All News Releases

Northern Michigan University's sixth annual Day of Giving event on Nov. 29 has raised $950,000 in gifts and pledges to date, offering a blend of support to build endowments, increase scholarship dollars and provide direct funding to departments and programs.

Northern Michigan University alumnus Ray Kisonas has left his reporter/editor post with The Monroe News after more than 36 years to become vice president of news at NewsNet, a 24-hour national television network based in Farmington Hills. According to a story published in the paper, he will be in charge of the news organization and the content of the network, which is broadcast in 60 markets and on streaming platforms.

Northern Michigan University junior Luke Tschumperlin is enrolled in the Disney College program. He is working at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida until January while taking online classes at NMU. Tschumperlin is able to network with professionals throughout the Walt Disney Company, take part in learning and career development sessions, and live and work with people from around the world.

Northern Michigan University criminal justice major Jersey Hoover, who successfully harvested an 8-point buck with her bow over Thanksgiving weekend, has received a scholarship for her commitment to engaging new audiences and/or generations with Michigan's natural resources and rich outdoor heritage. The Hancock native is one of only five college students statewide selected for the 2022 John A. Muter Memorial Scholarship, named for a sportsman who passed away in 2016 after a long and courageous battle with cancer. 

Northern Michigan alumna Roxanne Daust received the 2022 Evergreen Award of Marquette County. The award honors individuals who are dedicated to supporting and mentoring women and girls and helping them to reach their full potential as leaders.

“Food for Fines” returns to Northern Michigan University, giving individuals an opportunity to alleviate parking fines by contributing non-perishable food items or personal care products to the NMU Food Pantry. The NMU Police Department will accept donations from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays, through Dec. 9.

The American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) has again selected Northern Michigan University for its list of Top 200 Colleges for Indigenous Students. The 2022-2023 list appears in the 29th annual Special College Issue of AISES' quarterly magazine, Winds of Change. 

Northern Michigan University Biology Professor Neil Cumberlidge collaborated on a Sierra Leone expedition that located two land-dwelling crab species “lost to science” and feared to be extinct. For one, last spotted 225 years ago, the only clue was a specimen label that read “Sierra Leone.” The team's work was featured in The Guardian in November as part of a series on rediscovered species by prominent British journalist and photographer Graeme Green.

A Holiday Masquerade Ball open to the campus and community will serve as a fundraiser for the new Marquette County chapter of Families Against Narcotics' (FAN). Three NMU students are hosting the event as a community service internship through the Student Leader Fellowship Program. The ball is scheduled from 6:30-10 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 7, in Northern Center Ballrooms III and IV. Admission is $10 for the public and free to NMU students, though donations are requested. 

Northern Michigan University is among four project partners awarded a $700,000 Rural Innovation Stronger Economy (RISE) grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to support the creation and management of the Marquette Outdoor Venture (MOV) Innovation Center. The funding was awarded to Innovate Marquette SmartZone, along with partners NMU, Lake Superior Community Partnership, and Michigan Works!

SISU: The Innovation Institute at Northern Michigan University is seeking campus proposals for its new funding program, “Illuminating Ideas.” The deadline is 5 p.m. Monday, Dec 19.

The Northern Michigan University Center for Rural Health has announced the winners of its annual essay competition for U.P. high school seniors to coincide with National Rural Health Day. This year's contest was sponsored by the Literacy Legacy Fund of Michigan and the Michigan Center for Rural Health. The top three prizes in each U.P. region—east, central and west—were $500, $250 and $100.

Taking care of crops and animals is hard on farmers and agribusiness professionals, who contend with stressors ranging from low commodity prices and other financial issues to extreme weather events and injuries. NMU alumnus Remington Rice is applying his psychology degrees to his career as a community behavioral health educator with Michigan State University Extension, helping farmers better manage stress and enhance their own health and wellness.  

Northern Michigan University will hold its sixth consecutive Day of Giving on Tuesday, Nov. 29. The NMU Foundation encourages faculty, staff, alumni and friends to show their support for students through a variety of giving options.

Northern Michigan University was among 18 higher education institutions nationwide featured in an Outside Magazine article titled “These Schools Can Help You Break into the Outdoor Industry.” The story addressed a growing number of U.S. colleges offering programs for future adventure-industry workers in response to the booming outdoor recreation industry. NMU was referenced for its outdoor recreation leadership and management program.

NMU 1968 alumna Jeannie Thoren was recently inducted into the Colorado Snowsports Museum Hall of Fame for her internationally recognized role in revolutionizing women's ski equipment. The U.P. native was an avid racer and earned a spot on the Junior National Ski Team. When coaches critiqued her stance, she customized her gear to perfect her technique. The Thoren Theory, based on the motto that “women aren't small men,” evolved through decades of research as a way to help women skiers improve performance through equipment modification.

Northern Michigan University senior Chloe Holt received a Student Honor Award from the Society for Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE) Michigan at its annual conference in November in Traverse City.

NMU alumnus Cody Mayer became Marquette's youngest mayor, at 25, when he was elected by fellow commissioners and sworn in at Monday night's meeting. He is also the first tribal member to serve on the City Commission. The former ASNMU president earned a bachelor's degree in public administration from Northern in August 2020.

A visual arts exhibit revolving around the themes of identity, power and social justice will be on display Nov. 30-Dec. 15 in the Olson Library Atrium at Northern Michigan University. It is a collaboration involving two NMU entities: the School of Art and Design and the French program. A catered opening reception will be held from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8.

Northern Michigan University Theatre & Dance will present A Holiday Double Feature: A Charlie Brown Christmas and The Nutcracker Dec. 9-10 and 14-17. The evening opens with a feel-good, 30-minute musical based on the beloved classic animated television special and closes with excerpts from the timeless ballet. Show times are at 7:30 p.m., with an additional 1 p.m. matinee on Saturday, Dec. 10.