Alumni Spotlight Archives

Martin De Venuta ('73)

Martin De Venuta (’73 Accounting), lives in San Francisco but keeps his NMU ties alive through his employer, Wells Fargo Bank.  He works as an accountant in the corporate properties group which is responsible for maintenance and construction of the Bank’s buildings throughout the U.S. including those located in Marquette.  A few years ago, Wells Fargo acquired Michigan Financial in Marquette and since that time, Martin says, “I feel that I have become reconnected with NMU because of all the branch stores we now have throughout the Upper Peninsula. Occasionally, I have to call one of our property managers who oversees our locations in Marquette and I read about other NMU grads who work for the Bank (through internal employee communications) who are honored for a specific achievement.  I never hesitate to send them a congratulatory message and let them know that I am also an NMU alumnus.”

Born and raised in Newark, New Jersey, Martin’s NMU ties were formed when, stationed at K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base,  he took two evening courses in accounting. Work took him away and after leaving the Air Force, he attended a community college in California.  When it came to obtaining an accounting degree he “chose NMU because I could receive my degree quicker rather than attending a California Sate based college because they accepted all of my previously completed courses.  I was able to receive my BS degree in one year instead of having to go through two more years of college in California.  I did go to summer session at NMU in order to accomplish that feat”, he recalls.

Martin feels that NMU has served him well in giving him the right kind of accounting education.  Following his graduation from NMU, he worked in a series of jobs in various industries and multinational firms.  He says, “I have always been confident about myself because of the accounting education at NMU.  I was involved for over 10 years with the Institute of Management Accountants on the boards of several chapters and at the regional and national level.  I have always felt that it is good to give back your talents to the profession you work in and that is what started my involvement with the IMA.  I am currently very involved doing volunteer work sharing my accounting knowledge with various non-profit organizations as their Accountant or Treasurer or giving free advice to small businesses that are in their first year of formation.”  Martin received the 2007 Community Spirit Award from the Volunteer Center of San Francisco and San Mateo counties and this, he says, “reflects back on my training I received at NMU.”

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MICHAEL S. ROESNER  (‘74)

After a distinguished career in the United States Navy, Michael S. Roesner is retiring as a Rear Admiral in the Supply Corps this October.  A native of Flint, he came to Northern and earned his undergraduate degree in Accounting and Marketing in 1974.  Even before he started college, he enlisted in the Navy, in 1969.  During this time he served in various locations including in the Mekong River Delta in then South Vietnam.

After getting his college degree, he was commissioned via the Aviation Officer Candidate School in August 1975. That November he transferred to the Supply Corps and completed the Basic Qualifications Course in June 1976. He earned his Master of Science degree from the Naval Postgraduate School in 1982 and completed an Executive Training Curriculum at the University of Michigan in 1997.   

His sea tours as a commissioned officer included being a Supply Officer for the Antarctic Development Squadron,  the USS HARRY E. YARNELL and the USS CARL VINSON.  His shore tours included serving in Mildenhall, United Kingdom, Washington, DC, Battle Creek, MI, San Diego, Philadelphia, Mechanicsburg, PA and Pearl Harbor, HI, among other locations in progressively more responsible positions. His most recent appointment has been as Commander of the Naval Inventory Control Point in Mechanicsburg/Philadelphia.

For his services in the Navy, he has been honored many times.  His awards include the Legion of Merit (3 awards), Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (4 awards), Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal and various campaign/unit ribbons.  Rear Admiral Roesner currently resides in Philadelphia. 

                                                                                                                                 
Paul Kotz ('80)

“My experience at Northern was memorable, both inside and outside the classroom”, recalls, Mr. Paul R. Kotz (1980, Management), presently vice president of 5 Alarm Fire and Safety Equipment, the Midwest’s largest fire and safety equipment dealer, headquartered in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin. Paul continues, “My education in NMU’s School of Business prepared me well, first for an MBA, and then for a career in human resources with a Fortune 200 company, and now as co-owner in one of the nation’s largest fire and safety equipment dealerships.  During my career I’ve had the opportunity to work with people from some of the nation’s best known business schools.  My Northern education prepared me well and contributed to the successes that I’ve had.  I’m pleased to see that some of the professors I had the pleasure to study under are still with Northern.  Drs Sherony, Miller, Gnauck, Foulks, and Camerius prepared their students well, and I had the good fortune to have studied under them.  Northern students have always benefited from class sizes that are smaller than many universities and the personal attention that can be provided by the faculty.  Northern also offers a number of excellent student organizations and activities that assist in preparation for the work force. I have hired Northern graduates on several occasions since I graduated, and found them to be excellent employees with the ability to advance within my firm. I would recommend NMU’s Business School highly to anyone.”

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Mark Pynnonen (’83)

“It wasn't until I decided to attend graduate school in 1987 at The University of Michigan that I really appreciated the quality of the education I received at NMU.  I was initially intimidated by other students that had attended larger and more prestigious schools, not only from all over the country, but all over the world.  After a few months, I realized I was as well prepared as almost everyone else there,” recalls Mark Pynnonen, who after graduating from NMU with a degree in business administration in 1983, worked for NCR Corporation as an account manager selling computer and check processing equipment to banks and credit unions.

Mark continues, “I've worked for a large company (NCR), a huge telecommunication corporation (Ameritech/SBC/AT&T), and now own and operate my own small business (“Signs Now”) in Marquette since 1998.  My experiences and education at NMU provided me with a good foundation for my employment at those companies as well as running my own business.”

Signs Now is a franchised sign and graphic center.  In 2005, his Marquette franchise won the company’s Circle of Excellence Award, was judged the Regional Franchisee of the Year in 2003 and was a Blue Ribbon Award winner in 2004 and 2006. 

Mark’s experience at Northern Michigan University had been so positive that he has remained actively connected with the institution. For example, he serves as a trustee and chair of the annual giving committee of the NMU Foundation, and is a member of the Wildcat Club and the Alumni Association.

Mark Pynnonen lives in Negaunee.

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Jim Jenkin ('81 and '84)

Jim Jenkin (’81 and ’84) spent twenty years at a major corporation, Kimberly-Clark, before joining American Fiber Services, a smaller company specializing in recycled fiber and pulp where he is responsible for business development and management of procurement and sales.  He believes that the skill set he acquired at Northern prepared him well for working in not only a large corporation but also in a smaller entrepreneurial environment.

Jim thinks that one of the most critical things taught at NMU is “learning how to learn by being engaged in the process with the faculty and being encouraged to ask questions and explore.  In many ways this is as important as anything in life that you will learn, since learning is a life-long process.  The beautiful setting and all of the opportunities offered further enhance the NMU experience.”

He is particularly appreciative of the opportunities he found at Northern.  “At NMU the opportunities to obtain a quality education were enhanced by not only a quality faculty and staff but also by the smaller class sizes which allowed for a high level of interaction between students and faculty, something that you do not always find.  This was especially true in the upper-level classes.  As an undergraduate I left the campus well prepared for the business world,” he recalls.  This became apparent to him when he went to work at Kimberly-Clark where many of his colleagues were from much larger schools.

He acknowledges that his time at the University was an important step in his career and life building. “Even after you have left the campus, NMU is still an important part of your life.” Currently based in Appleton, WI, he retains his ties to the University by being a member of the board of directors of the Alumni Association.

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Lois (Turk) Ellis ('85)

“The educational foundation that NMU provided me was so strong that I was able to return to the workforce even though I had taken several years off to raise my children,” says Lois (Turk) Ellis.  Lois is now the economic development specialist with the Lake Superior Community Partnership in Marquette where she works to find resources to help businesses grow and thrive in the region.  She recalls that at Northern, she learned “how to conduct myself in business settings and this has really helped me since”.  But what made Lois choose Northern Michigan University for her studies?  “My siblings and I were first generation college attendees, so I didn’t grow up hearing stories about college life and I was unsure of how to select a college.  Fortunately my brother attended NMU before me so I was able to visit him at Northern several times to become familiar with campus life and learn about Northern’s academic offerings. I grew up in Petoskey, MI, located on Lake Michigan, so it was natural for me to select a college that was located near one of the Great Lakes.  Downhill skiing was a winter sport I enjoyed while growing up in northern Lower Michigan, so I really appreciated that Marquette had a downhill ski area just outside of town.  I’m not sure if NMU had adopted the “Northern Naturally” tagline at the time I was there, but the natural beauty and recreational opportunities were definitely factors in my decision to attend Northern for my college education.”

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Robert Martin ('88)

Robert W. Martin (‘88), an executive vice president at Range Bank, Negaunee, came to Northern Michigan University at the age of 24 with the goal of obtaining a degree in furniture design and to start his own business.  As he recalls, “After one class in the building trades, I quickly realized I knew nothing about business.  While I could always hire folks to assist in woodworking, if I could not read a financial statement it would be difficult to be successful in business.”  That is what led him to major in finance in the College of Business.

Bob worked several part-time jobs to pay his way through College.  In his sophomore year, he took up a position with 1st National Bank in Marquette.  Subsequently, the bank offered him full-time employment in exchange for tuition assistance.  While the tuition support was very welcome, it meant going to College part-time, during lunch hours and evenings to complete his degree.  But Bob says, the faculty and staff were “particularly accommodating – especially as I came to the end of my college career and the choice of class and/or time of scheduling was extremely limited.  On more than one occasion I would attend the first day of a previously full class, discuss my situation with the professor after class, and have them welcome me into their class.  This flexibility allowed me to complete my finance degree cum laude and with the appropriate number of credits.”

Since graduation, Bob has gone on to be a bank president as well as complete a three year graduate degree in banking from the University of Delaware.  He says, “My Northern education has enabled me to successfully compete with bankers from all over the country.  As a president of a financial institution, we wear many hats and need to be well schooled in all areas of business. The well rounded education I received at NMU prepared me well for dealing with the variety of issues I encounter in the complex world of business.”

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Lisa Nyquist (’89)

“Being a non-traditional student at NMU, I felt a little intimidated entering college at 29 years old. I was filled with questions: Had I made the right decision?  Would I be able to keep up with the classes and keep a part-time job?  Would I feel out of place being older than most of the ‘traditional students’?  I’m happy to reflect back on that time of twenty years ago and report that those fears were unfounded!” says Lisa Nyquist (BS in Accounting-1989), presently a loan officer at Northern Initiatives, a community development financial institution, based in Marquette.  She recalls, “I felt immediately at ease in the classroom, mainly because the instructors were helpful, encouraging, and friendly. I came to college with a background in business management, but tackling an accounting degree was something that I wanted to achieve. Academic standards were high and I had to work hard, but help was available and offered willingly from my instructors.  I remember many of my instructors taking ample time to advise and coach me and other students on our future plans, or to challenge us with questions specific to what we were working on in class.  These discussions helped me broaden my perspective, particularly about career choices that I might make after graduating.”

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Todd Starcevich ('01)

Todd Starcevich has many wonderful memories of his days at Northern.  “I truly enjoyed every moment from the first few semesters in Gant Hall to the excitement of my senior year”, he recalls.  “Some of my most memorable in-class memories are from the work in Dr Brunswick's strategy classes, Dr. Z's management classes and Professor Cameriuss consumer behavior and advertising classes.  I remember the challenge of the VioSport.com project we worked on for Dr. Brunswick, where the class was tasked with market research and analysis of an extreme sports website that was based out of Marquette.  Another great memory is winning a group competition in Advertising & Promotion (Professor Camerius) where we developed a marketing and advertising campaign for the Pictured Rocks Cruise Line in Munising, MI. Other great memories are of spending winters outdoors on the ski hill or out on the snowshoe trails.  Having all of the outdoor sports and recreation was a fantastic complement to the great people and experience I enjoyed at NMU.”

Todd grew up in Chicago and although he came to NMU not sure what he wanted out of his degree, he soon realized that “NMU's College of Business was a great choice because of the diverse backgrounds of the faculty and staff which ensured that I received a well-rounded education as I entered into the business world.”   He says, “The moment I stepped on NMU's campus as a visiting high school senior, I knew it was going to be the school I was going to attend.  It was obvious that the people at NMU and in Marquette were genuine and friendly.  In addition, the amazing outdoor activities and the Lake Superior shoreline -- NMU is rivaled by none in the Midwest.  Getting my degree from NMU set me apart from many people I meet today because of the experiences and the friendships I was able to build while I was a student.”

He is particularly fond of the five years he played football for NMU.  He says, “Being able to be a part of the history that the NMU football program had was a great experience.  I met so many life-long friends through the football program that continue to support and drive me through the challenges in the everyday world.  The years spent competing at NMU built a strong sense of pride and dedication in everything I do in life.  I still maintain the '4 quarter' motto of 'Effort, Enthusiasm, Discipline, Courage & Pride.'"

Todd is presently the Manager of Implementation and System Services at ShopperTrak Corporation, a retail technology and consulting company, and is based in Chicago.  He explains, “My company installs traffic counting devices in major retailers, collects traffic data and provides a variety of reporting tools for retailers to measure consumer traffic in and out of their stores.  My position is responsible for managing the initial implementation of technology and the set-up and training of new clients on our reporting tools.  I have 4 direct reports and am in charge of a department of 20 full-time employees.”

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Lindsey Pepin (’06)

"My experience as a College of Business student at Northern Michigan University has prepared me well for my professional career.  I learned many valuable lessons, not only in the classroom, but also in the real world by holding a leadership position in a business student organization and through a hands-on internship experience.   The business professors were very interested in my success and always willing to help in any way possible.  I am also very grateful for the many College of Business sponsored scholarships I received that allowed me to focus on my studies without having to worry about financing my education."

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David Basten ('93)

Now a senior software developer with Quest Software, a California-based company that offers a wide array of enterprise management tools, David Basten (’94 Business Computer Information Systems), believes that Northern’s business curriculum prepared him well.  Originally from Green Bay, even in high school, David wanted to combine his interests in accounting and computers.  Northern’s program in Accounting/Computer Information Systems was just the major he wanted.  He applied for and won a Presidential Scholarship and moved to Marquette.

One of his favorite memories from his Northern days is about the time he spent in Finland.  He recalls, “Working with Professor Poindexter and two other Northern students, I had the opportunity to attend a one month object-oriented programming course at Mikkeli Polytechnic in Finland.  It was an experience of a lifetime!  In addition to our studies, we visited with students from around Europe every evening at a neighborhood café.”

At Quest Software, which David joined in 2007, his responsibilities include all aspects of software development – finding out what is needed, designing, coding and testing, implementation, and support.  He also coordinates the tasks of his team members.  He specifically works with an application suite called Foglight.  With Foglight installed, companies can watch performance of databases, web transactions, servers and other metrics needed to guarantee delivery of their services to employees and customers.

He readily acknowledges that “technology has changed dramatically in the past 14 years since I graduated.  While at Northern, I learned COBOL programming on a mainframe.  Since then, I have learned Visual Basic and have moved on to web development and Java”.  He has industry certifications from Microsoft and Sun Systems.  He notes, “I’ve learned new things at every stop --- not just technical, but business, interpersonal, and about myself.”

David lives in Plymouth, just outside Minneapolis, MI, with his wife, the former Kelly Kaikkonen (’97) and their three children, Ben (8), Adam (7), and Julia (5).  In his spare time, he plays soccer, reads, camps, and hikes.

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Amanda (DuMoulin) Blondeau ('03)

Amanda graduated with a major in Business Computer Information Systems with a concentration in networking.  She has put her academic training to good use – as an information technology and e-business consultant with Northern Initiatives, a not-for-profit community development corporation based in Marquette.  As part of her job, she offers internet services such as web development, search engine optimization, strategic internet marketing, comprehensive systems assessments, and software selection to rural businesses. She is currently working on her PHP certification (script programming) and plans to obtain a master’s degree in business and information systems.

“The BCIS program had a great balance of general business and computer classes. This well-rounded education has helped me adapt to the different roles and responsibilities I have held throughout my career so far,” Amanda reflects.

In the past year she has had the opportunity to work with micro-finance institutions in Romania and Bosnia-Herzegovina, assessing their management information systems and creating an application processing system to integrate a credit scoring initiative.

Coming to Northern was an obvious choice for Amanda.  She is from this area and Northern offered a major she liked. While a student at Northern, she played intramural basketball and flag football and was a member of the Golden Key International Honor Society. She fondly remembers taking Professor Sandra Poindexter’s class and learning to program active server pages. Most importantly, she met her husband, Daniel, also a graduate of the College of Business. Together they attended hockey games as students, and as residents of Marquette, still do.

Amanda enjoys being outdoors and sets physical challenges for herself each summer; the past two summers she has completed a marathon and a sprint marathon.