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The NMU Pride of the North Marching Band will perform the first of three fall Superior Dome shows, absent a football game because of COVID-19, at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12. A "studio audience" of 120 who request passes in advance will be able to watch the performance live in the Superior Dome. The show will also be streamed for viewing later in the day on the band's Facebook page. 

Jacob Daar, psychology professor and program director for the Behavior Education, Assessment and Research (BEAR) Center at Northern Michigan University, has been appointed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to represent state universities on the Michigan Autism Council. The BEAR Center provides critical therapy services to individuals with autism and other behavioral disorders in underrepresented rural areas, and serves as a clinical and research site for students pursuing careers in the field. 

The Upper Peninsula Cybersecurity Institute (UPCI) at Northern Michigan University is helping the Michigan Economic Development Corporation promote the growth of the state's cyber community by hosting certification and workshop offerings designed to develop local talent in the field. The UPCI, a hub of the Michigan Cyber Range in Ann Arbor, is referenced in an SC Media report titled "The cyber digital divide: How to level the playing field." 

Marquette, home to Northern Michigan University, is among 25 small towns that are about to become more popular, according to a listing in Reader's Digest. The magazine identified "up-and-coming" towns offering unique amenities and attractions. 

In celebration of its 10th year, Michigan College Access Network (MCAN) awarded a $10,000 grant to Northern Michigan University in support of college access and postsecondary attainment. This grant is one of 10 grants MCAN is awarding in a 10-day period in connection with its 10th year as part of its “10-10-10 Birthday Tour.”

Two NMU alumni athletes have signed new professional contracts to advance their playing careers. Former Wildcat point guard Naba Echols (BA '19) will showcase his basketball talents in Croatia, playing for Košarkaški Klub Alkar (also known as KK Alkar). Veteran hockey forward and Marquette native Justin Florek (BS '14) has signed with the South Carolina Stingrays, the minor league affiliate of the NHL's Washington Capitals and AHL's Hershey Bears.  

Northern Michigan University's 10th day enrollment report shows continued positive strides related to retention, as well as enrollment in graduate and online Global Campus programs. NMU has also increased the total population served through its many learning options and its Educational Access Network.

The COVID-19 virus may have canceled the football season, but it hasn't stopped NMU's Pride of the North Marching Band from sharing its music with others. Monday night, the band delivered a special outdoor performance to students in quarantine and isolation in Spalding Hall. The group will also perform three Superior Dome shows this fall that will be streamed for online viewing.

The NMU Board of Trustees approved faculty tenure, promotions and new appointments, which took effect with the start of the fall semester. Trustees also authorized contract extensions for several school and department heads.

The North Country Trail Association (NCTA) recently honored two women with Northern Michigan University connections during its annual awards ceremony, held virtually this year because of COVID-19. May graduate Lynnae Branham received the 2020 Rising Star Award and Professor Emeritus Lorana Jinkerson received the Thomas L. Gilbert Lifetime Achievement Award.