NMU has received a $78,000 grant from the Blue Cross Blue Shield Foundation of Michigan. The funding will support a two-phase project designed to challenge the myth that alcohol causes men to be violent.  

“Because we live in a drinking society, there’s a tendency to blame things on alcohol – particularly behavior that is embarrassing or gets people into trouble,” said Ira Hutchison (Sociology and Social Work), the principal investigator. “But the fact is that alcohol only heightens predispositions and diminishes inhibitions. You can sober up an intoxicated spouse abuser, but you’re still left with a sober spouse abuser. We’re trying to undermine women’s tendency to believe that alcohol is the cause of abusive behavior. By accepting it as an excuse, they are less likely to get help.” Full Story

Beaumier will Address December Graduates

Dr. John Beaumier, a retired orthopedic surgeon and NMU alumnus, will be the featured speaker at the university's mid-year commencement ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 16. He will also receive an honorary doctor of science degree. Beaumier retired in 1998 from the Mayo Clinic. Full Story

NMU Partners with ConnectEdu

Northern has partnered with ConnectEdu, enabling high schools to electronically forward transcripts and letters of recommendation on behalf of their student applicants. The “educational solutions” company offers a suite of Web-based services designed to make the admissions and financial aid application process as simple as possible for high school counselors, students and parents. Full Story

A/P Union Ratifies Contract

Nutcracker Fantasy Presented Dec. 2

The NMU Dance Company will present a unique twist on a classic holiday tale with its upcoming production of The Nutcracker Fantasy. The cast is composed of 130 dancers from NMU and the MacGregor School of Pipe and Dance.

Choreographer Deborah Choszczyk (HPER) maintains the storyline of the traditional ballet, in which Clara receives a nutcracker doll during a Christmas party. After the party, the nutcracker comes to life and battles goblins before taking Clara to the land of dreams. Full Story

United Way Campaign Begins

NMU has kicked off its 2006-07 workplace campaign to support the United Way of Marquette County. The goal is to raise $35,000 from university employees and retirees. The money will be distributed among more than 30 non-profit member agencies that rely on financial support from the local United Way. NMU employees can opt for payroll deduction to spread out their contributions over a period of time. Individuals can also choose how to invest their dollars in Marquette County. Full Story

Wildcat Express Center Relocated

The Wildcat Express Center has moved to a new location behind TCF Bank. It is in the space formerly occupied by Willy's Snak Shak. The center didn't move far – it's just around the corner from its previous University Center location next to the bookstore.

'Lighting Up the Holidays'

The annual "Lighting up the Holidays" will be held on Thursday, Nov. 30, at the University Center. Hayrides are offered from 4-8:30 p.m., departing from the UC atrium. A tree-lighting ceremony is scheduled for 6:30 p.m., followed by a reception in the Peter White Lounge. Children can have their pictures taken with Santa. There will also be free cookies, refreshments and entertainment. Attendees are encouraged to bring canned food for the TV6 Can-A-Thon.The NMU Bookstore will also hold a holiday sale in conjunction with the event, staying open until 8 p.m.

Holiday Celebration Dec. 7

NMU employees are invited to a campus holiday celebration from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7, in the Great Lakes Rooms of the University Center. There will be a light buffet and a cash bar. Attendees are also invited to bring a canned good for donation to a local food pantry, or an unwrapped toy for the Mining Journal's Cheer Club.

He has moonlighted on stage as Doctor Scott in The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Old Deuteronomy in Cats and the Cowardly Lion in The Wizard of Oz, but Stan Wright (WNMU-FM) is more commonly known for his day job: hosting a classical music program on Public Radio 90.

Wright said he has enjoyed classical music since he was old enough to sing. Full Story