Four Northern Michigan University students have been selected to participate in the second cohort of NMU's Rural Leadership Fellowship Program, a public-private partnership with InvestUP that promotes immersive, project-based learning while also supporting U.P. economic and community development projects. The fellows and their project partners are: Aimee Doyle, Marquette County Emergency Management; Travis Garvey, Michigan Office of Rural Prosperity; Rachel Raak, Village of Laurium; and Miki Rogers, Partridge Creek Compost in Ishpeming.

Northern Michigan University factors prominently in the third novel by 1981 English and French alumna Sharon Dilworth. "To Be Marquette" weaves in some factual elements from her time as a student—namely the controversial government-funded Project ELF and associated protests about its potential adverse effects on the environment. It also references familiar community landmarks and pays homage to the area's natural beauty. Dilworth said her growing concerns about climate change made her reflect on her NMU experience and reminisce with fellow alumni in recent years, which inspired her to write the book.

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.