Sept. 26, 2001
Issue5
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NMU to Host IBM Fly-In

Northern Michigan University, through its partnership with IBM, will host a “fly-in” for representatives from colleges interested in launching their own laptop computer initiatives. The event begins with an opening reception Wednesday evening and continues through noon Friday.

The itinerary includes sessions on implementation, support and infrastructure, faculty assistance and instructional applications. Participants will also hear from students and tour campus facilities.

“IBM is very proud of Northern,” said Fred Joyal (academic affairs). “They continue to be impressed by what we have done over the past few years. Now they want to use our campus as a positive example and show others what is possible. We visited two other ThinkPad universities before implementing our program; naturally, others want to do the same.”

Universities from the following states will be represented: Arizona, South Dakota, Colorado, Idaho, Kentucky, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. There will also be in-state observers from Lansing Community College, Grand Rapids Community College, Lake Superior State University, Central Michigan University and Saginaw Valley State University.

“Some might consider these schools the competition, but education is also about cooperation,” Joyal said. “We don’t plan to give them a detailed blueprint – just a general outline and some examples. By sharing what we’ve done, it also helps us stay on our toes and maintain our lead in this area.”

Joyal said Northern’s lead is solidified in the October issue of Yahoo! Internet Life. The magazine’s annual survey ranked NMU as the 24th most wired college in the nation and the leader among state institutions. “We are in some pretty impressive company on that list,” he added. “I would love to see us crack the top 10 next year.”

Campus United Way Campaign Begins

Northern Michigan University has kicked off its annual campus United Way campaign with high hopes.

“Our goal for this year’s campaign is $35,000 in contributions from NMU,” said David Bonsall (student activities and leadership programs), director of the campus campaign. “Northern has met or exceeded its goal the last two years, but this year's goal is set higher."

The United Way funds local programs ranging from domestic violence and addiction services to programs targeting area youth, adults with disabilities and elderly citizens. The Marquette County United Way supports more than 30 agencies. These include Big Brothers and Big Sisters, Bay Cliff Health Camp, Habitat for Humanity, The Salvation Army, U.P. Library for the Blind, and the Women’s Center.

Pledge forms have been sent out to all NMU faculty and staff. Some student organizations will be asked to hold fundraisers for the campaign.

“NMU has been a part of this campaign for a number of years,” Bonsall said. “Our faculty and staff are giving people and I don’t see that changing any time soon."

Bonsall also stressed that with the slowing economy the United Way has even more needs to meet this year. “It’s a way for people to help out friends and neighbors right here in Marquette County who need a hand,” he said.

Seaborg Dedication Part of NMU Homecoming

Homecoming 2001 begins with the annual Dead River Games on Sunday, Sept. 30.

Several events are planned Sept. 30-Oct. 6. Here are some that might be of interest to NMU faculty and staff:

Wednesday, Oct 3:
7 p.m.:
King/Queen competition, Great Lakes Rooms, UC.

Friday, Oct. 5:
11 a.m.-noon:
Chemistry department open house.
11:30 a.m.-noon: Seaborg Science Complex dedication, "Teaching, Research and Discovery." Location: Seaborg Science Complex Courtyard on the Academic Mall (rain site: 2904 West Science).
Noon-2 p.m.: Tours and presentations throughout the Seaborg Science Complex.
5:30 p.m.: Homecoming parade; from Pine St. by Berry Events Center, west on Fair, south on Third to Hewitt, east to Front and west on Fair to campus.
7:30 p.m.: Alumni awards ceremony followed by 8:30 dessert reception, Seaborg Complex .
9 p.m.: Bonfire/Pep Rally, Payne/Halverson Field.
9 p.m.:
Informal alumni reception at the Holiday Inn.

Saturday, Oct. 6
11 a.m.:
Green and Gold Swim Meet, PEIF pool.
11 a.m.-12:45 p.m.: Alumni Association/Golden Wildcat Club tailgate party, Superior Dome.
1 p.m.: NMU football vs. Wayne State.
4-8 p.m.: Alumni and friends fifth quarter reception at Steer and Stein Restaurant.
7:05 p.m.: Wildcat Hockey vs. Lakehead University.
7:30 p.m.: M*A*S*H* performance dress rehearsal at the Forest Roberts Theatre.