All News Releases

Five randomly chosen local organizations will receive automated external defibrillators (AEDs) donated by the Green Bay Packers. This winter, the Packers and Bellin Health announced that the team would fund $100,000 toward providing 80 AEDs to eligible organizations in need throughout Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The decision was made in the wake of the January cardiac emergency experienced by Buffalo Bills player Damar Hamlin.

The Northern Michigan University (NMU) Foundation, in partnership with the City of Marquette, has selected Adamo Group, a family-owned demolition company founded in 1964, based in Detroit, as general contractor for the blight elimination project at the former hospital property adjacent to NMU's campus in Marquette. It was the lowest of seven bidders. Adamo Group and the NMU Foundation entered into a demolition services agreement on June 12 after finalizing approvals with funding partners, including the State Land Bank Authority, City of Marquette, and Michigan Economic Development Corporation.

Northern Michigan University researchers are exploring the feasibility of using hemp to remediate soil contaminated with PFAS, a group of manufactured chemicals that make a wide range of industry and consumer products non-stick, greaseproof and flame retardant. NMU Chemistry Professor Lesley Putman said the hope is that hemp will not only draw up PFAS from the ground, but ultimately be able to degrade them, unlike the typical and more costly remediation methods using granular activated charcoal or reverse osmosis.

The Two Books Two Communities committee is pleased to announce its 2023 selections: Chevy in the Hole, a novel set in Flint, Mich., by Kelsey Ronan; and A Psalm for the Wild-Built, a “solar punk” sci fi novella set on a rewilding moon by Becky Chambers. The Two Books Two Communities program fosters a sense of community by bringing together Northern Michigan University and Marquette and Alger County readers. Community members can add these titles to their summer reading lists in order to join the conversation at related events this fall.

NMU 1970 art education alumnus John Prusak, who became a legend for growing the filmmaking community in his hometown of Detroit and launching the careers of Oscar winners, is featured in a posthumous tribute article in the June issue of HOUR DETROIT magazine. His 60 film credits included camera operator for Michael Moore's Roger & Me, but most were for local, independent projects that often related to the city he loved. For a half century, Prusak also was an instrumental member of the Royal Oak-based nonprofit Digital Arts, Film & Television (DAFT), which offers related training for students and teachers.

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.