Alumni

Northern Michigan University 1997 history alumnus Philip Webb completed Spain's famous pilgrimage trail, El Camino de Santiago—also known as “The Way”—walking 621 miles over 38 days on the longest, most arduous route. The UNESCO-listed trail originated in medieval times, when pilgrims made a spiritual journey to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela to visit the reported tomb of the Apostle Saint James. Now more than 300,000 people from all over the world traverse it each year for a variety of reasons. Webb's pilgrimage was fueled by a desire to deepen his Catholic faith, engage in self-reflection and raise money for a charitable cause.

Northern Michigan University alumna Jackie Jahfetson has been hired as a full-time reporter for The Bismarck Tribune, writing about energy and environmental issues in North Dakota.

Northern Michigan University alumnus Bruce Remington, a member of the technical staff at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, has been honored with the American Physical Society's (APS) 2023 George E. Duvall Shock Compression Science Award. The award recognizes contributions to understanding condensed matter and non-linear physics through shock compression.

Northern Michigan University alumnus Ray Kisonas has left his reporter/editor post with The Monroe News after more than 36 years to become vice president of news at NewsNet, a 24-hour national television network based in Farmington Hills. According to a story published in the paper, he will be in charge of the news organization and the content of the network, which is broadcast in 60 markets and on streaming platforms.

Northern Michigan alumna Roxanne Daust received the 2022 Evergreen Award of Marquette County. The award honors individuals who are dedicated to supporting and mentoring women and girls and helping them to reach their full potential as leaders.

Taking care of crops and animals is hard on farmers and agribusiness professionals, who contend with stressors ranging from low commodity prices and other financial issues to extreme weather events and injuries. NMU alumnus Remington Rice is applying his psychology degrees to his career as a community behavioral health educator with Michigan State University Extension, helping farmers better manage stress and enhance their own health and wellness.  

NMU 1968 alumna Jeannie Thoren was recently inducted into the Colorado Snowsports Museum Hall of Fame for her internationally recognized role in revolutionizing women's ski equipment. The U.P. native was an avid racer and earned a spot on the Junior National Ski Team. When coaches critiqued her stance, she customized her gear to perfect her technique. The Thoren Theory, based on the motto that “women aren't small men,” evolved through decades of research as a way to help women skiers improve performance through equipment modification.

NMU alumnus Cody Mayer became Marquette's youngest mayor, at 25, when he was elected by fellow commissioners and sworn in at Monday night's meeting. He is also the first tribal member to serve on the City Commission. The former ASNMU president earned a bachelor's degree in public administration from Northern in August 2020.

Northern Michigan University 2004 alumna Aidan McKindles was recently appointed as Marquette County's new register of deeds. She will be the official recorder of land records in the county. McKindles earned a bacehlor's degree in political science with a minor in English.

Northern Michigan University Alumni Relations will kick off the holiday season with a cooking segment featuring nostalgic recipes and a look inside the hospitality management program's new state-of-the-art kitchen in the Northern Center. NMU Dining Executive Chef Alden MacDonald CCC '10 BS will be joined by student Trixie Maguran Jacobson for this digital presentation at 7 p.m. EST Wednesday, Nov. 16. They will showcase recipes that hold significance for their love of food and provide a behind-the-scenes view of the new facility and equipment.