Alumni

NMU, Blackrocks Brewery Launch Wildcat Gold

Left to right: NMU alumni Steve Farr (’09 BS, ’12 MBA), Blackrocks' "Pirate of Propoganda" and Andy Langlois ('95 BS), Blackrocks co-owner, with the branded Wildcat Gold Lager cans.
Aug. 12, 2024 —
Northern Michigan University is partnering with Blackrocks Brewery in Marquette to launch Wildcat Gold, a new beer created by alumni, for alumni, in celebration of NMU's 125th anniversary. The gold lager will make its debut at the next Alumni Friday event from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Aug. 23, at the Blackrocks Brewery Pub. It will also be offered at the Homecoming football game tailgate party on Saturday, Sept. 21, and at Wildcat hockey games this season, while quantities last.

NMU Alumni Duo Bands Bald Eaglets

Left: Bill Bowerman prepares an eaglet for processing, while Rebecca Tavernini (to his right) gently holds the bird's legs. Right: The two eaglets back in the nest sporting their new bands.
Jun. 14, 2024 —
A small group hiked into a wooded area in Marquette County early this week, straining their necks to gaze upward in search of the desired nest perched near the top of a towering white pine. Within it were two larger-than expected bald eaglets, about nine weeks old and on the verge of flying. It was a small window of opportunity to band the birds and collect data that sheds light on their population changes related to climate change, chemicals, disease and other factors. 

NMU Honors Alumni Award Winners

From left: Nelsen, Butler, NMU President Fritz Erickson, Millner and Schloegel. Patrick did not attend, but submitted her comments via video.
Sep. 27, 2018 —

Five Northern Michigan University alumni were honored during Homecoming festivities Sept. 21-22 for significant achievements in their fields, substantial contributions to society and demonstrated exceptional leadership and civic qualities. The recipients and their awards were: Keith Nelsen (’86 BS) of Minneapolis, Minn., and Scott Schloegel (’90 BS) of Springfield, Va., Distinguished Alumni; Beth Millner (’08 BFA) of Marquette, Outstanding Young Alumni; Michele Butler (’76 BS, ’78 MAE) of Marquette, Alumni Community Service; and Skye Patrick of Downey, Calif., Alumni Achievement.

New Wildcat Statue Unveiled

Wildcat statue
Sep. 21, 2018 —
Northern’s new bronze wildcat statue, a much-anticipated addition to the campus landscape, was unveiled and dedicated Sept. 21. The statue was made possible through a gift from the estate of former NMU Board of Trustees chair and longtime NMU supporter Gil Ziegler (’60 BS).

Alumni Named to Forbes' 30 Under 30 Class

Adam Kall and Austin Morris of Marquette aerospace company Kall Morris Inc.
Dec. 12, 2024 —
Two Northern Michigan University alumni who co-founded Kall Morris Inc. (KMI), a Marquette-based company focused on keeping space clear of orbital debris, were selected from more than 10,000 nominees to join the Forbes 30 Under 30 Class of 2025 in the category of Transportation & Mobility. An innovative technology prototype developed by KMI arrived at the International Space Station for testing in early November, and the company is a two-time winner of a Michigan Best Small Business Award. 

Biology Grad on Winning XPRIZE Rainforest Team

Niyomi House with a first-place plaque from the XPRIZE Rainforest competition.
Dec. 9, 2024 —
Northern Michigan University biology alumna Niyomi House was part of the Limelight Rainforest team awarded the $5 million grand prize in the XPRIZE Rainforest competition. The winners were announced at the G20 Social Summit Nov. 18 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. XPRIZE is “the world's leader in designing and operating large-scale incentive competitions to solve humanity's grand challenges.” House ran the genetics subteam for Limelight.