Alumni - NMU Events and Announcements

Alumni

The Great Lakes Cannabis Collaboration Conference is hosted by Northern Michigan University and will showcase developing trends in cannabis education and scholarship, as well as insights from industry leaders and experts at the forefront of the sector’s evolving landscape. This collaborative event aims to inspire progress in cannabis education and scholarship through open dialogue, exchange of information and ideas, and celebration of student and faculty success.

The region's gathering for cannabis education and collaboration will take place on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at NMU's Northern Center.  If you would like to learn more about the event, you can visit the conference’s website.  

Alumni

For nearly two decades, Northern Michigan University has proudly brought together students, faculty, staff, and community members through the annual UNITED Conference: Uniting Neighbors in the Experience of Diversity. Since its inception, UNITED has served as a cornerstone event to advance justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) on campus and in the broader Marquette community. 

It is a platform for learning, sharing, and fostering meaningful dialogue that promotes understanding across identities and experiences.

This year’s theme, "Voices of the Earth: Learning, Leading, and Advancing Equity Together," centers the interconnectedness between environmental justice and social equity. It reminds us that addressing climate change and sustainability must include justice for the marginalized communities disproportionately affected by environmental degradation.

We're looking for passionate educators, activists, students, and leaders to present at this year's conference.

Alumni

We invite you to join the NMU Chemistry Department in welcoming the following guest speakers. All seminars will take place in TSB 2904 at 5 PM. Everyone is welcome to attend!

Wednesday, February 5 – Dr. James DeDecker
Topic: Cannabinoid Outcomes: Hemp Varieties and Agronomy

Wednesday, February 19 – Dr. Luke Busta
Topic: Citizen Science-Assisted Exploration of Lineage-Specific Epicuticular Wax Blooms

Wednesday, March 12 – Alumni Panel: Ethics in the Cannabis Industry
Featuring: Artie Bedford, Alex Dale, Haylee Kuehl-Weisser

Wednesday, April 2 – Alumni Panel: Exploring Career Paths
Featuring: Keegan Adams, Jacob Cortez, Joey Wienckowski

Wednesday, April 23 – Dr. Twinkle Paryani
Topic: Analysis of Non-Terpenoid Cannabis Volatiles

Alumni

Dr. Luke Busta will be visiting NMU from the University of Minnesota Duluth where he is an assistant professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.

In addition to presenting his medicinal plant chemistry seminar, he will be meeting with students and faculty to discuss his research and the graduate program opportunities that UMD has to offer.

All are welcome, hope to see you there!

Alumni

Alumni and friends are invited to virtually join President Brock Tessman for a special 125th-anniversary edition of Northern Now on Tuesday, February 18, at 7 p.m. Eastern. During this memorable event, President Tessman will explore NMU’s rich history alongside esteemed guests with deep ties to the University. It’s the perfect opportunity for alumni to reflect on their time at NMU, reconnect with fellow Wildcats, and celebrate the legacy of our alma mater.

Panelists include:

• Dave Bonsall ‘74 BS, retired from NMU after working for 38 years in Housing & Residence Life and the Center for Student Enrichment
• Carol Johnson ’81 BS, ’89 MBA, Dean of the NMU College of Business
• Joe Lubig ’91 BS, ’00 MAE, Associate Dean of the School of Education, Leadership & Public Service at NMU
• Jes Thompson ’01 BS, Assistant Vice President for Sustainability at NMU
• Dana Hinckley, current education student and ASNMU President 

Questions will be taken live during the event via the Q&A function on Zoom, and alumni can submit questions ahead of time during registration. Registration is required. Once alumni and friends register, they will receive the Zoom link to join the conversation.

Northern Now is a digital event series for alumni and friends hosted by Northern Michigan University Alumni Relations. The series provides a behind-the-scenes look at NMU students, departments, athletics, and more on campus with exclusive tours, interviews, and interactive events. Stay connected to your alma mater and learn more at nmu.edu/alumni.

Alumni

Thursday, February 20, 2025 | 3PM | University Center | Student Scholarship Summit is a new opportunity for students to showcase their research, scholarly activity, and creative inquiry. This is a networking and poster session. A limited number of student entries will be accepted on a first come, first serve basis for this inaugural event. Awards will be issued for First ($750), Second ($450), Third places ($150), and one (1) People's Choice ($750). All are encouraged to attend. 

Alumni

Please join the NMU chemistry department in welcoming Dr. James DeDecker from the Michigan State University - Upper Peninsula Research and Extension Center. He will be the first speaker to present in the Medicinal Plant Chemistry Seminar Series 2025.

Alumni

Join us for our February Pre-Pharmacy Meeting. Everyone is highly encouraged to attend, and we kindly ask that you RSVP on the Hub so we can get a headcount.

We’re excited to welcome Dr. Karen Ellingrod from the University of Michigan as our guest speaker. This is a fantastic opportunity to ask questions and gain insights into the field of pharmacy.

Refreshments will be provided—we hope to see you there!

Alumni

We are kicking off this year’s Be Well in Winter campaign with the outdoor Ice Rink Grand Opening behind the Northern Center on Saturday, February 1st from 5-8 PM. The event will feature a ribbon-cutting ceremony, food truck, complimentary hot chocolate bar, open skate, and prize drawings for students, including the chance to win a brand-new pair of skates! 

The rink will be open daily (volunteers and weather permitting), from 1:00pm to 4:00pm and 6:00pm to 9:00pm. 

Alumni

Middle and high school Science Olympiad teams from throughout the Upper Peninsula will create designs, solve problems, and learn the importance of teamwork by competing in different STEM-related events at the annual regional tournament. The top-placed teams will advance to the State tournament hosted by Michigan State University in late spring.

If interested in volunteering at the event, please contact Renee Jewett, the event coordinator.