Around NMU

The Northern Michigan University Board of Trustees approved 2021 committee assignments and charges at a special meeting this afternoon. The board also supported a resolution authorizing a loan of up to $10 million to the NMU Foundation, on an as-needed basis, so that it is better positioned to support capital projects that benefit NMU and are consistent with previously approved master plans.

The Dec. 22 "For the Win" column in USA Today asked readers how many wolves they could spot in three images captured by motion-sensor cameras placed in the U.P. wilderness and monitored by NMU. The photos show members of the Echo Lake wolf pack, which inhabits a territory that spans about 30 square miles and preys on white-tailed deer and smaller mammals.

Being an educator for K-5 students in the midst of a pandemic comes with many challenges that require patience and the ability to adapt quickly. Northern Michigan University alumna Suzanna Schroeder (‘95 BS, ‘99 MA) is the library media specialist for Brown Deer Elementary School in Wisconsin. She has been coming up with new initiatives to keep her students informed and engaged.

Northern Michigan University will comply with today's Michigan Department of Health and Human Services' decision to extend its epidemic order through mid-January. The extension will not impact the previously planned start of winter semester classes on Tuesday, Jan. 19. It will delay the reopening of campus residence halls to Jan. 15, which will result in a slightly modified schedule for mass COVID-19 testing before the semester gets underway.

Northern Michigan University's DeVos Art Museum has announced the winners of its "Your Art Here" competition: Marquette residents Catherine Benda, Kaelyn Wright and Emilee Covers. Their work is featured on three banners that have been installed in a prominent location outside of the museum. 

Northern Michigan University's Heidi Blanck and Kathy Richards personify the success women can achieve in the construction, engineering, design and trades industries. Blanck is an associate professor in NMU's construction management program. Richards is associate vice president for Engineering and Planning/Facilities. Each gave a recent presentation encouraging other women to explore related career opportunities as part of the Build Initiative's “Project Accelerate” program.

Tami Seavoy of Marquette will serve as chair of the Northern Michigan University Board of Trustees for calendar year 2021. Steve Young of Lansing will be vice chair. The board held elections for the leadership positions at its Dec. 11 meeting.

Northern Michigan University President Fritz Erickson was invited to give a presentation on NMU's fall semester response to the pandemic during a statewide COVID-19 community response meeting convened Thursday by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

Northern Michigan University Registrar Kim Rotundo received a personal letter from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer praising her leadership in making it easier for students to transfer credits among Michigan's higher education institutions. Whitmer also congratulated Rotundo on her impending retirement.

Northern Michigan University held its fourth NMU Day of Giving on Dec. 1. Alumni and friends from across the globe, university employees, community members and students came together and responded with Wildcat pride to help increase opportunities and expand critical access and aid at NMU.