Multicultural Education and Resource Center Staff
Shirley A. Brozzo - sbrozzo@nmu.edu
Associate Director
Favorite quote by Oprah Winfrey: Surround yourself with only people who are going to lift you higher.
Shirley has been with the Multicultural Center since 1994 and holds a master of fine arts degree in creative writing. She is an adjunct assistant professor with the center for Native American studies. Originally from Ironwood, Shirley relocated to the Marquette area 16 years ago. She is the mother of three adult children and loves to knit, read and watch CSI and Grey’s Anatomy.
Jan Boundy - jaboundy@nmu.edu
Senior Secretary
Personal Quote: " If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all."
Jan is married to George and has three adult children. She likes to sew, knit and crochet and enjoys walking. She is a welcomed addition to the MERC Office.
Kristin Fautsch- kfautsch@nmu.edu
Favorite quote by Charles Darwin: "A man who dares to waste one hour of time has not discovered the value of life."
Kristin is currently a graduate student studying English Writing and Pedagogy. She hails from the great state of Iowa, right on the mighty Mississippi, but has embraced the Lake Superior lifestyle. She has been in the U.P. for the past three year; fishing, biking and breathing the fresh air. You may see her reading a favorite book on campus or knitting a hat on her way to class. She enjoys everything and anything inspiring or inspired by the imagination.
Being a writing major, she welcomes anyone to stop in with papers, or poems, or just to share a story with someone who will listen. She reminds everyone that MERC is an untapped resource where students can talk to students about student life or anything else that they might want to know. "If we don't know the answer, we will find out together." So come on in to the MERC office and see what Kristin can do for you.
Rae’Kheal Alexander - raalexan@nmu.edu
GEAR UP/College Day Program Student Coordinator
Personal Quote: “I will be as successful as I am determined to be.”
Rae’Kheal is serving her fifth year with the center. She graduated in 2008 with a bachelor’s degree in art and design with her concentration in electronic imaging. She has already earned an associate’s degree in computer information systems and will complete her master’s degree in December 2009. Rae’Kheal was born and raised in Port Huron and Detroit. She loves meeting people and having fun. Her daughter, Summer, is the shining star of her life and her inspiration.
Star Murrary - smurray@nmu.edu
GEAR UP/ College Day Program Student Coordinator
Favorite saying by Lou Erickso --“Life is like a taxi. The meter just keeps a-ticking whether you are getting somewhere or just standing still.”
Star is serving her third year with the center. She is a Training, Development and Performance Improvement graduate student. Her passion is working with underprivileged students ranging from 11th graders to sophomores in college. Star believes that this is the critical turning point in a young person’s life when they go from being an adolescent to a young adult. If she can help underprivileged students beat the “odds” by completing college and becoming productive, successful citizens, one of her life’s goals will be complete. Star was born and raised in Detroit. A little known fact about Star – she believes that trees are the most beautiful, natural thing on earth.
Vania Brown-Office Assistant vabrown@nmu.edu
Favorite quote by Madam C.J. Walker: " There is no royal flower-strewn path to success. And if there is, I have not found it, for if I have accomplished anything in life it is because I have been willing to work hard."
Vania is a Senior studying accounting with a minor in Spanish. She was born in Lansing but relocated to the Upper Peninsula before her freshman year in high school. She is the proud aunty to two nephews and a younger sister to four older brothers, all of whom she adores. Vania is on her second year as the Office Assistant for the MERC Office.
Dan Fornetti - dfornett@nmu.edu
PACE Team Facilitator
Favorite quote by Babe Ruth: "Never let the fears of striking out prevent you from achieving your goals."
Dan is a senior persuing a degree in sociology. He was raised in Iron Mountain, Michigan with his younger brother. He is also employed with Teaching Family Homes working with children. Dan stays very active by biking, hiking, and working out at the PEIF.
Danielle Hernandez - dhernand@nmu.edu
PACE Team Facilitator
Favorite quote (source unknown): “It's up to me to have the guts to make my life exciting!”
Danielle is serving her fourth year with the center. She is in the premedical and education programs at NMU with a double major in secondary education biology and integrated science, along with a minor in chemistry.
In the summer of 2007, she attended JMU-UCC Research Experience for Undergraduates in Ghana, West Africa. In the summer of 2006, she attended Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons Summer Medical and Dental Education Program in New York City. In the summer of 2008, she taught children in Gwinn how to swim. She also spent three weeks volunteering in New Jersey as a camp counselor and lifeguard working with children of GLBT families. Danielle is originally from Roseville, MN, where she graduated from RAHS and attended both the University of Minnesota and the University of St. Thomas. Her dream is to become a biology/chemistry high school teacher and inspire students to have an interest in science while continuing to volunteer and travel internationally.
Patrick Roberson - proberso@nmu.edu
Pace Team Facilitator
Patrick is a sophomore who is undeclared for the moment. He is from Detroit, Michigan. Patrick has an older brother who he looks up to and who recently gave him a beautiful niece.
He loves to play basketball, video games and ping pong. Stop in and welcome him to the MERC office.
Chelsea VanderHoff- cvanderh@nmu.edu
PACE Team Facilitator
Favorite quote by E.E. Cummings: "It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are."
Chelsea is a Senior in the Nursing/OB program. She was raised in Fruitport, Michigan. She has experienced other colleges and her love of the outdoors landed her at NMU. If you're out hiking, fishing, camping, or playing soccer you might just run into Chelsea.
