Alumni

NMU Hosts Artificial Intelligence Talks

Oct. 25, 2018
Northern Michigan University alumnus Bob Stefanski will present "Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Jobs." He is co-founder and managing director of eLab Ventures, a venture capital firm based in Silicon Valley and Ann Arbor that invests in technology startup companies at the forefront of artificial intelligence development. His talk is scheduled for 3 p.m. Monday, Nov. 12, in Reynolds Recital Hall. It is free and open to the public.
Image of Bob Stefanski

Alumnus Named to Craft Beverage Council

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.
Image of Anderson

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

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.

Bill Hawker ('95 BS)

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

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.

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

Woodworkers Inspired at Anderson Ranch

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.

Furniture workshop

Alumna Settling In as New Superintendent

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.

Kattula with students

New Wildcat Statue Unveiled

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).
Wildcat statue