Alumni

Northern Michigan University presented its Distinguished Alumni Award to Ann (Wheeler) Cashin and Patrick Cashin of Port Washington, Wis., during NMU's 125th Anniversary Homecoming Sept. 20-21. The retired optometrists, whose careers were closely intertwined, became the first joint recipients of the award in the university's history.

Northern Michigan University 2010 biochemistry alumnus Ryan McAllister of Roselle, N.J., received one of two Outstanding Young Alumni Awards presented by his alma mater during its 125th Anniversary Homecoming. He serves as biosafety program manager, biosafety officer and alternate responsible official at Rutgers University. He leads a team of seven infectious disease professionals, overseeing biohazardous research in diverse laboratory and clinical settings.

Jim Thorburn of Livonia, Mich., a decorated police officer whose law enforcement career spanned nearly 30 years, accepted Northern Michigan University's Alumni Achievement Award during a 125th anniversary Homecoming celebration. He was a two-time Police Officer of the Year, and retired in 2022 as a detective and public information officer for the Allen Park Police Department. It was in the latter role that he helped to bridge the divide between law enforcement and the communities they serve.

After retiring as a university administrator, Northern Michigan University alumnus and former Wildcat football player Jim Mansfield found fulfillment in his longtime volunteer role as a blood courier in Spokane, Wash. He was honored last year with a President's Lifetime Achievement Award, signed by Joe Biden, for his “7,304 hours of service to this nation.” He also received every award bestowed by his local blood center for his efforts. 

As the NFL season ramps up, a 2023 NMU graduate is reflecting on the digital content internship for the Green Bay Packers' community development, Titletown, this past spring. Communication and media studies alumnus Will Corgan said the opportunity pushed him to take projects further, taught him about self-confidence, and helped to prepare him for his new career.

Northern Michigan University's 125th Anniversary Homecoming will be held Sept. 20-21. Homecoming features several events for alumni and community members. All activities can be found on nmu.edu/homecoming. 

In the highly competitive arena of college athletics, some programs have ventured beyond traditional training methods to explore the value of unconventional approaches that have the potential to optimize physical and mental performance. The Northern Michigan University men's soccer team received an assist over Labor Day weekend from 2010 alumnus and Peak-Performance Coach Tim Mann. He credits his recovery from a severe auto accident to the Wim Hof Method, which revolves around three pillars: specialized breathing techniques; cold therapy; and commitment.

Past members of the NMU Moosemen rugby football team reunited to celebrate the club's 45th anniversary last weekend. To honor the milestone, they established an NMU Rugby Hall of Fame with the first 14 inductees, donated a scrum sled training apparatus to the program, and honored one of their former teammates who passed away. Both the current Moosemen and the Northstars women also hosted alumni matches at the Wright Street fields.

Northern Michigan University 2022 cosmetology graduate Mikaela Bannon will return to the Miss Michigan pageant for a third time next June after recently being crowned Miss Wayne County. The Canton resident earned $1,075 and other gifts in winning the title and three awards: people's choice; miss congeniality; and best onstage interview.

Northern Michigan University alumnus and attorney Paul Millenbach was selected by his peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© 2025 edition in the practice area of mass tort litigation/class actions-defendants. He is a litigator and co-leader of the General and Commercial Litigation Practice Group at Foster Swift Collins & Smith PC in Southfield.