NCLL gets the grand tour of Jamrich Hall

MARQUETTE — Northern Michigan University’s recently completed John X. Jamrich Hall was bustling with activity today, and it wasn’t just because of students finishing last-minute work before Thanksgiving break.

Members of the Northern Center for Lifelong Learning joined NMU President Dr. Fritz Erickson on a tour of the new facility to find out more about what it has to offer. The tour was a part of a series of NCLL events designed to give retirees new educational opportunities.

“We try to always present programs that are of interest to seniors, and of course, with this being a new facility on campus, it was of interest, and with the new president coming, it sort of was a good idea,” NCLL member and co-curriculum chair Phyllis James said.

“One of our missions is to provide educational opportunities across the lifespan,” Dr. Erickson said. “That’s why we partner with the K-12 community, and that’s why we partner with NCLL to provide lifelong learning.”

NCLL members first sat down to learn about the building’s history and design philosophies, and then they got to see the classrooms, study spaces and even a bit of what goes on behind the scenes.

“I’m always fascinated by the heating systems that operate in a complex facility like this, as well as the wonderful learning environment that’s here,” Erickson said.

This is the first semester that the state-of-the-art facility is being utilized by students after four years of design and construction.