Alumni

Alumnus Named to Craft Beverage Council

Image of Anderson
Oct. 12, 2018 —
NMU alumnus Richard Anderson ('78 MA) of Thompsonville will represent small distillers on the newly reformed Michigan Craft Beverage Council. He was recently appointed by the governor to a three-year term expiring Sept. 30, 2021. Anderson is the owner and spirits operations officer for Iron Fish Distillery. Some issues the council will address include: awarding grants for research into winemaking, hops, barley, beer and spirits; conducting market surveys and analysis; and offering programs that encourage agricultural elements related to Michigan's craft beverage industries.

NMU Hosts Alumni Reception in Houghton

Oct. 10, 2018 —

Northern Michigan University will host an alumni reception in Houghton on Wednesday, Oct. 24. The event will feature complimentary food, drink and NMU spirit gear. President Fritz Erickson will give a campus update and the team from Invent@NMU, which helps individuals bring their product or business ideas from concept to market, will give a presentation.

The reception is scheduled from 5:15-7:30 p.m. at the Magnuson Hotel Franklin Square Inn in Houghton. RSVPs are requested through a link at nmu.edu/alumniassociation/events. 

Alumnus Joins Elevate97

Bill Hawker ('95 BS)
Oct. 3, 2018 —

Bill Hawker ('95 BS) built a career in professional sports, establishing corporate partnerships for three NFL north division franchises: the Bears, Packers and Lions. Now he has returned to Green Bay as director of business development for Elevate97. The business creates and distributes marketing solutions for world-renowned retail brands. Clients include Carhartt, Calvin Klein, Pandora jewelry, Tommy Hilfiger, TaylorMade Golf and his former employer, the Packers.

Grad Joins Flat Rock PD

Sep. 28, 2018 —
NMU alumna Morgan Sundberg recently joined the Flat Rock Police Department in Wayne County as a patrol officer. According to a story in the Monroe News, she has worked in law enforcement since 2014. Sundberg earned a criminal justice degree and completed the NMU Regional Police Academy. She started her law enforcement career with the Huron-Clinton Metroparks Police Department and also worked as a deputy with the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Department.

NMU Honors Alumni Award Winners

From left: Nelsen, Butler, NMU President Fritz Erickson, Millner and Schloegel. Patrick did not attend, but submitted her comments via video.
Sep. 27, 2018 —

Five Northern Michigan University alumni were honored during Homecoming festivities Sept. 21-22 for significant achievements in their fields, substantial contributions to society and demonstrated exceptional leadership and civic qualities. The recipients and their awards were: Keith Nelsen (’86 BS) of Minneapolis, Minn., and Scott Schloegel (’90 BS) of Springfield, Va., Distinguished Alumni; Beth Millner (’08 BFA) of Marquette, Outstanding Young Alumni; Michele Butler (’76 BS, ’78 MAE) of Marquette, Alumni Community Service; and Skye Patrick of Downey, Calif., Alumni Achievement.

Woodworkers Inspired at Anderson Ranch

Furniture workshop
Sep. 26, 2018 —

NMU Senior Tim Kruger has long been interested in woodworking, particularly furniture design. But “an epiphany” during a woodturning class led by Professor Jason Schneider convinced him to hone in on his true passion: teaching. Kruger was inspired to apply for a summer workshop at Anderson Ranch Arts Center in Snowmass Village, Colo., and received a scholarship to attend. Schneider also returned to “the Ranch,” where he had worked for a decade before joining NMU’s faculty, to teach two summer workshops.

Alumna Settling In as New Superintendent

Kattula with students
Sep. 26, 2018 —

Heidi Kattula ('98 MA), the new superintendent of East Grand Rapids Public Schools, is featured in a School News Network article. She has 26 years of experience in public education. She also serves as the treasurer of International Baccalaureate Schools of Michigan, which focus on educating from a global perspective. East Grand Rapids is exploring the designation and Kattula was a principal in Bloomfield Hills when it became the first IB district in the state.

New Wildcat Statue Unveiled

Wildcat statue
Sep. 21, 2018 —
Northern’s new bronze wildcat statue, a much-anticipated addition to the campus landscape, was unveiled and dedicated Sept. 21. The statue was made possible through a gift from the estate of former NMU Board of Trustees chair and longtime NMU supporter Gil Ziegler (’60 BS).

Teachable Moment: Alumna Rescues Student at Black Rocks

Blackrocks
Sep. 19, 2018 —

“Reach or throw; don’t go.” NMU alumna and former Wildcat swimmer Shawn Robinson-Sobczak (’98 BS) routinely recites that phrase when she leads swim lessons or serves as a lifeguard instructor. When someone is in distress and it’s not possible to extend a hand to pull the swimmer to safety or throw something that floats, bystanders should not risk their own lives by entering the water. But Robinson-Sobczak has also been a certified lifeguard for 34 years.