Kusek Shares Stories of Immigrant Professionals in the U.P.

James Lasak, a May outdoor recreation and leadership management graduate, developed an interest in sea kayaking after attending a presentation by a Munising outfitter in one of his NMU classes. He made it a year-round passion, whether assisting with tours along Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore during summer breaks, or—inspired by local legend Surfer Dan—paddling more impressive waves in a wetsuit during the winter. His post-graduation job is also on Lake Superior, managing an adventure tourism company that offers sea-kayaking tours of the Apostle Islands.

Northern Michigan University alumnus Brady McCormick developed a passion for habitat restoration while pursuing a bachelor's degree in environmental studies and sustainability. The 2024 grad is now doing similar work professionally with the Idaho Fish and Game River Restoration program.