Achievements
Prototype wicker furniture pieces designed by three students through an NMU partnership with Lloyd Flanders were included in the company’s showroom at the International Casual Furniture & Accessories Market Sept. 16-19 in Chicago. NMU’s human-centered design program, under the direction of Peter Pless (Art and Design), partnered with longtime Menominee manufacturer Lloyd Flanders to develop concepts for contemporary woven furniture that might appeal to younger consumers. Students gained valuable experience working for a real-world client and tempering their creativity with the constraints of available materials, production methods and labor costs. Company officials appreciated the fresh perspective and imaginative uses for the trademark wicker material that is weaved on the original 1917 Lloyd Loom and hand-stretched over frames of aluminum tubing. Students presented their final designs at the company late last year. They received constructive feedback on aesthetic value, practicality and manufacturing potential. Lloyd Flanders selected three to fine tune for its display in Chicago. The pieces were designed by (from left) Matt Steinmetz of Grosse Pointe Park, Paige Doolin of Birmingham and Nolan Warn of Shawnee, Kan.
The search committee for NMU’s next provost and vice president for Academic Affairs has been established. The committee will work with Parker Executive Search of Atlanta, Ga., a firm with a national reputation for successfully placing higher education administrators. Lesley Larkin (English) and Kerri Schuiling (School of Health Sciences and Professional Studies) have agreed to co-chair the committee. Remaining members are: Heidi Blanck (Technology and Occupational Sciences), Hugo Eyzaguirre (Economics), Chris Greer (Dean of Students), Deanna Hemmila (President’s Office), Marcus Knight (Intercollegiate Athletics), April Lindala (Native American Studies), Kevin McDonough (Academic Information Services – Library), Rebecca Mead (History), Ed Michaels (Counseling Center), Erich Ottem (Biology), Jeremy Pickens (Alumni Board), Kristi Robinia (Nursing), Alex Ruuska (Sociology-Anthropology), Carter Wilson (Political Science) and a student representative.
NMU’s School of Nursing held a pilot White Coat Ceremony last week. It was one of 100 nursing schools nationwide selected to receive funding for such events, which are designed to instill a commitment to providing compassionate care among future health professionals. White Coat Ceremonies have been an important rite of passage at medical schools for more than 20 years, but a collaboration between Arnold P. Gold Foundation and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing marks the first time a coordinated effort has been developed to offer similar events at schools of nursing. NMU students enrolled in the doctor of nursing practice program participated in the white coat aspect, but bachelor of science in nursing students also participated and received a hunter green stethoscope. The guest speaker was Bobbie Berkowitz, dean and professor at Columbia University School of Nursing and senior vice president of Columbia University Medical Center.