Alumni

'Northern Now' Focuses on 125th Anniversary

Northern Now graphic for "Tessman Talks NMU History."
Feb. 10, 2025 —
Northern Michigan University Alumni Relations invites alumni and friends to virtually join President Brock Tessman for a special 125th-anniversary edition of the Northern Now digital event series. He will explore NMU's rich history alongside esteemed guests with deep ties to the university at 7 p.m. EST Tuesday, Feb. 18. It will be an opportunity for alumni to reflect on their time at NMU, reconnect with fellow Wildcats, and celebrate the legacy of their alma mater. 

Saleh Returns to 49ers

Robert Saleh
Jan. 30, 2025 —
Former Wildcat football player and Northern Michigan University alumnus Robert Saleh has returned to the San Francisco 49ers as defensive coordinator. Saleh had previously worked with the 49ers from 2017-2020, then served as head coach of the New York Jets for three seasons. The Dearborn native attended Northern Michigan University, where he started at tight end for four years and earned all-conference honors before graduating with a bachelor's degree in financial management in 2001. 

Former Wildcat Shine Signed by Red Wings

Red Wings Announcement on Dominik Shine's contract
Jan. 28, 2025 —
Former Wildcat hockey player Dominik Shine has signed a two-year contract with the Detroit Red Wings for the 2024-25 and 2025-26 seasons. The forward played for NMU from 2013-2017 and signed with the Grand Rapids Griffins as an undrafted free agent soon after. He compiled 170 points (72-98-170) and 513 penalty minutes in 462 AHL games with the Griffins, and ranked among the team leaders in scoring, assists and other categories in 40 games this season.  

Berrys Are Leaders in Lifetime Giving to NMU

John and Shirley Berry (left) with Kristin and Brock Tessman, NMU's president, in the Northern Center
Jan. 27, 2025 —
Northern Michigan University alumnus John Berry Jr. has continued the philanthropic legacy passed down by his grandfather and father, whose entrepreneurial success heading the largest Yellow Pages advertising agency in the United States inspired them to give back to future generations in ways that reflected their core values, including education. John and Shirley Berry have become the leaders in lifetime giving to NMU, surpassing $10 million. Their most recent gifts of $3.5 million include $2 million to endow in perpetuity the College of Business Deanship in their names, and $1 million as an expendable fund to support the Northern Enterprise Center, the future home of the College of Business.

Alumna's 'To Be Marquette' Novel Published

"To Be Marquette" book cover and author Sharon Dilworth (photo by George Lane)
Jan. 27, 2025 —
Northern Michigan University factors prominently in the third novel by 1981 English and French alumna Sharon Dilworth. "To Be Marquette" weaves in some factual elements from her time as a student—namely the controversial government-funded Project ELF and associated protests about its potential adverse effects on the environment. It also references familiar community landmarks and pays homage to the area's natural beauty. Dilworth said her growing concerns about climate change made her reflect on her NMU experience and reminisce with fellow alumni in recent years, which inspired her to write the book.

Keith Third at IRONMAN World Championship

Keith at the New Zealand competition
Jan. 27, 2025 —
Sharon (Frifeldt) Keith, a 1977 Northern Michigan University nursing graduate, competed in the Half-IRONMAN World Championship in New Zealand last month. She placed third among women in her 70-74 age group, swimming 1.2 miles in open water, biking 56 miles, then running 13.1 miles with no breaks in between. Keith's extended involvement in endurance events inspires younger athletes she trains with in Honolulu. It also enables her to make up for some lost time, as she was a relatively late bloomer in the sporting arena.    

NMU Alumni Events Planned in Green Bay

Green Bay Gamblers logo
Jan. 22, 2025 —
Northern Michigan University Alumni Relations is hosting two Green Bay-area events for alumni and friends: a free gathering featuring immersive game experiences, appetizers and a cash bar from 6-8 p.m. CST Friday, Jan. 31, at The Turn Restaurant Lounge; and NMU night at the Green Bay Gamblers hockey game at 6:05 p.m. CST Saturday, Feb. 1, at the Resch Center. President Brock Tessman will attend both events.

Alumnus Joins Public Health Advisory Council

Nicholas Derusha
Jan. 20, 2025 —
Northern Michigan University 2013 MPA graduate Nicholas Derusha of Newberry has been reappointed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to the Public Health Advisory Council. He serves as the director and health officer of the Luce-Mackinac-Alger-Schoolcraft District Health Department. He is also a member of the Michigan Center for Rural Health Board of Directors, a member of the Northern Health Foundation Board of Directors, and treasurer for the Helen Newberry Joy Hospital. 

Hetrick Promoted at B&W Enterprises

Hetrick (standing) meets with business students from Kent State University (B&W Enterprises LinkedIn photo)
Jan. 17, 2025 —
NMU alumna Gillianne Hetrick began 2025 with a new role as senior vice president of corporate operations at Babcock & Wilcox Enterprises Inc. in Akron, Ohio.  She leads B&W's Human Resources, Environmental Health, Safety & Security, Information Technology, Communications & Marketing, Facility Services, and Global Travel organizations. Hetrick earned a bachelor's from NMU in public relations, advertising and applied communication in 2002. She has more than 20 years' experience in the energy and communications industries, with both public and private companies.