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News & Events

The campus here at Northland International University is always bustling with activity as various academic, athletic, student life, and fine arts events are enjoyed by students as well as faculty and staff members. Keep in touch with current happenings at Northland through the news articles on this page.

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Jun 14

New NIU Chairman Assembles Team of Advisors and New Board Members

On June 17-18, a team of consultants will convene on Northland’s campus to offer their thoughts on the best way...

Jun 13

Updates from Dr. Olson and Daniel Patz

Important updates from both Dr. Olson and Northland's Board...

Jun 12

Summer Athletics Update

The summer is officially in full swing for Northland athletics as the Pioneers are spread literally all over the world...

Jun 05

The Spiritual Life of the Pastor

This week on campus post-graduate students are receiving lectures from Dr. Mike Bullmore and Dr. Shawn Wright...

May 23

Daniel Patz Installed as Board Chairman

It is with great joy that I accept the role of chairman of the board at Northland...

May 11

An Update from Northland’s Board & Administration

In 1976, Paul Patz founded Northland International University for the mission...

May 10

Thirty-fourth Commencement

On Saturday, May 11, Northland’s class of 2013 walked across the platform to receive their diplomas.

May 06

2013 Yearbook Released

Northland’s 2013 edition of the Northland Light, presented on May 6, is dedicated to Coach Peter Wehry.

May 01

ACSI Partnership Announced

Northland has recently been approved by the Association of Christian Schools International as an institution of higher learning for teacher education.

Apr 29

Northland Transitions Leadership

Dear Friends, It has been a great joy for me to serve at Northland for these past eleven years...

Apr 25

Professor Publishes Historical Work

Dr. Andre Gazal, professor of theology, recently published a volume that explores historical interpretations and applications of Old Testament narrative.

Apr 18

Pursuing Transparency with Change

Many have asked, "Has Northland changed?" That is a fair question, and one that I will gladly answer...

Apr 15

Brown Joins Faculty

Dr. David Brown, veteran missionary and former litigation attorney, has joined Northland’s faculty as the Dean of the School of Leadership.

Apr 10

Northland Camp Hosts SpringFest 2013

This year’s SpringFest youth event is scheduled for Saturday, April 27.

Apr 10

Reach Beyond Yourself

Northland’s annual Missions Conference is scheduled for April 15–19 and will feature missionaries Philip Hunt, Forrest McPhail, Danny Villette, Dan Seely, and others.

Apr 08

You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown

Northland’s Fine Arts Department presents its spring dramatic production on April 25–27.

Apr 08

2013 Spring Season

Having just finished with the men’s volleyball season, Coach Herron immediately returned to the gym to begin the women’s volleyball spring training.

Mar 31

The Last Roundup

The Northland International University Pioneers ended their season at the Wisconsin Volleyball Conference tournament on Friday and Saturday, March 29 and 30.

Mar 28

Pioneers End Regular Season

The NI men’s volleyball team ended their regular season with the last MVB match on campus at the PAC.

Mar 27

King’s Brass to Perform

On Friday, April 12, Tim Zimmerman and the King’s Brass will present a concert here at Northland.

Mar 25

Composer Presents Music, Lectures

Dan Forrest, internationally recognized choral composer, is visiting Northland April 1–2.

Mar 22

Titans Prevail

The NI Men’s Volleyball team hosted conference leader UW Oshkosh on the night before Spring Break stared for both schools. The Titans program sits at the top of the WVC-DII ledger and has a very strong program.

Mar 20

Student Earns Exclusive Scholarship

Junior Arren Quezada was selected to receive the prestigious Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship.

Mar 14

Individualized Academic Model Announced

Northland’s innovative individualized academic model creates a unique academic plan for each student according to his or her gifts and abilities.

Mar 06

Pioneers at Nationals

Northland’s men’s basketball team faces Arlington Baptist College in the 2013 NCCAA II National Tournament quarterfinal round.

Mar 01

Humble Heritage, Gospel Vision

Dr. Olson and relatives of Northland’s founder relate the impact Northland has had on each of them, as well as their vision for Northland’s future.

Feb 25

Wait Until Dark

Communications major Olivia Winter presents her senior production of Wait Until Dark on March 1 and 2.

Feb 20

Local Band Peps Pioneers

Pembine High School’s jazz band added energy and enjoyment to a recent Pioneer basketball game.

Feb 19

Northland’s A.D. Pete Wehry Moving To Missions—Successor Already Named

On January 23, Northland President Matt Olson announced that at the end of the 2012-2013 school year, Northland's Athletic Director and head basketball coach for the past six years, Pete Wehry, will be stepping down. Wehry will be joining Nations of Coaches, a ministry to Division One basketball coaches and players. At the same meeting, Northland announced that the new Athletic Director and head basketball coach will be Mike McCarty, who presently assists Coach Wehry.

Feb 18

Vidcast: Great Commission Legacy

Harold and Howard Patz, sons of Northland’s founder, share their thoughts concerning Northland’s ongoing Great Commission ministry.

Feb 16

Pioneers Entertain Golden Eagles and Falcons

On Saturday, February 16th the NIU MVB team played host to Marquette University and Concordia University. After a week in the Pioneer Athletic center that had some crucial basketball games for the Men's and Women's teams the Men's Volleyball teams were determined to show the same focus and strong play!!

Feb 15

Pioneers Honor Coach, Earn Victory

Coach Wehry’s Pioneer men concluded regular season play with a victory over reigning national champions, the Tigers of Grace Bible College, 72-61.

Feb 14

Pioneer Men Defeat Crusaders

On Thursday, February 14, Northland’s basketball teams hosted the Crusaders of Maranatha Baptist Bible College. These home contests were the second to last regular season games for the Pioneer basketball teams. Though the Lady Pioneers dropped their game to the conference-leading Lady Crusaders by a final score of 54-77, Northland’s men dominated their match-up against their longtime rivals, ending the game with a tally of 73-65.

Feb 11

Not of This World

Dr. Matt Olson recently addressed the topic of worldliness in a Northland chapel sermon as well as a personal blog post.

Feb 11

Not of this World

Throughout the history of the church, the subject of how followers of Jesus should interact with the constantly shifting landscape of the world’s corrupt cultures has continually resurfaced. The question of how the term worldliness should be understood and applied serves as the focus of much discussion. Recently, Dr. Matt Olson addressed this topic in a Northland chapel sermon as well as in a personal blog post.

Feb 09

Northland’s Future: Growth, Humility, and the Great Commission

A letter from Dr. Patz on Northland's Future: Growth, Humility, and the Great Commission

Feb 09

Pioneer MVB

The Pioneer Men’s Volleyball season began the Feb.8, 9 weekend looking at 3 matches in two days. On Friday NIU hosted the WVA men’s team from Appleton. This team is made up of former college players who are now coaching in the HS/Club ranks.

Feb 08

Student Newspaper Introduced

In an effort to bring smiles to the faces of students as they confront the unique challenges…

Feb 07

Still Sufficient

The Gospel of Christ powerfully transforms believers from the inside out, not merely providing a future hope of an eternity in heaven, but also changing the day-to-day lives of Christians throughout their time on earth. Northland’s 2013 Men’s Heart Conference emphasized the all-sufficient power of this Gospel as well as the immense privilege and responsibility that has been entrusted to believers through the Great Commission.

Feb 06

Real Missionaries: The Hodsdons

Ross and Cathy Hodsdon honeymooned at the Summer Institute of Linguistics in 1969. Within four years, they had completed their linguistics,Bible translation, and jungle survival training, raised their support, and settled in Brazil. In a small village seven days’ hike from the nearest town, they lived in a mud hut with no running water, power, or even ham radio. They cooked in a mud oven, used an outhouse, and bathed in a little jungle stream. They would tell you they never sacrificed, and that living in Brazil was a fantastic adventure that God privileged them to have.

Feb 05

Into All the World

This semester, several Northland students will head out across the world to spend the semester serving in a cross-cultural environment. Most of these students spent several days on campus in preparation for the semester abroad. However, junior Arren Quezada headed straight from his Christmas break to Australia, where he is applying the concepts he has learned in his Communications classes through his service with an organization known as BAM (Business as Missions).

Feb 01

Don’t Miss Out—Complete FAFSA

The cost of college in America’s current economy confronts students as a daunting reality. As a future or current student, however, several options are available to help you to cut down that school bill. The starting point for most of these options is the completion of the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Registration for the upcoming academic year opened on January 1. In order to receive the best aid package available to you, you should apply as soon as possible.

Jan 28

Celebrate With Us!

Northland invites those who have been blessed by Dr. Ollila’s faithful ministry to join with us in saying thank you to this extraordinary man.

Jan 22

Spring Semester Begins

With the winter holidays and a refreshing break from the academic routine behind them, students have returned to campus for a new semester of educational and spiritual growth. Many students returned early, arriving on campus on January 13 to participate in a week-long Winterlude block course. Several classes were offered in this format, providing the opportunity for students to focus on one subject and earn two or three credits before the main semester opened. January 20 marked the return date for all students, with semester preparation on January 21 and the official start of spring classes on January 22.

Jan 15

Business for the Kingdom

During the fall semester of 2012, a group of students who are interested in developing and utilizing their business leadership abilities for the glory of God came together to launch the Northland Business Association. This student-initiated, student-governed organization is a collegiate chapter of the American Marketing Association.

Jan 01

Healthy Growth, Unprecedented Opportunities.

Letter from Dr. Olson about Healthy Growth and Unprecedented Opportunities.

Jan 01

Happy New Year From Northland!

With the dawning of a new year, the faculty and staff at Northland International University are looking forward to God’s continued working in and through the ministry here. The privilege of helping young people prepare academically and spiritually for a lifetime of service to the Lord is a crucial task, and Northland continues to pursue excellence and Gospel centrality as we move into the future. We are excited about the way that God has been leading and look forward to watching His plans for Northland unfold throughout this year.

Dec 14

Year-End Reflections

The close of a year provides an excellent opportunity for reflection—a chance to look back and remember the works of God throughout the past twelve months. At Northland, we have much to be thankful for as we pause to consider what the Lord has done here in 2012.

Dec 13

Vidcast: Where the Gospel Isn’t

The country of Somalia, located on the west coast of the Horn of Africa, certainly qualifies as a place "where the Gospel isn't."

Dec 12

I’ll be Home for Christmas

Christmas lights shine through the dim, foggy mornings on campus. Carols play throughout the dormitories and in chapel, and a blanket of fresh snow has finally decorated the landscape. Everything is “beginning to look a lot like Christmas” as students finish up final exams and prepare for their journeys home.

Dec 10

Promoted to Glory

On Sunday, December 9, Dr. Dan Morrell, professor of Bible, was ushered into the presence of the Lord after a rapid health decline due to liver cancer.

Dec 10

Christmas Concert: Majestic Sweetness

This year’s Christmas concert was presented by Northland’s Fine Arts Department on Friday, December 7. The program, entitled “Majestic Sweetness” focused on the paradox of Christ, the Son of God who became man.

Dec 03

Northland Light 2013

This year, Northland's Creative Services Department is initiating an exciting new format for the 2013 edition of the Northland Light.

Dec 01

A Merry Northland Christmas

Preparation for the annual Christmas Concert takes on another level of excitement as the Northland campus is finally blanketed with a beautiful snow cover. Both the choir and the orchestra have been working hard over the course of the semester to perfect their Christmas selections.

Dec 01

All Quiet on the Western Front

On Monday, December 3, senior Cody Adams and a full cast of supporting actors will present the climactic project of his Speech Communications major. This performance is an adaptation of a novel by Erich Maria Remarque entitled All Quiet on the Western Front.

Nov 19

Inner City Outreach

Northland’s Urban Ministry Trip took place November 4, 5, and 6. A team of students traveled to the Minneapolis area for the purpose of being involved with city ministry firsthand. The group was able to engage in a variety of opportunities over the course of the weekend.

Nov 19

A Time for Thanks

Excitement is building across campus as the holiday season approaches, heralded by the arrival of Thanksgiving vacation. The break starts on Tuesday, November 20, this year, giving students extra time to enjoy with their friends and families.

Nov 18

History Students Peruse Pembine’s Past

The History Department at Northland is teaming up with the nearby town of Pembine, Wisconsin to help with the Pembine Centennial Project.

Nov 17

Northland Theater Presents Senior Recital

The fall play has come and gone, but drama lovers need not mourn. Northland Theater is pleased to announce Jessica MacQuarrie’s senior recital, “The Curious Savage,” to be performed December 2 and 3.

Nov 16

Holy Land Tour Scheduled for March 2012

Have you ever wished to trace Christ’s earthly footsteps along the shores of the Sea of Galilee, to climb Mt. Carmel where Elijah challenged Ahab and the prophets of Baal, or to visit the place where Jesus was entombed before rising again in triumph over death? Next spring, Northland is providing an opportunity for you to do all of this and more.

Nov 15

Senior Class 2011 Leaves Gift and Godly Legacy

The senior gift is a longstanding practice amongst graduating classes at Northland. Throughout their four years, the senior class organizes various fundraisers and plans out a special contribution to be left at Northland in their name. Gifts provided by the seniors are typically functional and effect an aesthetical improvement for the campus in some way.

Nov 15

More or Less on Relevance

Cultural relevance should not be our goal, but neither should irrelevance: either pursuit can derail us. Jesus' ministry was simply relevant.

Nov 14

Vidcast: A Worthy Investment

Throughout Northland’s existence, hundreds of students have walked across the commencement platform, received a degree, and embarked upon a lifetime of “be one. make many.” discipleship ministry. Recently, two graduates visited campus and sat down with Trevor Gearhart to discuss how their Northland training prepared them for their current ministry roles.

Nov 13

High School Basketball Hosted On Campus

Athletes, coaches, and sponsors from schools across the region will be convening on campus for Northland's annual high school invitational basketball tournament to be held on November 15-17.

Nov 10

Northland Soccer Teams Compete at National Tournaments

The opening day of the NCCAA Division II National Tournaments saw dual triumph for Northland’s soccer teams. The Pioneer men entered the tournament seeded third on an at-large bid and began with a Wednesday afternoon match against the number six seed Lancaster Bible College.

Nov 10

Men’s Soccer Team Finishes Second in the Nation

As the NCCAA Division II soccer season concluded on Saturday, November 11, Northland's Pioneers were recognized for their second-place national standing

Nov 07

United in Prayer: Reflections

The Day of Prayer opened with a time of congregational singing, followed by a series of messages from John 15–17. This passage records Christ’s prayers for His disciples to find unity in knowing God, possessing fullness of joy, and growing in sanctification.

Nov 07

Spring 2013 Registration Opens

As the close of the fall semester draws nearer, the time for students to begin preparing for spring semester 2013 has arrived.

Nov 03

Shakespeare Comes to Northland Theater

Since the beginning of the semester, the cast and crew members of Northland Theater’s rendition of William Shakespeare’s Two Gentlemen of Verona have been hard at work. Students have given up free time and poured themselves into preparing for the fall play.

Nov 02

Breaking Out of the Sub-Culture

Walking into many church buildings is like stepping back in time; it is an entry to another world. When children grow up in this environment, they struggle with clearly communicating the Gospel within the twenty-first century context.

Nov 01

Northland Flies South

After a strong regular season of play followed by a second-place finish in the NCCAA II Regional Tournament last weekend, the Northland men's soccer team is heading to the national championship tournament to be held November 7-11 in Kissimmee, Florida.

Oct 31

Student-Directed Play to Hit Northland Theater

Northland students, staff, and faculty members as well as residents of the surrounding community are invited to attend Becky Peters's senior speech recital, a play entitled Journey through Alone.he script is taken from the book We Two Alone by missionary Ruth Hege.

Oct 30

United in Prayer

In keeping with Northland’s “be one. make many.” discipleship philosophy, each semester’s Day of Prayer provides an opportunity for students and staff members to practically encourage one another in spiritual growth.

Oct 27

Pioneers Compete in Regional Tournaments

The last weekend of October was full of action for Northland's athletic teams as the women's volleyball team as well as the men's and women's soccer teams hit the road to participate in regional tournament play.

Oct 26

Vidcast: Gospel Outreach in Action

While Bible and ministry philosophy classes are vital to Northland students' training, interaction with real-life ministries through teaching from the people who currently serve in full-time ministry is integral to this process as well.

Oct 25

Northland Hosts WACS Tournament

Several hundred guests will join the Northland family on campus October 26-27 for this year's Wisconsin Association of Christian Schools soccer and volleyball championship tournaments.

Oct 20

Pride and Prejudice

“It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife,” Jane Austen wrote. Those affairs of love played out in early nineteenth-century England will take place center stage on November 11–13 as Brock Miller directs Jane Austen’s romantic comedy Pride and Prejudice.

Oct 17

Students Anticipate Day of Rest

Though the energy level on campus may appear to be waning as students move through the middle of the semester, Friday, October 19, this semester's Day of Rest, brings with it a respite and an opportunity for students, staff, and faculty members alike to catch up on projects and reconnect with friends before diving into the second half of the semester.

Oct 15

Story Time!

All are invited to attend and listen to history come alive as Dr. Matt Olson, Dr. Les Ollila, Mr. Harold Patz, and Mr. Neal Cushman talk about their past experiences at Northland, whether that is Northland camp, Northland Baptist Bible Institute, or Northland International University.

Oct 12

Spirit Week 2012

Though Thursday's chapel hour provides a weekly opportunity for Northland's Student Council members to lead their fellow students in fun, refreshing activities and to emphasize God's continuing work in the hearts and lives of students, Spirit Week provides an annual opportunity for five straight days of student-led rejuvenation.

Oct 08

Center for the Local Church Hosts Pastor’s Day

Northland International University’s Center for the Local Church invites you to attend our annual fall Pastor’s Day.

Oct 06

Vidcast: The Significance of Servant-Leadership

Throughout the years, Northland has enjoyed the support and camaraderie of many fellow-laborers in the work of the Gospel. Recently Reverend Eddy Aliff, Director of theIFrameVirginia Assembly of Independent Baptists and father of two Northland graduates who are still involved in the ministry here, visited campus and shared with Dr. Olson his perspective on the unique benefits of a Northland education.

Oct 05

Study Tour Explores U.S. History

This year’s Spring Break study tour offers students the opportunity to explore the rich history and beautiful sights of the United States Capitol.

Oct 05

Northland Artist Series Taken around the World

Artist Series programs always create a buzz of excitement around Northland, and this fall’s event is an even bigger deal! Northland is pleased to announce that the fall 2011 Artist Series, featuring Stephen Eager, will be our first Artist Series ever to be webcasted live!

Sep 28

Reach Beyond Yourself

Over the past summer, Northland’s Global Opportunities mission teams shone God’s glorious light in diverse places in the world through summer trips. Motivated by a love for God and a desire to see Him lifted high among the nations, numerous Northland students stepped into the darkness of countries where there is little Gospel witness.

Sep 28

Visitors, Students Enjoy RodeoFest 2012

Last weekend was filled with lotsa whoopin’ and hollerin’ as a bunch of youngsters enjoyed the great games at Northland’s RodeoFest.

Sep 27

Northland Camp & Conference Center Hosts Chapel

The goal of Northland Camp & Conference Center’s summer program is to encourage every camper to take the next spiritual step in his or her life. Tuesday, September 25, featured a special chapel service hosted by camp personnel and students who have served on summer staff.

Sep 26

Heart to Heart

Although the past week has been busy, growth and blessings are overflowing for Northland students and faculty. Evangelist Will Galkin and his team of talented musicians joined the Northland family for this year’s Student Heart Conference. Being able to broadcast the sessions live through live.ni.edu was an exciting step for Northland.

Sep 24

Alumna Earns Degree Abroad, Reflects on Academic Journey

This November, alumna Amy Cook is scheduled to graduate from the University of Kent with a Master of Arts degree in international relations. In this article, she reflects on her thoughts concerning her academic journey and specific ways that her Northland education prepared her for the life-path which God has planned for her:

Sep 22

Reflections from FOCUS Week 2012

FOCUS Week, Northland International University's annual week-long student Bible conference, took place September 17-21.

Sep 19

RodeoFest 2012

On Saturday, September 22, Northland's campus will turn carnival for Northland Camp & Conference Center's annual RodeoFest event.

Sep 18

Cross-Cultural Experience: GSA Fall 2012

Training students to carry the Gospel around the world to people of every tribe, tongue, and nation is central to Northland's purpose. However, classroom preparation cannot fully familiarize students with the realities of cross-cultural ministry.

Sep 17

Northland Introduces Impact Groups

In keeping with our ongoing commitment to excellent Christ-focused discipleship, Northland is excited about this semester's inauguration of a weekly small-group Bible study concept known as Impact Groups.

Sep 16

FOCUS Week Begins Monday

FOCUS Week, formerly known as Student Heart Conference or Revival Week, has been renamed to mirror a key purpose of the meetings: to provide an opportunity for students and staff members to prepare their hearts for a year of spiritual growth through intentional focus on the changeless character of Creator God.

Sep 11

Small Group Communication

We live in an age of team projects and group communication. Marketing teams, team missions, assessment groups, church leadership committees, group projects, and social networks are a natural part of the modern workplace, ministry, and academic environment. So a class like Small Group Communication, taught by Communications professor Mrs. Rachel Trach, is necessary for preparing students for their future vocations. This college-age generation is perhaps more social and more team-oriented than any other, and this class helps the students create and manage productive and cohesive groups.

Sep 10

2012 High School Invitational Provides Competition, Learning, Discipleship

Every year, Northland hosts high school sports teams for a long weekend of intense tournaments. This month, September 13-15, we are welcoming several volleyball and soccer teams onto campus.

Sep 09

Campus Cause 2012

On Friday, September 7, the Northland chapel hour included the introduction and official launch of Campus Cause 2012. This campaign will focus on raising necessary funds for the remodeling of our recreation center.

Sep 08

Learning Local Church Servant-Leadership

On Monday, September 10, approximately fifty pastors convened on Northland's campus for the annual Pastor Appreciation Chapel.

Sep 04

Charles Spurgeon Collection Library Display

Charles Spurgeon, the man who once preached to 23,654 people without amplification, continues to speak to countless thousands through his writings.

Sep 03

Great Commission Living: The Fall 2011 Ministry Team

As hundreds of students arrive at Northland, five students leave to serve in schools and churches across the Midwest and into the southeastern United States. John Conable, David McKeown, Josh Pannell, Ellen McKeown, and Hannah Kurtz will take a semester-long journey through several states to share the heart of Northland: discipleship and Great Commission living through servant-leadership.