Around NMU

McKenzie Leishman of Kingsley, Mich., has been named the Northern Michigan University School of Art and Design 2020-21 outstanding graduating senior.

Northern Michigan University ranks 36th among the nation's best bachelor's degree programs in environmental science, according to a national ranking released by Study.com. NMU's environmental science degree features an interdisciplinary approach that prepares students for a variety of careers in physical and natural science by emphasizing applied environmental science knowledge, skills and abilities.

Through respectful dialogue devoid of confrontation, NMU's Criminal Justice Department and Black Student Union organization reached a compromise on a display in the department's office. They agreed that adding a Black Lives Matter flag between existing American and thin blue line flags was the best way to resolve differing interpretations of what the latter symbolizes. 

Nelly G. Kupper, Northern Michigan University professor of French and Russian, has been named the 2021 recipient of the Dorothy Ludwig Excellence in Teaching Award at the post-secondary level. The American Association of Teachers of French will honor Kupper at its next convention. AATF is the largest professional association of French teachers worldwide, with nearly 10,000 members.

Northern Michigan University biology graduate student Tru Hubbard has received two NMU awards for her thesis research project. She will present a virtual thesis seminar, titled “A Dynamic Landscape of Fear: Human Impact on Carnivore Community Structure,” at noon Thursday, April 22.

Northern Michigan University's Music Department is offering a free virtual concert featuring Duo Entre-Nous, composed of clarinetist Jackie Glazier and saxophonist Don-Paul Kahl. The video performance is available through 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, April 21. It is supported by the Siril Endowment for the Musical Arts.

Northern Michigan University's English Department will host virtual readings and celebrations April 24-25 to honor those who completed degree requirements for either a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in creative writing or a Master of Arts this year or in 2020.

Northern Michigan University's School of Art & Design presents its Senior Art Exhibition online through Friday, April 30, when a closing virtual reception is scheduled at 7 p.m. The show features the work of 44 graduating seniors. 

Northern Michigan University junior Bazile Panek won NMU's 2021 New Business Venture Competition for both his written plan and his presentation in the Big Pitch competition for his proposed business, Niim, which will market socks adorned with traditional Indigenous designs created by Native Americans. Freshman Jimmy Flom won the crowd favorite award at the Big Pitch for his proposal, The Burger Boat.

Northern Michigan University junior Bazile Panek will serve as the student keynote speaker at the third Shifting Seasons Summit hosted by the College of Menominee Nation—Sustainable Development Institute. He will present alongside three well-known Indigenous scholars and activists during the April 19-21 virtual summit, which promotes sharing adaptation and resilience knowledge across Indigenous communities.