NMU to host refugee art gala to raise money for Starlink system

Date: Thursday 19 February 2026
Time: 7pm to 9pm EST
Location: Northern Center, NMU
Admission: FREE

Northern Michigan University's Refugee Outreach Collective is hosting an art gala on 19 February 2026, to raise funds for a Starlink system that will help students at Dzaleka Refugee Camp attend virtual classes.

Bridging Michigan and Malawi

Carter Hairston, President of the Refugee Outreach Collective at NMU, launched the chapter last year to support education opportunities in Dzaleka. He emphasises the transformative power of education for refugees:

"People spend their entire lives in the camp. Having an education, and one in which you can prove that you have, is a huge asset to getting out of the camp."

Art auction with Dzaleka artwork

The gala will feature an auction of eight original artworks created by refugees from Dzaleka. All proceeds will go toward purchasing a Starlink System to provide reliable internet access for students in the camp, who often face power outages that disrupt their virtual learning.

Live jazz by 906 Jazz

Local jazz band 906 Jazz will provide live entertainment. Band member Todd Noordyk was moved to join after learning about the program:

"You know we're in the frozen tundra up here, so they just kind of warmed my heart. These eight pieces, very unique. How nice would that be to have at the office, or at the hospital when people come in."