Alumni

Two Northern Michigan University alumni who maintained longtime connections with their alma mater through service or occupation will receive honorary degrees at NMU's commencement: Scott Holman, a 1965 alumnus and NMU Trustee Emeritus; and Thomas Holmstrom, a 1959 graduate and Professor Emeritus of Economics.

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 Alumni Relations will host two virtual events as part of its Northern Now series for NMU alumni and friends: a holiday cooking segment on Wednesday, Dec. 13; and a chat with President Brock Tessman on Wednesday, Jan. 17. Both begin at 7 p.m. EST. 

Nathan Gauss, an Iraq and Afghanistan veteran who earned an MPA from Northern in 2015 en route to a post-military career, is the subject of a Veterans Spotlight in the News-Times in York, Neb. The Ann Arbor native now works for the Department of Veterans Affairs, where both his mother and stepfather were previously employed.

Northern Michigan University alumnus, filmmaker and author Jeff Vande Zande will hold a screening of his short films at the Peter White Public Library. The event is at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 15, in the library's Community Room. It is free and open to the public. 

Cooper Graves, a 2017 NMU hospitality management graduate, is the executive chef at Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar in Grand Rapids. He appeared on television Tuesday morning to promote the dining establishment as part of Grand Rapids' Restaurant Week.  

Northern Michigan University 2006 alumna Jenna Nelson will begin her role as Marquette County's first female prosecuting attorney on Monday, Nov. 27. She currently serves as Marquette County's chief assistant prosecuting attorney. She will assume office upon the resignation of current Prosecuting Attorney and NMU alumnus Matt Wiese, who was recently appointed 25th Circuit Court Judge. 

Northern Michigan University's Theatre and Dance Department marked its 60th anniversary by hosting an inaugural alumni awards celebration in late October to honor exceptional achievements in the entertainment arts. 

Dan Stencil, a 1976 NMU graduate, was recently honored twice in two days for his 43 years of service to Oakland County Parks: first by being inducted into the mParks Hall of Fame in Canton; and then with a plaque dedication at the Oakland County Farmers Market in Waterford.  

As hunters throughout the Midwest gear up for the deer hunting season, new research from the Voyageurs Wolf Project in northern Minnesota—a collaborative team that includes a Northern Michigan University professor and two alumni—sheds light on how humans are having a profound impact on wolf-deer relationships by altering forest ecosystems.