Northern Michigan University alumna Frida Waara, a Marquette businesswoman, adventurer, storyteller and “U.P. ambassador,” will receive an honorary Doctor of Business degree at NMU's mid-year commencement this month. She graduated in 1977 with a bachelor's degree in English and a minor in French.
“Frankly, I was speechless when President Tessman informed me of this degree over the phone, and you know that doesn't happen often with me. It came out of the blue, but I'm so grateful for this honor and the chance to recognize all of the opportunities this university provides,” she said.
“My life has been packed with remarkable moments, including treasured times at the ends of the Earth, but to be recognized by your alma mater nearly 50 years after graduating tops the list. Without a doubt, coming to NMU changed my life. It's where I met my husband, honed my career, and saw a path that kept me in Marquette where we could build a home, raise a family and develop businesses. I absolutely love where we live.”
“Frida is an ambassador for so much of what makes Upper Michigan ‘Someplace Special'—our collective culture, communities, passion for life and desire to make the most of the journey,” wrote Mike Settles of WNMU-TV, in nominating her for the honorary degree. “She embodies the qualities I find in so many who initiated that journey here at Northern Michigan University. I can think of no one who inspires me more. Her impressive accomplishments in the arts, education and public service certainly make her deserving of this honor.”
Waara grew up in Wixom, Mich., a hub of Finnish culture in the Detroit area. She often attended Finn Camp there and developed a love for the outdoors. She headed north to attend NMU and was impressed by the opportunities afforded women at that time in Marquette. Some occupied top posts in the community--mayor, county board chair and prosecuting attorney—and several others owned businesses. Waara also joined the Alpine ski team at NMU and married fellow Wildcat Ron Thorley after their sophomore year.
“We met during a snowball fight in the courtyard at Hunt Hall; he beaned me in the head and I haven't been the same since,” she joked.
Upon graduation, Waara presented her summa cum laude medal to her parents in recognition of their support, and embarked on a communications career. Her first stop was WLUC-TV, where she served as a reporter, anchor and promotions director. She later joined WNMU-TV as a development director and Emmy-award winning documentary producer. Waara departed the station to start her own video production company, On-Cue Productions, creating product for and about the Upper Peninsula.
Waara has written freelance articles about the region for various publications, and co-hosts the Lake Superior Podcast for the National Parks of Lake Superior Foundation, which she serves as a board member. She has also been a longtime emcee for the U.P. 200 & Midnight Run sled dog races in downtown Marquette.
Her efforts to chronicle adventures with a camera have literally taken her to the ends of the Earth. Waara was a member of the Women Quest Polar Trek, the first all-female expedition to ski without resupply from Russian ice to the geographic North Pole. She was the first woman from Michigan to reach "true north" on skis. She was also part of a documentary team to visit Antarctica and the Amundson-Scott Station at the South Pole. Despite such travels, Waara said her favorite subjects still originate from the shores of Lake Superior.
“When I tell people about Marquette, I say ‘This is a town where we make eye contact.' Right away that says to somebody, ‘I'm paying attention to you and you make a difference.' That happed with my professors at Northern and with people I'd see out in the community, and it still does. The other thing is that we engage with each other; we follow up on a casual hello by asking how someone is doing or continuing the conversation in some way. And just try to see how long you sit on the side of the road with the hood open or even just finishing a text, before someone stops to ask if they can help you. I've never been a big city girl. I need to be someplace where people know your name … and your dog. I love where I live.”
NMU's mid-year commencement will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, in the Superior Dome. The ceremony will be streamed at nmu.edu/commencement and broadcast live on WNMU-TV.