#ecoreps

Meet Jalen Sims, a graphic design major from Waterford, Michigan. Jalen is a part of the newest cohort of the McNair Scholars Program. We asked Jalen a few questions about his NMU experience so far:

Why did you decide to come to NMU?  

Jalen: I decided to come to NMU because I loved the surrounding area and knew that this was an area where I could thrive. I really enjoy being in nature, and the Upper Peninsula is one of the best places to offer that. I also liked that the class sizes are more intimate and fit better with my style of learning.

What's an example of a cool, interesting or helpful thing that you have done as a part of your major?     

Jalen: Something cool that I have been able to do as a part of my major is going to California with an on-campus organization called Anchorpoint. We went to Pasadena for a graphic design conference. While in the LA area I was able to meet Shepard Fairey and get a tour of his studio! It is something I will never forget.

What are you involved with on campus? 

Jalen: I am involved in many things on campus, I am the Director of the Students’ Art Gallery, I am the Director of Outreach for NMU EcoReps, I am a part of the McNair Scholars program, Student Leader Fellowship Program and I am a member of Anchorpoint.     Outside of school, what do you enjoy?

Jalen: Outside of school I enjoy being creative in any way possible, hanging out with friends, making designs for my clothing company (JalienSupplyCo), snowboarding, watching YouTube videos, going on walks, adventuring in the woods or going to events in Marquette.

Of your activities on- or off-campus, what has been the most rewarding and why?      

Jalen: The most rewarding activity that I have been able to be a part of was being on orientation staff over the summer. I was able to meet so many people and create lots of new friendships. I even made a connection to a possible job opportunity after graduation. It was nice being able to welcome the incoming freshman to a new step in their lives. Being in Marquette over the summer was definitely a plus too!

What does “be Northern” mean to you?

Jalen: To “be Northern” I think of the community that Marquette and NMU are known for. People who are genuinely interested in the lives of others, people who want to make a difference in their community and the rest of the world, and people who are excited for life and all its offerings.

What are your hopes or plans after graduation? 

Jalen: My hopes and plans after graduation could be a full essay, but to make a long story short, after graduation I will pursue grad school possibly for architecture (not sure where yet). I will also continue working on my clothing company and make my way towards the goal of having it be self-sufficient by the time I am 30.

Further comments about your NMU experience?

This week we are featuring a few of our EcoReps on campus. Today, we’d like you to meet Kyler Phillips, a marketing student from Clare, Michigan. We asked Kyler a few questions about his experience at Northern and his involvement in EcoReps: 

Why did you decide to come to NMU? 

Kyler: I decided to come to NMU for a unique college experience that combines my love for nature and the outdoors with my passion for learning new things. Being an active skier and photographer, Northern had the perfect combination of higher education and outdoor recreation that I was looking for.

What do you like about your major at NMU? 

Kyler: One thing about the marketing program at NMU that I really like is the variety of classes. Being a marketing student here is great because with it, you can take a variety of electives to position yourself with a unique skill set that will put you in your dream career field.

What's an example of a cool, interesting or helpful thing that you have done as a part of your major? 

Kyler: As a marketing major, I serve on the outreach committee for NMU EcoReps. Being able to use my communication and digital marketing skills to help promote sustainability on campus and in the Marquette community has been a very enlightening and fulfilling experience.

What are you involved with on campus? 

Kyler: On-campus, I work as the marketing assistant at the Beaumier U.P Heritage and Alumni Welcome Center in Gries Hall. I help coordinate event promotions as well as assist in distributing promotional materials and managing social media accounts. I also serve as the Outreach Co-Chair for NMU EcoReps where I manage external relations with the Marquette and surrounding communities as well as content creation and management. 

Of your activities on- or off-campus, what has been the most rewarding and why? 

Kyler: Being a part of EcoReps has been very rewarding because it shows that no matter what you are studying there is a way for you to make a positive impact in your community. Working on the EcoReps Outreach Committee and coordinating zero-waste events with local businesses and organizations has been a great experience because our community reacts to our efforts in such a positive and enthusiastic way. 

What's your favorite memory during your time as a student? 

Kyler: I will never forget the time when I didn’t have class for nearly two weeks last winter semester (2019) because of all the snow and cold temperatures. Growing up, we were always told that we will never have snow days in college, but at Northern, we never know what to expect when winter rolls around and being a skier makes it all the more fun!

Further comments about your NMU experience? 

Over the next two weeks we are going to be featuring a few of our EcoReps on campus. Today, we’d like you to meet Megan Khodl, an environmental studies and sustainability student from Lowell, Michigan. We asked Megan a few questions about her experience at Northern and her involvement in EcoReps: 

Why did you decide to come to NMU? 

Megan: When I visited NMU, I kind of just knew that this is where I wanted to learn and grow for the next 4 years. Everyone I talked to seemed really kind and down to earth. The fact that there were hiking trails and a ski hill within 10 minutes was a big plus for me as well!

What do you like about your major at NMU? 

Megan: One of my favorite things about the sustainability major is that I get to combine social and natural sciences. Many of the classes are hands-on, experiential learning and that is something I am grateful for. 

What's an example of a cool, interesting or helpful thing that you have done as a part of your major? 

Megan: One of my classes was field-based, so we got to go out into the community every Friday and learn about sustainable practices. Also, in many of my classes we learn about Native American relationships with the land and how to respect what the earth gives us. I feel that this type of learning is important in understanding many of the environmental issues we face today. 

What are you involved with on campus?

Megan: I am involved with the EcoReps program here on campus. We work on peer-to-peer education and intertwining the three pillars of sustainability - social, economic, and environmental - into events and projects on campus as well as in the community. 

Of your activities on- or off-campus, what has been the most rewarding and why? 

Megan: Volunteering at events within the community and interacting with people I wouldn’t normally is always a fun time. 

What's your favorite memory during your time as a student?  

Over the next two weeks, we are going to be featuring a few of our EcoReps on campus. Today, we’d like you to meet Jalen Sims, a graphic design student from Waterford, MI. We asked Jalen a few questions about his experience at Northern and his involvement in EcoReps: 

Why did you decide to come to NMU? 

Jalen: I came to NMU because of the opportunity not only in the outdoors but also within the university and Marquette community. There is so much to do here compared to my hometown and the overall vibe of the city is amazing.

What do you like about your major at NMU? 

Jalen: I like that the professors in my department focus on collaboration rather than competition. I also like that I am able to learn new skills that allow me to express my creative personality to the fullest. 

What's an example of a cool, interesting or helpful thing that you have done as a part of your major? 

Jalen: Something cool or interesting that I have done as a part of my major is starting my own clothing company. Jalen Supply Co. is a direct result of me having graphic design skills because I can peak visual interest on the clothes that I sell.

What are you involved with on campus? 

Jalen: I am Outreach Director for EcoReps, which is an organization focused on sustainability at NMU and in the Marquette area. I am also a member of Anchorpoint, which is the creative club on campus. 

Of your activities on- or off-campus, what has been the most rewarding and why? 

Jalen: I think EcoReps has been the most rewarding because I am able to express my creative abilities through video and promotional work. I also think this is most rewarding because I can see positive change happening in the community and on campus.

Further comments about your NMU experience? 

Meet Marley Redd, a recent NMU graduate with a degree in environmental studies and sustainability. After graduation, Marley will be pursuing a position with a non-profit organization that focuses on community or environmental issues. We asked Marley how NMU prepared her for her future: 

“NMU has prepared me for my next step in life by providing countless opportunities to get involved with programs, organizations, and events. I have gained valuable personal and professional skills through experiences with EcoReps, Food Recovery Network, the Student Leader Fellowship Program (SLFP), Center for Student Enrichment, etc. More importantly, NMU provided me with the support and encouragement to put myself out there and build relationships, try new things, and make positive changes.”

Meet Dr. Jes Thompson, a Northern Michigan University alumna (’01), current Public Relations (PR) professor at Northern, and adviser to NMU’s EcoReps student organization.

Why did you decide to work at NMU? / Why did you decide to live in Marquette?

Jes: First, my husband applied for a tenure-track position in the Math & Computer Science department. Two weeks later I learned that my undergraduate advisor (Karen Rybacki) was retiring and that NMU was hiring two PR professors. Honestly, I had my dream job at Colorado State University, but I knew it would be special to come back to NMU. I immediately applied. We had our fingers crossed that we'd both get interviews... and then we both got job offers. For me, coming back to Marquette was easy. It's one of the most spectacular places in our country.

What are you involved in within the university as well as outside of campus?

Jes: I'm involved with all things climate change! I serve on the county's Climate Adaptation Task Force and I coordinate the Northern Climate Network. I also advise the NMU EcoReps and serve on the University's Sustainability Advisory Council. I'm on the Board of Directors for the regional non-profit, Michigan Energy Options and I serve on numerous advisory and editorial boards across the country. In April 2020 my second book, which is a collaboration with colleagues across the country, will come out. The book is about all of the things we learn at our National Parks.

Outside of work, what do you enjoy?

Jes: I love to spend time with my family and friends. We spend our summers camping and canoeing and this time of year we are getting geared up to ski - that's actually the reason I came to NMU as an undergraduate - to ski. These days, my favorite place to ski is on the trails out my back door.

Further comments on your NMU experience:

Jes: NMU is special because you get access to world-class opportunities and everyone who's here - wants to be here - so that brings an invigorating energy to the place.

Advice for current students?

Jes: Get outside! Play hard! Work hard! You won't regret getting the most out of every day you're here.

Tell us your story in three sentences.

Meet Marissa Lindstrom, an environmental studies senior from Holland, Michigan.

Why did you decide to go to NMU?

I decided to come to NMU first and foremost because NMU offered the program I was passionate about, environmental studies. The major is incredibly interdisciplinary and reaches beyond environmental sustainability, which is what I was looking for in my program. NMU also offered experiences outside the classroom, utilizing the great outdoors that surround campus. What are you involved in within the university as well as outside of campus?  

On campus, I am involved with EcoReps, the Student Leader Fellowship Program, Superior Edge, the Honors Program, and the Honors Student Organization. Off campus, I have volunteered with Lake Superior Hospice and organized community events that emphasize environmental education for all ages. Advice for current students?

Say yes. Say yes to new experiences and new people. A simple "yes" opens so many doors of opportunities and adventures. Tell us your story.