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Northern Michigan University's Young Wildcat Scholars (YWS) program resumed last month after a three-year hiatus related to the pandemic. YWS brings together 6th graders from all of NMU's charter schools to help them gain a better understanding of higher education and what Northern and the Marquette community have to offer.  About 300 students participated in educational opportunities and group social activities.

NMU alumnus Scott Grajewski was appointed earlier this year as director of the Blackman-Leoni Department of Public Safety of Jackson County, Mich. The Blackman Township native has been employed with the department for more than 27 years. He returned to his hometown after graduating from Northern in 1993 with a bachelor's degree in justice studies and public relations. 

Northern Michigan University alumnus and Marquette County Sheriff Greg Zyburt was reappointed to the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. He represents the Michigan Sheriffs' Association and his term expires Dec. 31, 2026.

Northern Michigan University 2013 alumnus Ben Argall, an Ishpeming realtor who has been flipping houses for the past six years, is featured on the new season of HGTV's “Battle on the Beach.” He and area licensed contractor Pete Meldrum represent one of three teams competing in weekly renovation challenges across three seaside homes in Gulf Shores, Ala. Argall and Meldrum won the bedroom challenge in the second episode that aired June 11.

Northern Michigan University is offering “Summer of STEM College for Kids” programs for students in K-6 and 7-8. Classes are offered June 26-30 and July 10-14.

Northern Michigan University alumnus John Ziemba, who earned a Master of Arts in Education (MAE) in educational administration/supervision in 2004, has received the 2023 Distinguished Alumni Award from Bay College in Escanaba. He has been teaching in Manistique for 24 years, and is most well-known for being an MHSAA official for baseball, softball and volleyball. 

Northern Michigan University Theatre & Dance will present Rock of Ages, a gritty and glamorous jukebox musical about the tail end of the classic ‘80s rock & roll era in Hollywood. The production is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. June 14-17 and 21-24 in Forest Roberts Theatre. It marks the directorial debut of NMU adjunct assistant professor Kristen Beth Williams, who is also choreographing the show. Beyond her educator role, she is a professional actor/singer/dancer with an extensive career spanning Broadway, national tours and regional theaters across the country. 

Northern Michigan University alumni and friends are invited to meet with NMU President Brock Tessman and connect with other Wildcats at a reception-style event in Gladstone on Wednesday, June 14. The event, which includes a university update from Tessman and complimentary hors d'oeuvres and beverages, will be held from 5:30-7 p.m. EST at the Terrace Bay Hotel.

The Northern Michigan University Center for Rural Health, in partnership with Everyday Life Consulting, will offer a Community Health Worker (CHW) certification training program in Houghton starting in mid-June. The training consists of 12 days of in-person instruction on the nationally aligned competencies, and includes one day of mental health first aid instruction.

Former Wildcat hockey player Andy Contois is associate head coach of the USHL's Youngstown Phantoms, which recently claimed its first Clark Cup title by sweeping the Fargo Force in the best-of-five series with a 1-0 victory in the third matchup. The Marquette native graduated from NMU in 2006 with a degree in finance. 

NMU alumnus Michael Dupont had two reasons to celebrate at the end of the academic year. He received one of Bay College's 2023 Outstanding Part-Time Faculty Awards and also retired after teaching there since 1983. He holds a master's degree in guidance and counseling from NMU and is a licensed master social worker and professional counselor, as well as a counselor in internationally certified drug addiction.

Northern Michigan University Biology Professor Neil Cumberlidge has received The Crustacean Society Excellence in Research Award (TCSERA), a prestigious honor given to colleagues who have significantly advanced the field of carcinology, or crab biology. His substantial body of research on freshwater crabs was judged by the TCSERA Awards Committee to have had an overall influence on this field, as well as making a significant contribution to crustacean biology in general.

Northern Michigan University alumna Jodie Cain Smith has garnered international recognition for her writing. The United Kingdom-based Page Turner Awards, dubbed the “Rolls Royce” of writing award programs, selected her published novel Bayou Cresting: The Wanting Women of Huet Pointe for adaptation to a feature film screenplay in late 2022. The book also won for Best Anthology & Compilations.

When Alan McEvoy was in his early 20s, a close friend confided in him that she had been raped. He wanted to help, but said his good intentions collided with his ignorance. McEvoy quickly realized how ill-prepared he was to deal with the complexities and consequences of sexual violence, and to respond with the appropriate language, sensitivity and support that would make him a true ally in her recovery.

Northern Michigan University has been ranked as one of the best colleges for non-traditional and adult learners by Abound, a college guidance system. While online learning options have increased, the schools featured in this particular listing continue the tradition of on-campus engagement while also adapting and catering to adult students' unique circumstances, providing them with an efficient way to attend school in person while giving the attention they need to their jobs and families.

Northern Michigan University Theatre & Dance will kick off Pride Month with a Drag Cabaret at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 1, and Friday, June 2, in Forest Roberts Theatre. Four veteran performers and two newbies will take the stage in a traditional drag show format. They hail from Las Vegas, Chicago, Milwaukee, Madison and Marquette.

The Northern Michigan University Student Veterans of America organization partnered with the UP Together with Veterans suicide prevention initiative on the second annual tombstone cleaning event. This year's location was the Ishpeming cemetery. The 25 volunteers cleaned more than 100 veteran tombstones dating from the Civil War to WWII. 

Northern Michigan University 1988 accounting alumna Lynette Lorenz recently signed a three-year contract as the new county administrator for Iron County. She retains the financial and human resources duties she completed as an administrative assistant before being promoted internally.

Northern Michigan University 2005 MPA alumna Sarah Davy is one of two recipients of the 2023 Bay College Outstanding Staff Award. She serves as academic support coordinator for Bay's West Campus, working directly with students and connecting them with college and local resources aiding in their academic success. She also works with business technology and TRiO Students, supporting them in their individualized career plans and/or the completion of their chosen degree path.