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Biology Professor John Bruggink has been selected as Northern Michigan University's 2021 Peter White Scholar. He will receive $17,500 to support his involvement in research on the homesite ecology of gray wolves in the Greater Voyageurs Ecosystem, and the participation of a master's student. 

Northern Michigan University biology students are doing field research in Chocolay Township to determine how blood-borne pathogens affect the nesting patterns of white-throated sparrows. The work involves catching the birds in a mist net, banding them and collecting blood samples to test for two widespread pathogens impacting birds: avian malaria and West Nile Virus.

NMU Art & Design alumnus Josh McKenzie (BFA '13) is profiled by the VoyageLA publication as one of Los Angeles' “rising stars.” McKenzie is a storyboard artist at Nickelodeon, and in the process of shopping around his first young adult-focused graphic novel.

Dody Huuki, principal secretary in Counseling and Consultation Services at Northern Michigan University, is one of nine 2021 NMU Excellence in Service Award recipients. She was nominated for her unwavering commitment to serving students with warmth and compassion when they summon the courage to call or stop by seeking services.

Northern Michigan University Music Professor Erin Colwitz is featured in a series titled “Women Choral Conductors and Clinicians You Need to Know,” compiled by Janet Galván, recently retired director of choral activities at Ithaca College. 

Northern Michigan University in Marquette and Finlandia University in Hancock have launched a joint initiative to explore high-level collaborations between the Upper Peninsula schools.

NMU psychology alumnus Todd Hillhouse ('09 BS, '11 MS) is already making his mark as an assistant professor at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. He joined the faculty last August and opened a new Pain and Addiction Neuropharmacology (PANE) lab in November. Hillhouse works with a half-dozen student researchers to develop novel treatments for pain management, addiction and associated depression.

NMU alumnus Dale Moilanen ('91 BS) recently ran a distance to match his age: a 60K, which equates to 37 miles. His goal was to raise $600 to support construction of a new facility named after another NMU grad: the Steve Mariucci Family Beacon House. Moilanen ended up raising 10 times that amount—nearly $6,000—when he asked friends to donate $60 each to the cause. 

Northern Michigan University is participating in the national COVID-19 College Vaccine Challenge. The White House and U.S. Department of Education have invited colleges and universities to join efforts to end the pandemic by getting their campus communities vaccinated. There is a particular emphasis on young Americans represented in the traditional-age student population, who lag behind older generations in getting their shots, stated the challenge website.

Northern Michigan University Executive Chef and alumna Alden Griffus ('10) will share her favorite summer recipes during a virtual cooking segment for the next Northern Now event hosted by NMU Alumni Relations. She will be joined by Scott Bousson ('11), operations manager of Dining Services, at 7 p.m. EST Wednesday, June 9.

NMU alumnus Mike Angeli ('87) has retired after 45 years of service to the City of Marquette, most recently as city manager since 2015. He began his career as a police officer, applying his bachelor's degree in criminal justice. After a brief stint as detective captain, he was promoted to police chief in 2008.

Northern Michigan University's Olson Library is offering community residents free laminated copies of their COVID-19 vaccination cards through Aug. 20. The service has been available to students and employees since April, but is being extended to the community with support from a fund through the NMU Foundation.

Northern Michigan University honored several individuals and teams during its virtual 2021 Faculty and Staff Recognition Celebration. The individual and team award winners above will be featured in more detailed individual stories on this Northern Today news site over the summer.

Northern Michigan University students and employees who upload their proof of vaccination to The Bridge app by July 1 will receive a $100 credit for on-campus eateries. Those who upload the documentation between July 2 and Aug. 1 will receive a $50 credit.

Ismail Msuya, web designer/developer for Northern Michigan University's Lydia M. Olson Library, has been awarded an Institute of Museum and Library Services fellowship to attend the 2021 IDEA Institute on Artificial Intelligence (AI).   

Local historians and Northern Michigan University alumni Barry James ('92) and Troy Henderson ('99) will give a virtual presentation on Upper Peninsula history for the next Northern Now event for NMU alumni and friends. Their presentation begins at 7 p.m. EST Wednesday, May 26.

The Northern Michigan University Department of Theatre and Dance has selected its 2021 Panowski Playwriting Award winner: John Mabey of Atlanta for A Complicated Hope. Tickets are available online for virtual workshop readings June 4 and 5.

Reliable internet access is critical in today's world. This has been verified during the pandemic, with at least temporary shifts to virtual education and medical appointments. For two U.P. Community Action Agencies, Alger-Marquette and Gogebic-Ontonagon, the pandemic also revealed some community members they serve confronted barriers to securing internet access when it was needed most. They were able to address the issue with assistance from Northern Michigan University's Center for Rural Health and the NMU Educational Access Network through the Digital Divide program.

NMU management alumnus Brent Madalinski ('91 BS) was recently named a recipient of the Outstanding Educator Award from Bay College in Escanaba, where he serves as a full-time business instructor. The award recognizes commitment to education and excellence in service to others. Recipients are nominated by colleagues, students or community members.

Northern Michigan University Alumni Relations is hosting Fireside with Fritz: A Conversation with President Erickson at 7 p.m. EST Wednesday, May 12. Alumni are invited to join President Erickson for a fireside chat as he shares campus updates, answers questions, and virtually connects with the Wildcat community.