Wong gives fall convocation

On Wednesday, August 18, NMU President Les Wong gave his annual convocation speech to faculty and staff about the obstacles they have overcome and those they have yet to face.

In his speech, Wong acknowledged the current recession, but stated that NMU has endured by keeping with their academic attitude.

“…We have not lost sight of the very attribute that defines the Northern Experience: the quality of our human contact with one another and with our students,” Wong said.

Wong and the administration intend to evaluate certain areas regarding what students need and how that can be obtained.

“This two-pronged step involves significant reviews of our academic and athletic programs,” Wong said.

Provost Susan Koch said that it is Wong’s view of the future that are most important.

“I think that’s what people appreciate about a convocation,” Koch said. “I’m especially pleased that he closed his remarks with a reminder that above all, we need to continue to focus on our work with students.”

– Scott Viau

Program seeks volunteers

The Teaching Family Homes Mentoring Program will hold its orientation for new volunteers during the first week of September. This program is responsible for the many different activities on campus that help underprivileged families and their children. The group got its start by students who were part of the Student Leader Fellowship Program as a community service internship project three years ago and developed into a schoolwide program, said Hannah Kratz, a volunteer with the group. Five major events are planned for this semester which include a welcome barbeque, corn maze, make a difference day, PEIF day, and a holiday party to close the semester.

If any students are interested in volunteering with the Teaching Family Homes Mentoring Program, they must attend one of the two orientations. The dates of the orientations are Tuesday, Sept. 7 at 4 p.m. or Wednesday, Sept. 8 at 9 p.m. Both meetings will be held in the Back Room in the University Center.

– Robyn Goodman

Marquette hosts Blues Festival

On Saturday, Sept. 4 and Sunday Sept. 5 the Marquette Area Blues Society will present the seventh annual  Blues Festival.

The event will take place at Mattson Lower Harbor Park with music beginning at 1 p.m. on  both days and the gates opening at noon. Tickets for NMU students have been specially priced at $10 for a day pass. All tickets will be available at EZ ticket outlets.

Walt Lindala, who is coordinating the event, said the reason for creating the festival was the large number of folk fans in the area.

“There used to be a concert festival at Northern, but they stopped doing that,” Lindala said. “We thought it would be nice to do something. It gives people a chance to see bands, artists and a style of music that normally wouldn’t be here.”

The festival is looking for volunteers. Those interested may inquire about it at the information tent during the festival. Volunteering for a shift of 3 to 4 hours will allow concert goers to recoup the price of their ticket.

– Scott Viau