Debbie Stabenow to speak Thursday

U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow will speak on NMU’s campus Thursday, Oct. 9. The speech will take place in 2904 West Science at 5:30 p.m. “It’s a great and unique opportunity for us to meet our U.S. Senator, and the College Dems hope that NMU students will give her a warm welcome,” said Jason Morgan, vice-president of the NMU College Democrats. Morgan is also helping to coordinate Stabenow’s visit to Marquette. According to Morgan, the speech will more than likely conclude with a question and answer session. Following the speech Stabenow will appear at the Marquette County Democratic Headquarters.
– Carson LeMahieu

Board of Trustees approves contract

The Northern Michigan University Board of Trustees approved a new three-year contract for one of the university’s two faculty unions, the NMU Faculty Association. The NMUFA represents faculty who teach in Northern’s diploma, certificate, one- and two-year degrees and some baccalaureate programs. The contract provides for annual salary increases equal to those of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP), the other faculty union on campus. For the 2008-09 academic year, the increase is 4 percent. Future salary increases for NMUFA employees will be determined in the upcoming negotiations with the AAUP, which start this spring. The contract also includes clarification of the group’s promotion policy, promotion salary increases and annual evaluation process, as well as bringing the group’s dental and optical plans into the overall university plan rather than operating a separate plan. UAW Local 1950, a union covering secretaries and technical staff at NMU is currently working on a new contract for it’s workers, according to NMU communications and marketing director Cindy Paavola.
– Carson LeMahieu

Castro’s daughter to speak Tuesday

Alina Fernandez, Fidel Castro’s daughter, will speak at NMU on Tuesday, Oct. 14. Platform Personalities is bringing Fernandez, who was three years old in 1959 when her father seized control of Cuba. After maturing in Castro’s Cuba, Fernandez joined a political dissident movement in the 80’s, before finally fleeing the country in 1993. Beau Niec, president of Platform Personalities, said that before hearing of Fernandez, he had no idea that Castro had a daughter and was unaware of how shocking some of the stories from the Cuban inner-workings actually were. Biec hopes that people leave the show with a better understanding of Cuban struggles-and of Fernandez as a person. “I hope that people will be able to better relate to who Alina Fernandez is and not so much as the daughter of Fidel Castro,” he said. “It’s pretty obvious that she doesn’t just want to talk about what it’s like being the daughter of Fidel Castro. She’s a lot more concerned about the rights of Cuban citizens.” The speech will take place in the Great Lakes Rooms at 7 p.m. on Tuesday. Biec said that there will be seating for about 300 people, but more seating will be available if necessary. Admission is free for NMU students and $2 for the general public.

– Kyle Whitney

History of the Supreme Court to be told

The Northern Center for Lifelong Learning presents the second part of “The History of the Supreme Court,” a moderated DVD series on historical events and their impact on the U.S. Supreme Court. The series is structured so that attendance at all sessions is not necessary. G.G. Gordon, assistant U.S. attorney and former federal prosecutor, is the presenter. She will supplement the DVD material and answer questions from the audience. There is no charge to attend, but donations are appreciated and pre-registration is required. Part two will be held from 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 16, in room 322 of Northern Michigan University’s Olson Library. To register, contact class liaisons Wil Huggard at 228-2316 or Paula McCormick at 228-5489 by Oct. 14. The remaining sessions and registration deadlines are scheduled on the following Thursdays, with registration deadlines of the Tuesday immediately preceding each event: Nov. 6 and Dec. 4.

– NMU News Bureau