All News Releases

Northern Michigan University's Seaborg Center will host the annual Michigan Region I Science Olympiad tournament from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21, in the NMU Science Building. The competition typically draws about 300 middle and high school students from across the Upper Peninsula, who will participate in 46 events.

Northern Michigan University alumna Diane Husic was recently recognized at the 2026 NCAA convention for her longstanding leadership and contributions to Division II, including national leadership development programming for faculty athletics representatives (FARs) and efforts to strengthen the student-athlete experience in higher education.

Northern Michigan University Alumni John and Mary Henry have been inducted into the Michigan Construction Hall of Fame at Ferris State University. Selection is based on nominees' technical, managerial and leadership achievements within construction and related industries, as well as service to the profession and community. 

Rylee Jensen, a 2024 master's graduate of Northern Michigan University, and NMU Professor Diana Lafferty recently coauthored a journal article on a study of wild African herbivores. Collaborating with other researchers, they determined that environmental conditions, beyond strictly diet and anatomy, can influence the evolution of gut microbes that play a critical role in animal health and well-being.

Taylor Galaszewski, a recent Northern Michigan University biology alumna, coauthored a recent publication titled “On the taxonomic status of two large species of East African freshwater crabs” with NMU Biology Professor Emeritus Neil Cumberlidge and other collaborators.

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.

Former Northern Michigan University student and Wildcat football player Nick Baumgartner is competing in his fifth straight Olympics at age 44 as part of the USA snowboard cross (SBX) team, following his gold-medal win at the last Winter Games. Former Wildcat Nordic skier and 2020 economics alumnus Zak Ketterson is appearing in his first Olympics as a member of the U.S. cross-country ski team.

“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.

Northern Michigan University College of Business students participated in a January short-term study-abroad experience in Panama, where they worked alongside rural and Indigenous entrepreneurs to strengthen and grow local businesses.

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.

Northern Michigan University will host two free public activities during the UP 200 Powered by NMU sled dog race on Friday, Feb. 13. A warm-up party at the Trenary Toast Café, attended by new NMU President Chris Olsen and his wife, Jennifer, is scheduled from 6-8 p.m. Complimentary coffee, hot chocolate and cinnamon rolls will be available. 

Emily Lanctot, a Northern Michigan University alumna who serves as director and curator of NMU's DeVos Art Museum, will showcase her own paintings in a Hancock exhibition titled “Salaiset Ruokaohjeet: Secret Recipes.” An opening reception will be held from 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 5, and the exhibition will remain on display through March 5 at Finlandia Art Gallery in the Finnish American Heritage Center.

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.