Feature/Profiles

Bill Hawker ('95 BS) built a career in professional sports, establishing corporate partnerships for three NFL north division franchises: the Bears, Packers and Lions. Now he has returned to Green Bay as director of business development for Elevate97. The business creates and distributes marketing solutions for world-renowned retail brands. Clients include Carhartt, Calvin Klein, Pandora jewelry, Tommy Hilfiger, TaylorMade Golf and his former employer, the Packers.

NMU Senior Tim Kruger has long been interested in woodworking, particularly furniture design. But “an epiphany” during a woodturning class led by Professor Jason Schneider convinced him to hone in on his true passion: teaching. Kruger was inspired to apply for a summer workshop at Anderson Ranch Arts Center in Snowmass Village, Colo., and received a scholarship to attend. Schneider also returned to “the Ranch,” where he had worked for a decade before joining NMU’s faculty, to teach two summer workshops.

The English department at Northern Michigan University will kick off its annual Visiting Writers Series with a reading by notable essayist and author Nicole Walker from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 20. The reading will be in Jamrich Hall 1318 and is open to the public. The event is the first of several that will take place on campus throughout the 2018-19 academic year.  

Comedian Charlie Berens, the camouflage-clad host of the popular “Manitowoc Minute” online video series, will bring a live version of the show to Northern Michigan University. The Wisconsin native will discuss local headlines, da Packers and all things Midwestern during the Marquette stop of his “Oh My Gosh Tour.” His show begins at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 13, in Forest Roberts Theatre. Tickets are $15 for the general public, $10 for students and $5 for NMU students.

NMU's construction management program is featured in a University Businessmagazine article titled "Campus construction instruction: Turning campus building sites into student learning labs." NMU students worked on The Woods housing complex. They participated in site tours and meetings and reviewed blueprints and other project documents. The story appears in the September issue and can be viewed here.