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Sam Miess of Oregon, Wis., has been named one of two Northern Michigan University Department of Biology 2020-21 outstanding graduating seniors. Miess graduated with a 4.0 grade-point average in December. He plans to pursue a doctoral program with a focus on aquatic ecology. 

McKenzie Leishman of Kingsley, Mich., has been named the Northern Michigan University School of Art and Design 2020-21 outstanding graduating senior.

Northern Michigan University ranks 36th among the nation's best bachelor's degree programs in environmental science, according to a national ranking released by Study.com. NMU's environmental science degree features an interdisciplinary approach that prepares students for a variety of careers in physical and natural science by emphasizing applied environmental science knowledge, skills and abilities.

Through respectful dialogue devoid of confrontation, NMU's Criminal Justice Department and Black Student Union organization reached a compromise on a display in the department's office. They agreed that adding a Black Lives Matter flag between existing American and thin blue line flags was the best way to resolve differing interpretations of what the latter symbolizes. 

Nelly G. Kupper, Northern Michigan University professor of French and Russian, has been named the 2021 recipient of the Dorothy Ludwig Excellence in Teaching Award at the post-secondary level. The American Association of Teachers of French will honor Kupper at its next convention. AATF is the largest professional association of French teachers worldwide, with nearly 10,000 members.

Northern Michigan University biology graduate student Tru Hubbard has received two NMU awards for her thesis research project. She will present a virtual thesis seminar, titled “A Dynamic Landscape of Fear: Human Impact on Carnivore Community Structure,” at noon Thursday, April 22.

Northern Michigan University's Music Department is offering a free virtual concert featuring Duo Entre-Nous, composed of clarinetist Jackie Glazier and saxophonist Don-Paul Kahl. The video performance is available through 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, April 21. It is supported by the Siril Endowment for the Musical Arts.

Northern Michigan University's English Department will host virtual readings and celebrations April 24-25 to honor those who completed degree requirements for either a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in creative writing or a Master of Arts this year or in 2020.

Northern Michigan University's School of Art & Design presents its Senior Art Exhibition online through Friday, April 30, when a closing virtual reception is scheduled at 7 p.m. The show features the work of 44 graduating seniors. 

Northern Michigan University junior Bazile Panek won NMU's 2021 New Business Venture Competition for both his written plan and his presentation in the Big Pitch competition for his proposed business, Niim, which will market socks adorned with traditional Indigenous designs created by Native Americans. Freshman Jimmy Flom won the crowd favorite award at the Big Pitch for his proposal, The Burger Boat.

Northern Michigan University junior Bazile Panek will serve as the student keynote speaker at the third Shifting Seasons Summit hosted by the College of Menominee Nation—Sustainable Development Institute. He will present alongside three well-known Indigenous scholars and activists during the April 19-21 virtual summit, which promotes sharing adaptation and resilience knowledge across Indigenous communities.

Northern Michigan University student Jakob Lippert of Green Bay finished 2nd in individual scoring among 128 players at the Intercollegiate Championship Tournament, the premier national quiz bowl event at the collegiate level. He was a member of NMU's team, which defeated squads from Harvard, Amherst, Tufts and other universities en route to a 15th place finish among 31 teams. Lippert averaged 66 points per game for the tourney.

Northern Michigan University's quiz bowl team recently competed in the Intercollegiate Championship Tournament, the premier national event at the collegiate level. It defeated squads from Harvard, Amherst, Tufts, Boise State and Santa Fe en route to a 5-6 record. The team finished 15th among 31 teams. NMU's Jakob Lippert placed 2nd in individual scoring out of 128 total players, averaging 66 points per game. 

Northern Michigan University President Fritz Erickson held a virtual forum this afternoon to provide a COVID-19 update and confirm that NMU is “still on track” for a return to normal operations in the fall. He also addressed a request for an official commitment to carbon neutrality and proposed modifications to the university's strategic plan.

Jalen Sims of Waterford, Mich., will be the student speaker for Northern Michigan University's May 1 commencement. The graphic design major recalled an early project in which he had to create brand and marketing materials around a fictitious business. He came up with Home Grown seed packets, a nod to his passion for gardening and plants. That might have been prophetic. Sims plans to remain in Marquette to cultivate a farming career while pursuing an online graduate degree related to running an agriculture business.

NMU Dining launched a new Eco-Bag initiative this semester, providing more than 900 residence hall students with a free bag to reuse at all of its locations. The program was created in response to student concerns about disposable plastic bag waste generated by the increased reliance on takeout meals and snacks during the pandemic.

Northern Michigan University President Fritz Erickson announced the formation of a campus committee to conduct a national search for a new provost and vice president for academic affairs. Carol Johnson, dean of the School of Business, will serve as chair. The 25 members comprising the committee include faculty, staff, students and administrators.

Several Northern Michigan University student organizations are collaborating to make Anderton's Earth Week 2021 the biggest celebration of its kind on campus. The April 17-22 event will feature three virtual presentations on innovative ways to reduce the carbon footprint and daily activities that promote environmental sustainability.

Northern Michigan University has canceled vaccine clinics for students scheduled today and tomorrow in response to calls from two federal agencies, the FDA and CDC, for an immediate pause on the use of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. NMU's Health Center was notified last week it would receive an allocation of J & J single-shot doses and scheduled clinics in the hope of fully vaccinating students before the end of the semester.

Northern Michigan University's Department of Music is presenting a virtual faculty recital at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 15. The livestream event celebrates the retirement of two of NMU's longtime music professors: Robert Engelhart and Nancy Zimmerman.