They say a picture is worth a thousand words. In this case, it is not true. The photo out the window today simply cannot capture the spirit on campus. It can capture the weather, a gorgeous sunny day, but it can't capture the atmosphere; the chaos the excitement and the electricity of the first day of classes. (Not to mention the battle for parking spaces.) As I sit here looking out, I have seen 12 cars use the sidewalk as access to the parking lots, I have seen more than a dozen cars parked illegally on the grass, and I have seen numerous cars going in the "out" drive and vice versa. Like I said, chaos is a good turn. But it's a good chaos, don't get me wrong. It's just a little hectic. I'm sure things will smooth out by the end of the week.

Meanwhile, we have continued to enjoy beautiful weather the past week: a couple more beach days; some rain late in the evening and some gorgeous sunrises.

Northern’s store is the first Starbucks outlet in the Upper Peninsula . The company’s chairman and chief global strategist, Howard Schultz, is an NMU alumnus and honorary degree recipient.

The NMU Starbucks will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Special thanks to NMU Alumni Association members Greg Rathje '95, Mary Knauss '53, Art Pickering '78 and Stephanie Scheiner '02 for judging the Most Spirited Hall competition.

Maybe you shouldn't say "free" to a college student!

In his first fall convocation address, NMU Interim President Mike Roy challenged faculty and staff to “raise the bar on excellence.” He said university budget reductions in response to the state’s fiscal crisis need not and should not stop NMU from advancing toward its goal of becoming the public university of choice in the Midwest. Roy encouraged employees at every level to step back and review what they do and how they do it, ask tough questions, and explore new technology options that will increase efficiency and effectiveness.

“We simply cannot afford to be passive,” Roy said. “The competition for potential students has never been more intense. The competition for funding – both state and private – has become more heated than it’s been in decades. Last winter’s preparation for this year’s budget required a lot of campus energy … To continue to raise the bar on excellence across the university, we will need even more energy, more innovation and creativity, more cooperation and more commitment.” Full Story

Carol Hicks (Engineering Technology) and Mary Wallace (Nursing) are recipients of the 2003 Excellence in Teaching Awards. Each was presented with a plaque and a $1,000 check at fall convocation. The awards are sponsored by the Teaching Learning Advisory Committee and the Office of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. Full story.

Huge Block Party to highlight Homecoming

Jim & Ray are lined up.
Honey Tongue is lined up.
The sumo wrestlers are lined up.
The inflatable boxing gloves are lined up.
The grills are lined up.
The sky divers are lined up.

Are you?
Have you made your plans to be a part of NMU Homecoming 2003?

NMU's Homecoming Block Party will take place Saturday, September 27th outside the Superior Dome before the Homecoming Football game, 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.

Make plans to be a part!

Get a group together and tailgate.
Visit the Homecoming page.

Attention Dickinson Area Alumni!!!!!

Reserve your seat NOW for the NMU Homecoming Bus Trip.

NMU Alumni in the Dickinson/Iron area are putting together a bus trip to NMU for Homecoming festivities on Saturday, Sept. 27.
The bus will make two pick-ups, one in Kingsford and one in Sagola.
Your ticket includes bus transportation to and from Marquette, game ticket and a chance at prizes on the bus ride.
Plus, if you are a member of the NMU Alumni Association or Wildcat Club you can eat for free at the Tailgate Party at the Dome.
Tickets are $20/per person.

Want to RSVP or have questions? Contact Mark Pontti or Joanne Berutti.