Around NMU

Northern Michigan University's popular animal-assisted intervention (AAI) program has appropriately gained a new Wildcat named Luna to complement the beloved Wildpups therapy dogs that routinely interact with the campus community, providing comfort, joy and companionship. Luna belongs to NMU social work major Emilee DeForge. After seeing her tortoiseshell feline's therapeutic potential in terms of personality and temperament, the Houghton native was eager to certify her pet for service.

Randi Clemens, executive administrative assistant/adjunct assistant professor in Northern Michigan University's English Department and an NMU alumna, is one of 16 individuals statewide selected to join the Michigan Arts and Culture Council's  2025–2026 Rising Leaders cohort. Clemens is the only representative from Michigan's Upper Peninsula to be named to this year's group.

Northern Michigan University's Platform Personalities organization will host “An Evening with Anthony Ramos” on Monday, Nov. 17, in the Northern Center Grand Ballroom. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the event will begin at 7 p.m. Admission is free for NMU students (1 ticket per ID) and $5 for the general public.

The Beaumier U.P. Heritage Center at Northern Michigan University will host the 25th annual Sonderegger Symposium, which features several presentations revolving around Upper Peninsula history. The theme of this year's event is "Above and Below the Surface: Maritime History of the Great Lakes." It will be held on Friday, Nov. 14, in the Northern Center Ballroom IV. Admission is free, and includes a light lunch at noon.

Northern Michigan University ranks 22nd nationwide on a 2026 listing of affordable cybersecurity bachelor's degree programs compiled by Cybersecurity Guide, a resource referenced by leading cybersecurity professionals in academia, industry and beyond.

The Northern Michigan University Board of Trustees approved a contract for newly appointed President Chris Olsen and a negotiated agreement with employees in the AFSCME union at a special session held virtually this afternoon.

The Northern Michigan University Music Department will present three upcoming concerts to usher in November: Percussion Ensemble; Opera Theater Workshop; and the inaugural Wildcat Winds performance. All are free and will be held in Reynolds Recital Hall.

Northern Michigan University will host a welcome reception for incoming NMU President Chris Olsen and his wife, Jennifer. The event is scheduled from 4:30-6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 10, in the Grand Ballroom of the Northern Center. Faculty, staff, students and community members are invited to attend.

At the Oct. 27 campus forum, Northern Michigan University Interim President Gavin Leach provided updates on the presidential transition, enrollment-related initiatives, facilities projects, and impacts of both the finalized state budget and federal funding cuts. Other staff members gave presentations on progress related to the Grand Challenges in “Our Compass,” Northern's strategic plan.