Around NMU

Forum Updates Grand Challenges, Facilities, Other Changes

The three executive sponsors of the Our Compass strategic plan grand challenges—supporting our people, partnering with our place, and realizing the potential of all students—outlined initial strategies to address each at Wednesday's university forum. The event also provided updates on facilities projects and the Wildcat Way pedestrian/bike path through campus, along with innovation funding opportunities. In his opening remarks, President Brock Tessman announced an upcoming organizational change.
President Brock Tessman (right) and Gavin Leach at the forum

HVAC/R Students Install Boiler in Veteran's Home

Late last winter, U.S. Army veteran and NMU student Travis Syrja was having major issues with his existing boiler, which proved unfixable. The single father resorted to using small electric heaters in his Negaunee home. That won't be necessary this season. Through the support of area businesses and the efforts of his instructor and fellow second-year students in Northern's HVAC/R program, Syrja's home is now equipped with a new boiler.  
Syrja (seated front right) with his HVAC/R classmates who helped to install the new boiler.

NMUDoIt Student Theater Group Presents 'The Last Five Years'

NMUDoIt, a student theater group established early this year at Northern Michigan University, will present its first full-length production—the musical The Last Five Years—at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 14 through Saturday, Nov. 16, in the Panowski Black Box Theatre. Tickets are free (donations accepted). Written and composed by Drama Desk winner Jason Robert Brown, The Last Five Years is described as an emotionally powerful and intimate musical about two New Yorkers in their 20s who fall in and out of love over the course of five years.
'The Last Five Years' poster featuring Liam Fisher and Kayleigh Clark.

Goodwill Earns Rising Star Award

Kourtney Goodwill, assistant director of Admissions at Northern Michigan University, was selected as a 2024 Rising Star Award recipient through the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC). The award honors individuals and programs that exemplify excellence and dedication in serving the needs of students as they transition from high school to college.
Kourtney Goodwill

NMU, City of Marquette Team Up for Student Voter Registration

Northern Michigan University, the City of Marquette and bipartisan NMU student organizations are teaming up to provide a more efficient, coordinated opportunity for students to register to vote during the early voting period to avoid a last-minute surge on Election Day. NMU will offer a shuttle from The Woods housing complex to and from Peter White Public Library for this purpose from 10 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 3.
Collection of "Vote" buttons (stock photo)