All News Releases

Teachable Moment: Alumna Rescues Student at Black Rocks

“Reach or throw; don’t go.” NMU alumna and former Wildcat swimmer Shawn Robinson-Sobczak (’98 BS) routinely recites that phrase when she leads swim lessons or serves as a lifeguard instructor. When someone is in distress and it’s not possible to extend a hand to pull the swimmer to safety or throw something that floats, bystanders should not risk their own lives by entering the water. But Robinson-Sobczak has also been a certified lifeguard for 34 years. So when an NMU student took too long to surface after jumping off Black Rocks and a friend struggled to assist him, her rescue instinct took over and she leaped in to help.
Image of Shawn Robinson-Sobczak jumping off Black Rocks to save someone

NMU Prof Analyzes k9 Attack for TV Report

 

An Atlanta TV station featured NMU Criminal Justice Professor Charlie Mesloh in an investigative report on a K9 attack in Roswell. The dog refused to let go of a teen suspect despite more than 20 commands from his handler. Mesloh, a former police officer and K9 handler, analyzed the dashcam video of the incident frame by frame and says the dog should have been removed from service for remedial training. See the full report here.

Image of Charlie Mesloh

Walk Promotes IDD Inclusion

The NMU Best Buddies student organization will host a walk to promote inclusion of and support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities on campus. The Best Buddies Friendship walk at NMU will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 29. Participants will meet near the “heart of Northern” on the academic mall outside Jamrich Hall.

NMU Woodworkers Inspired at Art Center

NMU Senior Tim Kruger has long been interested in woodworking, particularly furniture design. But “an epiphany” during a woodturning class led by Professor Jason Schneider convinced him to hone in on his true passion: teaching. Kruger was inspired to apply for a summer workshop at Anderson Ranch Arts Center in Snowmass Village, Colo., and received a scholarship to attend. Schneider also returned to “the Ranch,” where he had worked for a decade before joining NMU’s faculty, to teach two summer workshops.
Image of the Ranch Furniture

NMU Expands Homecoming Activities

Northern Michigan University's 2018 Homecoming celebration will feature a full slate of activities for alumni and community members Sept. 18-22. Special additions this year include a community-wide ice cream social, the unveiling and dedication of a new Wildcat statue on campus, the premiere of a documentary on the 1975 national champion football team and a dedication of The Woods student housing complex. The following events are free, unless otherwise indicated.
Image of Poster for Homecoming

NMU Reports Increase in New Students

Northern Michigan University’s new student enrollment has increased 9.9 percent this fall, thanks to a second consecutive year of growth in first-time freshmen and a significant boost in transfer students. New freshmen numbers are up by 107, or 7.1 percent. Transfers have increased by 81, or nearly 20 percent, according to the university’s 10th day enrollment report.
Image of Campus

Alumnus Named CFO

Adam Gingery ('04 BS) is the new chief financial officer at Western Wisconsin Health in Baldwin, Wis. He has been working in the healthcare industry for more than a decade, previously serving as the CFO at Door County Medical Center in Sturgeon Bay. Gingery received his bachelor's degree in accounting, business administration and computer information systems from NMU. He has served on numerous boards, is an active member of the Wisconsin Hospital Association and the Rural Wisconsin Health Cooperative and also is a National Rural Health Association Fellow.

NMU Expands Homecoming Activities

Northern Michigan University's 2018 Homecoming celebration will feature a full slate of activities for alumni and community members Sept. 18-22. Three special additions this year include a community-wide ice cream social, the unveiling and dedication of a new Wildcat statue on campus and the premiere of a documentary on the 1975 national champion football team. The following events are free, unless otherwise indicated.
Image of NMU Homecoming Poster

Berens Brings 'Manitowoc Minute' to NMU

Comedian Charlie Berens, the camouflage-clad host of the popular “Manitowoc Minute” online video series, will bring a live version of the show to Northern Michigan University. The Wisconsin native will discuss local headlines, da Packers and all things Midwestern during the Marquette stop of his “Oh My Gosh Tour.” His show begins at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 13, in Forest Roberts Theatre. Tickets are $15 for the general public, $10 for students and $5 for NMU students.

Charlie Berens

Presentation Explores Trump-Era Political Currents

Northern Michigan University’s Political Science and Public Administration Department will present a discussion titled “The Rise of Authoritarianism and Other Dangerous Political Currents in the Trump Era.” The event is scheduled at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 19, at the Ore Dock Brewing Co. It is free and open to the public.

Three NMU professors will share their perspectives on the rise of authoritarianism and other threats to liberal democracy during the Trump administration.