Alumni

Marquette couple Bob Cowell and Kathleen Olivier have established a multi-year, $1 million endowment for Northern Michigan University's hockey program. The longtime Wildcat fans said they hope their gift serves as a “catalyst” for generating additional private support critical to helping NMU compete with larger Division I programs in recruiting top talent and achieving sustained success.

Northern Michigan University alumna Skye Patrick (‘96 BFA), director of the Los Angeles County Library, will moderate a conversation featuring An Abolitionist's Handbook author Patrisse Cullors and political activist and scholar Angela Davis. The virtual event, hosted by the California African American Museum, is scheduled for 10 p.m. EST Thursday, Jan. 27.

Jen Nelson, a 1999 speech communication graduate of Northern Michigan University, has been appointed chief operating officer for the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. She returns to MEDC after serving four years as vice president of public policy and economic development for Business Leaders for Michigan.

Northern Michigan University alumna Connie Koutouzos recently began a new role as president and CEO of both McLaren Thumb Region and McLaren Caro Region. 

The Northern Michigan University Alumni Association will host a "Callback" panel of theater and dance alumni for its next Northern Now digital series event on Wednesday, Jan. 12. The following panelists will provide insights on how their education at NMU prepared them for their careers in various areas of the industry, reminisce about projects they worked on during their time as students and share their plans for the future:

Christopher Friel, a 1987 graduate of Northern Michigan University's land use planning and management program, is the new director of client success for DATAMARK, the public safety geographic information systems (GIS) team of Michael Baker International.

Darren Ing of Haslett, who attended Northern Michigan University from 1993-96, has been appointed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to the Michigan Travel Commission. He is the director of the Michigan Manufactured Housing, Recreation Vehicle & Campground Association and the president of the Tourism Industry Coalition of Michigan. 

NMU alumna and former Wildcat basketball player Karla (Strand) McCutcheon was recently honored with an Excellence in Education award from the Michigan Lottery.  She has taught physical education and health at Marquette Senior High School for 21 years. 

Northern Michigan University alumnus Edward Cook ('80 BS) received a Level I award for achievement in city governance from the Kentucky League of Cities. He is a member of the Oak Grove City Council. The Level I award requires a city official to attend 30 hours of approved training with one hour of ethics training.

Northern Michigan University alumnus David Kronberg was recently appointed the first director of entrepreneurial services and outreach for Innovate Marquette SmartZone. As part of his new role, he directs the student-powered idea incubator, Invent@NMU. He is also focused on building both resources and relationships with local entrepreneurs and tech startups to foster a robust, supportive business and startup ecosystem in Marquette.