Articles

Constructors Install ADA-Compliant Free Library at Kids Cove Playground

The Northern Michigan Constructors, a student organization dedicated to community service projects throughout the Marquette area, built an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant little free library and installed it last week next to the Kids Cove all-inclusive playground at Lower Harbor Park. The group's effort earned the "Project of the Year" award at NMU's Leadership Recognition Banquet held earlier this month.
Northern Michigan Constructors surround the free library they built and installed.

NMU Receives Grant for Rooftop Solar Project

Northern Michigan University has received a $100,000 grant from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) to install a rooftop solar array at the campus WellBeing Center. The project will provide reliable renewable energy and reduce utility costs for the university, said NMU Assistant Vice President for Sustainability Jes Thompson. NMU was one of 21 statewide recipients of MDARD grants to promote the sustainability of land-based industries and support infrastructure that benefits rural communities.
The future rooftop solar installation will complement another Green Fund project on campus: this ground-based solar array near the Athletics Complex.

NMU Hosts First 'Water is Life' Festival

Northern Michigan University's Center for Native American Studies will host Marquette's first "Water is Life Festival" on Friday, April 25. The event will bring together Indigenous teachers, local and regional musicians, performance artists, visual and material artists, and grassroots environmental advocates from throughout the Upper Peninsula. Admission to all activities is free.
Water is Life Festival graphic

Education Students Visit Wisconsin Schools

Students from Northern Michigan University's School of Education recently traveled to Wisconsin to observe a variety of educational settings as part of a course-related field experience. The group was divided among three schools that represent a broad spectrum of student populations, offering NMU teacher candidates the opportunity to engage with diverse educational environments. They visited Danz Elementary School and Preble High School in Green Bay, and Syble Hopp School in nearby De Pere. 
Students at Preble High School

NMU Hosts Career Day April 23

Northern Michigan University will host Career Day for about 1,000 students from more than 20 high schools across the Upper Peninsula on Wednesday, April 23. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Northern Center. Students will have an opportunity to chat about career and educational opportunities with representatives of 45 participating employers and many of NMU's academic departments. 
NMU academic logo

Employee Awards Presented

Northern Michigan University honored several individuals and teams during its 2025 Faculty and Staff Recognition Celebration, held April 9. The event recognized individual and team award winners, along with employees reaching years of service milestones and recent retirees.
Excellence in Service Award recipients (from left): Dave Bohrer, Cara Kamps, Ken Love, Carley Leanes, Lucas Abromowitz, Andrea Hammond, Paul Ritari and Cam Hadley

NMU Giving Day April 17

Northern Michigan University will close out its 125th anniversary celebration with NMU Giving Day on Thursday, April 17. This year's theme, “Give to What You Love,” encourages Wildcats and friends to show the power of collective generosity and champion the causes they are particularly passionate about, such as student experiences, research, departments and programs, or athletics.
NMU Giving Day graphic