Sharon (Frifeldt) Keith, a 1977 Northern Michigan University nursing graduate, competed in the Half-IRONMAN World Championship in New Zealand last month. She placed third among women in her 70-74 age group, swimming 1.2 miles in open water, biking 56 miles, then running 13.1 miles with no breaks in between. Keith's extended involvement in endurance events inspires younger athletes she trains with in Honolulu. It also enables her to make up for some lost time, as she was a relatively late bloomer in the sporting arena.    

Northern Michigan University will host a campus Sustainability Summit from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 18. The event will kick off in Forest Roberts Theatre with keynote speakers Chef Bryan Flower and Courtney Gallaher from Northern Illinois University discussing their Edible Campus. Other activities are scheduled throughout the day in Jamrich Hall and the Hedgcock Atrium.

Northern Michigan University students are encouraged to apply for donor-funded scholarships for the 2025-2026 academic year before the midnight deadline on Monday, Feb. 17. Last year, NMU awarded more than 700 scholarships totaling about $1.4 million in aid. Award amounts can range from $500 to a full ride.

Northern Michigan University WellBeing will hold a grand opening for the new outdoor ice rink, located behind the Northern Center, from 5-8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1. The public is invited. The event will include a food truck, ribbon-cutting and hot chocolate bar. 

Northern Michigan University Alumni Relations is hosting two Green Bay-area events for alumni and friends: a free gathering featuring immersive game experiences, appetizers and a cash bar from 6-8 p.m. CST Friday, Jan. 31, at The Turn Restaurant Lounge; and NMU night at the Green Bay Gamblers hockey game at 6:05 p.m. CST Saturday, Feb. 1, at the Resch Center. President Brock Tessman will attend both events.