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Northern Michigan University English Professor Emeritus John Smolens' latest novel, A Cold, Hard Prayer was selected by the Library of Michigan for the 2024 Michigan Notable Books list. This work of historical fiction is his 12th novel. Smolens previously made the list for Wolf's Mouth in 2017 and Day of Days in 2022.

Wilbert Alik, a 2021 Northern Michigan University anthropology alumnus from the Republic of the Marshall Islands, recently donated a flag from the island nation in the northwest Pacific to the collection of world flags hanging in the Whitman Hall Commons on campus. After earning his NMU degree, Alik returned to his home country and became director of its Historic Preservation Office and the national historic preservation officer.

Three Northern Michigan University musical theater majors scored major achievements at the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival's (KCACTF) Region 3 conference in Flint. Junior Maya Moreau of Dearborn made history as the first NMU student to win the $500 Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship and advance to the national KCACTF festival competition at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. Liam Fisher of Grand Rapids and John Thomson of Marquette were among 18 finalists selected for the regional Musical Theater Intensive, out of nearly 70 who auditioned.

Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota artists who reside north of the 45th parallel are invited to submit works for the annual “North of the 45th” juried exhibition at Northern Michigan University's DeVos Art Museum. Artists 18 and older may enter up to five images of their work across all media created within the past three years to be considered for the summer 2024 show. The submission deadline is Wednesday, March 13.

Northern Michigan University's CO/LAB Dance Company will present “Carnival of the Animals: A Short Ballet” for the young and young at heart, set to the renowned musical score by French composer Camille Saint-Saëns. The ballet will be followed by a choreographic showcase by NMU students and faculty. The production begins at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 1 through Saturday, Feb. 3, in Forest Roberts Theatre. A sensory-friendly Theatre for All matinee will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday.

Northern Michigan University's Superior Dome is featured in a story in Connected World, a specialty digital publisher on sustainability and other topics. The article states that domes—whether made of brick and mortar, wood or contemporary materials—have been a staple of architecture for thousands of years, particularly as a cover for churches and stadiums. It then focuses on Northern's, which was completed in 1991. 

Northern Michigan University celebrates Winterfest 2024: “Spinning with the Snowflakes.” Winterfest is an annual series of campus-wide events held during the winter semester, hosted by the NMU Special Events Committee (SEC).

Northern Michigan University invites students, faculty, staff, alumni and Upper Peninsula residents to submit original alma mater compositions in recognition of its 125th anniversary celebration in 2024. An alma mater is traditionally a short-form musical piece with lyrics pertaining to the university's distinctive elements, and is used at official events such as commencement. Selected creations will be eligible for monetary awards of $2,000 for first place, $1,000 for second and $500 for third.

Northern Michigan University alumnus Geoff Parkhurst, who earned a master's in administrative service in 1995, was promoted to director of life cycle management at SRCTec. The not-for-profit research and development company “combines information, science, technology and ingenuity to solve ‘impossible' problems in the areas of defense, environment and intelligence."

Northern Michigan University alumna Doris Ranski-Zazula RN, MSA, is the new vice president of the Karmanos Cancer Network, which is part of McLaren Health Care and the largest cancer care and research network in Michigan. The 1983 BSN graduate provides oversight for several Karmanos locations in the Lower Peninsula. 

Northern Michigan University's “Path to Carbon Neutrality by 2050” plan is now finalized, outlining the strategies for achieving that goal and targeted reductions in carbon emissions for each decade along the way. The completed plan aligns with NMU's core values and strategic priorities, which include a focus on building a culture of sustainability. 

Northern Michigan University Center for Rural Health Director Elise Bur has been selected to serve on the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services' (MDHHS) Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) Hub Advisory Council.

The Northern Michigan University Center for Rural Health will host a U.P. Community Health Town Hall webinar about Direct Care Workers and the field of caregiving. This webinar will be held from 7–8 p.m. EST Thursday, Jan. 25.

Innovate Marquette SmartZone (Innovate Marquette) and SISU: The Innovation Institute at Northern Michigan University (NMU) have announced dates and programming for the second annual Innovation Week. The professional development conference brings together thought leaders, creatives and entrepreneurs to inspire, enlighten and spark curiosity.

Northern Michigan University alumnus Phil Gilchrist is the new executive director of Advancing Macomb, a nonprofit organization that convenes resources to solve community challenges and enrich the lives of Macomb County residents. His role involves program oversight, financial administration, strategic planning and execution, marketing and public relations.

NMU alumna Nanette Hanson, the 2023 Michigan State Teacher of the Year, was honored on the field before the College Football Playoff National Championship game on Jan. 8, and stayed to watch the Michigan Wolverines win the trophy. She is a first-grade teacher at Lemmer Elementary School in Escanaba. The recognition was part of the College Football Playoff Foundation's Extra Yard for Teachers program.

Northern Michigan University President Brock Tessman will share campus updates and answer questions while connecting with alumni and friends during a Northern Now virtual event hosted by NMU Alumni Relations at 7 p.m. EST Wednesday, Jan. 17. 

Northern Michigan University is among the 12 “Best U.S. Colleges and Universities to Get Outdoors and/or Pursue an Outdoors Career,” according to a listing posted by Outdoors.com, founded by adventurer and TV host Bear Grylls in partnership with the Nashville-based firm Savage Ventures. 

Northern Michigan University's DeVos Art Museum will soon unveil the 2024 installment of its UP Focus exhibition, which highlights artists living and working in, or inspired by, the Upper Peninsula. This year's featured artists are connected to the Copper Country: Catherine Benda and Carrie Flaspohler VanderVeen. An opening reception with artist talks is scheduled for 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 18. The event is free and open to the public.

Andy Contois, a 2006 NMU financial management alumnus and former Wildcat hockey player, will serve as an assistant coach for Team White when it faces Team Blue in the 2024 Chipotle All-American Game on Jan. 15 at USA Hockey Arena in Plymouth, Mich. The game features 45 top prospects from the United States Hockey League (USHL)—the nation's only Tier 1 junior hockey league—who are eligible for the 2024 NHL draft.