Following Northern Michigan University’s spring break, The North Wind staff has taken a look to how the university has brought success to many students and thus students have strengthened the school’s reputation.

Whether the students are athletes or members of class-based organizations, NMU has recently reaped a bounty of student-earned accolades, including from graduates.

Dallas Seavey, former USOEC wrestler and NMU student, won the Iditarod dogsled race for the second time last weekend.

Students from Peter Pless’ Human Centered Design course designed furniture mock-ups that were presented to Lloyd Flanders, a recognized wicker furniture design company. Further, five pieces were chosen to be produced and displayed at the International Casual Furniture and Accessories Market.

The women’s basketball team won the GLIAC championship for the first time since the early 2000s and entered the NCAA tournament for the first time since 2010. The Wildcats are seeded at No. 4, quite a ranking for NMU’s size.

The NMU men’s hockey team made it, once again, to play offs. The team is seeded at No. 7.

Seven swimmers are competing at NCAA swimming and diving tournament. Rachel Borchardt took sixth in the 1,000-yard freestyle with several other NMU athletes placing. The team ranked eighth after the first day of competition.

Media production and new technology students are traveling to the Michigan Association of Broadcasters awards this week to accept rewards for media production and sports commentary.

These accomplishments demonstrate the capacity for NMU students to compete both academically and athletically. We may not be the largest, wealthiest university, but we turn out students and athletes who can vie for state and national recognition.