Around NMU

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. 

Northern Michigan University closed out its 125th anniversary celebration with the second annual NMU Giving Day on April 17, exceeding the $125,000 goal by raising nearly $169,000 for student experiences, research, departments and programs. The “Give to What You Love” event theme encouraged Wildcats and friends to show the power of collective generosity and champion the causes they are particularly passionate about.

Students entering grades 9-11 in the fall are invited to apply for a free, weeklong residential Cyber Defenders Summer Camp hosted by the Upper Peninsula Cybersecurity Institute at Northern Michigan University, with support from the Central U.P. MiSTEM Network and Seaborg Mathematics and Science Center. The camp will take place July 13-18 at NMU. It is designed to introduce students to the rapidly growing field of cybersecurity through a blend of virtual and in-person experiences. The application deadline is May 16.

Northern Michigan University's Glenn T. Seaborg Mathematics and Science Center will host a series of summer programs for students in kindergarten through 12th grade. These programs are designed to foster curiosity, creativity and career exploration through immersive, hands-on learning experiences in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

Two Northern Michigan University students and two alumni joined President Brock Tessman in testifying on behalf of NMU before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Higher Education and Community Colleges in Lansing April 23. Those sharing the impact of their academic journeys were: Emma Gariepy, a senior forensic biochemistry major from Mattawan, Mich.; Ben Klossner, a junior mechanical engineering technology major from Iron Mountain; Troy Morris, a 2016 psychology/behavior analysis graduate and co-founder/CEO of the aerospace and space logistics company Kall Morris Inc. of Marquette; and Lexi Hagan, a 2024 business management graduate and new executive director of the Menominee Business Development Corporation.

Area school children who will participate in the 2025 Marquette-Alger Young Authors' Conference May 5-8 at Northern Michigan University visited NMU President Brock Tessman and his wife, Kristin, to read from their books. The students pictured with the Tessmans (from left) are: Callie Sundberg, Aspen Ridge, 5th grade; Brock Verville, Aspen Ridge, Kindergarten; Henry Dellangelo, Graveraet, Kindergarten; and Nora Morrison, Graveraet, 1st grade.