Feature/Profiles

Commencement Speaker Follows Parents into Nursing

Dec. 6, 2024 —
Suzanna Guinn of Marquette said she considers nursing the “Swiss army knife” of undergraduate degrees, both for the skills and knowledge it encompasses and the wide range of career opportunities and potential work settings. Her academic major was inspired in part by her parents' experience in the field. They will no doubt be watching with pride as she delivers the student commencement address at NMU's Dec. 14 ceremony.

Cancer Survivor Thankful for Lasting Impacts

Nov. 20, 2024 —
“Cancer taught me that tomorrow isn't promised, and that we can't control everything, but we can choose how we respond,” said Northern Michigan University student Caleb Bell, reflecting on his T-cell lymphoma diagnosis at age 12. The Marquette native endured chemo, open-heart surgery and other challenges over two years, but achieved survivor status and even played club hockey his freshman year at NMU. He continues to support the “Stick It to Cancer” hockey fundraiser first organized on his behalf, and he is exploring opportunities to share his story in the hope of inspiring children currently coping with the disease.

Hughes' Portrait Paintings Earn Accolades

Nov. 7, 2024 —
Northern Michigan University Art and Design Professor Steve Hughes, whose freelance studio has the appropriate moniker Primary Hughes, has received some notable accolades for his boldly colorful acrylic paintings that meld portraiture with graphic elements and patterns. Most recently, he was selected as a monthly winner in the Figure & Portrait category of the 14th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition. He will compete for a $15,000 grand prize and a chance to have his work featured on the cover of PleinAir Magazine at a convention and expo in May.

Goodwill Earns Rising Star Award

Nov. 1, 2024 —
Kourtney Goodwill, assistant director of Admissions at Northern Michigan University, was selected as a 2024 Rising Star Award recipient through the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC). The award honors individuals and programs that exemplify excellence and dedication in serving the needs of students as they transition from high school to college.

Former NMU President James Appleberry Dies

Oct. 23, 2024 —
Former Northern Michigan University President James Appleberry passed away Monday in Louisville, Ky., from complications of pancreatic cancer. He was 86. He began his NMU tenure in July 1983 and resigned in 1991 to become president of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU), which had previously recognized NMU under his leadership as “one of the top 10 institutions for innovation and change in American higher education.”

Shuiling Earns ACNM Foundation's Most Prestigious Award

Oct. 22, 2024 —
Former Northern Michigan University President and 1973 NMU alumna Kerri Schuiling is one of two recipients of the 2024 Dorothea M. Lang Pioneer Award—the most prestigious honor presented by the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM) Foundation. The award is named for the late past president of the ACNM and ACNM Foundation, who advanced the profession in countless ways for decades. It recognizes exceptional individuals in the field who have exhibited vision, leadership and innovation.

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.