The Northern Michigan University Foundation raised more than $10.3 million in fiscal year 2026, the first time in the university's history that annual philanthropic support has crossed the $10 million mark.

The milestone, announced by the Foundation on Aug. 18, means more scholarship dollars and support for academic programs at the Marquette campus. Alumni, individual donors and corporate partners all contributed to the record total.

"This record-setting year builds tremendous momentum as we look toward an even brighter future for NMU," said Nicole Blemberg, Foundation CEO and 2003 NMU graduate.

The NMU Board of Trustees approved Blemberg's dual appointment as chief advancement officer and executive director of the Foundation at its May 1 meeting. The money she now oversees funds scholarships, student success initiatives, faculty support and campus projects, according to the Foundation. No breakdown of how the $10.3 million will be allocated among those categories has been released.

Jesse Bell, a 2000 NMU alumnus who serves as president of the Foundation Board of Trustees, said donor investments advance the university's strategic priorities and help ensure future students have the opportunity to succeed.

The record year arrives as NMU President Chris Olsen completes his first eight months leading the university. Olsen, who took office Jan. 1, identified fundraising as one of his top three priorities at an April 13 university forum, alongside enrollment and community relationships.

That matters. As we reported Aug. 18, Olsen has made stabilizing enrollment his most urgent focus, and NMU is preparing to launch the public phase of a comprehensive fundraising campaign in early 2027.

A campaign cabinet is expected to be finalized this fall, with priorities aligned to NMU's strategic plan around student success, faculty excellence and high-impact practices. The Foundation expects the public phase of that campaign to begin in early 2027.