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Northern Michigan University's Center for Native American Studies assisted in the development of “Maawndoonganan,” an Anishinaabe resource manual created and vetted by Indigenous peoples to support educators in implementing Michigan social studies standards. A webinar on using this first-of-its-kind educational resource guide was presented by the Confederation of Michigan Tribal Education Departments (CMTED) on June 29.

Northern Michigan University has embarked on the second phase of developing an interim strategic plan that will provide an onramp for Northern's next president. Following NMU Board of Trustees' approval of the initial proposal presented in late April, steering committees representing faculty, staff and alumni are working over the summer to build action plans for five focus areas identified in the plan.

Northern Michigan University alumnus DJ Hoffman was appointed chair of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians during a special board of directors meeting on June 27. He served as vice chair from 2016-22 and also two years as secretary. Hoffman earned a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree from NMU. 

William Bausano, a 1973 music education alumnus, has embarked on a well-earned retirement after 41 years with Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. The Upper Peninsula native conducted two choirs—the Chamber Singers and Choraliers—and taught choral conducting and techniques courses. One of his colleagues called him “an institution” and “the cornerstone” of the voice department.

Two Books Two Communities of Marquette and Alger Counties has named this year's book selections:The Lightkeeper's Daughters, an adult novel, and Me and You and the Red Canoe, a children's book, both by award-winning Canadian author Jean E. Pendziwol. 

NMU alumna Liz Conway recently assumed the role of president and CEO of the Mt. Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce. She holds two degrees from Northern: a bachelor's in management earned in 2002; and an MBA earned in 2005.

NMU alumnus Russell Kassin has been named the 10th president in the 135-year history of Iron Mountain-based First National Bank & Trust. He graduated in 2002 with a bachelor's degree in financial management.

In his newly published book, “Classic Food and Restaurants of the Upper Peninsula,” Northern Michigan University History Professor Emeritus Russell Magnaghi explores the origins of the iconic U.P. trio: the pasty, cudighi and fudge. He also delves into the evolution of the regional diet, which was rooted in the indigenous foods consumed by Native Americans and influenced by immigrant settlers representing numerous nationalities who introduced additional fare from their home countries.

The history of Indian boarding schools was formally investigated and documented for the first time in a sobering report released in May by the U.S. Department of the Interior. Thousands of Indigenous children were forcibly removed from their homes and placed in residential schools—including five in Michigan—with the goal of assimilating them into white culture and, consequently, taking their territories. Northern Michigan University, which offers the state's only bachelor's degree program in Native American studies, has offered a course on the subject for more than 15 years.

Two Northern Michigan University alumni have been appointed to the State of Michigan's advisory board that will help to plan America250, a nationwide commemoration of the 250th anniversary and founding of the United States. Dan Truckey, a 1990 grad, is director of the Beaumier U.P. Heritage Center at NMU. Steve Brisson, a 1989 alumnus, is director of Mackinac State Historic Parks. Both recently participated in the advisory board's first meeting.

NMU alumna Caitlin Sternberg, who earned her environmental science degree in 2021, is the new director of outreach and communication for Citizens for a Safe & Clean Lake Superior, a Marquette County nonprofit. She previously worked as a Great Lakes Climate Corp crew leader with the Superior Watershed Partnership, partnering with diverse groups like the National Forest Service or the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community on environmental projects.

NMU alumnus Mike Garland ('78 BS), who has served as an assistant coach for his former Wildcat basketball teammate and longtime friend Tom Izzo, is retiring after 22 seasons with the Michigan State Spartans.

Steve Young has seen Northern Michigan University from two distinct perspectives: as a political science student and resident of Bedside Manor house on the first floor of the former Payne Hall in the mid-1970s; and as a 2019 governor's appointee to the NMU Board of Trustees, which he currently leads as chair.

A Northern Michigan University alumna and her NMU faculty mentor contributed to a published paper on a recent study of Alaskan brown bears that found significant variations in their gut microbiomes, depending on where they live. The finding advances scientific understanding of the relationship between wildlife habitat, diet and gut microbiome diversity, and facilitates more informed decisions to support the health of wildlife species.

The Upper Peninsula Digital Network (UPLINK) will present a two-day public event hosted by the Ontonagon County Historical Society that features a presentation on the importance of preserving local history and an opportunity for community members to digitize family memorabilia, photographs and cassette recordings. The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 14-15 at the Ontonagon Village Housing Commission at 100 Cane Court.

Northern Michigan University's Department of Theatre & Dance is seeking campus and community involvement for a devised theater piece that will celebrate members of historically marginalized communities and share their experiences at NMU and in the Marquette area. The piece, tiled “Finding Home,” will be incorporated into the 2022-2023 season. The deadline for sharing stories is Tuesday, June 14.

Northern Michigan University's College of Graduate Studies & Research has added a new master's degree program titled Administration of Outdoor Recreation and Nature-Based Tourism, effective this fall. The program will be delivered largely online through NMU's Global Campus, with two in-person summer seminar courses. It is designed for individuals currently working in the parks and recreation fields who wish to advance to administrative positions, as well as prospective students interested in entering these occupations.

The Student Leader Fellowship Program (SLFP) at Northern Michigan University is recruiting mentors from the community and university for the 2022-23 academic year. Mentors are matched with a student fellow for one academic year and act as a role model, adviser and friend. They provide guidance and support as the students strive to become leaders of their communities through service.

The Northern Michigan University Department of Theatre and Dance will present the world premiere of "A Complicated Hope" by John Mabey of Atlanta, winner of NMU's 2021 Panowski Playwriting Award. Show times are 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 8 through Saturday, June 11, and 2 p.m. Sunday, June 12. A sensory-friendly Theatre for All performance will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday. 

A poverty-stricken childhood in Washington, D.C. did not stop NMU alumnus and boxer DaVarryl “Touch of Sleep” Williamson from compiling a long list of impressive achievements and accolades—not only for his powerful punch in the ring, but for his dedication to community service and education. The two-time national Golden Gloves champion, 10-time national amateur champ and former professional heavyweight was recently among six 2022 inductees into the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame.