Northern Michigan University alumna Megan Persons is one of the Grand Rapids Business Journal's “40 Under 40” award recipients. The annual awards program, celebrating its 20th year, honors dynamic young professionals who have achieved personal success and make significant civic contributions to West Michigan. Persons graduated in 2012 with a major in secondary education/history and a minor in gender studies. She is the enrollment equity coordinator for Grand Rapids Public Schools.

Northern Michigan University alumnus Matthew Bizoe is among the 16 individuals selected by the Michigan Arts and Culture Council for its 2022-23 cohort of Rising Leaders. He is the marketing manager for Krasl Art Center in Saint Joseph, Mich. Bizoe is responsible for developing marketing strategies for exhibitions, education, development and events, including the nationally recognized Krasl Art Fair on the Bluff.

Northern Michigan University MBA alumnus Ben Collins was recently hired as the new general manager for Cedarburg Light & Water Utility in Wisconsin.  He previously served as manager of utility planning and projects for Marquette Board of Light and Power. 

Megan O'Connor, a 2018 Northern Michigan University graduate, has joined WZMQ-TV 19 for a weekly segment that launched earlier this month. O'Connor talks about popular events and top Upper Peninsula trends in “What's UP with Megan,” which airs at 6 p.m. each Tuesday.

Northern Michigan University's Pride of the North marching band, under the direction of Professor Stephen Grugin, is taking its show on the road for performances in the Grand Rapids and Gaylord areas Oct. 21-23. The 140-member group will provide halftime entertainment for two football games and perform a downtown concert on the return trip to Marquette.