Giving Back to NMU

Mary Jane Tremethick (HPER) is one of many employees who choose to give back to the university by making annual contributions to the NMU Foundation. She has done so since joining Northern’s faculty in 2000 and will continue with a gift to the 2011 faculty/staff campaign, which is now in progress. Tremethick targets her contributions to her own academic department to help fund student travel. She is pictured at right with students Cassandra Evers, Kaley Vincent and Katie Clark at the Michigan Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance annual conference in Dearborn in November.

“So often when we donate, we are unsure of where the funding is going,” she said. “I don’t have that question with the NMU Foundation. I not only see my money being used, but in an area that is very important to me.  I enjoy watching students grow and funding from the Foundation provides additional growth opportunities for students. I have mentored several undergraduate students presenting at state and national conferences. Many of these opportunities would not have been possible without funding from the Foundation office.

“I have also collaborated with Eileen Smit (Nursing) on interdisciplinary programming in Honduras. Funding from the Foundation has been instrumental in providing service learning opportunities for our students. It is a joy to observe students in this cultural setting and to see their growth as we work with our Honduran colleagues."

Last year, 30 percent of employees made a gift during the faculty/staff campaign, which marked a 50 percent increase over the previous year. Payroll deduction is available and 100 percent of employee contributions can be designated according to personal preference (own department, favorite program or passion). Those who prefer not to direct gifts can donate to The Northern Fund, which addresses urgent needs each fiscal year. For more information, contact foundtn@nmu.edu.