All News Releases

NMU environmental studies and sustainability alumna Emma Dillman's recent hire as a waste reduction educator for the Kent County (Michigan) Department of Public Works is featured in a Waste Today publication story. The 2021 graduate will help area residents and businesses learn how to reduce and repurpose waste.

Lucille Contois, former NMU professor and alumna, was selected as the recipient of the 2024 Marquette County Evergreen Award, which honors an individual who makes the county a better place for women and girls. The Upper Peninsula native has demonstrated her dedication to educating students at NMU, helping programs gain accreditation, and advocating for women with Marquette's Zonta Club.

The Northern Michigan University women's lacrosse team, led by head coach Lindsey (LeMay) Majkrzak, volunteered at the St. Vincent de Paul food pantry in Marquette at 9 a.m. on a recent snowy Saturday to help sort and package can-a-thon donations. 

With Northern Michigan University housing at full capacity and continued enrollment growth increasing student demand to live on campus, the NMU Board of Trustees today agreed to invest $3.5 million in design, development and construction management services for two new apartment complexes, capable of accommodating 384 students. The two buildings will be located on university property along both sides of Presque Isle Avenue—one between Fair Avenue and Subway on the east, and the other from Cohodas Hall to Waldo Street on the west.

Through gifts from private donors, Northern Michigan University's School of Nursing has acquired more advanced equipment that enhances student learning and safety while providing better career preparation for the equipment they will work with after graduation. The $50,000 in purchases include new long-term beds similar to those used in extended care facilities, new medical/surgical beds seen in hospital settings, tables that allow more flexible classroom configurations, and IV and urinary catheter models to practice on before dealing with actual patients in a clinical setting. 

Northern Michigan University successfully applied to host a member of the MI Healthy Climate Corps, a service program dedicated to developing an enduring, capable network of climate professionals committed to serving communities and building a more sustainable future for the state. NMU 2015 alumna and Negaunee native Anna Solberg has returned to campus to serve as MHC Corps climate action coordinator through October 2025. She will work with Assistant Vice President for Sustainability Jes Thompson to keep NMU aligned with its “Our Compass” strategic plan and carbon neutrality plan action items, as well as broader Michigan climate targets.

Northern Michigan University and InvestUP will launch a new program in January that will empower participating students through professional internships and mentoring, while also focusing on their leadership development and academic success. By creating a clear pipeline from education to employment, “The Wildcat Collective: Leaders of Honor and Ambition” program is designed to address critical, shared goals such as local talent retention and population growth to benefit NMU and Upper Peninsula communities.

Two Northern Michigan University alumni who co-founded Kall Morris Inc. (KMI), a Marquette-based company focused on keeping space clear of orbital debris, were selected from more than 10,000 nominees to join the Forbes 30 Under 30 Class of 2025 in the category of Transportation & Mobility. An innovative technology prototype developed by KMI arrived at the International Space Station for testing in early November, and the company is a two-time winner of a Michigan Best Small Business Award. 

Northern Michigan University biology alumna Niyomi House was part of the Limelight Rainforest team awarded the $5 million grand prize in the XPRIZE Rainforest competition. The winners were announced at the G20 Social Summit Nov. 18 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. XPRIZE is “the world's leader in designing and operating large-scale incentive competitions to solve humanity's grand challenges.” House ran the genetics subteam for Limelight.

Matthew Jennings, associate professor in the School of Clinical Sciences, is the students' choice to serve as faculty keynote speaker at Northern Michigan University's Dec. 14 commencement. He was selected through a nomination process overseen by ASNMU, the student government organization.

Northern Michigan University alumna Frida Waara, a Marquette businesswoman, adventurer, storyteller and “U.P. ambassador,” will receive an honorary Doctor of Business degree at NMU's mid-year commencement this month. She graduated in 1977 with a bachelor's degree in English and a minor in French.

Steve Tramp, a 1988 Northern Michigan University accounting alumnus, recently joined National Exchange Bank & Trust as a senior vice president of commercial lending at the downtown Fond du Lac, Wis. office. The Marquette native has more than 25 years of experience in the lending industry.

Northern Michigan University Theatre and Dance will present its Holiday Soirée celebration and fundraiser for student scholarships on Wednesday, Dec. 11. The festive event kicks off with a holiday buffet and live auction from 6-7:30 p.m. in the Panowski Black Box Theatre, followed by student and guest-star performances from 7:30-9. There will also be a special visit from Santa Claus.

An inaugural NMU Black alumni reunion held earlier this fall was billed by organizers as “a success beyond our wildest expectations, and an amazing weekend for all.” According to 1984 graduate Darryl Thompson, it had been years since many of the attendees were in Marquette. They gathered over an October weekend and checked out some of the changes on campus, attended a Wildcat football game, socialized at local restaurants, and explored longtime favorite sites such as Sugarloaf Mountain.

Northern Michigan University 2018 marketing alumna Senja Spelman presented at Top 500 Live, the home improvement industry's leading sales and lead-generation conference. The event features CEOs and experts focused on today's best practices in sales and marketing, along with home improvement business owners and entrepreneurs. Spelman currently works as the marketing director at BathWorks.

Northern Michigan University Assistant Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion Shawnrece Butler is among six humanities leaders elected to the Board of the Federation of State Humanities Councils at the Federation's annual business meeting Nov. 16.

Bear baiting—a harvest practice authorized in 12 states, two territories and eight provinces in North America—poses several potential risks, and associated mitigation measures have been inadequate, according to a study published in the PLOS One peer-reviewed scientific journal. The article focuses on Alaska, where more than 70% of National Park Service-managed lands and preserves are open to some form of hunting. The authors' goal is to use expert opinion to inform decision-making in that state and other areas where bear baiting is allowed.

The Northern Michigan University jazz ensembles will present their second concert of the fall season at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 4, in Reynolds Recital Hall. Admission is free and open to the public. The concert will feature both the NMU Jazz Band and the NMU Jazz Combo.