NMU alumna Amber Libby ('10 BS) was recently appointed Cheboygan County's chief assistant prosecuting attorney, following the resignation of her predecessor. The Marquette native has been employed with the prosecutor's office since January 2019.

NMU alumnus Aaron Payment and NMU Native American studies professor Martin Reinhardt are quoted in a recent Detroit Free Press story on perceptions associated with the use of Native American nicknames by Michigan high schools. The article has been published in other state media as well.

The Northern Michigan University Foundation is pleased to report more than $6.1 million in outright gifts, pledges and expectancies for Fiscal Year 2020, a nearly 11% year-over-year increase. New outright gifts grew by 17.6% and new pledge receipts more than doubled, to over $1.3 million.

Bill Leisenring has created the company U.P. Authentic to provide a selection of curated products from U.P. artisans and businesses and will give 50% of the profits to U.P. charities. Invent@NMU student employees assisted in the launch. U.P. Authentic is collaborating with Sayklly's Candies from Marquette, Shabby Chic Rustic from Gladstone and other artisans across the Upper Peninsula. 

Beth Millner ('08 BFA) started a jewelry business in the corner of her tiny kitchen while attending NMU. She was committed to creating sustainable, handcrafted designs inspired by the U.P. landscape and Lake Superior. She opened a storefront studio and shop on Marquette's Washington Street in 2012 and now employs seven full-time and part-time staff, including NMU alumni. The growth, innovation, philanthropy and workplace culture at Beth Millner Jewelry led to its selection as the 2020 Woman-Owned Small Business of the Year in Michigan.