Northern Michigan University President Fritz Erickson issued the following statement in response to the death of Rep. John Kivela: "Northern Michigan University lost a good friend in the death of Michigan State Representative John Kivela. John was a friend to so many in the community and an ardent supporter of opportunities for students in the U.P. He worked tirelessly on behalf of the community and our students and he should be recognized for that effort. I extend my sympathies to his wife, Sandy, and the Kivela family. He will be greatly missed."