Alumni

NMU Art & Design alumnus Josh McKenzie (BFA '13) is profiled by the VoyageLA publication as one of Los Angeles' “rising stars.” McKenzie is a storyboard artist at Nickelodeon, and in the process of shopping around his first young adult-focused graphic novel.

NMU psychology alumnus Todd Hillhouse ('09 BS, '11 MS) is already making his mark as an assistant professor at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. He joined the faculty last August and opened a new Pain and Addiction Neuropharmacology (PANE) lab in November. Hillhouse works with a half-dozen student researchers to develop novel treatments for pain management, addiction and associated depression.

NMU alumnus Dale Moilanen ('91 BS) recently ran a distance to match his age: a 60K, which equates to 37 miles. His goal was to raise $600 to support construction of a new facility named after another NMU grad: the Steve Mariucci Family Beacon House. Moilanen ended up raising 10 times that amount—nearly $6,000—when he asked friends to donate $60 each to the cause. 

Northern Michigan University Executive Chef and alumna Alden Griffus ('10) will share her favorite summer recipes during a virtual cooking segment for the next Northern Now event hosted by NMU Alumni Relations. She will be joined by Scott Bousson ('11), operations manager of Dining Services, at 7 p.m. EST Wednesday, June 9.

NMU alumnus Mike Angeli ('87) has retired after 45 years of service to the City of Marquette, most recently as city manager since 2015. He began his career as a police officer, applying his bachelor's degree in criminal justice. After a brief stint as detective captain, he was promoted to police chief in 2008.

NMU management alumnus Brent Madalinski ('91 BS) was recently named a recipient of the Outstanding Educator Award from Bay College in Escanaba, where he serves as a full-time business instructor. The award recognizes commitment to education and excellence in service to others. Recipients are nominated by colleagues, students or community members.

Northern Michigan University Alumni Relations is hosting Fireside with Fritz: A Conversation with President Erickson at 7 p.m. EST Wednesday, May 12. Alumni are invited to join President Erickson for a fireside chat as he shares campus updates, answers questions, and virtually connects with the Wildcat community.

The Northern Michigan University Board of Trustees presented its annual Student Achievement Awards in advance of the May 1 commencement. Recipients were: Sarah Kendall of Faribault, Minn., Outstanding Graduating Senior; Elizabeth Mansfield of Boyne Falls, Mich., Outstanding Graduating Senior; Lauren Rotundo of Marquette, Outstanding Student of Any Class; Logan Hartz of Rochester, Ind., Outstanding Non-Traditional Student; and Andrea Fox of Euclid, Ohio, Outstanding Global Campus Student.

Northern Michigan University alumni are invited to participate in the fifth annual Return North Professional Careers Fair from 3-6 p.m. Thursday, May 20. The three Upper Peninsula-based SmartZones are collaborating on the virtual event, designed to connect jobseekers with local companies to network and explore career opportunities in the region.

Northern Michigan University criminal justice alumnus Jason Sides (BS) was appointed to the Michigan Correctional Officers' Training Council by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Friday.