The Northern Michigan University student organization LIVE@NMU will kick off the 4th Annual LIVE Art & Word Contest as a way to help break the stigma surrounding mental health issues and suicide, engage individuals, encourage positive mental health and showcase the talents of both high school students and adults from across the Upper Peninsula. 

SISU: The Innovation Institute at NMU and Innovate Marquette announce the Peak25 conference, taking place Feb. 20-21 at Northern Michigan University. Programming  provides a dynamic platform to celebrate research and scholarship, promote entrepreneurial ventures in outdoor innovation, creative technology, and sustainable solutions, as well as encourage collaboration. Peak25 is free and open to the public. Registration information is coming soon at peakconference.org.

Inspired by his recent visit to Northern Michigan University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in communications in 1975, Starbucks chairman emeritus and former CEO Howard Schultz and his wife, Sheri Kersch-Schultz, have announced a $1 million gift to NMU through their Schultz Family Foundation. The funding will support scholarships for first-generation students and Wildcat Athletics initiatives to promote student-athlete success.

“Cancer taught me that tomorrow isn't promised, and that we can't control everything, but we can choose how we respond,” said Northern Michigan University student Caleb Bell, reflecting on his T-cell lymphoma diagnosis at age 12. The Marquette native endured chemo, open-heart surgery and other challenges over two years, but achieved survivor status and even played club hockey his freshman year at NMU. He continues to support the “Stick It to Cancer” hockey fundraiser first organized on his behalf, and he is exploring opportunities to share his story in the hope of inspiring children currently coping with the disease.

Well-being, which is embedded in Northern's “Our Compass” strategic plan and core values, has become an increasing focus in higher education. NMU alumna McKenzie Mathewson can attest to its importance. She serves as associate director of community wellness at Western Colorado University, and said her Northern experience helped to launch her career.