February 2025

Northern Michigan University Alumni Relations invites alumni and friends to virtually join President Brock Tessman for a special 125th-anniversary edition of the Northern Now digital event series. He will explore NMU's rich history alongside esteemed guests with deep ties to the university at 7 p.m. EST Tuesday, Feb. 18. It will be an opportunity for alumni to reflect on their time at NMU, reconnect with fellow Wildcats, and celebrate the legacy of their alma mater. 

Northern Michigan University President Brock Tessman has been appointed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to serve on the Michigan Education Trust (MET) Board of Directors. The MET is a qualified tuition program that provides tax exemption for the trust and tax exemption of earnings for contract participants who use MET funds to pay for qualified higher education expenses.

Northern Michigan University Social Work Assistant Professor Vikash Kumar has been recognized for his contributions to the International Consortium for Social Development (ICSD), which he serves as a board member and director of information and technology. Kumar was honored at the ICSD's 24th biennial conference in India. He and NMU Associate Professor Karl Johnson also presented papers at the conference.

Northern Michigan University's DeVos Art Museum is accepting submissions through March 18 for its “North of the 45th: 2025 Annual Upper Midwest Juried Exhibition.” Artists living in Michigan, Wisconsin or Minnesota north of the 45th parallel are invited to submit their works from all media.

A Shakespeare play presented with the second week of deer camp in the Upper Peninsula as its backdrop might seem a strange combination or stretch, but Jimmy Ludwig, director of this month's Northern Michigan University production of "Much Ado About Nothing," said his adaptation is designed to make the show more relatable to local audiences.  

The Northern Michigan University Student Nurses Association (SNA) has planned two upcoming events: an Organ Donation Honor Walk from 4-5 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 13, starting at the Superior Dome; and a "Spread the Love" charity gala for Camp New Day from 7-11 p.m. Friday, Feb. 21, at the Ore Dock Brewing Co.

Northern Michigan University's construction management program is hosting a Women in Construction Career Exploration Event from 8:45 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. Friday, Feb. 21, at the Jacobetti Complex. More than 100 regional middle school students in grades 6-8 have registered to participate in this free event, which offers students a unique opportunity to discover and experience options that are traditionally viewed as male-oriented.

The lives and work of the Upper Peninsula's greatest politicians will be on display beginning Friday, Feb. 21, in the Beaumier U.P. Heritage Center's new exhibition, “The Political Life.” An opening reception will be held from 5–7 p.m. in the center's Gries Hall gallery at Northern Michigan University. Admission to the reception and exhibition is free. 

The Northern Michigan University Board of Trustees held a special meeting via teleconference to finalize the meeting schedule and committee appointments for calendar year 2025.

Northern Michigan University will host a heated hospitality tent for the general public near the starting gate of the UP 200 Powered by NMU sled dog race on Friday, Feb. 14. NMU will also host a warm-up party at the Trenary Toast Café.