Thursday, Aug. 20, 2009

New WiMAX Network Launched

Northern deployed one of the largest active WiMAX networks in the country on the 10th anniversary of its campus-wide notebook computer program. A public demonstration of the technology was held this afternoon in the Superior Dome. Students stationed in various Marquette locations dicussed the new wireless opportunities via WiMAX video projected on a large screen.

WiMAX is a fourth-generation protocol (4G) that offers broadband wireless Internet access. Compared with the more common WiFi, WiMAX is capable of transmitting data over broad areas with less interference and more efficient bandwidth use. Full Story

 

President Delivers Fall Convocation

In his fall convocation, President Les Wong said NMU must redefine its position in response to continuing shortfalls in state appropriations and demographic pressure on enrollment. He announced plans to launch discussions across campus toward developing a new identity that will challenge the status quo while preserving quality and adhering to the university’s core mission.

“We have had incredible success as an institution where ‘high touch, high tech, high quality’ differentiated us from our competitors,” Wong said. “Conditions allowed us to sustain a high financial aid-low tuition model through campus efficiencies and reallocations. These conditions will soon cease to exist. We may need a new and different model. We shouldn’t expect this new identity to necessarily be rooted in or benchmarked by the current student-faculty, student-staff, student-administrator ratios." Full Story

 

Northern Marks 110 Years

Northern is not only recognizing the “High Tech Hits 10” milestone, but also its 110th year of existence. Established by the Michigan Legislature in 1899 as a normal school to provide teachers for the Upper Peninsula, NMU held its first classes on Sept. 19 with 32 students, six faculty and Dwight B. Waldo as principal. For many years, educating teachers was the sole mission of the school. Full Story

 

NMU Selected for McNair Program

Northern will receive a federal four-year grant worth $880,000 to help prepare students from disadvantaged backgrounds for doctoral studies through involvement in research and other scholarly activities. NMU is the first U.P. university and one of 185 nationwide selected to receive funding from the Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program. Full Story

 

Final 'Smart Room' Conversions Ahead

Technology continues to evolve on campus a decade after the notebook computer program was implemented. This academic year, projection and audio amplification systems are scheduled to be installed in four remaining general-purpose classrooms—Jamrich 227, 229, 236 and 240—completing the conversion to “smart room” technology and redefining the minimum standard for equipping general purpose classrooms. Full Story

Alumnus' Parents Volunteer for Move

Many parents are on campus this week, helping their children unload their belongings and move into the residence halls.

Jim and Deb Glazier from downstate Grandville have joined them. But here's what stands out: the Glaziers made the long drive by choice, not necessity. They have no children currently enrolled at NMU. The couple simply decided to volunteer their services as a way of giving back to the university that provided a "tremendous experience" for their son, Nikkolas, who graduated in May 2008. Full Story

     

The late Dominic Jacobetti wielded a great deal of influence during his 40 years as a state representative. He was called the “Godfather of the U.P.” for his ability to secure funds for multiple regional projects—including some at NMU—and “the working man’s representative” for intervening personally on behalf of organizations and individuals.

One such benefactor was his Negaunee neighbor, John Basolo (Central Receiving). “Dominic got me the job at Northern,” he said. Full Story

 

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Updated: August 20, 2009

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