For the week of April 25, 2005

From the 6th floor

Remember last week when I mentioned we were headed toward record-high temperatures and how I was probably jinxing us? Well, that did the trick. After setting records both Monday and Tuesday of last week (Tuesday hit 81 degrees), what do you suppose happened? Yes, snow flurries. On Friday. From 80 degrees on Tuesday to 35 and snow on Friday. Isn't that the Upper Michigan you know and love?
It's pretty tough to see in the photo, but here's a look at our snow flurries last Friday.	We are back to sunshine today, but it's still cool. The recent warm weather has allowed for the grass to green up, as is evident on the UC lawn.

Reynolds Recital Hall dedicated

NMU President Les Wong, Phyllis Reynolds and Dr. Donald Grant, head of the NMU Music Department, cut the ribbon on the new Reynolds Recital Hall.

Formal dedication of the Reynolds Recital Hall took place Tuesday, April 19 on the campus of Northern Michigan University. The recital hall, which opened in February, was part of the Hedgcock and east campus renovation. It has been named in honor of the Phyllis Reynolds family of Marquette, long-time supporters of NMU. Reynolds was one of the top contributors during This Decisive Season: The Campaign for Northern Michigan University, NMU's first-ever comprehensive fundraising effort from 1996-2003 that realized $36.6 million in private giving to the university. NMU alumna Valerie Errante '80, a soprano soloist, was a special guest of the gala concert to dedicate the hall. Errante received her master's degree in music. She is currently an associate professor of voice at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. The concert also included performances by the University Choir, NMU Jazz Band, University Orchestra and NMU Symphonic Band.

Semester wrapping up

I'm not sure where the time went, but there are only two weeks of the academic school year left. Final exam week is Monday through Saturday, May 2-7. The commencement ceremony begins at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, May 7. Although the final numbers are not official yet, we will have one of the largest-ever graduating classes and possibly the largest number of graduates to march at commencement in NMU history. Commencement rehearsal begins at 2:15, Friday, May 6. Following the rehearsal, First Impressions, an NMU student organization, and the NMU Alumni Association will hold an informal graduation party called, "Keep it Rockin', Class of 2005," which will provide seniors with the opportunity to mix and mingle with their classmates, find out about alumni services, and munch on pizza and pop.
As mentioned in last week's issue, T. Dennis George '60, a business attorney in Seattle, will be commencement speaker. Dennis will also receive an honorary Doctor of Science degree at the ceremony. Dennis was previously honored by Northern with a Distinguished Alumni Award in 1996. He has served as an Executive in Residence for the College of Business and a member of the strategic planning committee for the NMU Foundation.

End of the year brings student honors

If you are looking for a reason to be proud of your alma mater, you need look no further than the annual Leadership Recognition Banquet which took place this past Thursday evening. The banquet recognizes the efforts of student organizations and individual students. These groups put in thousands of hours on campus activities and community service.
Organization of the Year (University or Activity Fee Funded): Campus Cinema	Organization of the Year: Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA)

Other high marks

Earlier this month, Northern held its annual Celebration of Student Research and Creative Works, which featured 15 poster displays and 42 presentations by undergraduate and graduate students. It was a day of one great example after another of the high caliber scholarship that takes place at NMU. Senior Eileen Porter of Marquette won the “Best of Show” award for her poster presentation, “Comparative Analysis of the Effect of Manure on Growth Patterns of Common Garden Bean Seedlings (Phaseolus vulgaris).” … Also, NMU held its annual Honors Banquet that recognizes highest academic achieving students. Philosophy professor Jim Greene was the keynote speaker, while the student speakers were Traci Byykkonen and Stephen Grandchamp, both seniors from Ishpeming. The event honored freshmen and transfer students who received a grade point average of 3.90 or higher and sophomores, juniors, and seniors who had a GPA of 3.75 or higher as well as outstanding graduating seniors from each department and graduate program.

Renovated hall taking shape

Work on NMU's latest construction project is progressing. Crews are converting Magers Hall from faculty offices back to student housing. The estimated $6.1 million renovation was put on the "fast track", with completion expected within three months of the project's start date. The self-imposed schedule with Magers will serve as a trial for future residence hall renovation projects in the hope that on-campus housing will not be impacted during the academic year. One of the most noticeable changes to the structure is a roofline that is pitched rather than flat, as the current dorm roofs are.
As you can see from these two photos, trusses for a pitched roofline totally change the look of the building.
In case you have forgotten, this is what most dorm roofs look like: flat. West Hall can be seen in the distance behind the UC.	A sketch of renovated Magers Hall.

From the Email bag

"This picture was taken at Mid-American Greek Council Association conference last February. Both Kris and I are Phi Sigma Sigma's from the Theta Alpha Chapter at NMU. Kris Day graduated in 1994 while I graduated in 2002. I love the newsletter! Thanks so much. It's a great day to be a Wildcat."
Kim Monteaux '02
LaCrosse, WI
monteaux@mac.com

"Even at an advanced age, I still appreciate the walks down memory lane each week. Northern certainly provided a great foundation for a career and social life. As a school administrator, nearing the end of this career in a year or so, I sincerely appreciate the weekly email from the institution that made it all happen. Long live Northern!"
Rob Witte '66
Hudsonville, MI
robjrw@aol.com

"Congratulations to Dr. Kulisheck for receiving the distinguished faculty award. I had the opportunity to work with Dr. Kulisheck as a Washington Center Inter in 2002. He is a remarkable man who has contributed to NMU and the city of Marquette greatly. Dr. Kulisheck has been an advocate for students and has genuine interest and passion for Northern. He is the type of person many students strive to be like."
Erin Spencer '03
Ellensburg, WA
spencere@cwu.edu

"For the Email bag....It was great meeting you, Deanna, and thank you for the parking pass (and fixed ticket). What I was most amazed about on my week long vacation in March, were the students and how they’re so in tune with the outside world and their surroundings. A good sign our future is in safe hands! At my workshop, I was overwhelmed with questions about how to be a good band director, what to expect, how to encourage the kids, etc. All were attentive to my many stories about the “old days” in late 60’s, early 70’s, how NMU was back then, how Marquette has changed and also stayed the same! It was also great to see that there’s plenty of activity going on daily/nightly for students to be involved in... though I didn’t attend the great porn debate. I did attend the U.S. Army Field Band performance at Gravaeret (sp?) and was happy to see such a big turn-out from a large cross-section of the community! And they were hot! As I have land up near Big Bay, on 510, I was also pleased to see such great interest in the sulfide mining thing. Shows the environment is being looked after just fine! The students treated me with respect and interest all over campus, as I walked through all the recently renovated areas, and the new Reynolds Recital Hall is marvelous! As I often recommend east coasters to look into NMU as a viable option for school, I’m glad to see such bright and shiny kids getting a good education and a good time... the best part of my time up there. See you all in 2 yrs, 3 mos and 5 days, (but who’s counting...ha). Cheers and thanks!"
Mike Greer ’76
Arlington, MA
magreerflutes@msn.com

"Good morning Deanna. I just wanted to send my greetings along to "What's New, NMU?" I love reading the letters from my fellow alumni every week. It's fun to see where we all ended up. I am a 1975 graduate from the IT department (one of Doc Wahtera's old gang.) I, for one, grew weary of the cold and snow of the midwest and moved several years ago to sunny, warm and dry San Diego. I admit I miss the spring and fall of Marquette, but the snow is another story. But my true love for NMU must be contagious since our youngest daughter, who is a true surfer girl, is an NMU student. Who would have guessed?"
Paul Howard '75
San Diego, CA
phoward@cox.net

"Thanks for emailing me the weekly newsletter. I am a Michigander in heart, but live in Florida. It's nice to hear from fellow grads from your NMU newsletter. Anyone who wants help or in need of fellow grad to talk about times at NMU, please email me! Looking forward to next year's hockey season!"
Steve
Bradenton, FL
sroe@tampabay.rr.com

Have something you want to share? Feedback should be directed to dhemmila@nmu.edu

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