Catching Up - Northern Magazine

Investiture of President Tessman Marks a New Era for NMU

NMU is on the rise in so many ways,” NMU President Brock Tessman said in his investiture ceremony on Sept. 29. “Faculty excellence in and out of the classroom. Distinctive academic and workforce training programs. Positive enrollment growth. A growing partnership with a vibrant community in one of the most beautiful natural settings in the world. And there is even more to look forward to as we head into the next year, one in which we will publicly launch our next major fundraising campaign and formally celebrate our 125th anniversary as, in my opinion, the flagship university of Upper Michigan.”

The ceremony weaved symbolism tied to Northern's past, present and future with Tessman's tributes to family, friends and mentors. His mother, Dr. Deirdre Tessman, a leader in the biotech and pharmaceutical industries, helped to place the Chain of Office around his neck. The chain displays the official NMU seal encircled with two laurel branches. Engraved banners listing Northern presidents and their years in office are linked to the medallion.

I want to be very clear when I say that this university always has been, and always will be, defined by our students.

                                - Dr. Brock Tessman

The procession included 124 NMU students—one for each year the institution has existed. There were also 94 Graveraet Elementary students, including both of Tessman’s young daughters' classes, who led the Pledge of Allegiance.

“The 1st and 3rd graders who stood before you will inherit a world that is more complex, and perhaps heavier, than we can imagine. But they can look to our current students to see the opportunity they have—no matter what their background—to lead the kind of change that they believe in and the kind of change that may lighten the load for future generations. And our current students can't help but be inspired by our alumni, women and men who have preceded them and gone on to reshape the world in every field and every far-flung place."

Gwen Feamster, president of the student government organization ASNMU, said Tessman has already made an impact on students. “We have seen his openness to change and willingness to help the students here,” she said. “I have seen how he cares to know students, whether over hot wings, casually outside Starbucks, or even playing in the Dead River Games. I believe having Dr. Tessman will benefit the student experience at Northern and ensure our growth as an institution in the years to come. Thank you for diving in headfirst as soon as you arrived, even before you had completed the move. Thank you for taking the time to listen to multiple perspectives and for your dedication to students and to learning. … Just as you've said you have our backs, we have yours.”

With the proliferation of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), Tessman said it will be increasingly important that Northern continues to be defined by uniquely human qualities that AI cannot touch. These include a sense of belonging; a deep appreciation for the area's history, geography and lore; an unwavering commitment to academic freedom; and by demonstrating “sisu” in the context of “a consistent, courageous approach toward challenges that at first seem to exceed our capacities.”
 

You can watch the investiture ceremony on YouTube on NMUAV Streaming.

International Experiences Return after COVID

Community Resilience in Puerto Rico

Complementing a course that explores community resilience in the face of adversity and the intricate interplay of human needs, services and communications systems, nine NMU students, Communications and Media Studies Professor Sara Potter and community health advocate Kristen Karls ‘07 BA completed a 10-day immersive experience in Puerto Rico this summer.

In addition to delving into Puerto Rican culture, students engaged with and learned from community-based groups specializing in a broad range of areas. These included food sovereignty, urban agroecology, street art and murals as tools for social activism, wellbeing and disaster preparedness, environmental sustainability, eco-tourism, and women-led/supported community development.

"Something that made this immersive trip so special is that we can read articles, and see pictures for the whole semester, but without the in-person element of actually having been in Puerto Rico there is so much missing,” said Emilia Nelson, a senior communication studies major. “Being there, we got to see the struggles first hand, but it was honestly most inspiring to see the way the communities worked together to be themselves, to be better for the future and to uplift one another. They also overcome so many challenges. It opened my eyes on how we as a community in Marquette do or don't work together to overcome some of our local challenges. I even frequently thought back to my home town to compare the community experiences."

The initial phase of the visit included a stop at Finca Neo Jibairo, a private ecological farm. “This experience shed light on the challenges faced by Puerto Rican farmers post-Hurricane Maria and highlighted the development of adaptive systems to combat climate change,” Potter said. “With a staggering 90% of Puerto Rico's food being imported, this farm tour underscored the pivotal role played by local small farms and urban agroecology in advancing food sovereignty as a fundamental human right.”

Culture in Context: Spain

Twenty students participated in this four-week, faculty-led excursion this summer, studying at the prestigious University of Salamanca, founded in 1218.

Guided by Professor Amy Orf, they studied Spanish language, history, culture and society. They visited historical and cultural sites including two medieval cathedrals, a Roman bridge, several art museums, a bullfighting museum and took a flamenco-dancing class. They also explored the historic cities of Mérida, Cáceres and Ávila. Students stayed with host families.

A study abroad experience is the best way for students to improve their ability to speak a language and get to know the culture of those who speak it, and there is no better place to do so than Salamanc

                           - Professor Amy Orf

Students also enjoyed enriching experiences in Vienna, Austria and Stratford, Ontario.