April 2025

Ari Koontz, a third-year graduate student in Northern Michigan University's MFA program, has finalized a book deal with Macmillan Publishing for their debut young adult novel, "Just Ask Elsie."

Campus canine celebrity Welles, who is the loyal service dog for NMU Veteran Services Coordinator Mike Rutledge, received the 2025 Silver Tag Award from UPAWS at its annual gala on April 5. He was recognized for his longtime service, and for his “comforting and supportive presence” on campus and in the community.

Northern Michigan University sophomore Henry Moore, who shares the same name as one of the most influential modernist sculptors of the 20th century, is making his mark at NMU in a different artistic pursuit: theater. He plays Peter in the current production of "Jesus Christ Superstar." 

Northern Michigan University's master's degree program in Administration of Outdoor Recreation and Nature-Based Tourism has invited three related business-oriented innovators to campus for a public presentation: keynote speaker Bob Jacquart, owner of Stormy Kromer and Copper Peak; Joe Thiel from Innovate Marquette; and Phil Britton from the Outdoor Recreation Innovation Action Network (ORIAN). The free event is scheduled from 10 a.m. to noon Friday, April 18, in Northern Center Peninsula II.

Daniel and Pamella DeVos have continued their philanthropic support of Northern Michigan University through a recent $2 million gift from the Daniel & Pamella DeVos Foundation. Half of this donation will be added to the permanent endowment of the DeVos Art Museum, ensuring its continued excellence. The remaining $1 million will be directed toward a fund aimed at advancing programs and facilities related to the development of an NMU arts district that will benefit the university and Marquette communities.

Northern Michigan University's Theatre and Dance program will host its Alumni Awards from 6-8 p.m. Saturday, April 26, at Forest Roberts Theatre. The event will honor exceptional achievements in theatre, dance and entertainment arts. 

NMU principal secretary Grace Albert is on the verge of retirement, after 45 years of service at the university, all in the Department of Psychological Science. She will be honored by colleagues for the milestone later this month, but she has also received public recognition for her community service milestone as a blood donor. Inspired by photos of past donors on a wall at the U.P. Regional Blood Center (UPRBC), Albert set a personal goal to join the legacy and just reached 100 donations. Albert received a special cake to mark the achievement and social media praise on April 7 from both the UPRBC and UP Health System – Marquette.

Brock Tessman is stepping down as president of Northern Michigan University, effective July 1, to become president at Montana State University, it was announced today.

Northern Michigan University's 11th annual Anderton's Earth Week April 20-27 will be the biggest yet, with a variety of activities scheduled for the campus and Marquette-area communities and free parking during Earth Week events.