Alumni

Persons Receives Outstanding Young Alumni Award

Sep. 26, 2024 —
“I grew up learning that all people deserve an opportunity and that we have a responsibility to each other to create those opportunities when we can. I grew up seeing that strength doesn't come from wielding power, but from empowering people. I grew up experiencing the impact of sitting at tables big enough for everybody and every voice. And I've made it my personal and professional mission to make sure that wherever I go, I continue to build big enough tables for everyone.”

McAllister Earns Outstanding Young Alumni Award

Sep. 26, 2024 —
Northern Michigan University 2010 biochemistry alumnus Ryan McAllister of Roselle, N.J., received one of two Outstanding Young Alumni Awards presented by his alma mater during its 125th Anniversary Homecoming. He serves as biosafety program manager, biosafety officer and alternate responsible official at Rutgers University. He leads a team of seven infectious disease professionals, overseeing biohazardous research in diverse laboratory and clinical settings.

Thorburn Honored for Alumni Achievement

Sep. 26, 2024 —
Jim Thorburn of Livonia, Mich., a decorated police officer whose law enforcement career spanned nearly 30 years, accepted Northern Michigan University's Alumni Achievement Award during a 125th anniversary Homecoming celebration. He was a two-time Police Officer of the Year, and retired in 2022 as a detective and public information officer for the Allen Park Police Department. It was in the latter role that he helped to bridge the divide between law enforcement and the communities they serve.

Mansfield Earns Alumni Service-Community Award

Sep. 26, 2024 —
After retiring as a university administrator, Northern Michigan University alumnus and former Wildcat football player Jim Mansfield found fulfillment in his longtime volunteer role as a blood courier in Spokane, Wash. He was honored last year with a President's Lifetime Achievement Award, signed by Joe Biden, for his “7,304 hours of service to this nation.” He also received every award bestowed by his local blood center for his efforts. 

Men's Soccer Explores Cold Therapy, Breathwork

Sep. 3, 2024 —
In the highly competitive arena of college athletics, some programs have ventured beyond traditional training methods to explore the value of unconventional approaches that have the potential to optimize physical and mental performance. The Northern Michigan University men's soccer team received an assist over Labor Day weekend from 2010 alumnus and Peak-Performance Coach Tim Mann. He credits his recovery from a severe auto accident to the Wim Hof Method, which revolves around three pillars: specialized breathing techniques; cold therapy; and commitment.

Moosemen Rugby Team Marks 45 Years

Sep. 3, 2024 —
Past members of the NMU Moosemen rugby football team reunited to celebrate the club's 45th anniversary last weekend. To honor the milestone, they established an NMU Rugby Hall of Fame with the first 14 inductees, donated a scrum sled training apparatus to the program, and honored one of their former teammates who passed away. Both the current Moosemen and the Northstars women also hosted alumni matches at the Wright Street fields.