Thursday, June 16, 2011

Wallace Appointed Interim Dean of Professional Studies

Harvey Wallace has accepted an interim appointment as dean of the College of Professional Studies. He stepped into the position this week and will hold it through June 30, 2012. Wallace most recently served as head of the Health, Physical Education and Recreation department.

"Harvey has been at the Northern for more than 30 years and has a developed a deep understanding of both the culture and values of our university," said Interim Provost Paul Lang (Academic Affairs). "He continues to be a strong advocate for our students and will, I am sure, model that advocacy at the college level."

Archives Launches CCI Records Website

A project to digitize historical records of the Cleveland-Cliffs Iron Company has been completed by the Central Upper Peninsula and Northern Michigan University Archives. A new website offers online access to more than 70,000 documents, 250 maps, an assortment of photographs and fourth-grade lesson plans that adhere to Michigan Education Standards. The collection spans 1882-1960 and documents major turning points in the history of American iron ore mining. Pictured is Rachael Bussert (Archives), seated, who managed the project, and three of the students who assisted her: Olivia Ernst, Chris Kern and Miranda Revere. Missing from the photo is Megan Warnos. Full Story

Imdieke Chairs Caldecott Award Selection Committee

Sandra Imdieke (Education) was recently appointed Chair of the 2013 Caldecott Award Selection Committee. The Caldecott Award is presented annually to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children. Imdieke and committee members will review the 2012 published picture books and announce the award decision in January 2013. She will make the formal presentation of the award to the winners and give a speech at the annual conference and banquet. Full Story

Cooling System Takes Advantage of U.P. Weather

It is critical to maintain a cool environment for the NMU computer servers housed in the basement of Cohodas Hall. That used to be achieved with a traditional compressor-based cooling system that ran on a 24/7 schedule. A new system, located on the north side of Cohodas (pictured), was installed as a replacement last summer. It takes advantage of the Upper Peninsula’s relatively lower temperatures and reduces the need to run mechanical equipment. Full Story

NMU Golf Course Pursues Green Practices,

Course and Slope Rating

At the NMU Golf Course, the word "green" is associated with more than a putting surface. It also describes a sustainable approach to all aspects of course operations. Managers are using bio-based products and specialized drought-tolerant plant materials for water conservation. They are also focusing on wildlife management to protect habitats of species that help control pests. Wayne Gibbs (Golf Course) is pictured taking a soil sample on a green, which is done to monitor moisture and pests.

On a related note, the NMU Golf Course is measuring each hole to get a course and slope rating. This will enable players there to produce a handicap, which can be used in tournament play to ensure that golfers of different abilities are fairly matched. It also will improve the accuracy of 200-, 150- and 100-yard markers on each hole. Initial work began last week. Officials from the Golf Association of Michigan are scheduled to return at the end of the month and the process should be completed by August. Full Story

Golf Outing to Raise Money for Student Scholarships

The inaugural Blueberry Classic golf outing is scheduled Friday, July 29, at the NMU Golf Course in Chocolay Township. It is designed to raise scholarship funds for NMU students who encounter unforeseen financial challenges. An NMU Student Flexible Aid Fund created by the event will be a resource to which students can apply for help in covering costs such as auto repairs, medical bills, child care and course expenses not covered by financial aid. Full Story

All-Alumni Summer Reunion Next Weekend

NMU will host an all-alumni summer reunion next Thursday-Saturday, June 23-25. Advance registration is required for all activities planned during the celebration, except for the free community concert, "An Evening with Jeff Daniels." The actor and Michigan native will share his singing and songwriting talents at 6:30 p.m. Friday at the Marquette Commons. Attendees are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs. The concert is sponsored by Cliffs Natural Resources.

According to his website, Daniels has been writing songs for more than 30 years, or about as long as he has been a professional stage and film actor. Full Story

Schuiling Named AAN Fellow Kerri Schuiling (Nursing) is one of 142 nurse leaders who will be inducted as Fellows during the American Academy of Nursing's annual meeting and conference on Oct. 15 in Washington, D.C. To Schuiling's knowledge, she is the first from the School of Nursing to be selected for an Academy Fellowship. Criteria include evidence of significant contributions to nursing and health care and the extent to which nominees' nursing careers influence health policies and health care delivery for the benefit of all Americans. Inductees will be eligible to use the credentials FAAN (Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing) following the October ceremony. “Selection for membership in the Academy is one of the most prestigious honors in the field of nursing,” said Academy President Catherine L. Gilliss. "The Academy Fellowship represents the nation’s top nurse researchers, policymakers, scholars, executives, educators and practitioners.”

When a delegation of NMU nursing students and faculty traveled to Peru last year to study alternative medicine, Eva Vigo (Nursing) says she was blessed to make the trip with them.  One of the most rewarding experiences for her was traveling to the jungle to meet the inhabitants of a very small village. They included a shaman, who showed the travelers his healing garden and explained what every single plant was and what it did. Full Story