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).

Schultz Family Foundation Announces $1 Million Gift to NMU

Schultz interacting with students in the campus Starbucks during his October visit
Schultz interacting with students in the campus Starbucks during his October visit
Nov. 20, 2024 —
Inspired by his recent visit to Northern Michigan University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in communications in 1975, Starbucks chairman emeritus and former CEO Howard Schultz and his wife, Sheri Kersch-Schultz, have announced a $1 million gift to NMU through their Schultz Family Foundation. The funding will support scholarships for first-generation students and Wildcat Athletics initiatives to promote student-athlete success.
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Scheibe is an Exposure One Awards 'Photographer of the Year'

One of Scheibe's ballet photos that led to his award
Nov. 13, 2024 —
Northern Michigan University alumnus John Scheibe was selected as 2024 Photographer of the Year in the event category of the Exposure One Awards, the premier competition for black and white imagery. The 2015 theater graduate was honored for a series of ballet rehearsal photos he took during this past summer's North Coast Dance Festival at NMU.