Alumni

Northern Michigan University 2014 BFA alumnus Adam Papin has been promoted from sports reporter to sports editor at The Minot Daily News in North Dakota. The newspaper reported that prior to joining its staff in May, Papin was editor of The Paulding County Progress, a weekly newspaper in Paulding County, Ohio. In that role, he was responsible for both the news and sports editorial content, as well as providing leadership to staff and freelance writers and photographers.

Northern Michigan University Alumni Relations has announced the recipients of its 2023 NMU Alumni Awards: Ellen J. Narotzky Kennedy ('71 MA, '72 MAE) of St. Paul, Minn., Distinguished Alumni; Mitchell Stephenson ('13 BA) of Dillon, Mont., Outstanding Young Alumni; and Charles Hawes ('77 BS) of Lansing, Mich., Alumni Service-Community.  

Dr. Eric Schaff, a radiation oncologist and 2013 NMU biology/physiology alumnus, has joined U.P. Health System-Marquette's Cancer Center team. According to a UPHS press release, Schaff specializes in the treatment of adult cancers, offering advanced personalized radiation options for Upper Peninsula residents close to home.

NMU alumnus Alex Ermatinger graduated in 2012 with a bachelor's degree in environmental science and biology. After a few years working in chemical engineering and then pharmaceutical research, he realized that his true calling was to be a fishing guide. He had grown up fishing for salmon and steelhead in the northern Lower Peninsula. Ermatinger returns to the area to help clients chase the same species during their annual migration from Lake Michigan into rivers along the west coast of the state.

Northern Michigan University President Brock Tessman will meet with NMU alumni and friends at a reception-style event from 5:30-7 p.m. CST Wednesday, Aug. 9, at Pine Grove Country Club in Iron Mountain. He will provide a university update and chat with attendees over complimentary hors d'oeuvres and beverages. 

NMU alumna Lina Blair recently embarked on a new professional role as dean of Student Life at Ferris State University. She previously worked at Grand Rapids Community College as director of Student Life, and at NMU in various capacities, including assistant dean of students.

NMU alumna Allison Watkins is profiled in a feature story on the benefits of a Michigan Municipal League training initiative that helps women advance their skills and leadership abilities to become strong local government managers. Watkins has served as Newberry village manager since 2019. Despite her extensive experience as HR and community relations director for Newberry, and working with AmeriCorps NCCC, she recalled having imposter syndrome, a feeling she was not where she should be.

Northern Michigan University alumnus and retired Emmet County Circuit Judge Charles Johnson of Petoskey recently donned his robe again to preside over a July jury trial at the Marquette County Courthouse. He is one of two grant-funded visiting judges helping to clear the county's backlog of criminal cases. As Johnson sat behind the bench in the historic courtroom, which also served as a pivotal location in the book and film “Anatomy of a Murder,” he developed a sense of déjà vu.

NMU 1995 criminal justice alumnus John Gudwer is Escanaba's new director of Public Safety. He was recently promoted from his previous role as detective/lieutenant after the former director retired.

Northern Michigan University 1987 financial management alumnus Joe Havican has been promoted to senior loan officer with First Bank, Upper Michigan. He joined the organization in 2022 as vice president, commercial loan officer in the Marquette office.