Around NMU

Northern Michigan University senior Anthony Gonzalez offered his professors a rare excuse for missing the first two weeks of the semester. He was in Nepal, successfully completing the iconic trek to Mount Everest Base Camp. By traveling during the off season—his only option before graduating in May and starting his career—Gonzalez encountered very little traffic on the route and was treated to “blue skies and crystal-clear views every day.” But consistent sub-zero overnight temperatures and the high altitude took a physical toll that required extra recovery time upon his return.

Northern Michigan University students, faculty and staff are invited to provide feedback on broadband barriers impacting internet access across the state during a community listening session hosted on campus by Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist and the Michigan High Speed Internet Office (MIHI).

Beginning this year, the sled dog race that starts and finishes in Marquette and serves as an Iditarod qualifier is officially known as the “UP200 Powered by NMU.” As a Gold Sled Sponsor, Northern Michigan University is planning more activities around the event, which will be held on Friday, Feb. 17. Its partnership with the U.P. Sled Dog Association also enhances volunteer and service-learning opportunities for students, faculty and staff, and elevates the race's branding and marketing efforts.

Colin Clancy wrote the first draft of his debut novel “Ski Bum” while attending Northern Michigan University. The book is about a college dropout named Jimmy who moves to Colorado to chase the ski bum lifestyle, often working at resorts and doing menial labor to devote as much time as possible to his favorite activity. Jimmy tries to chase the Rocky Mountain high by shredding down Silver Mountain, while engaging in a “spontaneous party life of hot-tub poaching, illicit sledding, and living scrappy and poor in a place where rich people vacation.”

Three Northern Michigan University students have been awarded Spooner Research Grants of up to $500 each to support their ongoing research projects under the supervision of faculty advisers. This year's recipients are Ender Harris of Negaunee, Delaney Anderson of Lake Orion, Mich., and Rylee Jensen of Clearfield, Utah.

Northern Michigan University offers one of the nation's best online master's degree programs in early childhood education, according to 2023 rankings released by OnlineMastersDegrees.org (OMD). Northern ranks 36th overall in the category because of its "overall quality, affordability and commitment to student success." 

Northern Michigan University's Black Student Union is celebrating Black History Month with several events in February. They include a Black History 101 Mobile Museum making a stop at Jamrich Hall, a comedy show featuring comedians who have appeared on network television programs, film screenings and a Black Love Day bake sale. All events are free, unless otherwise noted.

Northern Michigan University English professor Lynn Domina will host a webinar with award-winning author Shelly Puhak about her nonfiction debut, The Dark Queens, at 1 p.m., Friday, Feb. 17. The event is part of the continuing series “Let's Talk about Books at NMU.” Registration is required, but free.

Northern Michigan University jazz ensembles will perform a free concert at 7:30 p.m., Friday, Feb. 17, in Reynolds Recital Hall. The performance will be directed by Mark Flaherty, professor and Music Department chair, along with instructors Patrick Booth and Dave Ziegner.

Having lived in Mexico at a young age, it is no wonder that Northern Michigan University Professor Timothy Compton took a liking to the Spanish language. In some ways, Compton followed in the footsteps of his father who was also a Spanish professor during his career. In other ways, Compton has paved the way for his own unique teaching career.