Northern Michigan University Alumni Relations has announced three recipients of the 2025 Alumni Awards, all of whom reside in Michigan: Dr. Peter LaPine ('76 MA) of East Lansing, Distinguished Alumni; Barbara Coleman ('77 BS, '81 MS) of Marquette, Alumni Achievement; and Ian Lewis ('18 BS, '22 MPA) of Laurium, Outstanding Young Alumni.
Nominated and selected by fellow alumni, the recipients are honored for significant achievements in their fields, substantial contributions to society, and exceptional leadership and civic qualities.
LaPine, a professor emeritus in Communicative Sciences & Disorders at Michigan State University for over 40 years, earned a master of arts degree from NMU in 1976. Recognized for his international leadership in communicative sciences and disorders, he pioneered study abroad programs in his field and advanced clinical care through groundbreaking work in pediatric and adult voice disorders and voice restoration. His humanitarian efforts include leading 62 service missions to the Yucatán Peninsula, providing life-changing care to over 10,500 children with cleft palates, and training the next generation of global health professionals.
Coleman, a retired professor at NMU, earned a bachelor of science degree in 1977 from NMU and was the first graduate of NMU's exercise science master's program in 1981. Recognized for her outstanding contributions to health, wellness and community service and a pioneer in exercise science, Coleman co-founded NMU's GETFIT Adult Fitness Program and played a key role in developing teaching labs that served both students and the public. Beyond campus, she has been a driving force behind numerous public health initiatives and community projects—including the creation of Marquette's first fully inclusive playground—demonstrating a lifelong commitment to education, equity and well-being.
Lewis serves as the village manager, chief financial officer and chief administrative officer of Laurium. He earned a bachelor of science degree from NMU in 2018 and a master's of public administration degree from NMU in 2022. Recognized for his outstanding leadership in public administration and community development, Lewis has led major financial and infrastructure improvements, growing the village's general fund from $16,000 to over $500,000 and securing more than $1.5 million in grants. His dedication to civic service, regional leadership and mentoring future NMU students exemplifies the spirit of this award and the impact of young professionals in rural communities.
Learn more about our 2025 Alumni Award recipients here. The honorees will be recognized and celebrated in-person during Homecoming 2025 (Sept. 19-20). A Homecoming schedule is available at nmu.edu/homecoming. Detailed feature stories with comments from each recipient will be issued at a later date.
For more information on the award criteria and to nominate a fellow alumnus/a, visit nmu.edu/alumni/awards. NMU Alumni Relations can be contacted at alumni@nmu.edu.
Media Contact: Kylie Bunting, director of NMU Alumni & Foundation Communications, 906-227-2610 or kbunting@nmu.edu.