Alumni

Northern Michigan University 2022 cosmetology graduate Mikaela Bannon will make her fourth appearance in the Miss Michigan scholarship competition, scheduled June 15-20 in Muskegon. She will be among 30 candidates vying for the state title and a chance to advance to the national stage. Bannon resides in Canton and works as a cosmetologist and aesthetician in Ann Arbor. Her service initiative through the Miss America Organization revolves around skin cancer education, awareness and support.

Two Northern Michigan University alumni were honored as the 2026 Outstanding Staff members at Bay College during an awards banquet near the end of the academic year. Marie Johnson, who earned a bachelor's from NMU in applied workplace leadership, serves as Bay's records and registration assistant. Kyle Schaeffer, who holds a bachelor's and master's in education from NMU, serves as the college's academic success manager.

Hon. Matthew Wiese of Marquette, a 1984 NMU alumnus and judge of the 25th Circuit Court, was reappointed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to the Michigan Domestic and Sexual Violence Prevention and Treatment Board. He graduated from NMU with a bachelor's degree in political science and psychology before earning his juris doctor from Vermont Law School.

Northern Michigan University alumnus Brady McCormick developed a passion for habitat restoration while pursuing a bachelor's degree in environmental studies and sustainability. The 2024 grad is now doing similar work professionally with the Idaho Fish and Game River Restoration program. 

Northern Michigan University and Bay College have partnered to create a new 3+1 transfer pathway that expands access to high-quality, flexible education options for students pursuing a career in early childhood education. It is now easier for those earning an associate of applied science (AAS) in early childhood education to complete a bachelor's degree in the same discipline, with the potential to add a birth-to-kindergarten teaching certificate.

“Tragedy Sound,” a play about three lifelong friends from the Upper Peninsula who become stranded on Lake Superior after accepting a reckless dare to embark on a canoe trek, is the most recent work by 1996 Northern Michigan University alumna and Mass City native Karen Saari. The winner of NMU's Panowski Playwriting Award will be presented at 7:30 p.m. May 14-16 in the Panowski Black Box Theatre.

Northern Michigan University 2012 alumna Kaylee Davenport has been reappointed to the Michigan Board of Audiology. She received her bachelor's degree in psychology from NMU with a minor in speech, language and hearing sciences. She currently serves as a clinical audiologist with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in Saginaw.

Northern Michigan University alumni Elissa Macario (‘13 BS, ‘18 MAE) and Cody Scanlon (‘11 BS, ‘18 MAE) were named the 2026 Outstanding Educators at Negaunee Public Schools.

Northern Michigan University's Theatre and Dance Department recently announced the recipients of its annual Alumni Awards. The honorees will be recognized at a ceremony at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, April 25, in Forest Roberts Theatre.

Mark Ruge, a 1980 Northern Michigan University political science alumnus who grew up in Menominee, will serve as the keynote speaker for NMU's May 2 commencement. As a partner at K&L Gates, one of the largest global law firms, his practice includes a focus on the American maritime industry and the Great Lakes. He is the only lawyer ever inducted into the Great Lakes Marine Hall of Fame. Ruge previously worked for former U.P. and northern Michigan Congressman Bob Davis.