Articles

While Mark Shevy has been a professor of mass communication and media production at NMU since 2007, people still don't agree on his name. Students in his classes usually call him “Dr. Shevy" or "Professor Shevy.” But he has been told that more people may know him as “Zumba Mark” because he enthusiastically instructs the trademark fitness classes that combine cardio with Latin-inspired dance. Students in Radio X and Marquette Ending Hunger—two organizations he advises—just call him “Mark.” Now Shevy has added a new title before his name: department head. 

Northern Michigan University's Yoga Club will present a public event titled “Yoga and Meditation in Busy Life,” featuring Swami Omkarananda from India. The event will be held from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 11, at Unity Yoga Co-op at 147 W. Washington St. in Marquette. Swami Omkarananda grew up around the great lady saint of India, Ma Anandamayi. He studied and lived with six world-renowned Hindu and Buddhist masters, and has been traveling throughout the world as a peace and wellness messenger.

NMU alumna Lina Blair recently embarked on a new professional role as dean of Student Life at Ferris State University. She previously worked at Grand Rapids Community College as director of Student Life, and at NMU in various capacities, including assistant dean of students.

NMU alumna Allison Watkins is profiled in a feature story on the benefits of a Michigan Municipal League training initiative that helps women advance their skills and leadership abilities to become strong local government managers. Watkins has served as Newberry village manager since 2019. Despite her extensive experience as HR and community relations director for Newberry, and working with AmeriCorps NCCC, she recalled having imposter syndrome, a feeling she was not where she should be.

Northern Michigan University has recently been granted Workplace Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funding for eligible adults seeking to be part of NMU's bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) program. The funding was granted by Michigan Works!, an association that provides services and support to Michigan's workforce development system.

Northern Michigan University alumnus and retired Emmet County Circuit Judge Charles Johnson of Petoskey recently donned his robe again to preside over a July jury trial at the Marquette County Courthouse. He is one of two grant-funded visiting judges helping to clear the county's backlog of criminal cases. As Johnson sat behind the bench in the historic courtroom, which also served as a pivotal location in the book and film “Anatomy of a Murder,” he developed a sense of déjà vu.

Northern Michigan University Theater & Dance has released the lineup of eight productions that will be featured during the 2023-2024 season. The kick-off event is the "Wildcat Theatre Follies," a showcase of students performing scenes, songs, monologues and dance pieces.

Northern Michigan University is hosting the North Coast Dance Festival, an annual event where dancers from across the country come to the Forest Roberts Theatre to perform a professional ballet routine alongside NMU's CO/LAB company. The performances take place at 7:30 p.m. July 27-28.

Northern  Michigan University biology student Maddy Saddler will address freshwater acidification and its implications for the Great Lakes ecosystem during a Thursday, July 27 presentation in her hometown of Alpena. She will give details about her role as a research intern working on the ongoing freshwater acidification monitoring project with Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory, and Michigan Sea Grant. 

NMU alumna Kami Harvey will begin her newly appointed role of Southern Door (Wis.) Middle School principal on Aug. 1. She began her career as a 1st-grade teacher in Michigan, and has accumulated more than 24 years of experience in education.