Alumni

Northern Michigan University alumna Mollie Trewartha has been appointed the new principal of Hancock Middle and High Schools, effective July 21. She earned two degrees in educational administration/supervision from NMU: a master's in 2006 and an education specialist in 2012.

Alexa Christensen, a Marquette native who holds two degrees from Northern, has returned to her alma mater to serve as the new director of Dining Services. She previously worked as the dietary manager at Houghton County Medical Care Facility. Christensen arrived on campus in early June and hit the ground running to help ensure that students and families in town for orientation had a positive experience sampling food from NMU Dining locations.

Satellites orbiting Earth facilitate every GPS ping, global communication, weather prediction and live stream. But when they drift off course or end their missions, they pose a threat to space-based systems modern life depends on because most are unprepared and uncontrolled. There has been no way to safely move, repair or retire them until now. Kall Morris Inc. (KMI), an alumni-owned company based in Marquette, recently completed the first commercial demonstrations of its REACCH robotic system, which features mechanical tentacles that can safely grab and move objects in space, aboard the International Space Station.

Two Northern Michigan University alumni were selected as recipients of 2025 Outstanding Faculty Awards from Bay College in Escanaba for exemplifying a deep commitment to student success and professional excellence. Tammra Houseman, who earned her NMU bachelor's degree in elementary education with a special education endorsement in 1994, was honored with the Outstanding Full-Time Faculty Award. Cassie Callahan, a 2019 BSN grad, was one of two recipients of the Outstanding Part-Time Faculty Award.  

Tucker McLain, a first-generation student who earned a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in creative writing in May, has become only the fifth person in Northern Michigan University history to receive a Fulbright, the flagship award program for international academic exchange opportunities. He is also the first from NMU whose grant will support research abroad. He will depart for Estonia in September for a nine-month exploration of the country's literary landscape.

Northern Michigan University Alumni Happy Hours will be held this summer at three Marquette alumni-owned establishments. The events are open to alumni and friends who want to network with fellow Wildcats and strengthen their ties to the NMU community in a casual environment. NMU Alumni Relations requests that attendees interested in qualifying to win NMU-themed prizes pre-register for each happy hour at nmu.edu/alumniassociation/alumnihappyhour. The schedule follows (all run from 4:30-6:30 p.m.):

Northern Michigan University 2004  alumnus Jonathan Hare has been recognized as one of the “Best 5 Photographers to Watch in 2025” by TQS Magazine, in a feature story also shared on MSN.com. Hare earned his bachelor's degree in English/secondary education, but he has spent the past 18 years building a reputation as “one of the most sought-after wedding photographers” in Tampa and St. Petersburg, Fla.

Northern Michigan University 1996 alumna Skye Patrick, CEO of the massive Los Angeles County Public Library system, is one of seven recipients of the 2025 James Irvine Foundation Leadership Awards, which recognize individuals whose “innovative solutions to critical state challenges improve people's lives, create opportunity and contribute to a better California.” The honor also included a $350,000 grant and other resources for her organization. Patrick previously earned a national award when Library Journal named her 2019 Librarian of the Year. She is also a past NMU Alumni Achievement Award recipient.

Northern Michigan University closed out its 125th anniversary celebration with the second annual NMU Giving Day on April 17, exceeding the $125,000 goal by raising nearly $169,000 for student experiences, research, departments and programs. The “Give to What You Love” event theme encouraged Wildcats and friends to show the power of collective generosity and champion the causes they are particularly passionate about.

Former Northern Michigan University theater student and Broadway veteran Leah Hocking will be the keynote speaker for NMU's May 3 commencement. The Marquette native will also receive an honorary Doctor of Theater Studies degree. Hocking has appeared in 10 Broadway musicals. Her roles included Mum in "Billy Elliot," Donna Sheridan in "Mama Mia," Sarah Brown in "Guys and Dolls," Velma Von Tussle in "Hairspray," Lucy in "Jekyll and Hyde" and Marty in "Grease." She was also nominated for a Helen Hayes award for her performance as Mrs. Wilkinson in the national tour of "Billy Elliot" at The Kennedy Center.