Faculty Member Pens Alma Mater

As part of its 125th Anniversary Celebration, Northern put out a request in January for original compositions that could be used as NMU’s alma mater, the official song played or sung at ceremonial events. Submissions were received from current students, faculty/staff, alumni, and U.P. community members.


The Alma Mater Work Group selected Communication and Media Studies Professor Dwight Brady’s "Northern Pride" as the top submission and recommended it as the alma mater to President Brock Tessman and the Executive Council, where it was approved. The piece was cited for demonstrating NMU’s strong connection to the pristine local environment, indigenous culture and people, and rigorous learning opportunities.
 

The runner-up selection was “NMU, Our Alma Mater” co-written by Northern alumni Abigail O’Connell and Benjamin Gronvall. The second-place choice was “Golden Shores” by alumni Heidi Hummel and William Ragnone. Northern Pride will make its official debut at the 2024 Homecoming football game on Sept. 21.

Listen to "Northern Pride" below!

Northern Pride Lyrics

Press Release

 

Northern Pride

by Dr. Dwight Brady

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Lofty ridges, forest floors
Crashing waves on rocky shores
On the home of Anishinaabe tribes
Our alma mater stands with pride

In your halls, my voice I find
Rigor building strength of mind

As we journey from this place, knowledge will ignite our way
Like auroras in the sky
We will shine with Northern pride

We will shine with Northern pride

Alma Mater Work Group Members

Alumni Relations: 

  • Robyn Stille, executive director of NMU Alumni Relations 
  • Chris Charboneau – chair, NMU Alumni Advisory Board

Students: 

  • Karl Mohr, biology major, NMU Marching Band member
  • Alex Watanen, graduate student, Master of English – Creative Writing

Faculty: 

  • Erin Colwitz, Music
  • Steve Grugin, Music
  • Andy Poe, Mathematics and Computer Science

Staff: 

  • Rachel Harris, director, Center for Student Enrichment
  • Cindy Paavola, assistant to the president, Executive Council
  • Dan Truckey, director, Beaumier Heritage Center