Boyle Named Commencement Speaker

Kevin Boyle, a Northern alumnus and attorney with Latham & Watkins L.L.P., will be the keynote speaker at the Dec. 15 commencement ceremony. He also will receive an honorary doctorate of mass communications degree.

Boyle is a partner resident in the law firm’s Washington, D.C. and Reston, Va., offices. He is a member of the corporate department and its technology transactions and communications practice groups. Full Story

External Grants Funneled to NMU

Northern consistently secures grants from a variety of federal and state sources to support university research and programs. While by no means exhaustive, the following overview of recently obtained grants highlights the variety of university activities made possible with the help of external funding. Full Story

Student Helps Put Wildcat Willy on USOEC Apparel

Wildcat Willy is getting some added exposure beyond his mascot duties for NMU athletics. His image graces a new line of apparel promoting the U.S. Olympic Education Center. With the goal of strengthening the connection between the university and the USOEC, it’s only appropriate that the project was spearheaded by an NMU student who also wrestles for the women’s freestyle team. Kuuiini Johnson, a fifth-year double major in management and finance from Aiea, Hawaii, facilitated the design of Wildcat Willy engaged in each USOEC sport. Full Story

Library Selected as State Depository

Olson Library is one of 11 remaining Michigan Documents Depository Libraries and is the only such facility in the Upper Peninsula. The state consolidated the number of depository libraries from 54 in response to recent budget difficulties and the government's increasing use of electronic dissemination and digital archiving practices. Full Story

United Way Campaign Nears Goal

The NMU workplace campaign to benefit the United Way of Marquette County has raised about 80 percent of its $35,000 goal. It is not too late for NMU employees and retirees to contribute to more than 30 non-profit agencies whose services or programs address domestic violence and addiction, basic needs, youth, health, elderly citizens and adults with disabilities. All of the money raised stays in Marquette County. Completed pledge forms are requested before Dec. 1. To obtain a pledge form, contact campaign co-chair Kathy Maki.