NMU - The Mining Journal
Transcription
NMU - The Mining Journal
2015 NMU SECTION A PROGRESS Tuesday, March 31 A SPECIAL SECTION OF THE MINING JOURNAL ALSO INSIDE Innovation Center Also: Promoting a healthy lifestyle PAGE 2A David Haynes ends two-year tenure at NMU Also: Bringing history to light PAGE 4A Puttin’ on the Fritz NMU names new president By Journal Staff MARQUETTE — When Northern Michigan University presidential candidate finalist Fritz Erickson woke up the morning of April 22, he had a plan. Knowing the NMU Board of Trustees would elect one of four finalists as the universitys next president, Erickson and his wife, Jan, began driving to Marquette that morning from Big Rapids, where Erickson worked for Ferris State University as vice president and provost for academic affairs. Erickson told NMU board Chairman Rick Popp that if Popp called him with good news, hed keep going. If Popp called to say he wasnt their choice, hed just “take a left,” and head to his cottage instead. He got the call from Popp at roughly 11 a.m. to keep going. Erickson was named NMUs 15th president by a unanimous vote of the board during a special meeting April 22. “Our goal was to find the best person who is the best for Northern Michigan University at this particular time, with the set of needs that we have,” said Trustee H. Sook Wilkinson, who headed the Presidential Search Advisory Committee. “And in the NMU on top 200 list for Native American Students PAGE 5A A fresh beginning PAGE 6A Establishing a coastal hazard observing system PAGE 7A Establishing functional designs Also: University Health Center enhances immunization process PAGE 8A FRITZ ERICKSON Northern Michigan University President NMU provost remembered, acting provost named PAGE 9A end, the board deliberated and came to the conclusion that Fritz Erickson was the best person at this very particular time.” The board gave glowing reviews of Erickson before taking a vote, with several board members expressing their “wholehearted” support for him. “When I read through all of these 54 resumes, I went, Wow, this Fritz Erickson, every box is checked. Hes almost perfect. I really have to see this guy in person to see if hes as good as he is on paper,” said Trustee Stephen Adamini, who also sat on the search committee. “And then we interviewed him ... and he didnt disappoint.” The board also highly praised the work of interim President David Haynes over the past two years as he oversaw the negotiation of three labor agreements, the construction of the new Jamrich Hall and an overhaul of enrollment services. Students, faculty, staff and community members got to shake hands with the universitys president-elect during a welcome event after Erickson and his wife arrived in Marquette that April afternoon. Erickson said he was never happier to be prevented from spending time at his cottage. “Im so deeply appreciative of the welcoming that both Jan and I have received,” Erickson said. “We are just absolutely delighted to be a part of the NMU community, part of the Marquette community and part of the Upper Peninsula. This is really a dream come true for us.” Erickson officially took over as president July 1, with one major focus of finding ways to reduce the time it takes students to earn their degrees. “The biggest contributor to student debt is not tuition - its time to degree,” Erickson said. The cost of a college education isnt just wrapped up in tuition and fees, he said, it also includes food, rent, entertainment and other expenses students and their families bear while students earn degrees. “If you can save a student one semesters worth of time, that can have more of an impact on their total cost and the cost to their family than almost anything else,” Erickson said. “So how we look at that is going to be important.” NMU nursing recognized for advances PAGE 10A Highlights from the U.S. Cross Country Championships PAGE 11A Effort to help students develop skills in stressful situations PAGE 12A 2A -— The Mining Journal -— Tuesday, March 31 Innovation Center PROGRESS2015 Taking ideas off backburner, into reality Northern Michigan University human centered design major Sarah Nixon, Invent@NMU industrial designer, works at the invention center recently on updating its website, www.nmu.edu/invent. (Journal photos by Mary Wardell) By MARY WARDELL Journal Staff Writer MARQUETTE — At Northern Michigan Universitys new innovation center, Invent@NMU, students and others from across the Upper Peninsula have the chance to bring their inventions, concepts and conjectures to the light of day — and even into commercial production. Founding Director and Marquette native David Ollila is calling it a “sandbox,” a safe space for adults to build and play. “The changes in technology and access to markets are empowering individuals in ever expanding ways,” Ollila said. “Very much like desktop publishing enabled writers in the mid-1990s and micro-breweries are challenging the market share of mass-produced beer, the advent of 3-D printing, e-commerce and digital manufacturing technologies are making it easier for consumers to become producers.” The program gives students, both employees and inventors, real-world experience taking physical products from concept to market, as they develop skills in design, manufacturing and marketing with the help of professional mentors. While the centers focus is on providing competitive experiences for students, the services are available to students, individual inventors, start-ups and even existing companies that lack the experience or resources to fully execute their idea, according to the centers website. An initial consultation is free, and there is a fee of $75 for students and $150 for community members to pursue their concept further, Ollila said. Since opening in October 2014, community and student inventors have begun work on over two dozen projects. They are “people from all walks of life who are taking their clever ideas off of the back burner and turning up the heat,” Ollila said. The center focuses on inventions such as household products, tools, animal or recreation products and other physical items that require a start-up investment of less than $100,000 and take less than one year to bring to market, Ollila said. This and some other distinctions make the program stand out, according to Robert Eslinger, NMUs special assistant to the president for economic development and the director of the Center for Innovation and Industrial Technologies. “We have not seen another program that is exactly like this one; we believe we have a very unique program, ...,” Eslinger said, adding, “Invent@NMU adds another layer to the community's entrepreneurial ecosystem and does so in a manner that ... doesn't duplicate any of the other economic development activities that already exist.” Several research institutions in the state are interested in collaborating with NMU, including the University of Michigan's Center for Entrepreneurship as well as Michigan Tech University's Office of Innovation and Industry Engagement, Eslinger said. For the centers initial three-year pilot, the university has committed up to $500,000, after which time it is expected to self-supporting, NMU President Fritz Erickson said. Twice recognized by President Barack Obama for his entrepreneurial efforts and with a portfolio of 12 patents, Ollila has founded multiple start-ups across several categories, including the now multi-billion dollar consumer electronic helmet camera category, according to the centers website. Ollila said Invent@NMU follows in a long line of predecessors. “The history of the U.P. is steeped with innovators and entrepreneurs,” Ollila said. “From the most famous in the world, like Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, Harvey Firestone and E.G. Kingsford, to our home town heroes like Kelly Johnson, Glenn Seaborg and George Shiras. There are even a few products that have been invented in the U.P. nearly 100 years ago, like the Kingsford charcoal briquette and Marble Safety Axe, that are still sold today.” Mary Wardell can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 248. Her email address is [email protected]. Promoting a healthy lifestyle NMU goes tobacco-free MARQUETTE — A tobacco-free policy has been in effect on the campus of Northern Michigan University since August 2014. The policy prohibits students, university employees and visitors from using any type of tobacco, including e-cigarettes and oral tobacco products. Cindy Paavola, assistant to the president for strategic initiatives and chairwoman of the Tobacco-free Implementation Committee, said the idea was to promote a healthier environment on campus, which is why enforcement of the policy will not include NMU Public Safety officers issuing tickets. "If we wanted to be punishing people, we would have went the ticket route," Paavola said. "This is about trying to create an even healthier and cleaner Northern Michigan University." Enforcement for employees includes meeting with a supervisor for one to three violations and disciplinary action for subsequent violations. Student penalties will follow the student code format for different infractions: warnings for the first two violations and a conduct charge for the third. Visitors seen using tobacco will be notified of the policy. If they refuse to comply, they will be asked to leave campus. "Anybody on campus has the authority to nicely, politely inform our visitors and our community members about the policy," Paavola said, adding Public Safety would only get involved if someone becomes combative. "Our goal is to never get to that point and we hope that people respect our decision as a campus. Ideally, we'd never get a disciplinary action level for students or employees, or a Public Safety level for visitors. That's not the goal." Paavola said all of NMU's campus will be on the ban, with the exception of Northern's golf course, located along M28 in Chocolay Township. Student, staff and faculty surveys and focus groups over the last two years led to the policy change, which included all of the 370 NMU apartments going smoke-free at the same time. “Generally, people really appreciate going smokefree,” NMU Apartment Advisory Board member Ryan Nuffer said. “Folks that do smoke will go outside. Everyone is aware of the upcoming change, and the tenants have reported almost unanimously that they want a smoke-free environment, so this is a very positive step.” Go to www.smokefreeup.org or call 315-2614 for a listing and more information on smokefree apartments or free stop smoking assistance. For more information on the tobacco-free policy, visit www.nmu.edu/tobaccofree. From left, former Northern Michigan University students Sean Hollin and Elizabeth Schaeffer smoke outside the Learning Resources Center in the Academic Mall on NMU's campus Thursday, July 24, 2014. NMU is now a smoke free campus. (Journal file photo) The Mining Journal -— Tuesday, March 31-— 3A PROGRESS2015 Welcome To Lower Prices... Welcome To SuperOne Foods! The aisles may look similar from one grocery store to the next, but you will always save more money at – Tougher On Prices... Fussier on Quality! Voted your #1 GROCERY STORE #1 Place to Buy READERS' CHOICE Produce AWARD 2014 As always, CUSTOMER SERVICE is our #1 PRIORITY! We VALUE each and every person who walks through our doors at Super One Foods. Remember... we believe that if our meat and produce don’t meet the standards of our families, we know it won’t meet the standards of yours... that’s why we offer only Swift Premium Black Angus USDA Choice Beef and Premium Standard All-Natural Pork along with the freshest produce possible! Marquette, US 41 West - 228-6777 • Negaunee, US 41 - 475-4132 4A -— The Mining Journal -— Tuesday, March 31 PROGRESS2015 Bringing history to light DAVID HAYNES Former Northern Michigan University President NMU professor, filmmaker preserves what would be lost David Haynes ends twoyear tenure at NMU Former president plans to return to teaching By Journal Staff MARQUETTE — Former Northern Michigan University interim president David Haynes ended his two-year tenure in June 2014, with Fritz Erickson taking his place as president in July. Haynes assumed the position in May 2012, following the resignation of NMUs 13th president Les Wong. In a letter, Haynes thanked the board and said he was "honored to have had the opportunity to spend two years working with trustees, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members to fulfill our shared hopes and visions and to work toward achieving common goals and objectives. "That being said, as you know, from the first day of my appointment I have expressed my desire to ultimately return to teaching. For decades I have been fortunate to serve NMU in many capacities. They have all been rewarding, but none more so than working side-byside with my colleagues to educate students and help them achieve personal and professional success." Prior to becoming interim president, Haynes was a professor in NMU's Political Science Department. He was also a longtime lobbyist for Northern. The contract approved by the board for Haynes' appointment specifies a partial third-year sabbatical, which commenced July 1, 2014, in which Haynes would assist the new president during the first half the year, then go on sabbatical in "preparation" for his "return to the classroom." In a note of thanks sent out to the university campus, former Board of Trustees Chairwoman Garnet Lewis thanked Haynes for a job well done. "As a board, we have been very pleased with his performance and greatly appreciate the passion and commitment that he has brought to the position," Lewis wrote. Highlights of Haynes tenure include securing funds for the new Jamrich Hall and overseeing construction of the new facility that opened in fall 2014; successful ratification of three employee union contracts; developing a new enrollment management and student services division to better address enrollment and retention; and improving NMU's support of past, present and future military service personnel. Above, Northern Michigan University interim President, David Haynes, shakes the hand of Ashley Saari during NMUs spring commencement last May. Below, Haynes addresses the crowd at the Celebration of Life for William Vandamant memorial last April. (Journal file photos) By MARY WARDELL Journal Staff Writer MARQUETTE — Award-winning documentary filmmaker Michael Loukinen made his first film to keep groggy students awake during his 8 a.m. sociology lectures at Northern Michigan University, he said. But what started as a teaching tool blossomed into a career and passion that has spanned almost 35 years and will impact how we understand the culture and history of Michigans Upper Peninsula for years to come. In December, Loukinen retired from his 40-year career as a university professor, but continues his work in film, not only to awaken and educate, but to preserve the U.P.s cultural heritage and to satisfy his own fascination with what is constantly changing all around us, he said. Loukinens work reveals “that the lives of communities are very fragile,” he said. “They come, and they go. And you cant escape the recognition of the reality that youre here, and you will be gone too.” His 18th film, “Winona, a Copper Mining Ghost Town,” which is in production and due to premiere in the fall of 2015, depicts the story of a once-thriving U.P. community of approximately 3,000 people about 35 miles south of Houghton. Today, only a few homes, a school, a church and 12 residents remain, and a cougar has been killing deer on Main Street, Loukinen MICHAEL LOUKINEN Award-winning documentary filmmaker said. Walking around the former town, Loukinen said he can see and hear the ghosts, but not in the spooky sense of the word. “I can sense the people that were there, ...,” he explained. “I can imagine ... all this happened right here, and theres just traces of it left. ... . I can see the foundations of homes, the mine shafts that are just holes in the ground now and talk with the people who have vague memories of what once was there, and I find that absolutely fascinating.” A Community Oriented Policing Services grant, a sabbatical and a faculty research grant have thus far been awarded to support the project. Grant Guston, NMUs chief engineer of WNMU TV and FM radio, and student Alex Maier are assisting with production. Other topics Loukinen has tackled consist of social intervention documentaries and stories of cultural legacy, including eight documentary films about the native Anishinaabe. “The main thrust of my work has been to capture traditional culture and history before it disappears,” Loukinen said. Loukinen started using digital film in 1997, but previous to that, his work was shot on 16 mm film, which is subject to deterioration over time. Because there are about 110 hours of valuable archival footage in danger of being lost, an effort led by NMU Archivist and Records Manager Marcus Robyns called “The Michael Loukinen Folklore Film Digitization Project” is underway to preserve it. But the time, equipment, facilities and storage space needed for the effort is substantial, Loukinen said. Robyns recently applied for a grant from the National Historical Publications and Records Commission of the National Archives. In a letter of support, Northern Plains Folklife Resources Director Nicholas Vrooman wrote that the footage depicts “real and true” stories “about an America that is now mostly memory.” “Balancing conceptual perspectives from folklore, sociology and ethnography, Loukinens gift as a filmmaker lets the story drive the content,” Vrooman wrote. “His works do not impose on the community; rather, his films give the creative space for the voices of community, family, and neighbors to offer in their own words a telling about who we are and from where we come like no other films of the borderlands. This is valuable stuff.” Anyone interested in contributing to this effort can email Robyns at [email protected]. Mary Wardell can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 248. Her email address is [email protected]. The Mining Journal -— Tuesday, March 31-— 5A PROGRESS2015 NMU on The 200 List for Native American Students One of six Michigan universities to make the cut “ “I was delighted to learn that NMU was included as part of this years Winds of Change Top 200 list. American Indians are disproportionally underrepresented at state universities as compared to their non-Native peers.” By MARY WARDELL Journal Staff Writer MARQUETTE — Northern Michigan University appeared on a top colleges list geared specifically to the Native American student experience in November 2014, according to an NMU press release. “The 200 List” appears in the special college issue of Winds of Change, a magazine published quarterly by the American Indian Science and Engineering Society. The magazine has compiled information on 200 fouryear colleges and universities “where American Indians are going to school in significant numbers and where the community, Native programs and support system are strong enough for these students to enjoy college and stay on to graduation,” the release said. The list does not rank the institutions from top to bottom, but offers stateby-state comparisons instead. NMU is one of six Michigan universities to make the cut, the release said. Others are Central, Ferris State, Lake Superior State, Michigan State and the University of Detroit Mercy. “I was delighted to learn that NMU was included as part of this years Winds of Change Top 200 list,” April Lindala of the NMU Center for Native American Studies said in the release. “American Indians are disproportionally underrepresented at — APRIL LINDALA NMU Center for Native American Studies ” state universities as compared to their non-Native peers.” Northern offers an interdisciplinary Native American Studies minor and more than two dozen related courses that can also be applied toward a concentration for a general studies associate degree or master of education administration degree. There is also an American Indian Education certification endorsed by the Tribal Education Departments National Assembly, the release said. “Longstanding programs such as the Native American Student Empowerment Initiative and this years new Elders-inResidence program, both originating from our center, strive to build community for tribal citizens studying here at NMU,” Lindala said. “Support programs such as these can lead to retention of American Indian students and, subsequently, their graduation.” Other attributes designed to enhance the Native American student experience at NMU include opportunities to publish in The Anishinaabe News, an outdoor fire site and a resource room filled with books, films and other materials, the release said. There are also three student groups: the Native American Student Association, which hosts the annual First Nations Food Taster and campus pow wow; the NMU chapter of the American Indian Science and Engineering Society, which was officially reactivated this week; and the Native American Language and Culture Club. For more information, contact Lindala at 2271397. Mary Wardell can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 248. Her email address is [email protected]. Your Upper Peninsula dairy since 1937 www.jilbertdairy.com At left, Rodney Loonsfoot carries a traditional Native American flag during the introduction to the "Learning to Walk together" Powwow at Vandament Arena in 2012. Above, Native and non Native Americans dance in one of the many dance circles that were performed at the Vandament Arena during the event. Traditional food was also served at the Powwow. (Journal file photos) 6A -— The Mining Journal -— Tuesday, March 31 PROGRESS2015 A fresh beginning The new Jamrich Hall opens on campus Above, a view of the new Jamrich Hall. (Photo by Elizabeth Bailey) At right, the new Jamrich Hall stands adjacent to the old Jamrich Hall on the right before it was demolished. (Journal file photo) Below, John x. Jamrich and his wife June thank the crowd after the unveiling of the plaque and and bust by the entrance to the new Jamrich Building on Northern's campus. (Journal photo by Elizabeth Bailey) Check out a tour of the new building online http://bit.ly/1BlUlJl MARQUETTE — NMU students were greeted by a new classroom facility when they returned for the fall 2014 semester. As the original and outdated John X. Jamrich Hall was being demolished last summer, crews completed work on the new building that carries the same name. Planning for the $33.4 million project began in 2009 with the goal of “providing an efficient, state-of-the-art facility that improves academic delivery, maximizes building use and reduces overall operational and maintenance costs.” The result is a 133,000 square foot mixed-use building with 24 high-tech classrooms and seven informal learning spaces designed to support collaborative learning and be highly adaptable to changing technologies and teaching methods. The largest space is a 500-seat lecture hall/auditorium that can be used for instruction, movie showings, prominent speakers and other special events. Academic departments that have moved to Jamrich are sociology and anthropology, social work, mathematics and computer science, criminal justice and English. Starbucks has also relocated there. NMU has registered the project with the U.S. Green Building Council and is seeking “LEED Silver” certification. “The time and care that went into making this a powerful vehicle of learning does not go unnoticed,” NMU President Fritz Erickson said during his convocation. The exterior of Jamrich facing the academic mall features a clock tower above the main entrance and a revamped “Heart of Northern” constructed of brick from the former Longyear Hall. The heart has a long history at NMU, according to the university encyclopedia compiled by University Historian Russell Magnaghi. In the 1920s, it was the site for “first kisses of coeds,” engagements, weddings, pinnings, May festivals and band concerts. Interest languished and part of the heart was later demolished. It was reproduced in the 1990s as a raised, landscaped mound near the former Jamrich building before its latest incarnation. Larry Larson, CRPC® Justin LePage, CFP® Financial Advisor 2400 US Hwy 41 West, Marquette, MI 49855 (906) 228-9191 • 800-355-2603 www.ameripriseadvisors.com/team/larson-associates Financial Advisor The Mining Journal -— Tuesday, March 31-— 7A PROGRESS2015 Establishing a coastal hazard observing system NMU receives grant for Lake Superior weather and wave buoys Dr. Norma Froelich, a climatology professor at Northern Michigan University, inspects weather-monitoring equipment on Granite Island. (Photo courtesy of Susy Ziegler) MARQUETTE — Northern Michigan University is leading a collaborative effort to establish a coastal hazard observing system for a stretch of Lake Superior shoreline that includes the communities of Marquette, Munising and Grand Marais, according to an NMU press release. The project is funded by a $100,000 grant from the Great Lakes Observing System. GLOS is one of 11 regional associations of the Integrated Ocean Observing System, a partnership among federal, regional, academic and private sector parties, working to enhance the ability to collect, deliver, and use ocean and Great Lakes information, according to GLOSs website. As part of the coastal hazard observing system, project scientists will deploy two monitoring buoys on Lake Superior. One will be placed near Munising within five nautical miles of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. It will provide minute-by-minute observations of weather, water temperature and wave activity to boaters and kayakers, according to the press release. A second, more portable buoy will provide measurements of wave activity along various stretches of the Lake Superior shoreline, including Granite Island Light Station, Grand Marais and Whitefish Point, the release said. “Its been a problem for the National Weather Service to predict storms because theres currently not much in the way of consistent monitoring along that stretch of shoreline,” Norma Froelich, a professor in NMUs Earth, Environmental and Geographical Sciences department, said in the press release. “The hope is that this will allow for greater preparedness for coastal weather events, which will benefit the Coast Guard and fire departments for rescue purposes, as well as fisheries and recreational businesses that depend on the lake. It will also provide more advance warning of swimming and boating hazards, since waves tend to build up offshore first.” The equipment will be in position from May through November each season. Froelich said data from the system will be provided in real time to a public website and various agency and community stakeholders. The Superior Watershed Partnership is also developing a mobile application. The third partner joining NMU and SWP is LimnoTech, an environmental consulting company based out of Ann Arbor that has previous experience with buoy and weather station deployments on the Great Lakes, including the system that is currently on Granite Island, the release said. “We will be engaging the communities through public forums to provide education and outreach materials and to help them productively use and disseminate the data,” Froelich said in the release. “We will also put up interpretive displays at Miners Castle, the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum and in Munising and Marquette to let people know about the monitoring taking place, inform them about wave conditions and direct them to the related website and app.” Before the grant proposal was written, NMU, SWP and LimnoTech received input and feedback from numerous individuals and organizations, including the National Weather Service office in Negaunee Township, U.S. Coast Guard, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and the Cities of Marquette and Munising, the release said. “Were very grateful for the feedback and inter- An interpretive display will be placed at the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum located at North Whitefish Point Road, Paradise. (Journal file photo) Interpretive displays will be placed at Miners Castle, seen above, the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum and in Munising and Marquette to let people know about the monitoring taking place. (Journal file photo) est weve received from all of our local stakeholders,” said John Lenters in the release, a senior scientist at LimnoTech. “And were looking forward to continued input from these groups and the general public as we work toward buoy deployment in the spring of 2015. Our hope is that the data will be of use to a lot of people along the southeastern shore of Lake Superior.” Froelich said in the release NMU students will be involved in data analysis, exploring how wind and waves are related to weather conditions in different seasons. NMU alumnus and trustee Scott Holman owns Granite Island Light Station, where one of the wave sensors will be located, according to the release. The station has been put to productive use for previous research projects and is used to relay NMUs WiMAX signal to deliver high-speed Internet to Powell Township School in Big Bay, the release said. It is located about 10 miles offshore of Marquette. Northern Michigan Universitys collaborative effort to establish a coastal hazard observing system is funded by a $100,000 grant from the Great Lakes Observing System. The GLOS website is located at glos.us, as demonstrated on the tablet below. (Journal digital graphic by Selena Hautamaki) 8A -— The Mining Journal -— Tuesday, March 31 PROGRESS2015 Establishing functional designs NMU students design wicker for Lloyd Flanders By Journal Staff MARQUETTE — Prototype wicker furniture pieces designed by three Northern Michigan University students were included in Lloyd Flanders' showroom during an international furniture and accessories show in Chicago last fall. The pieces were designed by Matt Steinmetz of Grosse Pointe Park, Paige Doolin of Birmingham and Nolan Warn of Shawnee, Kansas. NMU's human-centered design program, under the direction of Peter Pless, partnered with longtime Menominee furniture manufacturer Lloyd Flanders back in fall 2013 to develop concepts for contemporary woven furniture that might appeal to younger consumers. The students researched current trends, consumer desires and Lloyd Flanders traditional products before they started their own design processes. “This project allowed them to move outside the comfort zone of their campus studio,” Pless said. “They had to create not just stylized objects, but pieces that incorporated functionality, human behavior and ergonomics. To draw a design is one thing. To do computer modeling of a design is another. When you add the unique requirements of mass production versus a custom piece and working on a clients terms instead of their own, it challenges their sensibilities. Im very pleased with the results.”Students presented their final design concepts and prototypes at the company in December. They received constructive feedback on aesthetic value, practicality and manufacturing potential. The company then selected three pieces to display in their showroom at the International Casual Furniture & Accessories Market in Chicago in September 2014. Students gained valuable experience working for a real-world client and tempering their creativity with the constraints of available materials, production methods and labor costs. Company officials appreciated the fresh perspective and imaginative uses for the trademark wicker material that is woven on the original 1917 Lloyd Loom and hand-stretched over frames of aluminum tubing. CEO Dudley Flanders said the company launched an aggressive program to develop “contemporary, smaller-scale, urban/hip-looking” furniture targeting younger professionals. “We were eager to see how college students would approach design using our materials and we hope to broaden their interest in manufacturing,” he said. “We were thrilled to work with NMU because we consider ourselves very much a part of the Upper Peninsula and appreciate the opportunity to foster that U.P. spirit. The progression from their early designs to functional and potentially marketable products was incredible.” Above, Greg Hayward and Bob Nordquist make modifications to student Matt Steinmetzs chair design at Lloyd Flanders plant in Menominee. Below, Aaron Ratza poses with a prototype in December 2013 following a final presentation at Lloyd Flanders, in Menominee. (Photos courtesy of Northern Michigan University) University Health Center enhances immunization process We’re Still Here! 44 YEARS Designated a ‘Site of Excellence’ Servicing Your Fun! of Thank you for being such great and loyal customers. It’s been a pleasure serving you. Rick & Diana Nelson We can service your YAMAHA needs Plus all other brands of: Snowmobiles • ATVS • Motorcycles Snowblowers • Personal Watercraft The NMU Ada B. Vielmetti Health Center is located on the Northern Michigan University campus on the ground floor of Gries Hall. (Journal file photo) MARQUETTE — The Northern Michigan University Health Center has been designated a Site of Excellence for using the Michigan Care Improvement Registry to enhance the immunization process, according to an NMU press release. MCIR was created in 1998 to collect reliable immunization information and make it accessible to authorized users online. Consolidating immunization records from multiple providers is designed to reduce vaccine-preventable diseases and overvaccination, and allow providers to see patients up-to-date immunization histories, the release said. The Health Center has kept electronic records through MCIR for more than two years, Medical Office Manager Robin Aho said in the release. “When Dr. (David) Luoma (the centers medical director) and I started here, there were paper records only,” Aho said in the release. “We changed that right away. It is important to use MCIR and have updated records, especially with the requirement that all incoming NMU students provide proof of having the measles vaccine and the U.P. Health System immunization requirements for NMU students getting their clinical experiences.” Luoma has served on the board of the Michigan Advisory Committee on Immunizations and advises the state surgeon general and community health department on immunization policy, according to the release. “We now pull the record on every patient who comes in. We look at it as an opportunity to get people the vaccines they need, add them to the MCIR registry if theyre not listed, update their electronic records on the spot and give them a printed copy to take with them if they want it,” Luoma said in the release. “All of this has significantly improved the rate of immunizations.” Excellent Pre-Owned Sleds NEVER GIVE UP YOUR POWER! Your YAMAHA Dealer For New YAMAHA Generators & Inverters! Visit Our Website For HOT Specials! www.BSAofMarquette.com Your Upper Peninsula Club Car Dealer For All your Golf Cart Needs... New & Used! Plus! Utility Carts For Rentals & Leases! CROSSROADS M-553 & 480 (906) 249-3361 Sin “197ce 1” The Mining Journal -— Tuesday, March 31-— 9A PROGRESS2015 NMU provost remembered, acting provost named Remembering a colleague, friend and mentor PAUL LANG By MARY WARDELL Journal Staff Writer MARQUETTE — Northern Michigan University paid respects to a dedicated faculty member, colleague, friend and mentor this year when Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Paul Lang passed away unexpectedly in January. While the national search for a new provost has been underway since fall 2014, NMU President Fritz Erickson appointed English faculty member Lesley Larkin as acting provost and chief academic officer until the position is filled, or until June 15 at the latest, Erickson said. Lang died after a brief illness on Jan. 9 at the age of 65. “Northern has lost a loyal and dedicated Wildcat with the passing of Provost Paul Lang,” Erickson said. “...He didn't care much about the spotlight for himself, but he very much wanted Northern students, faculty and staff to have their opportunity to shine. He did a lot of great work during his Northern tenure, and he will be missed." The provost is responsible for creating and implementing the academic priorities for the university and allocating resources to support those priorities, according to NMUs website. Larkin is currently the co-chairwoman of the provost search committee, along with Kerri Schuiling, the dean of the college of health sciences and professional studies. “(Larkin)s very, very interested in returning right back to the faculty,” Erickson said. “So Im really appreciative shes setting aside one of the things she loves most, which is teaching — shes an extraordinary teaching faculty member — to help us during this time of transition.” The search committee has narrowed down their search to four finalists, who visited campus for interviews between the middle of January and the first week of Febru- ary, Erickson said. He is looking for several important qualities in the new provost, who would ideally start in July, Erickson said. “Im looking for our chief academic officer, ... so we need someone who has a strong sense of the academic mission of the institution, has experience as a faculty member working with faculty members and someone that can lead us through what we think is a really exciting time,” Erickson said. Larkin said she is honored to take on the responsibility of easing NMUs transition to a new provost and remembers Lang as a dedicated and selfless servant to NMU. “Dr. Langs ... goal was to help others succeed, not to draw attention to himself,” Larkin said. “He worked really hard and was an unflagging champion of our university. He will be missed.” Born Sept. 22, 1949 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Lang was initially hired by NMU as a tenured professor and head of the criminal justice department in 1997. He was appointed associate dean of the College of Professional Studies in 2002, and later served as interim head and director of the School of Technology and Applied Sciences before his promotion to dean of the college. Lang was appointed interim provost and vice president in 2011, and interim was removed from his title one year later. Larkin joined the NMU faculty in 2008. She has taught courses in composition, American literature, African American literature, gender and literature, and critical theory. Larkin is the author of “Race and the Literary Encounter: Black Literature from James Weldon Johnson to Percival Everett” and is drafting a second book titled “North American Literature in the Genomic Age.” Larkin holds a masters degree and doctorate from the University of Washington and a bachelors degree from Linfield College. At Northern, she has served on numerous committees, most recently as chairwoman of the presidents committee on diversity. Mary Wardell can be reached at 906-2282500, ext. 248. Her email address is [email protected]. Dr. Paul Lang, master of ceremony, opened the evening of the Jamrich Hall dedication last September with a few words about John X. Jamrich as well as the new building and all the work that went into building the structure. (Journal photo by Elizabeth Bailey) “ “Dr. Langs ... goal was to help others succeed, not to draw attention to himself. He worked really hard and was an unflagging champion of our university. He will be missed.” — LESLEY LARKIN Acting Provost and Chief Academic Officer ” 32 Years of Service to Marquette County 10A -— The Mining Journal -— Tuesday, March 31 PROGRESS2015 NMU nursing recognized for advances Nursing professor honored for technology innovation MARQUETTE — Northern Michigan University nursing instructor Nancy Maas received the technology innovation award in December at the annual Celebration of Excellence in Teaching and Scholarship for her work with human patient simulators in nursing education. NMU professor Paul Truckey of the communication and performance studies department received the ex- cellence in teaching award at the same event. Maas is a board-certified family nurse practitioner and a nationally certified nurse educator, according to an NMU press release. She has had a longtime interest in the use of high-fidelity simulation in healthcare education. “I strive to increase use of technology in my courses on a regular basis,” Maas said in the release. “This award en- courages me to continue in this effort.” While earning her masters, she developed a project focusing on the use of human patient simulators in practical nursing education for NMUs LPN program and was one of only 20 students accepted into the esteemed National League for Nursing Simulation Leadership Program, according to the release. “(The award) also energized me in working to increase the use of simulation within the curriculum of the NMU BSN program as simulation education coordinator,” Maas said in the release. “Our latest additions have been the incorporation of an electronic medical record program and video recording for use in our simulation lab.” In 2011, Maas presented an Introduction to Simulation to Michigan Legislators for Project Medical Education, a collaborative project raising awareness about the education process and use of simulation, according to the release. She earned her BSN at Michigan State University and her MSN at NMU. A human patient simulator is a life-like, anatomically correct, computer driven mannequin with physiologic responses that mimic real patients, according to a University of Massachusetts Graduate School of Nursing dis- sertation. Human patient simulation has been used for over 40 years in medical education, but since the introduction of computerized HPS in 2000, its use by medical and nursing students has grown exponentially. Researchers have suggested that using HPS can assist in reducing the gaps between theory and practice by improving critical thinking, decision making and patient outcomes, the dissertation said. Customer satisfaction and attention to detail are NOT gone. With over 80 years combined design, sales and service, and over 50 years combined installation, fabrication and craftsmanship. We do it the American way, and take pride in a job well done. Reinvigorate your expectations with a visit to the Schwalbach Showroom! “Installing American-made cabinets into homes since 1978” www.schwalbachkitchens.com 500 N. THIRD ST • MARQUETTE • 228.3232 The Mining Journal -— Tuesday, March 31-— 11A PROGRESS2015 Highlights from the U.S. Cross Country Championships NMU skier wins U.S. championship in 15K freestyle JOURNAL GRAPHIC BY SELENA HAUTAMAKI At right and competition pictured above, Kyle Bratrud (3) competed for Northern Michigan Univerisity in the CCSA Cross Country Freeystle Skiing Championships at Al Quaal in Ishpeming on Sunday Feb. 9, 2014. Bratrud placed second in that competition and went on to win the U.S. National Championship in the 15K freestayle race at the U.S. Cross Country Championships in Houghton. (Journal file photos) KYLE North BRATRU Ski Teern Michiga D am n Univ ersity MARQUETTE — Northern Michigan University senior Kyle Bratrud in January won the U.S. National Championship in the 15K freestyle race at the U.S. Cross Country Championships in Houghton, according to an NMU press release. Bratrud clocked a time of 42:01.6 which was 50seconds faster than the second place finisher. The Wildcats placed four skiers in the top 24 on the men's side and had four women's finishers in the top 26, the release said. "Kyle Bratrud was in a league of his own today," said NMU head nordic skiing coach Sten Fjeldheim in the release. "To win by 50-seconds in a 15K race is big. He separated himself from the rest of the 200 skier filed early in the race and just kept increasing his lead. Spectacular race day for all of our team." NMU sophomore Fredrik Schwencke finished fifth with a time of 43:13.2 while Wildcat sophomore Adam Martin placed 13th in 44:12.0. Freshman Ian Torchia was next across for NMU in 16th place, covering the distance in 44:39.1. Senior Erik Soderman rounded out the NMU leaders in 24th place with a time of 44:53.6, according to the release.s On the women's side senior Jordyn Ross was the top finisher for the Wildcats in the 10K freestyle race. Ross crossed the finish line in 32:06.9 and came in just eight seconds ahead of sophomore Kristen Bourne who finished in 17th at 32:14.0. Freshman Vivian Hett was 23rd for the Wildcats clocking a time of 32:52.8 while freshman Caroline Brisbois was 26th at 33:05.2, according to the release. 12A -— The Mining Journal -— Tuesday, March 31 PROGRESS2015 Effort to help students develop skills in stressful situations Use-of-Force Simulator promotes problem-solving under pressure MARQUETTE — National news coverage in the last year has focused attention on the use of force by police officers and stirred debate over whether their lethal responses to perceived threats were justified or excessive. In an effort to help students develop rapid problem-solving skills under stressful situations they may confront in their future law enforcement careers, Northern Michigan Universitys criminal justice department acquired a new use-of-force simulator in December 2014, according to an NMU press release. “This is the first time a simulator has been used in a university program,” Department Head Charlie Mesloh, who has tested simulators for the U.S. Department of Justice and holds master instructor certificates in two systems, said in the release. “Theyre usually restricted to police academies or professional training sessions, but even then, on a limited basis. Our students will do three simulations per week, beginning with a pilot in January. It makes sense to incorporate technology because students are so accustomed to using it. It also makes sense to explore better options because criminal justice education has been stagnant for too long.” The simulator allows a student standing in front of a projection screen to be virtually transported into one of 700 video scenarios, the release said. She or he might respond to reports of an active shooter in a school, try to diffuse a domestic violence situation, conduct a border crossing inspection or make a seemingly routine traffic stop. The student must quickly assess the evolving situation, which can be controlled by a computer operator, and determine an appropriate response based on visual and audio cues, the release said. “Theres a lot to take in and things can change in a hurry,” Mesloh said in the release. “A simulator adds a level of realism that traditional classroom lectures cant provide. Students will also write a report on each simulator incident they complete, as if they were preparing a deposition. “The bottom line with Ferguson and related events, regardless of your opinion on how they played out, is that citizens want and deserve good cops they can trust who are properly trained in crisis intervention. Employers across the country tell us they want that too, along with people who can solve problems quickly, communicate well and write detailed reports. Our goal is to expose students to these NMU professor receives state award Lindsay receives Distinguished Professor of the Year award MARQUETTE — Northern Michigan University biology professor Alec Lindsay is one of three faculty members selected from the states public universities to receive a Michigan Distinguished Professor of the Year Award, according to an NMU press release. He was honored at an April 2014 Lansing luncheon hosted by the Presidents Council State Universities of Michigan. “Im very humbled,” Lindsay said in the release. “A large part of the success Ive had can be attributed to the support Ive received from my colleagues, staff and administrators at Northern. I have also benefited from associating with great students in my lab and in my courses. There are many other people deserving of this award, so it is a tremendous honor.” Lindsay also received a 2013 Distinguished Professor Award from NMU, where he is in his 12th year of teaching, research and service, the release said. Much of his work has focused on studying the evolution and behavior of the common loon, a threatened species in Michigan. As a former Peter White Scholar at NMU, Lindsay began a genetic analysis of the common loon and has recently completed sequencing the species entire genome, the release said. With the help of undergraduate and graduate students at NMU, he has begun to analyze the genomic data. He previously received National Science Foundation support to collaborate with Boston University researchers on a related genetic sequencing project, the release said. Providing NMU students with experiential learning opportunities is important to Lindsay, as evidenced by his loon studies and an intensive four-week spring field ornithology course. He also coordinated and led two field studies trips to Zambia to enhance students biological, ecological and cultural understanding of the country. Students designed and performed their own research projects during their nearly month-long travels and the “Zambassadors” described their experience as “transformative,” the release said. Former NMU provost and vice president for academic affairs Paul Lang, who died in January, honored Lindsay in the release. “Dr. Lindsay is truly extraordinary in his dedication to undergraduate and graduate students and their learning,” Lang said. “He is first and foremost an exemplary teacher who engages his students deeply and actively.” Lindsay has many ornithology-related presentations and publications to his credit and currently serves as board chair of the Michigan Audubon Society, the release said. types of situations and help them develop related skills in college so they are more prepared when they enter a police academy.” Mesloh said some of the simulator scenarios are applicable to social work, psychology and other academic disciplines. The device might also be used for research. NMU purchased its simulator from MILO Range in Ann Arbor, according to the release. Criminal justice major Alexandra Cazzetta tests the use-of-force simulator at Northern Michigan University. (Journal file photo)
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