Alumni

NMU 1970 art education alumnus John Prusak, who became a legend for growing the filmmaking community in his hometown of Detroit and launching the careers of Oscar winners, is featured in a posthumous tribute article in the June issue of HOUR DETROIT magazine. His 60 film credits included camera operator for Michael Moore's Roger & Me, but most were for local, independent projects that often related to the city he loved. For a half century, Prusak also was an instrumental member of the Royal Oak-based nonprofit Digital Arts, Film & Television (DAFT), which offers related training for students and teachers.

NMU alumnus Scott Grajewski was appointed earlier this year as director of the Blackman-Leoni Department of Public Safety of Jackson County, Mich. The Blackman Township native has been employed with the department for more than 27 years. He returned to his hometown after graduating from Northern in 1993 with a bachelor's degree in justice studies and public relations. 

Northern Michigan University alumnus and Marquette County Sheriff Greg Zyburt was reappointed to the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. He represents the Michigan Sheriffs' Association and his term expires Dec. 31, 2026.

Former Wildcat hockey player Andy Contois is associate head coach of the USHL's Youngstown Phantoms, which recently claimed its first Clark Cup title by sweeping the Fargo Force in the best-of-five series with a 1-0 victory in the third matchup. The Marquette native graduated from NMU in 2006 with a degree in finance. 

NMU alumnus Michael Dupont had two reasons to celebrate at the end of the academic year. He received one of Bay College's 2023 Outstanding Part-Time Faculty Awards and also retired after teaching there since 1983. He holds a master's degree in guidance and counseling from NMU and is a licensed master social worker and professional counselor, as well as a counselor in internationally certified drug addiction.

Northern Michigan University alumna Jodie Cain Smith has garnered international recognition for her writing. The United Kingdom-based Page Turner Awards, dubbed the “Rolls Royce” of writing award programs, selected her published novel Bayou Cresting: The Wanting Women of Huet Pointe for adaptation to a feature film screenplay in late 2022. The book also won for Best Anthology & Compilations.

Northern Michigan University 1988 accounting alumna Lynette Lorenz recently signed a three-year contract as the new county administrator for Iron County. She retains the financial and human resources duties she completed as an administrative assistant before being promoted internally.

Northern Michigan University 2005 MPA alumna Sarah Davy is one of two recipients of the 2023 Bay College Outstanding Staff Award. She serves as academic support coordinator for Bay's West Campus, working directly with students and connecting them with college and local resources aiding in their academic success. She also works with business technology and TRiO Students, supporting them in their individualized career plans and/or the completion of their chosen degree path.

Catherine Peterson of Bloomington, Ind., has received an Outstanding Global Campus Student Award from the Northern Michigan University Board of Trustees. She is an online graduate student who will earn a master's degree in educational administration/supervision at NMU's May 6 commencement.

For many, spring is the season for deep-cleaning and decluttering their homes. Northern Michigan University alumna Carrie Young is helping people tackle organizational challenges more effectively, efficiently and consistently so they can regain balance in their lives. The 1998 business management graduate parlayed her skills into a career as a professional organizer about 15 years ago. She works in the Toldedo, Ohio area.