Around NMU

Northern Michigan University's Technical and Office Professionals union (UAW 1950) has ratified a one-year contract extension, with 96% support among those who cast virtual ballots on Monday.

The new NMU Center for Rural Health has received a $100,000 federal development grant that will focus on diabetes prevention and treatment, as well as access to emergency medical services, across much of the Upper Peninsula. It also has its first director. Elise Bur of Marquette has most recently served as administrative director of Upper Great Lakes Family Health Center.

The Beaumier U.P. Heritage Center at Northern Michigan University has announced its 2020 Upper Peninsula Folklife Awardees: musician Randy Seppala of Watton; folklorist Yvonne Lockwood, an Ironwood native who resides in Chelsea; and woodcarver Peter "Pekka" Olson of Chassell. The awards will be presented on Friday, Nov. 6, at NMU's Sonderegger Symposium. 

Northern Michigan University today donated 24 refurbished notebook computers to Norlite Nursing Center in Marquette, which has recorded the highest number of COVID-19 deaths in the Upper Peninsula. All Norlite residents who have been isolated in their rooms since mid-March now have the technology to communicate with friends and family and engage in online group activities.

As protests in response to George Floyd's murder continued across the country, NMU President Fritz Erickson sent a campus-wide email earlier this week expressing solidarity in advocating for systemic equity in all sectors of society. He said Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer Jessica Cruz will take the lead in identifying “actionable strategies for moving forward and creating opportunities for dialogue” this summer and when classes resume this fall. Cruz shared her thoughts on recent events and the need for related campus initiatives in the following Q&A. 

Three NMU education alumni have received accolades for their effective instruction. Jennifer Melero ('92 BS) is the Michigan Charter School Teacher of the Year, Jeremy Connin ('05 BME) is the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association District 13 Teacher of the Year, and Nicole Sheltrow ('99 BS, '05 MAE) is Gwinn Area Community Schools' Teacher of the Year.

Northern Michigan University is one of the two most affordable universities in Michigan, according to a ranking released by University Headquarters (HQ).

The latest Wildcat Minute focuses on NMU electrical line technician graduate Ross Carr, who reflects on how the COVID-19 pandemic affected the final stretch of his college experience. He is currently employed in this essential field in Vermont.

The Northern Michigan University Alumni Association hosted a live virtual event, Fireside with Fritz: A Conversation with President Erickson on May 20. More than 150 alumni from 19 states joined President Erickson for a fireside chat, as he shared campus updates, answered questions live and engaged with the Wildcat community.

Northern Michigan University Economics Professor Gary McDonnell was one of the featured expert panelists in a recent WalletHub piece comparing states' unemployment rates related to the COVID-19 pandemic. He addressed the impact of the $2.2 trillion federal emergency relief package and the accuracy of a conventional measure of unemployment.