All News Releases

The Beaumier U.P. Heritage Center at Northern Michigan University has announced that traditional wood carver Russell Dees of Marquette and the Native American Students Association of NMU are the two recipients of the 2021 Upper Peninsula Folklife Awards.

Jason Schneider, an assistant professor in the woodworking and furniture design program at Northern Michigan University, is exhibiting some of his sculptural work at Bay College's Besse Gallery through Dec. 3. He is also giving an artist talk and demonstration at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 16. 

The Northern Michigan University Music Department will present its Thanksgiving-themed NMU Orchestra Concert at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 18, at the Reynolds Recital Hall. 

Northern Michigan University alumnus and transplant psychologist Kevin McDowell will discuss the psychology of heart and lung transplantation during a presentation titled “The Heart of the Matter” at NMU. His talk is scheduled for 3 p.m. Friday, Nov. 12, in room 2906 West Science Hall. 

The Northern Michigan University Arts Chorale and University Choir will present an NMU Choirs Concert at 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 14, at St. Peter Cathedral.  

Marquette, home to Northern Michigan University, is the 31st-safest college town nationwide and the second safest in the state, according to 2021 rankings released by SafeWise. The company based its listing on college towns that report the lowest violent crimes and property crimes per 1,000 residents.

For more than three decades, artist Mary Wright initiated a series of public art projects that helped Upper Peninsula communities connect meaningfully with their past. A committee planning a series of events to celebrate Wright's legacy is seeking help in identifying items from the various projects that are available and in displayable condition for an exhibition demonstrating her contributions to the region.

Northern Michigan University will embark on its fourth “Food for Fines” donation event, in which students who help those in need by contributing items to the NMU Food Pantry can alleviate their parking fines. 

Northern Michigan University Alumni Relations is closing out the year with two Northern Now virtual events: a panel of alumni brewers who will discuss the craft beer business on Wednesday, Nov. 10; and a holiday cooking segment with NMU's executive chef on Wednesday, Dec. 15. Both will be held at 7 p.m. EST. 

The Beaumier U.P. Heritage Center at Northern Michigan University will present a workshop, jam session and concert related to the Métis fiddling tradition Nov. 17-18, featuring Jamie Fox of the Aaniih and Nakoda tribes of Montana. The Métis are members of ethnic groups native to Canada and parts of the United States, who trace their descent to both Indigenous North Americans and European settlers. 

Northern Michigan University will join college campuses across the nation in recognizing the efforts of students who are the first in their families to earn a bachelor's degree. NMU's First-Generation College Student Celebration will be held on Monday, Nov. 8.

The Northern Michigan University Alumni Association announces new leaders and four new members of its Board of Directors. Brendan Franklin (BSN '13) of Traverse City is the new president and Chris Charboneau (BME '93) of Madison Heights is the new vice president. New board members include: Nikk Glazier (BS '08) of Germantown, Md.; Anita Mattson (BS '02) of Worcester, Mass.; Kim Monteaux De Freitas (BFA '02) of Columbus, Ohio; and Andre Stringer (BS '16) of Atlanta, Ga.

In collaboration with Northern Michigan University's Animal Club and the Humane Society of the United States, NMU Dining has signed the Forward Food Pledge, indicating its commitment to increase plant-based options each year through 2024. The goal is to ensure that all students have access to healthy, sustainable and inclusive foods.

DJ Ursal, an award-winning Software as a Service (SaaS) professional who holds seven patents and has worked for such companies as Salesforce, Oracle and Siebel, will present "Data Analytics and Today's Manager” at Northern Michigan University. His talk is scheduled at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 10, in Jamrich Hall room 1322.

Northern Michigan University Theatre and Dance is offering a new bachelor of fine arts (BFA) degree in acting, beginning in fall 2022. The acting major offers students traditional and specialized training, including acting for film, Shakespeare and commercials, as well as voice acting and pantomime. 

Northern Michigan University's Department of Music will present its Percussion Ensemble's annual fall semester concert at 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 6, in Reynolds Recital Hall.

NMU alumna Katherine “Kay” Mattson of Kingsford, who graduated with an elementary education degree in 1962, recently received the Delta Kappa Gamma Society Michigan State Organization's Lifetime Service Award. DKG is an honorary international organization that supports the role of women in education through scholarships and fellowship programs.

Northern Michigan University's Department of Music will host mezzo-soprano Janet Hopkins, a 16-year veteran of the New York Metropolitan Opera, at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 12, at Reynolds Recital Hall as part of its Siril Concert Series.