Central Michigan University announced on Mar. 19 a new initiative to distribute free copies of the children’s book “Otis Goes to CMU” in partnership with Mount Pleasant Public Schools and United Way of Greater Central Michigan. The distribution will take place in local schools and libraries during National Reading Month.
The effort aims to strengthen connections between the university, local students, and the broader community by encouraging literacy and fostering pride in both CMU and Mount Pleasant. The Community Relations Committee, formed to help achieve priorities outlined in CMU’s 2023-2028 Strategic Plan, developed the idea for this outreach.
Jeanneane Wood-Nartker, a faculty member at CMU, authored “Otis Goes to CMU,” which follows Otis the squirrel as he becomes a student at the university and grows fond of both the school and town. Marcie Otteman, Deputy Chief of Alumni Relations and Constituent Engagement at CMU, said Wood-Nartker donated more than 1,300 surplus copies for this initiative. “The author just wants to see the books be given away and not thrown away, so she’s donated them to the Community Relations Committee, and we are now sharing them in our community,” Otteman said. “It’s a kind gesture and a really valuable use of the book.”
Annie Sanders, president and CEO of United Way of Greater Central Michigan, said distributing the book demonstrates their belief that strong communities start with strong connections through literacy. “Partnering on the distribution of ‘Otis Goes to CMU’ gives us an opportunity to spark a love of reading in local students while also helping them see themselves as future college students and community leaders,” Sanders said. “By putting books into children’s hands, we are opening doors to imagination, confidence, and possibility, and strengthening the bond between CMU and the families and schools across our region.”
United Way is also featuring “Otis Goes to CMU” on its virtual calendar for National Reading Month with a video reading by alumnus Tyler Zimmerman available on their YouTube playlist. Jennifer Verleger, Superintendent at Mount Pleasant Public Schools, expressed gratitude for these partnerships: “Bringing ‘Otis Goes to CMU’ into our classrooms is a powerful way to strengthen literacy while showing our students that their community is truly invested in their growth,” Verleger said.
Central Michigan University leads nationally in participation for Alternative Breaks programs according to its official website. The university has been recognized as one of two Adobe Creative Campuses in Michigan as well as one of four Celonis Academic Centers of Excellence nationwide according to its official website. It offers over 200 academic programs across seven colleges—including undergraduate, graduate, online courses, and study abroad opportunities—according to its official website. The institution focuses on comprehensive education aimed at preparing students for successful careers and lifelong learning as per its official website. Additionally, it ranks first in Michigan—and sixth in the Midwest—for highest earnings among females under 40 as noted on its official website, while extending offerings beyond Michigan through online options according to its official website.
Otteman concluded that bringing “Otis Goes to CMU” back home will have a positive impact: “This outreach recognizes that CMU plays such an important part in our community and is a way we can connect campus with community, and the community with campus.”
