Alumni | Northern Today

Alumna Ascends Ladder at Kennedy Center

Jun. 18, 2019

Northern Michigan University alumna Abbie Beekman ('16 BA) has advanced rapidly in a career that allows her to apply her double major in public relations and music at the nation's premier cultural and performance venue: the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.

NMU Grad Helps to Shape Governor's Vision

Feb. 8, 2019

As Gov. Gretchen Whitmer prepares to deliver her first State of the State address, Northern Michigan University alumnus Mark A. Burton (’99 BS) is helping to formulate the vision for her administration and assembling the teams that will work toward achieving it. The Champion native was appointed the governor’s chief strategist in January.

NMU Honors Alumni Award Winners

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.

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

New Wildcat Statue Unveiled

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).

Homecoming to Feature Variety of Activities

Sep. 9, 2026

Northern Michigan University will celebrate Homecoming with a variety of events for students, alumni, faculty, staff and community members Thursday through Saturday, Sept. 17-19.

NMU's marching band performs during 2025's Homecoming Tailgate party.

NMU alumni recognized for educational leadership, expertise

Sep. 2, 2026

Two members of the NMU community have recently been recognized for their educational leadership and expertise.

Joe Lubig and Sarah Juday have been recognized as outstanding educators.

New Solar Array Installed Atop NMU’s WellBeing Center

Aug. 20, 2026

Rooftop solar installation is expected to offset 44 percent of the building's electricity use and advance NMU's carbon neutrality goals

A new 81-kilowatt solar array installed on the NMU Wellbeing Center roof is pictured.

NMU Foundation Reaches Over $10.3 Million in Philanthropic Support for First Time

Aug. 18, 2026

The Northern Michigan University Foundation has closed the fiscal year with over $10.3 million committed in philanthropic support, marking the first time in NMU's history that the NMU Foundation has surpassed $10 million in a single fiscal year.

NMU Announces 2026 Alumni Award Recipients

Jul. 7, 2026

Marquette, Mich. - (July 7, 2026) – Northern Michigan University Alumni Relations has announced four recipients of the 2026 Alumni Awards: Dr. Gary R. Bertoline ('74 BS) of West Lafayette, Ind., Distinguished Alumni; Jenna Zdunek ('04 BS) of Marquette, Mich., Alumni Achievement; Maureen McFadden ('16 BS) of Marquette, Mich., Outstanding Young Alumni; and John M. Madigan ('82 BS) of Munising, Mich., Alumni Service (Community).

(L-R) Bertoline, Zdunek, Madigan, McFadden

Hughes Captains Longest Great Lakes Vessel

Jun. 25, 2026

Northern alumnus Steve Hughes first became aware of the maritime industry as a curious, casual observer growing up in Marquette, where freighter traffic is firmly entrenched in local history and identity. His 97-year-old dad, John, a former NMU geography professor, used to take him to watch ships navigate to the imposing docks to be loaded with iron ore pellets that fuel the steelmaking process. Hughes could not have imagined then that he would embark on a three-decade career in the industry, rising to the rank of captain. He will retire in December from a rare perch as pilot of the longest vessel operating on the Great Lakes: the M/V Paul R. Tregurtha.