Steve Young of Lansing is the new chair of the Northern Michigan University Board of Trustees, effective Jan. 1. Alexis Hart of Royal Oak will serve as vice chair. The board held elections for the leadership positions at its Dec. 10 meeting. 

Northern Michigan University music education major Caitlin Palomaki of Marquette is serving as guest conductor for the Friday and Saturday performances of NMU Theatre and Dance's “Elf: The Musical.” She will lead the pit orchestra, subbing for music professor Erin Colwitz, who has a conflict directing the Marquette Choral Society concerts this weekend. 

As director of Northern Michigan University's DeVos Art Museum, Emily Lanctot is used to showcasing the work of other artists. But now her own paintings are being featured in a solo exhibition at the Deo Gallery in the lower level of Peter White Public Library. Marquette's Office of Arts and Culture presents “People, Secrets and Snacks” through the month of December, with a public reception from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 9.

Darren Ing of Haslett, who attended Northern Michigan University from 1993-96, has been appointed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to the Michigan Travel Commission. He is the director of the Michigan Manufactured Housing, Recreation Vehicle & Campground Association and the president of the Tourism Industry Coalition of Michigan. 

Jessie Selissen was in 10th grade when a service member from her hometown of Boyne City was killed during an insurgent attack overseas. She vividly recalls residents lining the streets in silent tribute during the funeral procession. Now Selissen is an Air Force veteran who will graduate Saturday with a degree in multimedia production. She recently put her military background and academic experience to work producing a podcast highlighting veterans and reputable nonprofits that assist them.