NMU alumnus William Provost ('20 BS, '13 MA, '10 BS) recently became the first to complete a course and certification offered through NMU's Upper Peninsula Cybersecurity Institute (UPCI), which opened on campus in May 2019. The UPCI offers non-degree and industry credentials relevant to emerging careers, augments NMU's existing cyber defense bachelor's degree and provides career exploration and training opportunities for K-12 school districts.

Northern's annual Diversity Common Reader Program (DCRP) revolves around a nonfiction book of interdisciplinary interest that advances discussions of diversity, inclusion and justice. This year's selection, Ta-Nehisi Coates' "Between the World and Me," is available free to NMU students, starting today. Two related virtual events are planned Nov. 13.

The Northern Michigan University Alumni Association will continue its Northern Now monthly digital event series with a presentation by permafrost expert and alumnus Fritz Nelson ('73 BS). His talk is titled "Hell of a Highway: Permafrost and the Development of the Alcan Project." It will begin at 7 p.m. (EST) Wednesday, Nov. 11.

Northern Michigan University Alumni Mark Mattson ('97 BS, '02 MAE) and Christian Wilson ('92 BS) were named recipients of the Michigan High School Athletic Association's (MHSAA) Allen W. Bush Award for 2020.

Communications professional Ron Beacom ('82 BA) is the new managing editor for Catalyst Midland, an online media/news company that shares stories of people and their businesses or organizations making positive changes across the region.