Alumni

Sharon (Frifeldt) Keith, a 1977 Northern Michigan University nursing graduate, competed in the Half-IRONMAN World Championship in New Zealand last month. She placed third among women in her 70-74 age group, swimming 1.2 miles in open water, biking 56 miles, then running 13.1 miles with no breaks in between. Keith's extended involvement in endurance events inspires younger athletes she trains with in Honolulu. It also enables her to make up for some lost time, as she was a relatively late bloomer in the sporting arena.    

Northern Michigan University Alumni Relations is hosting two Green Bay-area events for alumni and friends: a free gathering featuring immersive game experiences, appetizers and a cash bar from 6-8 p.m. CST Friday, Jan. 31, at The Turn Restaurant Lounge; and NMU night at the Green Bay Gamblers hockey game at 6:05 p.m. CST Saturday, Feb. 1, at the Resch Center. President Brock Tessman will attend both events.

Northern Michigan University 2013 MPA graduate Nicholas Derusha of Newberry has been reappointed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to the Public Health Advisory Council. He serves as the director and health officer of the Luce-Mackinac-Alger-Schoolcraft District Health Department. He is also a member of the Michigan Center for Rural Health Board of Directors, a member of the Northern Health Foundation Board of Directors, and treasurer for the Helen Newberry Joy Hospital. 

NMU alumna Gillianne Hetrick began 2025 with a new role as senior vice president of corporate operations at Babcock & Wilcox Enterprises Inc. in Akron, Ohio.  She leads B&W's Human Resources, Environmental Health, Safety & Security, Information Technology, Communications & Marketing, Facility Services, and Global Travel organizations. Hetrick earned a bachelor's from NMU in public relations, advertising and applied communication in 2002. She has more than 20 years' experience in the energy and communications industries, with both public and private companies. 

Chris Charboneau, Northern Michigan University 1993 music education alumnus and president of the NMU Alumni Advisory Board, will guest-conduct the Midland Dow High School Symphonic Band at the Michigan Music Conference Friday, Jan. 24, in Grand Rapids.

Northern Michigan University alumnus Michael Plourde has been chosen as the new superintendent of Meridian Community Unit School District #223 in Illinois, effective July 1. He earned his bachelor's degree in mathematics/secondary education with a minor in geography/secondary education from NMU in 2005. 

Northern Michigan University 1997 social work alumna Jamie Langley serves as an in-school social worker for East Jackson Community Schools in Michigan, assisting kids through mental health issues and helping families find resources. She was the subject of a recent "Meet the Teacher" media profile on MLive.com.  

Lucas Quinteros, who graduated Dec. 14 with a degree in graphic design, earned the Best in Show Award for the work he created for NMU's Senior Art Exhibition.

NMU international studies alumnus Chris Wellens was promoted to assistant executive director at Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center in Laconia, N.H. The nonprofit offers year-round programs for all ages designed to "preserve and pass down knowledge and skills that encourage an understanding of the natural systems that sustain us all and respect for the environment."

NMU environmental studies and sustainability alumna Emma Dillman's recent hire as a waste reduction educator for the Kent County (Michigan) Department of Public Works is featured in a Waste Today publication story. The 2021 graduate will help area residents and businesses learn how to reduce and repurpose waste.