Northern Michigan University student Jared Jacques played a highly visible role in NMU’s successful bid to bring the Today show’s “Rokerthon 3” to campus. He was recommended for the starring role in an NMU-produced, light-hearted video urging Al Roker to broadcast live from the Superior Dome. Jacques also appeared in the follow-up video announcing NMU was one of five schools nationwide selected to host a televised world record attempt. He even put his experience as a campus visit staff member to use leading Roker on a tour of NMU Monday afternoon.

“It’s been nothing short of amazing,” Jacques said during a break in the tour. “I was honored to be recommended for this and it’s exciting that Northern was picked from more than 100 universities that applied for Rokerthon. We had a lot of fun with it and NBC obviously liked what we had to offer. It’s definitely something special for NMU and one of the highlights of my time here as a student.”

Jacque routinely gives campus tours as a student employee with NMU Admissions. He joked that this one was different in that that “Al is not a prospective student. He doesn’t need to be convinced to come here; we already got him.” Jacques also said he’s not used to being surrounded by TV cameras and crew while showing people around.

“There’s definitely more pressure than a typical tour, but I wasn’t too nervous about it; I looked forward to it,” Jacques said. “Al seems really fun and it’s awesome to meet him.”

The criminal justice major and communication studies minor from Ashwaubenon, Wis., will graduate in May. He plans to attend the NMU Regional Police Academy in the hope of securing a law enforcement position in lower Michigan.

During his time at NMU, Jacques served as a teaching assistant for NMU’s first-year experience program. He has also been involved in the following organizations: South Superior Climbing Club, House Government, Tree Musketeers and Marquette Ending Hunger.