May 2025

Northern Michigan University 1996 alumna Skye Patrick, CEO of the massive Los Angeles County Public Library system, is one of seven recipients of the 2025 James Irvine Foundation Leadership Awards, which recognize individuals whose “innovative solutions to critical state challenges improve people's lives, create opportunity and contribute to a better California.” The honor also included a $350,000 grant and other resources for her organization. Patrick previously earned a national award when Library Journal named her 2019 Librarian of the Year. She is also a past NMU Alumni Achievement Award recipient.

Northern Michigan University has been selected by the Institute of International Education (IIE) to receive an IIE American Passport Project grant that will enable up to 25 NMU students to obtain their first U.S. passport and open the pathway to study abroad. In its fifth year, IIE has awarded grants to 45 institutions in the IIENetwork membership to help 1,275 Pell-eligible college students through this opportunity.

On May 18, 1675, the missionary and explorer Jacques Marquette passed away along the shores of Lake Michigan on his way back to the mission he founded in St. Ignace. To commemorate the 350th anniversary of his death, but more importantly his life and legacy, the Beaumier U.P. Heritage Center at Northern Michigan University is hosting a “Father Marquette 350th Commemoration” on Monday, May 19, in 1100 Jamrich Hall. The event will feature full day of presentations, films and round tables about Marquette, the Jesuit Missionaries of the region and their legacy on our region today. It is free and open to the public.

Northern Michigan University Theatre and Dance will present “Six Men Dressed Like Joseph Stalin” by Dianne Nora, winner of the Panowski Playwriting Award. With the former USSR as its backdrop, the dark comedy revolves around two men—loosely inspired by real figures—who bear such a strong resemblance to Stalin that they are forced into dangerous service as political decoys to thwart his enemies and alleviate fears for his safety. Performances are scheduled at 7:30 pm. Thursday, May 15, through Saturday, May 17, in NMU's Panowski Black Box Theatre.

Northern Michigan University Athletics and NMU Theatre & Dance will team up once again for the seventh annual Arts and Athletics Golf Outing on Thursday, June 19, at the Marquette Golf Club. The event supports both departments' students and programs. Four-person teams can play either the Heritage course for $150 per person, or Greywalls for $250 per person. Tickets include 18 holes with a cart, dinner, refreshments on the course and a thank-you gift.

Gavin Leach, a Northern Michigan University alumnus who has worked at NMU for 36 years—the last 18 as vice president for Finance and Administration–has been appointed NMU's interim president while a nationwide search is conducted for the next leader to fill the role. His appointment was announced at the May 2 NMU Board of Trustees meeting.

The Northern Michigan University Board of Trustees recognized its annual Student Achievement Award recipients, all of whom hail from Michigan. Tessa Standerford of Negaunee and Landon Strzelewicz of Caro are the 2025 Outstanding Graduating Seniors. Recipients of the remaining outstanding awards in their respective categories are: Amy Holmes of Waterford Township, Global Campus Student; Jennifer Kreger, Pontiac, Nontraditional Student; Andie Belanger, Gladstone, Graduate Student; and Bryson Krieger, Portland, Student of Any Class.