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The Northern Michigan University Alumni Association will host a "Callback" panel of theater and dance alumni for its next Northern Now digital series event on Wednesday, Jan. 12. The following panelists will provide insights on how their education at NMU prepared them for their careers in various areas of the industry, reminisce about projects they worked on during their time as students and share their plans for the future:

Christopher Friel, a 1987 graduate of Northern Michigan University's land use planning and management program, is the new director of client success for DATAMARK, the public safety geographic information systems (GIS) team of Michael Baker International.

Steve Young of Lansing is the new chair of the Northern Michigan University Board of Trustees, effective Jan. 1. Alexis Hart of Royal Oak will serve as vice chair. The board held elections for the leadership positions at its Dec. 10 meeting. 

Northern Michigan University music education major Caitlin Palomaki of Marquette is serving as guest conductor for the Friday and Saturday performances of NMU Theatre and Dance's “Elf: The Musical.” She will lead the pit orchestra, subbing for music professor Erin Colwitz, who has a conflict directing the Marquette Choral Society concerts this weekend. 

As director of Northern Michigan University's DeVos Art Museum, Emily Lanctot is used to showcasing the work of other artists. But now her own paintings are being featured in a solo exhibition at the Deo Gallery in the lower level of Peter White Public Library. Marquette's Office of Arts and Culture presents “People, Secrets and Snacks” through the month of December, with a public reception from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 9.

Darren Ing of Haslett, who attended Northern Michigan University from 1993-96, has been appointed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to the Michigan Travel Commission. He is the director of the Michigan Manufactured Housing, Recreation Vehicle & Campground Association and the president of the Tourism Industry Coalition of Michigan. 

Jessie Selissen was in 10th grade when a service member from her hometown of Boyne City was killed during an insurgent attack overseas. She vividly recalls residents lining the streets in silent tribute during the funeral procession. Now Selissen is an Air Force veteran who will graduate Saturday with a degree in multimedia production. She recently put her military background and academic experience to work producing a podcast highlighting veterans and reputable nonprofits that assist them. 

Northern Michigan University graduating senior Lynda “Lyndie” Unterkircher of Sturgis finds herself in a position she never could have predicted when she first arrived on campus. The first-generation college student and self-described “quiet person” is the newly selected student speaker for NMU's Dec. 11 commencement. 

Northern Michigan University's Safety Department received two chairs made from recycled nitrile gloves, a thank-you gift for participating in RightCycle's personal protection equipment (PPE) recycling program. NMU diverted more than 500 pounds of single-use glove waste from the landfill last year and is preparing to ship another box weighing about 300 pounds. 

The Northern Michigan University Board of Trustees today agreed to retain the services of Parker Executive Search to identify prospective candidates for Northern's next president. The board also approved an amended employment agreement with Interim President Kerri Schuiling.

Rebecca Ulland, professor and head of the Department of Languages, Literatures and International Studies, will be the faculty keynote speaker for Northern Michigan University's Dec. 11 commencement. She was selected through a nomination process overseen by ASNMU, the student government organization.

NMU alumna and former Wildcat basketball player Karla (Strand) McCutcheon was recently honored with an Excellence in Education award from the Michigan Lottery.  She has taught physical education and health at Marquette Senior High School for 21 years. 

Northern Michigan University alumnus Edward Cook ('80 BS) received a Level I award for achievement in city governance from the Kentucky League of Cities. He is a member of the Oak Grove City Council. The Level I award requires a city official to attend 30 hours of approved training with one hour of ethics training.

The Northern Michigan University School of Art & Design will host an exhibition highlighting the work of seniors graduating in December. The show runs Nov. 29-Dec. 11. A closing reception and awards ceremony will be held from 7-9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 10. 

Northern Michigan University alumnus David Kronberg was recently appointed the first director of entrepreneurial services and outreach for Innovate Marquette SmartZone. As part of his new role, he directs the student-powered idea incubator, Invent@NMU. He is also focused on building both resources and relationships with local entrepreneurs and tech startups to foster a robust, supportive business and startup ecosystem in Marquette.

The Northern Michigan University Center for Rural Health announced the winners of its essay competition for high school seniors on National Rural Health Day Nov. 18. This year's topic was the shortage of paramedics and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel in the Upper Peninsula, which was exacerbated by the pandemic. Students were asked to address how EMS agencies and communities could interact and build and strengthen relationships that would enhance recruitment, retention and overall success.

Three Northern Michigan University alumni who aim to clean up space debris through their Marquette-based startup, Kall Morris Inc., won the $10,000 grand prize in a national virtual pitch competition for research on aerospace technology. 

When stepping into Grant Langdon's office at Northern Michigan University, a classy array of Star Wars paraphernalia greets you. One cannot help but notice the welcoming environment Langdon establishes through this aesthetic display of his own personal interests, not to mention the warm smile he often bears whenever spotted on campus.