Alumni

After serving as a writer for NBC sitcoms, Northern Michigan University theater alumnus William Missouri Downs realized his “heart was always on the stage,” so he left Hollywood for a cabin in Colorado to focus on his passion for playwriting. Downs' latest play, a pandemic-inspired comedy titled “Asking Strangers the Meaning of Life,” is being performed at the Detroit Repertory Theatre through April 3.

NMU alumnus Elmer Aho of Gwinn, who passed away Feb. 20 at age 90, was a familiar fixture on local radio as the host of American Country Gold. For three decades on Saturday nights, the Marquette Music Hall of Fame inductee shared classic country tunes, told home-spun stories and played listener requests. Aho's legacy and voice will linger through a special tribute program being planned on 103 WFXD, along with continuing broadcasts of his archived shows.

Former NMU student and Wildcat football player Nick Baumgartner became the oldest snowboarder to win an Olympic medal and the oldest U.S. gold medalist at the Winter Games since 1948. The 40-year old Iron River native partnered with Lindsey Jacobellis to win the mixed-team snowboard cross in the event's Olympic debut in Beijing. He demonstrated resilience and determination in making his first appearance on the podium in four Olympics. 

The outcome of the March 9 presidential election in South Korea might depend in part on the work of Northern Michigan University alumnus YoungJong Lee. The 2012 media production graduate spends nearly every waking hour working on the campaign for the leading candidate in the race, Lee Jae-myung.

Northern Michigan University Alumni Relations is partnering with the NMU Center for Rural Health for its next Northern Now digital series event. A panel of experts will discuss the social determinants of health, which are the conditions and environments that affect a wide range of health, functioning and quality-of-life outcomes and risks. Elise Bur, director of the NMU Center for Rural Health, will moderate the conversation at 7 p.m. EST Wednesday, Feb. 9. 

NMU alumnus Richard Anderson ('78 MA) of Thompsonville has been reappointed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to represent small distillers on the Michigan Craft Beverage Council. He is a partner and co-founder of Iron Fish Distillery.

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.