January 2024

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.