Alumni

Former Wildcat football player and Northern Michigan University alumnus Robert Saleh has returned to the San Francisco 49ers as defensive coordinator. Saleh had previously worked with the 49ers from 2017-2020, then served as head coach of the New York Jets for three seasons. The Dearborn native attended Northern Michigan University, where he started at tight end for four years and earned all-conference honors before graduating with a bachelor's degree in financial management in 2001. 

Former Wildcat hockey player Dominik Shine has signed a two-year contract with the Detroit Red Wings for the 2024-25 and 2025-26 seasons. The forward played for NMU from 2013-2017 and signed with the Grand Rapids Griffins as an undrafted free agent soon after. He compiled 170 points (72-98-170) and 513 penalty minutes in 462 AHL games with the Griffins, and ranked among the team leaders in scoring, assists and other categories in 40 games this season.  

Northern Michigan University factors prominently in the third novel by 1981 English and French alumna Sharon Dilworth. "To Be Marquette" weaves in some factual elements from her time as a student—namely the controversial government-funded Project ELF and associated protests about its potential adverse effects on the environment. It also references familiar community landmarks and pays homage to the area's natural beauty. Dilworth said her growing concerns about climate change made her reflect on her NMU experience and reminisce with fellow alumni in recent years, which inspired her to write the book.

Sharon (Frifeldt) Keith, a 1977 Northern Michigan University nursing graduate, competed in the Half-IRONMAN World Championship in New Zealand last month. She placed third among women in her 70-74 age group, swimming 1.2 miles in open water, biking 56 miles, then running 13.1 miles with no breaks in between. Keith's extended involvement in endurance events inspires younger athletes she trains with in Honolulu. It also enables her to make up for some lost time, as she was a relatively late bloomer in the sporting arena.    

Northern Michigan University Alumni Relations is hosting two Green Bay-area events for alumni and friends: a free gathering featuring immersive game experiences, appetizers and a cash bar from 6-8 p.m. CST Friday, Jan. 31, at The Turn Restaurant Lounge; and NMU night at the Green Bay Gamblers hockey game at 6:05 p.m. CST Saturday, Feb. 1, at the Resch Center. President Brock Tessman will attend both events.

Northern Michigan University 2013 MPA graduate Nicholas Derusha of Newberry has been reappointed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to the Public Health Advisory Council. He serves as the director and health officer of the Luce-Mackinac-Alger-Schoolcraft District Health Department. He is also a member of the Michigan Center for Rural Health Board of Directors, a member of the Northern Health Foundation Board of Directors, and treasurer for the Helen Newberry Joy Hospital. 

NMU alumna Gillianne Hetrick began 2025 with a new role as senior vice president of corporate operations at Babcock & Wilcox Enterprises Inc. in Akron, Ohio.  She leads B&W's Human Resources, Environmental Health, Safety & Security, Information Technology, Communications & Marketing, Facility Services, and Global Travel organizations. Hetrick earned a bachelor's from NMU in public relations, advertising and applied communication in 2002. She has more than 20 years' experience in the energy and communications industries, with both public and private companies. 

Chris Charboneau, Northern Michigan University 1993 music education alumnus and president of the NMU Alumni Advisory Board, will guest-conduct the Midland Dow High School Symphonic Band at the Michigan Music Conference Friday, Jan. 24, in Grand Rapids.

Northern Michigan University alumnus Michael Plourde has been chosen as the new superintendent of Meridian Community Unit School District #223 in Illinois, effective July 1. He earned his bachelor's degree in mathematics/secondary education with a minor in geography/secondary education from NMU in 2005. 

Northern Michigan University 1997 social work alumna Jamie Langley serves as an in-school social worker for East Jackson Community Schools in Michigan, assisting kids through mental health issues and helping families find resources. She was the subject of a recent "Meet the Teacher" media profile on MLive.com.