The Northern Center - NMU Events and Announcements

The Northern Center

Join us on Friday, February 20th, for a Circle of Being Seven Gradfathers workshop with Marlene Syrette. 

Marlene Syrette is an Ojibwe Anishinaabekwe of the Wolf Clan from Batchewana First Nation. A cultural educator grounded in Anishinaabe Aadziwin, she actively participates in ceremony and cultural teachings across Anishinaabe-Akiing. Her background includes Visual Arts, Therapeutic Crisis Response, and extensive work in cultural education and child welfare.

The Northern Center

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.

The Northern Center

Diwali (also known as Deepavali or Tihar) is a five day festival celebrated amongst Hindu, Jain, Buddhist, and Sikh communities around the world. It celebrates the triumph of good over evil and light over dark.  

Diwali is marked by lighting diyas, or small clay oil lamps. 🪔 While we can’t have real oil lamps at the Northern Center, we will provide LED tea lights and a holder that you can decorate. We will also have a sample of South Asian snacks and sweets and you will be able to learn some regional dances from India.

This event is made possible by generous support from Lydia M. Olson Library, NMU Housing & Residential Life, School of Education, Leadership & Public Service, Departments of Sociology & Anthropology, Earth, Environmental & Geographical Sciences, Social Work, and Languages, Literatures & International Studies, and the Marquette-Alger Great Start Collaborative.

We hope to see you there! Zarur aana! 

The Northern Center

Join the Student Equity & Engagement Center in recognizing the achievements of graduating students of color and international students! A brief ceremony will be followed by music, a special menu of cultural foods, and time with the community. All are welcome and tickets are not required. 

If you are a graduate interested in participating in the ceremony and/or receiving a stole, please fill out the registration form via The Hub.