There's only a hint of color on the trees outside the 6th floor window as we enter the second full week of September. Yes, there are plenty of trees around the area that are showing more color, but from the 6th floor, it's still looking pretty green. As far as temperatures around the area, I am happy to report the summer warmth is continuing into fall. Yesterday's high of 91 degrees was only one degree short of setting a new record for Marquette. While today is not expected to get that warm, we will approach 80. All of that bodes well for the upcoming Homecoming weekend.

Homecoming outlook according the WLUC-TV6 web site: Friday-partly sunny with a high near 70; Saturday, partly sunny with a high near 74.
Yes, Homecoming is early this year, but it's nice not to have to worry about it snowing on the Tailgate Party. Although, this is Upper Michigan so you're never really certain of anything as far as the weather goes.

Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm and Republican legislative leaders report they have tentatively agreed on the state's spending plan for the fiscal year that begins in less than a month. Universities statewide will not receive any cuts in funding and have $14 million in additional funding which will be allocated later this year. That's according to Greg Bird, spokesman for the Office of the State Budget. According to Bird, some universities will receive more funding than others, but those are details legislators still need to work out. Meanwhile, here at Northern where the university was facing deep cuts in both Senate and House proposals, it means a sigh of relief.

"It feels great," NMU president Les Wong told the Marquette Mining Journal. "It's wonderful to have Michigan lawmakers recognize higher education and the role that Northern plays in it."

Wong was thankful lawmakers recognized Northern's significant contribution to the economy of Marquette and the U.P.

However, the Republican-created formula, which rewarded universities based on enrollment, graduation rates in certain areas of study, and the amount of research being done, is still in place. It was the implementation of this formula that called for cuts to Northern and Wayne State University. Wong said legislators were willing to compromise.

"In our meetings with legislators, they said they want input from universities on how to improve the formula. Northern stands ready to take part in that discussion," Wong said.

Much work on the budget remains to be done.  Republicans and Granholm have agreed on overall spending figures, but they are leaving decisions about Medicaid, welfare and other programs to members of smaller budget committees.

If you are one of the many NMU alumni who sent letters, e-mails or faxes to legislators or the Governor, THANK YOU. Dr. Wong has said they had a noticeable impact with the state’s policy makers.

Let the games begin!
Homecoming 2005 kicked off Sunday with the Dead River Games. Katie Morrison, a senior from Peotone, Illinois, who serves as chairperson of the student homecoming committee, said yesterday's record warmth contributed to great participation at the games. Katie also reports a record 28 young women will compete in the Homecoming queen contest that takes place Wednesday evening.

Join us for Homecoming 2005 on the campus of NMU!

Alumni Homecoming activities heat up Friday evening with the traditional Homecoming parade on Third Street at 5:30 p.m.

Seven new members will be inducted in the NMU Sports Hall of Fame Friday evening at 6:30 p.m.

Saturday begins with the NMU Alumni Association Awards Brunch, where four NMU alumni will be honored for their accomplishments.

Tailgating gets under way outside the Superior Dome at 3 p.m.
The event features a live performance by alumni favorites Jim & Ray.
There will be games and activities for the children and Wildcat Willy will be on hand.

NMU Alumni Association members eat for free at the tailgate party. Others may purchase food for $5.

Questions about any of the above events can be directed to the NMU Alumni Association.

Bonsalls meet with alums in NYC

Dave '73 and Sandy '73 Bonsall visited New York City this summer and caught up with alumni from the Student Leader Fellowship Program.
Shown in the photo, left to right:
Meg Hartley Schneider '02, a certified athletic trainer for Radio City Music Hall; Sandy Bonsall, Dave Bonsall, Director of Student Activities and Leadership Programs at NMU, Ryan Burri '00, Mount Sinai Medical Center radiation oncology resident; Damien Barrett '96, technology specialist for the Fashion Institute of Technology.