Derek Estes, who assumed the role of executive chef with Northern Michigan University Dining in mid-October, was honored earlier this month as the Culinarian of the Year by the Upper Peninsula Chapter of the American Culinary Federation (ACF). He previously served as operations manager for Northern Center catering events. The NMU alumnus also achieved Certified Executive Chef status from the ACF one year ago.

Al Gray of Marquette, who holds two degrees from Northern Michigan University, was recently appointed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to the first statewide LGBTQ+ commission. Gray earned a bachelor's in philosophy and sociology in 2018 and a Master of Social Work in 2023. They serve as an LLMSW at Suunta Integrative Health, program coordinator for Trace Holistic Inc., and volunteer co-facilitator with the Upper Peninsula's Stand with Trans Teen support group, according to a press release.

Northern Michigan University is making another appearance on the American Indian Science and Engineering Society's (AISES) list of the Top 200 Colleges for Indigenous Students. The 2023-24 installment is published in the December special college issue of Winds of Change magazine.

Ladislav Hanka, the Kalamazoo-based artist behind the label designs for Bell's Two Hearted Ale, recently donated three illustrations of the late judge, author and avid fisherman John Voelker to the permanent collection of Northern Michigan University's DeVos Art Museum. Voelker was the original subject on the labels before Hanka created the now-iconic trout image. The artist and his work for Bell's are featured in the documentary, A Two Hearted Tale, now screening at the museum. A special showing followed by a virtual Q&A with the filmmakers is scheduled at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 6, in Art & Design room 165.