Student Stories & Testimonials - NMU Blog

During my undergraduate degree, many of my classes included outdoor lab work or class field trips. These trips were my favorite part of my undergraduate program and offered me and my peers valuable, hands-on learning experiences

Deciding to stay in Marquette and attend NMU was an easy choice once I decided on my majors, as I figured what better place to study the natural world?

I live 6 hours away when I'm not here so I took a risk with wanting to go here but it was worth it. It is very easy to find your way up here once you get your bearings and I would just tell anyone considering coming here those words.

I decided to come to nmu because I loved the campus and the atmosphere

The support from the EEGS department is one of the most helpful things I have had because of my major. There were times where I wasn't confident in myself and questioned continuing my degree, but with their support, I achieved more than I could've ever imagined. I worked a lot with Dr.Ziegler to narrow down what I wanted to do for my capstone, m...

To me, being a Wildcat means making your own journey. I feel NMU is unique with its scenery and accessibility to great hikes, biking, and other similar activities. There is much to do here, but you have to go and find it. Getting involved with the community to find these things makes the experience that much greater.

Meet Merle Richter, a Master of Interdisciplinary Studies student from Sayda, Germany. Merle is also a member of the NMU Nordic Ski team. Merle plans to graduate in August of 2025. 

Being a Wildcat to me means making the best of whatever life throws your way. There’s no right way to live a life, so it’s finding people that you enjoy being around and going out and doing whatever makes you happy and a better person.

Growing up in the Northern Michigan region, I had already felt at home. Surrounded by nature and having Lake Superior nearby there are plenty of activities to do. I have met a lot of people here who have made major impacts on my life and I have made forever connections.

Many of the interesting things we do in nursing school, revolve a lot around the clinical setting. each semester is a little bit different, but during my second semester of nursing school, I was able spend a day in different specialty locations. For example, one day I was in the OR, which was an amazing experience getting to be alongside a RN an...

An interesting part of my major was that I created and managed a small sticker business with a group of students as part of one of my classes. To promote the product, I was interviewed on TV6. Another helpful thing was applying to the Rural Leadership Development Fellowship. With this, I am able to gain real life experience in community developm...

Northern changes you for the better. Since coming here, I have redefined my life aspirations and feel confident about the next stages of my life, especially when it comes to graduate school. Having a stronger belief in my future has allowed me to open up and learn more about myself as an individual.

Being a wildcat means indulging yourself in the outdoors, in the campus opportunities presented to you, and most importantly in the community around you!
 

My dad graduated from NMU in the early 90s after being raised in Marquette and my Grandpa work for NMU for decades. We’d always drive by campus and Dad would point out what buildings he had classes in and where Grandpa had worked. Because of my deep roots in NMU and the impact Northern had on me, even as a little kid, NMU was where i was going t...

I would tell someone who is coming to NMU to take advantage of every opportunity that comes their way. Attend as many school and city events as possible and utilize the connections that the university gives you. Work hard, but have fun! 4 years are over in the blink of an eye.

NMU is a great school for future leaders. NMU provides students with the opportunity to have close relationships with faculty and staff that would be hard to come by at a larger university.

Being a Wildcat means community. Students and faculty I have met all have been supportive of my goals. As I am now in the upper-level courses of my degree program, the students in my classes all know one another personally. We are all encouraging and understanding of each other, like a family.
 

I really felt like I was home when I came for my visit and I really enjoyed how pretty campus was and that it wasn’t big

I decided to come to NMU on a whim. I loved the recreational activities and beautiful scenery this place had to offer. I heard Northern had an amazing reputation with their nursing school program so I decided to apply. It was the best decision I have ever made.

I decided to come to NMU because it was the place that felt the most like home for me. From the first time I set foot on campus, I felt like Northern was not only a place for me to learn, but somewhere I could thrive. I wanted to go to college where I felt like I could be part of something bigger than myself, and NMU has given me the opportunity...

I originally toured NMU because it had the program I was looking into, but after touring I knew I wasn't going to do my undergrad anywhere else. The campus and location are beautiful; throughout Marquette, I can walk to Lake Superior, hike mountains, longboard through campus, see waterfalls, shop downtown, or go to the middle of nowhere to hunt....

NMU has a smaller campus, with smaller class sizes, and the views are amazing!

I would basically tell someone who is considering coming to Northern, the campus is in a beautiful part of the UP and there are so many good opportunities for you to start your future.

It is the best thing you’ll ever do, no regrets. It will be tough at first but you will find your safe spot.

I chose NMU because of the small campus and class sizes. NMU's campus is a warm, welcoming community that I love being a part of. We also have the most beautiful campus year-round! Nothing compares to a cozy snowy day or a dip in the lake on a warm August day in Marquette.

Being a wildcat means having heart and hunger. It means being compassionate for the community and the nature around you. It means having the hunger to learn and the drive to adapt.

I landed on Communications and Media Studies (CAMS) as my major because of the breadth of opportunities involved in the program. I also liked that it gives opportunities for my creative side to be paired with my business side.

Being a Wildcat means welcoming everyone you meet! The UP, and NMU in general, is one of the friendliest communities I have ever been apart of, and I love being able to feel safe and accepted everywhere.

Looking back I knew I made the right choice. I enjoy being in Marquette a lot, and NMU is a great place to start. Small enough to not be overwhelming, but big enough to meet/see new people everyday. It’s all about doing what’s right for you, and where your gut/heart is leading you. 

NMU is a wonderful school, but your experience will be what you make of it. I will always highly recommend that students get involved because being involved and meeting new people is the thing that truly makes NMU feel like home. There are incredible opportunities waiting for you here if you're willing to go out and find them.

To #beNorthern means that you are forever apart of a community. This community supports each other and embraces individuality, which is what I have specifically loved about attending Northern.

Meet Michaline Dutkiewicz, an Outdoor Recreation Leadership and Management Major from Memphis, MI. Michaline plans to graduate in 2023.

Meet Ethan McKenna, an Outdoor Recreation Leadership and Management Major from Traverse City, MI. Ethan plans to graduate in 2023.

To me, "be Northern" encompasses not only the supportive Marquette community, but also the limitless opportunities at NMU to discover your passions. College is the time to step out of your comfort zone, experience new ideals, and express yourself.

I decided to come to NMU because I was looking for a school where the professors cared about the successes of their students, and didn’t see their students with a “weeding out” perspective. NMU is the best choice I’ve made as a transfer student. The faculty and staff have been so supportive, and have helped me navigate the challenges as a transf...

"I find myself a lot more confident in my ideas and it is easier to communicate them with the world because of my experience at Northern."

Meet Trixie Maguran Jacobson, an Hospitality Management major from Detroit, MI. Trixie plans to graduate in 2024.

Meet Ella Januszewski, an Hospitality Management major from Howell, MI. Ella plans to graduate in 2025.

Come to wildcat weekend and explore the different programs offered, reading about them online is one thing, but being able to come in and see the labs, kitchens, classrooms, etc. that you will be working in is a whole different experience!

Meet Cameron Jenerou, a Hospitality Management major from Apache Junction, AZ. Cameron plans to graduate in 2026.

To me, 'be Northern' means that education is something that truly matters up here in the UP. Northern does its best to accommodate to all it’s students and that’s exactly the kind of environment I want to be involved in. It’s means having a wonderful place to learn and explore, be apart of a loving community who wants you to achieve your dreams,...

To me, "be Northern" is about a community supporting you in both your growth academically and as a person. Not only is this the NMU community but, the Marquette community as well.

The term "Be Northern" means getting out of your comfort zone and experiencing everything Northern and Marquette has to offer. This includes hiking, rock climbing, sporting events, Northern Lights and bonfires on the beach. "Be Northern" Can also mean taking advantage of academic opportunities like professor office hours, internships, and joinin...

To me, "be Northern" means making the most of everything our school and its surroundings have to offer. Hiking new trails, rock climbing outdoors, seeing the northern lights, and receiving support from professors and advisors that care and want to see you succeed.

To “be Northern” to me, means to use the aspects of our campus and surrounding areas to the fullest. Exploring the various hikes, snowboarding in some of the best conditions in the country, and receiving more personalized education from professors.

To "be Northern" means to be so determined that even when faced with both you find a way to work through it all. And to work not only to find success but to also find a way to have fun amidst the maelstrom of winter weather and impending due dates.

NMU has the build of a small school but with that comes a smaller community that wants to see you grow and become who you want to be. Regardless of where you decide to go to get an education it should also be a place where you develop as a human as well as a student, for me NMU created a good environment to do that.

Be Northern means so many things, but to me, it means being whoever you choose to be. Over the four or more years of college, you are going to change a lot as a person. You will find new interests or hobbies, meet new friends, and study material you never had before. Since you naturally are going to change and grow as a person, I love that North...

Being Northern, to me, means being able to adapt to challenging situations. The U.P. offers both physical and mental hills that are difficult to overcome, but not impossible. Once you've hiked those slopes, though, you'll realize all your hard work really does pay off.

Come visit us and see! If they have the major you are looking at or if you're undecided, NMU is an excellent place to start your education. Everyone is so welcoming, the campus is small and homey, and the location is the best! I strongly encourage you to come to NMU if it is a school of interest to you!

I decided to come to NMU because I am proud to be a Marquette local, and quite frankly, had not been tempted to leave. This town has so much beauty and character, and I continue to be grateful for all it has to offer.

To anyone considering going to NMU, I would tell them to come visit campus to get the feel of it. Northern is a completely difference experience once you're actually here, and everyone deserves to experience that feeling of greatness that Northern has to offer.

"Be northern means the ability to be with like minded people and getting to explore with all of those awesome people."

Meet Madeleine Boyle, a Clinical Laboratory Studies: Diagnostic Genetics major from Port Huron, Mi. Madeleine plans to graduate in 2026.

Wake up early for a morning swim. Stay up late for the sunset. Walk to your favorite coffee shop. Hike up the mountain. Say “yes” to new opportunities. People don’t lie when they say these are some of the best years of your life. Take advantage of that.

The Marquette and Northern communities will both make you feel incredibly welcome right off the bat. NMU is a great place to be.

"To beNorthern means to go outside. To see the northern lights on the top of Sugarloaf. To jump off Blackrocks on a warm August afternoon. To watch a Wildcat hockey win. To wear plaid on “plaidurday” and to be proud to live in the 906 on September 6th."

“Be northern” means seizing the opportunities that life gives you. Take a study break and go for a hike when the sun is shining. Say yes to things that make you a little nervous, and put yourself out there. Go find what makes you happy!"

“There is so much to do on campus and off. People love spending time outside and the professors are super insightful."

"Since coming here I discovered that I not only love to hike, but I also LOVE hockey-this surprised my whole family! To 'beNorthern' is to be yourself. If you don't know who that is yet, that's okay, because sooner or later you'll find out!"

"Through the School of Education, I was able to find my job working at a local daycare. It has given me hands-on experience that will continue to benefit me as years go on."

"To me, beNorthern means living the whole college dream, living on campus, making lifelong friends, getting involved, and appreciating what Marquette has to offer."

"On my first visit to campus, I totally fell in love with Northern and Marquette. I remember walking through campus and feeling such a strong sense of community. With every interaction I had, I got to witness Northern's friendly culture and I couldn't wait to be a part of it."

"It speaks to me about individuality, as it’s an umbrella term to cover what every northern student is pursuing. Everyone is doing something different, but the thing that holds us together as Northern students is dedication to our ambition."

"I decided to come to Northern because of the endless opportunities and small campus community."

"I chose to go to NMU because I really loved the idea of having so many outdoor activities all around, I love being closer to home and I love the programs that NMU offers."

"NMU really is a home no matter who you talk to or no matter what you do you always have support and you’ll always have friends behind your back it’s a university unlike any other and if you’re one for nature outdoors new experiences and bonds it will last a lifetime and NMU is for you!"

"I’m really starting to find my place at Northern, I love it more every day!"
 

"Being a first generation college student, a POC, and an out of state student could be hard sometimes, but I'm grateful for the people I have in my life on campus who have helped me through new experiences"

"NMU was a place I knew that could let my creativity flow and find myself. There’s so much you can do in this “little” town, that I knew would keep me busy."
 

"This is a amazing place to be with a great community and beautiful environment. I am so happy that I had the opportunity to pursue my education here!"

"The NMU Hoop House has been a remarkably rewarding experience; I've learned so much about growing food, composting, soil fertility, and working with others to reach a common goal!"

"I have always enjoyed helping my community and I believe people like me will be the change to the education system of the US."

"The students and faculty in my department are some of the most caring individuals, not only about their areas of study and expertise, but about their peers as well."

"Northern offers many amazing hands-on opportunities that make learning fun and exciting."

"The people are kind and there is a diverse population. There’s plenty to do up here with all the outdoor beauty and the shops and eats downtown."

"I'm thankful for the Northern Lights Dining staff and the Club Cross Country Bandits. Everyone from either group has made my move up here seamless and exciting."

"You have the ability here to create connections with your professors, they are truly amazing resources and supporters."

"It’s hard to realize the magic of this place sometimes until you try to make a plan to leave."

"From the very first time that I stepped on campus I was instantly taken in by the atmosphere, I felt at home and everyone was very inviting."

"As a first-generation student, I'm especially thankful for the opportunity to be at NMU."

"NMU has everything a bigger college has to offer just a bit more condensed which makes everything easier on the student."

"I knew I could get an undergraduate clinical experience in the SLHS program which would put me ahead while trying to get accepted into a graduate program."

"I never expected to leave so far from home for school while I was looking ahead as a kid. I always knew I’d be an artist, though. It’s the one thing I’m passionate about that I can turn into a career, and that can help people in the process!"

"Surfing on Lake Superior has been the most meaningful experience during my time at Northern. It gives me a chance to clear my mind while having fun with my buddies."

"I am involved in the Black student union and it has been the most amazing experience. Through this organization, I was able to find my voice and fight for my community on and off-campus."

"NMU offered a unique advantage that the other did not; a trade school within a university."

"My experience at Northern Michigan University has been life-changing in every possible way. Here, I was able to develop my identity, learn to think and advocate for myself, I had the support of an amazing group of professors who became mentors, and met friends who became family."

"During my time at Northern, I’ve had incredible professors who’ve been more than willing to provide support, from resume advice to answering homework questions and more! I’ve made lifelong friends, and have connected with the natural environment of the Great U.P."

"My program is small, which has led to the creation of lifelong friendships with those in my cohort. I would not have the experiences I have had thus far if I went to a large institution. "

"I personally think almost everything I have done as part of my major is very exciting and helpful for my success in the program. From running our own cafe, planning and serving a five-course meal, to getting managers food safety certified, taking a bar and beverage course, and everything in between."

"Northern also has an amazing education program. I loved how much the professors here made learning personal. At Northern, I don't feel like just a number."

"I decided to come to NMU because it gave me an opportunity to play sports at the level and pursue a degree in what I love."

"I went to my first French club meeting and we shared a night of great conversation, microwaveable popcorn, and we watched a short French film. From that moment on, I knew that French was the right path for me."

"I met so many people through the volleyball club and have created lifelong friends through a sport that I thought I was done playing in high school."

"I fell in love with the SLP program here at NMU because it makes me feel like I'm a part of something bigger than just me."

"Greek life has been extremely rewarding. I met individuals that I know will walk in my wedding once I am older. It opened the door for unlimited possibilities after college."

"NMU has given me opportunities I know I could not have experienced elsewhere. Whether it be in the classroom, or out exploring all Marquette has to offer, the experiences I have had in the supportive community here have helped me create the person I am today."