Around NMU

David Nyberg, executive director of Business Engagement and Economic Development at Northern Michigan University, has been appointed to the higher education workgroup of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's “Growing Michigan Together Council.” The bipartisan group seeks to increase the state's stagnant population and bolster its economy.

Northern Michigan University radiology student Mara Heino is one of 11 "exceptional individuals" selected to receive $20,000 scholarships from the KFC Foundation. The program is designed to help KFC restaurant employees pursue their college dreams. Heino works at the Marquette franchise. 

Northern Michigan University multimedia journalism students have abundant opportunities for TV news internships and employment, with four commercial stations in the local market. The public television station on campus also broadcasts the student-led production Public Eye News (PEN), which introduces them to the diverse skills required for the industry.

While Mark Shevy has been a professor of mass communication and media production at NMU since 2007, people still don't agree on his name. Students in his classes usually call him “Dr. Shevy" or "Professor Shevy.” But he has been told that more people may know him as “Zumba Mark” because he enthusiastically instructs the trademark fitness classes that combine cardio with Latin-inspired dance. Students in Radio X and Marquette Ending Hunger—two organizations he advises—just call him “Mark.” Now Shevy has added a new title before his name: department head. 

Northern Michigan University's Yoga Club will present a public event titled “Yoga and Meditation in Busy Life,” featuring Swami Omkarananda from India. The event will be held from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 11, at Unity Yoga Co-op at 147 W. Washington St. in Marquette. Swami Omkarananda grew up around the great lady saint of India, Ma Anandamayi. He studied and lived with six world-renowned Hindu and Buddhist masters, and has been traveling throughout the world as a peace and wellness messenger.

Northern Michigan University has recently been granted Workplace Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funding for eligible adults seeking to be part of NMU's bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) program. The funding was granted by Michigan Works!, an association that provides services and support to Michigan's workforce development system.

Northern Michigan University Theater & Dance has released the lineup of eight productions that will be featured during the 2023-2024 season. The kick-off event is the "Wildcat Theatre Follies," a showcase of students performing scenes, songs, monologues and dance pieces.

Northern Michigan University is hosting the North Coast Dance Festival, an annual event where dancers from across the country come to the Forest Roberts Theatre to perform a professional ballet routine alongside NMU's CO/LAB company. The performances take place at 7:30 p.m. July 27-28.

NMU alumna Kami Harvey will begin her newly appointed role of Southern Door (Wis.) Middle School principal on Aug. 1. She began her career as a 1st-grade teacher in Michigan, and has accumulated more than 24 years of experience in education.

The world-famous Mackinac Island attracts visitors from far and wide, but August 18-20 will have a more Upper Peninsula flair as Northern Michigan University hits the docks for an Arts and Athletics Showcase.