Alumni

Northern Michigan University 2005 MPA alumna Sarah Davy is one of two recipients of the 2023 Bay College Outstanding Staff Award. She serves as academic support coordinator for Bay's West Campus, working directly with students and connecting them with college and local resources aiding in their academic success. She also works with business technology and TRiO Students, supporting them in their individualized career plans and/or the completion of their chosen degree path.

Catherine Peterson of Bloomington, Ind., has received an Outstanding Global Campus Student Award from the Northern Michigan University Board of Trustees. She is an online graduate student who will earn a master's degree in educational administration/supervision at NMU's May 6 commencement.

For many, spring is the season for deep-cleaning and decluttering their homes. Northern Michigan University alumna Carrie Young is helping people tackle organizational challenges more effectively, efficiently and consistently so they can regain balance in their lives. The 1998 business management graduate parlayed her skills into a career as a professional organizer about 15 years ago. She works in the Toldedo, Ohio area.

Northern Michigan University's new football head coach Shane Richardson will be featured during the next Northern Now digital event at 7 p.m. EST Wednesday, April 12. The discussion will be moderated by Steve Mariucci, NFL Network analyst and show host, with special appearances by New York Jets Head Coach Robert Saleh and NMU Athletic Director Rick Comley. All four are also NMU alumni.

Four women who graduated from Northern Michigan University and hold leadership positions will participate in a panel discussion to celebrate Women's History Month as part of the next Northern Now digital event hosted by NMU Alumni Relations. They will share how NMU prepared them for their careers, any obstacles they have overcome, and ways they impact the communities in which they live. The event is scheduled at 7 p.m. EST Tuesday, March 28. 

Northern Michigan University alumna Sharon Valascho is one of six finalists for the Detroit Red Wings Teacher of the Year, a title that comes with a $5,000 classroom grant and a virtual meet and greet with a Red Wings player. The elementary art teacher and avid hockey player earned Red Wings Teacher of the Month in January, and said she is hoping she has what it takes to clinch the overall win.

A company formed by three Northern Michigan University alumni that is focused on keeping space clear of orbital debris has earned its second straight Michigan Best Small Business award. Marquette-based Kall Morris Inc. (KMI) will be among the honorees at the 19th annual Michigan Celebrates Small Business gala on May 2 in East Lansing.

Northern Michigan University 1997 alumnus Sam Laturi describes his craft of blacksmithing as “a spiritual journey, combining the four ancient elements to make objects of art and function.” The Iron River native is in his 25th year of shaping steel, and said he enjoys the fact his work will continue to exist long after he is gone.

NMU alumnus Scott Grajewski was recently appointed as the new director of the Blackman-Leoni Department of Public Safety in Jackson County, Mich. He has served with the department for more than 27 years. Grajewski grew up in Blackman Township. After he graduated from Northern in 1993 with a bachelor's degree in justice studies and public relations, he returned to his hometown and secured a job with the department. 

Four Northern Michigan University alumni will participate in a Black History Month panel discussion, sharing insights into how their NMU education prepared them for their careers, obstacles they have overcome, and ways they are impacting the communities in which they live. This "Northern Now" digital event is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST Wednesday, Feb. 22. It is free, but pre-registration is required.