Feature/Profiles

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.”

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.

“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.”

Northern Michigan University presented its Distinguished Alumni Award to Ann (Wheeler) Cashin and Patrick Cashin of Port Washington, Wis., during NMU's 125th Anniversary Homecoming Sept. 20-21. The retired optometrists, whose careers were closely intertwined, became the first joint recipients of the award in the university's history.

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.

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.

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. 

Northern Michigan University Professor Kel Sassi is among the 2024 recipients of the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) Leadership Awards. She received the Julia E. Berry Research Award for a project titled “Versatility and Resilience in English Alumni from a Rural-Serving Institution.”

“It was a pretty nontraditional pathway that led me to Northern Michigan University,” said Matthew Jennings, assistant professor in the School of Clinical Sciences. One week before graduating with a bachelor's degree in biology, he made a spontaneous decision to start his career overseas based on an unexpected series of events. 

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.