp for Younger Learners” Nov. 6 and 11 at Sandy Knoll Elementary School in Marquette. This outreach initiative demonstrates an ongoing commitment to academic service learning, which is a component of every course in the French program.
French language graphic