Alumni

Four NMU alumni played pivotal roles in the creation of Disney-Pixar's Onward. The film's theatrical release was cut short by COVID-19, but its heartwarming premise and early availability on digital platforms have made it a welcome diversion for families self-isolating at home. Onward's story was inspired by director-writer Dan Scanlon's ('87 VOC) experience losing his father when he was only 1 year old and his brother was 3.

It began with an isolated request months ago, but has expanded into a meaningful mission during the COVID-19 pandemic. On most days since the “stay home” order was implemented, recently retired music teacher and NMU alumnus Chris Charboneau ('93) has posted a video of himself playing a different song on the piano—and frequently singing along—for his Facebook friends. The activity gives him a sense of purpose and allows him to channel his creativity in a way that boosts others' spirits during socially isolated, uncertain times.

Recent NMU graduate and Michigan Army National Guard Sgt. Adam Szabo is one of six soldiers delivering personal protective equipment (PPE) and other supplies to county seats in the Upper Peninsula for distribution to those in need. He is an automotive logistics specialist with the 1431st “Sappers” Combat Engineers in Calumet.

The Beaumier U.P. Heritage Center recently received a gift of $25,000 to create a new multi-media web project based on the relationship between the Upper Peninsula and Northern Michigan University. The website will feature expansive content detailing how the U.P. defined NMU and, in turn, how NMU helped shape the future of the Upper Peninsula.

In the latest "Wildcat Minute" video from WNMU-TV, NMU alumni share messages of support and advice for graduating seniors who comprise the class of 2020.

The Northern Michigan University Alumni Association has launched an alumni-owned business directory in conjunction with the university's Wildcats Mean Business campaign. The directory is an effort to promote Wildcat businesses across the country and encourage the NMU community to support these businesses.

NMU alumnus and renowned eagle researcher William W. Bowerman (‘91 MA) will be presented with one of the Boy Scouts of America's rarest and most significant honors: the William T. Hornaday Gold Medal. 

NMU alumnus Richard Anderson (‘78 MA) has used his Thompsonville business, Iron Fish Distillery, as a force for good by producing much-needed sanitizer during the spread of COVID-19. Consumer demand has fueled a shortage impacting critical health and human service organizations.

Northern Michigan University has launched a #WildcatsMeanBusiness campaign to encourage the NMU and Marquette communities to support businesses that sponsor NMU events and programming, as well as local businesses owned by alumni.

NMU alumna Amanda Monthei wrote an article that was featured in a recent Patagonia catalog. Monthei wrote about the intersection of her two passions: firefighting and fly-fishing. Her article specifically addresses how high-intensity wildfires are affecting native and non-native fish populations, such as cutthroat and rainbow trout in the Southwest.