Alumni

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Alumnus Has Year-Round Passion for Sea Kayaking

Lasak going vertical in fall waves; and adorned with ice after winter kayak surfing (James Lasak photos)
Lasak going vertical in fall waves; and adorned with ice after winter kayak surfing (photos by NMU alumnus Sam Lindner)
May. 29, 2026
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.

Alumni Named Outstanding Staff at Bay College

Jun. 4, 2026
Two Northern Michigan University alumni were honored as the 2026 Outstanding Staff members at Bay College during an awards banquet near the end of the academic year. Marie Johnson, who earned a bachelor's from NMU in applied workplace leadership, serves as Bay's records and registration assistant. Kyle Schaeffer, who holds a bachelor's and master's in education from NMU, serves as the college's academic success manager.
Kyle Schaeffer and Marie Johnson with their 2026 Outstanding Staff awards.

Wiese Reappointed to State Board

Jun. 4, 2026
Hon. Matthew Wiese of Marquette, a 1984 NMU alumnus and judge of the 25th Circuit Court, was reappointed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to the Michigan Domestic and Sexual Violence Prevention and Treatment Board. He graduated from NMU with a bachelor's degree in political science and psychology before earning his juris doctor from Vermont Law School.
Hon. Matthew Wiese

NMU, Bay College Create Early Childhood Education Transfer Pathway

May. 20, 2026
Northern Michigan University and Bay College have partnered to create a new 3+1 transfer pathway that expands access to high-quality, flexible education options for students pursuing a career in early childhood education. It is now easier for those earning an associate of applied science (AAS) in early childhood education to complete a bachelor's degree in the same discipline, with the potential to add a birth-to-kindergarten teaching certificate.
Bay College President Nerita Hughes and NMU President Chris Olsen

NMU Presents 'Tragedy Sound' Play Based in the U.P.

May. 7, 2026
“Tragedy Sound,” a play about three lifelong friends from the Upper Peninsula who become stranded on Lake Superior after accepting a reckless dare to embark on a canoe trek, is the most recent work by 1996 Northern Michigan University alumna and Mass City native Karen Saari. The winner of NMU's Panowski Playwriting Award will be presented at 7:30 p.m. May 14-16 in the Panowski Black Box Theatre.
Playwright and NMU alumna Karen Saari, and a "Tragedy Sound" graphic

Ruge Named NMU Commencement Speaker

Apr. 15, 2026
Mark Ruge, a 1980 Northern Michigan University political science alumnus who grew up in Menominee, will serve as the keynote speaker for NMU's May 2 commencement. As a partner at K&L Gates, one of the largest global law firms, his practice includes a focus on the American maritime industry and the Great Lakes. He is the only lawyer ever inducted into the Great Lakes Marine Hall of Fame. Ruge previously worked for former U.P. and northern Michigan Congressman Bob Davis.
NMU alumnus Mark Ruge