For the week of April 3, 2006

From the 6th floor

After reaching a high of 50 degrees last week, we're back to more seasonal temperatures. But as you can tell, we've sure lost a lot of snow cover. Just last week there were snowbanks all over campus. What a difference a week makes. Forecasters say a low pressure system hanging over the Upper Peninsula will likely lead to some snow flurries for many areas over the next two days. It's also quite windy, with wind gusts upwards of 40 mph.
But you know what? It doesn't matter if it's cold and windy and likely to snow. Want to know why? Frosty Treats has opened for the season. Yay!

Stay up-to-date on higher education funding with new Web page

The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee for Higher Education released its funding proposal March 15. The plan calls for a 1.8 percent increase to 11 of Michigan ’s 15 public universities. The four other universities receive various increases: Central Michigan, 2.2 percent; Grand Valley State , 7.0 percent; Oakland , 4.2 percent; and Saginaw Valley State , 6.1 percent. Those four are currently lowest in per-student state funding. The overall increase to Michigan ’s public universities in this plan is $31.4 million or 2.1 percent more than fiscal year 2006. In the Senate proposal, Northern would receive an additional $811,000. In February, Governor Granholm’s executive budget also called for a 1.8 percent increase to Northern, although it was developed a little differently. NMU President Les Wong is scheduled to present NMU's annual testimony to the House Appropriations Subcommittee for Higher Education on April 26. We will continue to keep you informed as new information about higher ed funding works its way through Lansing , but another way to stay up to date is to visit www.nmu.edu/supportnmu. There, you'll find the higher education funding proposals as they are announced, the names and addresses of U.P. and other legislators key to higher ed funding decisions, as well as some talking points for those who wish to contact legislators in support of Northern. Your letters, calls and e-mails do make a difference in reminding the legislators about the importance of NMU to our students and their families, as well as to the state.

Tell your Northern success story

As NMU President Les Wong prepares his testimony for the House Appropriation's Subcommittee for Higher Education, he wants to hear from you. How did your Northern experience impact your professional life? We know NMU alumni around the state play important roles in the business world. That success benefits the Michigan economy. We would like to share your success story. Take a moment and share with Dr. Wong your story of success in your professional life. Send your note to Dr. Wong.

NMU alumnus, microbiology and infectious disease expert to speak at May commencement

NMU alumnus David A. Hart '64 will be the May 2006 commencement speaker and honorary degree recipient. Dr. Hart is Professor of Medicine at the McCraig Centre for Joint Injury and Arthritis Research at the University of Calgary. He is also chair of the pepartment of microbiology and infectious disease. Dr. Hart is the 2005 recipient of the John Z. Boezi Memorial Alumnus Award from Michigan State University. He is considered a leading expert in connective tissue repair biochemistry and is co-founder of two bio-tech start-up companies and serves on the scientific advisory board of a third.
A 1964 graduate of Northern, Dr. Hart received the NMU Alumni Association Distinguished Alumni Award in 1993.
David and his wife, Mary Laing Hart '66 , are Marquette natives.

Dr. Hart will deliver the commencement address at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 6 in the Superior Dome.

NMU Alumni Association teaming up with student group to host new grads

For the second year in a row, the NMU Alumni Association and First Impressions will co-host a Graduation Pizza Party.
More than 900 students are expected to be eligible for this spring's commencement exercises.
Following rehearsal on Friday, the grads will be treated to pizza and pop courtesy of the NMU Alumni Association and First Impressions.
In addition to door prizes and goodies, new graduates will be introduced to the many services offered by the Alumni Association.
New grads are encouraged to sign up for their first year of membership free. After the first year, memberships are available at a reduced rate.
The Graduation Pizza Party is just one of the events sponsored throughout the year for students by the NMU Alumni Association.

Are you graduating in May? Sign up now for your first year free.

Summer College 2006

Whether your goal is personal growth, professional development or academic achievement, Northern Michigan University has something for you.
  • Registration began March 20.
    • Session I May 22 – July 1
    • Session II July 3 – August 12

    Course listings are available by department, web-based, evening or off-campus courses. Course listings are current as of 3/23/06. Notice: If you experience difficulties with online registration please call the Student Services Center at 906-227-1221.

For Kids

There are opportunities for kids, too, through NMU's Summer College for Kids, featuring:

Summer Institutes

Northern Michigan University offers a variety of summer institutes that offer opportunities for professionals to continue their development.

2006 Reunions

June 23-24

Student Leader Fellowship 15-year Reunion
Planned activities include a service project, campus tours, receptions.

Contact Cara Kamps


July 7-8


Stan Albeck Era Basketball Reunion
Activities include a golf outing and dinner.

Contact Bridget Berube

July 21-22


Communications and Marketing Staff Reunion

All former students and staff are invited to attend. This includes anyone who may have worked in the Communications and Marketing Office, the Public Information Office, the NMU News Bureau and Sports Information.

Contact Chyrl Hemmila

August 4-6


'75-'76 Casual Reunion and Golf Tournament

Contact Brian Garner

Sept. 29-30


Homecoming 2006

50th Class Reunion
(Classes of 1955-56-57)
Reunion for the 1956 undefeated football team

Contact NMU Alumni Association

Broadcast students pick up awards

Eleven NMU students received awards in the college broadcast competition sponsored by the Michigan Association of Broadcasters (MAB) Foundation. Six of the students and Professor Chuck Ganzert traveled to Lansing to accept their awards. While there, they met with U.P. Representatives Steve Adamini, Rich Brown and Gary McDowell.

Pictured left to right: Brandon Thomas, Rep. Rich Brown, Gavin Telfer, Professor Ganzert, Kayla Rice, Ed Brown, Jamie Thompson, Rep. Steve Adamini and Katie Wagner.

From the E-mail bag

Note from the Editor: As I mentioned, we had several days of very warm weather. This photo was sent my way from the central U.P.

It's called "Only in the U.P."

And yes, they are ice fishing.

 

"Hello everyone!   Just sharing a bit of my spoils with you all....as you can tell it's the typical midlife crisis scenario with Jim Scott....44 in a few months and trying to compete with the young bucks.   Long and short, I made the Belize National Triathlon Team this year and we competed in the Central American Games held in Costa Rica Feb. 2006.  Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Belize. 
It was a historical trip for Belize as it was the first time we have sent a team to the Games for the Triathlon.  The field had some world ranked athletes and not one of those was me...grin.  The Olympic Distance Triathlon is a 1500M swim, 40 Km Bike and 10K run.  Costa Rica hosted us with style and much hoopla but really put us to task; Sea Level athletes went to a mountainous location of Arenal Volcano and lake....hilly and high, cold water (for at least us Caribbean boys) and mild temperatures.  Excuses aside it was a complete blast. Blessing and honor to represent Belize.  
As the oldest athlete by 10 years and the eldest Belizean Athlete by 14yrs I had no pressure just pure enjoyment and thanks to God for having even been there.   My swim got off with a rusty and cramp filled start but we managed to pull off a good ride and run to finish 14th over all, and 1st Belizean to cross the finish line.
The photos show our Team, Ernesto Rivas, Jim Scott, Calvin Rojas, and Elvin Rojas....again we had a great time and put Belize on the books for the first Triathlon participation in the Central American Games.   There are plans in the works for Caribbean and Latin American Event in Cuba for this May but we'll see if my personal Government, Debbie (my wife) will allow me to take off to Fidel land.  "

Jim Scott '87
Punta Gorda, Belize
jscott@btl.net

Have something you'd like to share? Feedback should be directed to dhemmila@nmu.edu

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