For the week of August 29, 2005

From the 6th floor

A dreary first day of classes today, but perhaps that makes it easier to sit in the classroom. As you have been reading about for the past two months, we had a beautiful summer in the U.P. Both July and August brought us record-breaking high temperatures. Those students who were lucky enough to spend the summer in Marquette are likely going back to class with great tans today.

 


President's convocation focuses on the future

In his fall convocation address, NMU president Les Wong briefly recapped his “rookie year” as NMU president, but he spent most of the time focusing on four short-term activities the university will undertake now to shape its future.

These include developing an off-campus enrollment base; formulating a strategy to reduce semester credit-hour production per full-time teaching faculty; ramping up the areas of continuing education, online course development, grants and enhanced gifts; and implementing recommendations made by the Internationalization and Superior Edge task forces.

 

Wong said it is critical for Northern to find new and creative ways to reach audiences who can’t come to campus.

 

“I will ask the provost and academic deans, faculty and staff to begin the process that will set realistic targets for off-campus enrollments,” he said. “I will also ask for union input on how we might do so within the parameters of the master agreement while also providing departments the flexibility they need to be more entrepreneurial and to benefit more directly from entrepreneurial behavior. We are fighting against a demographic curve that is telling us that fewer and fewer traditional-age students will come to us from the U.P.”

Full story.

Rally fires up students for new semester

"Be A Part From the Start", the annual back to school rally, was held at the Berry Events Center, Sunday evening. More than 2,000 students turned out to show their school spirit on the eve before classes. The rally, sponsored by the NMU Alumni Association, Associated Students of NMU, and Welcome Week, offers spirit competitions, free pizza and pop, and lots of great prizes.

Do we need to tell you where this gentleman lives? Residents from Hunt Hall participate in the Most Spirited Hall competition. Unfortunately, they were not loud enough. The competition was won by Van Antwerp. The winning residence hall is treated to a pizza party.
One of the many prizes was dinner with President and Mrs. Wong at Kaye House, the presidential residency. While we didn't catch her name, this young lady and five of her friends will join the Wongs at an upcoming dinner.

Alumni Award winners announced

The NMU Alumni Association Board of Directors will present four awards at the annual Alumni Association Homecoming Brunch on Saturday, Sept. 17. This year's award winners are:

Distinguished Alumni Award

Dr. Karen M. Reese ’63, ’66, ‘76
Marquette, Mich.

A well-respected educator and student service advocate during her time as vice president for Student Affairs at NMU, Dr. Reese left her mark on hundreds of students, faculty, and staff who remember her advice, wisdom and fairness to this day. Dr. Reese’s impact on her community equals if not exceeds the impact she has had on students. Dr. Reese was a founding member of NMU's Student Leader Fellowship Program. The Student Leader Fellowship Program (SLFP) is a nationally recognized leadership initiative that is committed to developing competent, ethical, and community-centered leaders. In addition, she has been involved in community service activities most of her professional life.

Outstanding Young Alumni Award

Jeffrey C. Vande Zande ‘93
Bay City, Mich.

Jeff’s poetry and short stories have appeared in over 50 small press magazines and journals, including College English, Passages North, Controlled Burn, The MacGuffin, and Fugue. Two of his poems were nominated for the 1999 Pushcart Prize, and poet Jim Daniels nominated his work for a 2003 Pushcart. He has shared his passion for the literary arts by giving public readings of his works on the campus of Northern Michigan University.

Alumni Service Award

Beverly A. Laughna ’69, ‘83
Marquette, Mich.

Beverly has been appropriately described by others as someone who "so unselfishly gives or has given to others.” Her list of service and awards over the years is lengthy. Her commitment to community service started in her early years at NMU and hasn’t slowed down since. She serves on the “N” Club Board, Sports Hall of Fame Selection Committee, Alpha Xi Delta Non-Profit Building Corporation, Northern Center for Lifelong Learning Board and has been a member of a number of search committees for faculty and staff positions. In addition, she is actively involved with current students, serving as a mentor in the Student Leader Fellowship Program.

Alumni Civic Leadership Award

Matthew J. Wiese ‘84
Marquette, Mich.

Matt’s on-going contributions to Marquette County and the communities contained therein are impressive. From his time as a Cub Scout pack leader, through his involvement with domestic violence issues, and culminating with his current duties as Day Chair for Government Day sponsored by the Lake Superior Community Partnership, Matt has exhibited selfless dedication to the betterment of the community.


The NMU Alumni Association Awards are presented annually at Homecoming. These awards recognize alumni who have received an associate's, bachelor's, master's, or educational specialist degree from NMU and who have been a positive influence on their professions, or on their communities through public service, or who have distinguished themselves through their outstanding achievements that place them above the norm. The awards are determined by the NMU Alumni Association Board of Directors. Learn more about the NMU Alumni Association Awards and how you can nominate someone.

Homecoming 2005 rapidly approaching

This year's theme is "Old Hollywood Comes to Northern." Join in on the fun!

Wednesday, Sept. 14  
5-7 p.m. Faculty/Staff Homecoming Reception
Peter White Lounge, UC
Friday, Sept. 16  
8 a.m.-4 p.m. Alumni Association Board of Directors meeting
5:30 p.m. Homecoming Parade
Third St.
6:30 p.m. NMU Sports Hall of Fame Induction Dinner and Program
Saturday, Sept. 17  
9:45 a.m.

Men's Basketball Homecoming
Golf Outing
Open to all NMU alumni and friends.
For details, contact Dean Ellis at 227-2106.

10:30 a.m. Alumni Awards Brunch and Ceremony
3 p.m.

Block Party at the Superior Dome
Live music!
Food and games!
Sky divers!
Tailgating!

5:00 p.m. Homecoming Football Game
NMU vs. Wayne State
8-Midnight

Fifth Quarter Reception
Steer and Stein Restaurant
All alumni are encouraged to attend!

Music hosted by 91.5 WUPX student radio.

Work begins on new student apartments

As part of NMU's enrollment growth plan, and as a replacement for some aging units, new apartments are being constructed in the area bounded by Wright Street to the north, Neidhart to the east, Norwood to the south and Tracy to the west. (For most of us, an easier locator would be to say they will be right across the street form the former Alibi.) A combination of efficiencies, one bedroom, two bedroom, and four bedroom units are being built.. A commons area will be centrally located that will have a lounge/community room, kitchen, study space, fitness center, and laundry facility.

Artist renderings of the new student apartments.

Have you been on campus lately?

If so, we want to know what you think. How impressed were you with the new Art & Design facility and DeVos Art Museum? Have you been able to take in a concert at the Reynolds Recital Hall? Are you amazed at the changes in Hedgcock? We've got a great campus pictorial designed for the upcoming issue of Horizons and we want to include your comments. We'd especially like to hear from you if you recently visited for the first time in 20+years. Send comments to dhemmila@nmu.edu

NMU JOBSearch Center posts employment opportunities

The NMU JOBSearch Center is a vital link between alumni and possible job opportunities in the Marquette area and around the country. On occasion, an employer will ask the JOBSearch Center to promote their job opportunity to as many alumni as possible. When these opportunities arise, we will share them with you.
The following senior-level administration position with Superior Extrusion has been listed with the JOBSearch Center.  Interested and qualified candidates are encouraged to forward their resume to Mr. John F. Marshall, Superior Extrusion at johnm@superiorextrusion.com.

 SUPERIOR EXTRUSION, INC. (SEI)Job Description TITLE:  Director of Administration and Finance 
1.   Summary of Principal Functions: 
Provide leadership, direction and coordination over strategic plan and budget development, financial reporting and analysis, accounting, audit, payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, information processing systems, records management, procurement, and credit management under the general supervision of the President/Chief Executive Officer (CEO). 
2.   Specific Responsibilities:   a.       Directs the Corporation’s financial planning, financial activities, and accounting practices as well as its relationship with lending institutions, shareholders, and the financial community.b.       Directs and coordinates the development of the annual strategic plan and the annual operating and capital budgets.c.        Directs and coordinates the administration of accounts receivable, accounts payable, employee payroll, and the data entry of business and operating statistics.d.       Directs and coordinates the planning, implementation, and improvement of computer information systems for the company.e.        Develops procurement policies and procedures and serves as Procurement Director to ensure compliance with established policies and procedures.f.        Directs the administration of corporate, property and departmental policies, work procedures, and systems.g.        Directs, coordinates and motivates department personnel to meet established plans, budgets, and targets of performance.h.       Promotes and encourages teamwork and high performance standards throughout Superior Extrusion.i.         Provide payback analysis on capital projects.j.         Provide profit analysis by customer and rank customer by order priority using profit analysis.k.       Analyze expenses for additional profit opportunities. 
3.   Education Needed:          B.S./ B.A. in accounting, business, finance, or equivalent. 
4.   Experience Needed:      5+ years supervisory / managerial experience 
5.   License/Certification:      Must be bondable. CPA preferred, but not required 

Thanks for stopping by......

.....Don Beckman '61 of Redondo Beach, CA.

.....Paul Vogelheim of Mill Valley, CA. If you were on campus in the late 40s, you may remember Paul as the leader of one of the U.P.'s hottest dance bands of the time, Paul's Vets. Paul's Vets supplemented their G.I. Bill income as NMU students after World War II by playing proms, fraternity and sorority dances across the U.P.

Click on photo for larger version.






 

From the Email bag

"Yes, I'm coming to Homecoming! Hal Narotzky, Class of '76. Mark Clinton, John Dobel, Mark Clayton, all WBKX Radio alumni will be with me. Are there any other WBKX or Broadcasting or WNMU people coming? Let me know via email or cell phone 908-578-0064."
Hal Narotzky '76
Westfield, NJ
hal@anwinc.com

"I am a graduate of Northern from 1996.  During my senior year I met the person I am spending the rest of my life with.  Of course, he didn't quite know that quitting his job and moving to Marquette, Michigan would take a certain amount of character to get through one of the worse winters we had on record for some time. I wanted to provide you a picture and tell you an interesting information about it. The attached photo is a car that obviously never spent anytime in the Upper Peninsula.  I couldn't imagine the little Peugeot climbing either 3rd street or front street during a blizzard.  But, the sticker on the car would suggest otherwise.  Well my partner, Steve, who never went to Northern, sent this photo to me.  The caption said, You know I hated those 9 months while Marquette was covered in a total of 455 inches of snow, but even 5000 miles away from Marquette, Michigan, I can't escape it's influence on others..  The car and photo was taken in Montevideo, Uruguay.  And, while we have many faculty members with ties to Montevideo (Mr. and Mrs. Renfrew) I know that they have no connection to this car, because I sent an email to them shortly upon receiving it to confirm if they recognize the vehicle.  Well I was very happy to see the car and sticker from home.  So, despite my partner's opinion about the frozen northland, to us it is home and it will always be...BTW, we currently live in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex with my twin sister, who is a dietician within one of the local ISD's (Independent School Districts) and she is a 1997 graduate from the Nutrition department at Northern.  And, for more information, my current manager's husband is a 1982 graduate.  So, when I see him at work outings, we simply tell each other that "It's a great day to be a Wildcat!"    I guess it just shows that we are everywhere. Take care and keep up the good work with the Alumni letter."
Paul Seymour '96
Lewisville, TX
seym3363@centurytel.net


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


"I was in Marquette last week, but after a very pricey trip to the bookstore, I was running behind and wasn't able to stop by for a visit. I also visited my old roommate from Spooner Hall over in Crystal Falls. I had quite the exciting trip, as I schmucked a bear and totalled my car! Needless to say, I won't be making it to homecoming this year, I am scared to go north of Bay City!! I appreciate the weekly updates, I noticed that a lot of things have changed at Northern, but one thing remains the same, the awesome people of the UP! I also got a chance to visit with one the faculty at Northern, Ray Ventre, and had a great time catching up. Hopefully, someday I will want to return to the UP, but first, please get those pesky bears off the highway!! Thanks, Deanna, keep up the great work!"
Christine Carlyon '99
Saginaw, MI
christinecarlyon@gmail.com

"Hi Deanna. Summer’s over in Florida, school has started, so prior to that date; I vacationed with my daughter in the UP for 8 days.  It was great to get back to Northern, Marquette, & K.I. Sawyer. Now, we have fireworks every night in Orlando; however, we really enjoyed the show we were able to view at the lower harbor on July 4th.  While we were there I dragged her to all the locations Northern and Marquette are known for. (Too many to name) Fortunately for us a ship was in the upper harbor so we able to spend some quality time there as well as Presque Isle & the Black Rocks. We drove to the most famous “Thursday Night” attraction Marquette ever had to offer, Andy’s Bar. Now some of us will remember that prior to it becoming a Parking Lot. She found the life style of the UP more relaxing then she is experiencing in Tampa (USF). So, I gave her the option to return to Northern as a student, and currently it is under consideration. I think if I purchased one of those condos over looking the lower harbor, she would be there tomorrow.  As always, my best to everyone who has traveled the NMU educational experience."
John S. Ashley 77
Orlando, FL
ashleyj@ocps.k12.fl.us

"Hi. It was interesting reading about Phillip Molnar living in London.  Our son Steve lives in Kent and works in London – at Grosvenor House.  He married a girl from England and she got homesick.  They have three sons, who speak with English accents.  From London, it is easier to travel to other places, easier than from Pa.  They vacation in Cyprus, etc.  Glad you’re having a nice summer.  Ours is warm, too, could use more rain.  Swim in our pool most days.  A little warmer than Lake Superior – but can’t beat LS."
Dorothy Drozdiak '51
McKeesport, PA
32cizn6r@icubed.com

"Hi Deanna. We were up there in the summer of '88 and I remember how very hot it was (especially since we had no air conditioning.) In fact, my kids and I all remember that it got so warm that Lake Superior was almost comfortable. And not just at the Hot Pond, either. "
Theresa Wilklow Larson '89, '91
Katy, TX
theresa@st-bart.org

"Hi Deanna. This is what I would classify as another close encounter of the Northern kind. I am the head wrestling coach of a small private liberal arts college in Tennessee. Recently I had a recruit and his mom fly in from Colorado for a campus visit. As we were talking in my office the mother spotted a photo of my two sons, Matt and Chris dressed in wrestling singlets when they were seven and four years old. I told her it was an old photo and commented that Matt is a senior in college graduating in nursing this year, and that Chris is a ROTC Cadet at Northern Michigan University. “Oh,” she said, “I went to Northern.” My chin dropped and about hit my desk. I said, “That is where I went to school. When were you there?” She said, “1976 to 1980.” Stunned, I said, “That’s when I was there! Where did you live, what was your major?” The next several hours as we toured campus and ate lunch the conversation centered on reminiscing about Northern in the late ‘70’s, and not on selling the virtues of our school and wrestling program. As a result I did not sign the talented wrestler from Colorado to a wrestling scholarship, but I did enjoy the best recruiting visit I had ever hosted."
Doug Reese '80
Bristol, TN
dcreese@king.edu

Have something you want to share? Feedback should be directed to dhemmila@nmu.edu

"What's New, NMU?" is a service of the NMU Alumni Association. Consider joining today!