Twenty-three NMU students were recognized as Superior Edge graduates. To receive this honor, the students completed a minimum of 400 Superior Edge hours, a minimum of 100 in each of the four edges. Superior Edge graduates were given blue cords to wear at commencement. Nine other students graduated with one or more edges. Read more about the graduates below:


Congratulations to Hannah Alvis for completing the Real World Edge! From Mattoon, Illinois, Hannah is an elementary education major who is most proud of completing her student teaching. She says, “This has provided me with so much real-world experience and a chance to showcase all I have learned during my time at NMU.” After graduation, Hannah will become an elementary school teacher.


Congratulations to Teagan Blohowiak for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge! A clinical lab science/pre-med major, Teagan is from Ashwaubenon, Wisconsin. He is most proud of volunteering for Make A Difference Day his first year as a Resident Adviser. Teagan says, “I was so proud of my house for coming together that day to help out community members in Marquette.” After graduation, Teagan will be working at UP Health Systems in the lab and applying to medical schools this next cycle.


Congratulations to Janessa Brown for completing the Citizenship Edge! From Kalamazoo, Michigan, Janessa is a paralegal studies major. She is most proud of painting murals at a playground in Quepos, Costa Rica while on a Superior Edge International Service Project. Janessa said it was very fulfilling and she enjoyed meeting different people. After graduation, Janessa will be starting a career as a paralegal and preparing for law school.


Congratulations to Saralynn Delwiche for completing the Leadership and Real World Edges! A biochemistry major, Saralynn is from Freedom, Wisconsin. She is most proud of doing research with the Upper Michigan Brain Tumor Center. She says, “Through this experience, I gained confidence in my lab skills and developed a greater appreciation for the time and energy that goes into producing new medical therapies, treatments, etc. I worked closely with faculty and learned more about the science surrounding brain tumors. Throughout my research experience, I received a great deal of support and feedback, and I am thankful for the opportunity to have been able to work with those in and associated with the Upper Michigan Brain Tumor Center!” After graduation, Saralynn will begin applying to medical schools.


Congratulations to Alison Deutsch for completing all four edges of the Superior Edge! From Rockford, Michigan, Alison is a double major in public relations and political science. She is most proud of her work as the Special Events Coordinator where she was able to create a variety of events. Alison says, “I’m grateful that I was able to provide students with a chance to form connections and be involved within the campus community.” After graduation, Alison is hoping to work at a public relations agency in Grand Rapids, Michigan.


Congratulations to Gwendolyn Feamster for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge! Hailing from Linden, Michigan, Gwendolyn is a double major in political science and philosophy. Gwendolyn is most proud of her involvement in ASNMU. She says, “I loved the people, the purpose, and being able to advocate for students.” After graduation, Gwendolyn will be staying at NMU to work towards a Master’s in Education and will be working in the Center for Student Enrichment.


Congratulations to Kate Gunville for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge! A double major in political science and communication studies, Kate is from Waukesha, Wisconsin and is most proud of her involvement and creation of Northern Votes, a student organization to support civic engagement efforts on campus. She says, “Civic engagement is highly important, especially on college campuses. I am very proud that I, in collaboration with other passionate students, community members, and administration, have been able to increase awareness and education around civic engagement. As well as working towards creating an institutionally supported structure for this work to move forward, I am proud that I was able to build this coalition and collaborate to develop extensive plans to continue the work.” After graduation, Kate will be moving to Lansing, Michigan, to work full-time with a Michigan-based advocacy organization.


Congratulations to Gretchen Haggenmiller for completing the Real World Edge! A biology major from Duluth, Minnesota, Gretchen is most proud of working as an intern at the Rural Health Center. She says, “Applying my skills to something that I am passionate about has been very rewarding. My favorite part of my internship has been volunteering to read to and educate second graders about oral health. It was rewarding to share my passion and see the kids get so excited about it.” After graduation, Gretchen is planning on attending dental school at the University of Minnesota.


Congratulations to MicKayla Hipp for completing all four edges of the Superior Edge! A nursing major, MicKayla is from Menasha, Wisconsin. As president of the Student Nurses Association, a goal of MicKayla’s was to bring back the annual Charity Ball, which hadn’t been done since January 2019. She says, “We overcame many obstacles when planning this event, but we had a great turnout and were able to raise money for a local organization. The theme for this year was “A Night of Hope” and all of the proceeds were donated to Bay Cliff Health Camp.” After graduation, MicKayla plans to work as an RN, hopefully, on a neonatal intensive care unit.


Congratulations to Eve Hutchison for completing all four edges of the Superior Edge! From Wheaton, Illinois, Eve is a secondary music education major. Jenna is most proud of volunteering at the Bog Walk through the Honors Program her freshman year. She says, “I had a ton of fun dressing up in Halloween costumes and setting up a section of the bog with some friends. It was truly an unforgettable experience.” After graduation, Eve is hoping to teach high school band downstate and pursue her master’s degree.


Congratulations to Andrew Johnson for completing the Real World Edge


Congratulations to Melanie Johnson for completing all four edges of the Superior Edge! A forensic biochemistry major, Melanie is from Neenah, Wisconsin. She is most proud of her involvement with The Brigade and Camp Onaway, which strives to build leadership skills in teens. She says, “I went through The Brigade program and attended Camp Onaway as a teen and being able to volunteer there allows me to give back to the program and community that helped shape my life.” After graduation, Melanie plans to attend medical school and continue on a path for a career as a forensic pathologist.


Congratulations to Mary Kelly for completing all four edges of the Superior Edge! A double major in environmental science with a natural resources emphasis and French, Mary is from Plymouth, Michigan. Mary is most proud of her Student Leader Fellowship Program community service internship at the NMU Food Pantry. She says, “In particular, establishing the community fridge, planting metaphorical 'seeds of change' for future fridge/freezer expansion efforts, and advocating for fresh produce and frozen meals at the pantry has been wonderful.” After graduation, Mary will be doing an internship over the summer and will start her master’s degree in the fall of 2024.


Congratulations to Marnnea LaFave for completing all four edges of the Superior Edge! From Gladstone, Michigan, Marnnea is and exercise science major who is most proud of going to Belize with the NMU Nursing program to provide health clinics for the community and kids in the school. She says, “We visited the United Pentecostal School where we interacted with groups of different ages and taught them about nutrition, our culture (including the four seasons) and gave the kids a fluoride treatment. We also brought over soccer balls, jump ropes, and corn holes for the kids to play with at recess. We visited the nursing home and got to visit with the elders and sing karaoke. If I were to describe the value of this experience, I would say it’s to broaden our horizons. I am most proud of how much I learned in a short period of time and the impact we left on the community.” After graduation, Marnnea plans to work in the health and nutrition field as a personal trainer.


Congratulations to Lauren Lahtinen for completing all four edges of the Superior Edge! An elementary education/integrated science and reading major, Lauren is from Marquette. She is most proud of her work with the FIRST Lego Robotics League and College for Kids at NMU. Lauren says, “Participating in these activities has given me great knowledge in robotics and STEM education, as well as an inspiration for activities and lesson plans that I hope to implement into my classroom. I plan to continue to build upon my skills by continuing to participate in these events after I graduate.” After student teaching at Lakeview Elementary School in Negaunee next semester and graduating in December, she hopes to teach somewhere in the UP. Ideally, she would love to teach in Marquette so that during the summer she can work at Getz’s Clothiers and College for Kids through the NMU Seaborg Center. 


Congratulations to Brennen Larson for completing all four edges of the Superior Edge! Hailing from Duluth, Minnesota, Brennen is a biology major with a physiology concentration. He is most proud of volunteering with Special Olympics. Brennen says, “I enjoyed teaching individuals with intellectual disabilities the sports that I am passionate about. This experience had a profound impact on not only the participants but also myself. There were a lot of laughs and great memories shared that I will cherish.” After graduation, Brennen will be working at Bay Cliff Health Camp for the summer, and then work towards applying to physician assistant schools.


Congratulations to Jenna Laway for completing all four edges of the Superior Edge! From Cheboygan, Michigan, Jenna is a criminal justice major who is most proud of being the vice president of the Criminal Justice Association. Jenna says, “It gave me the ability to volunteer in many ways in the community and help members of the Criminal Justice Association learn more about career paths available to them and opportunities at NMU.” After graduation, Jenna will attend the Michigan State Police recruit school in July and become a state trooper. 


Congratulations to Lexi Laws for completing all four edges of the Superior Edge! An environmental studies and sustainability major, Lexi is from Macomb, Michigan. She is most proud of completing her Student Leader Fellowship Program community service internship with the NMU Food Pantry. Lexi says, “I had the opportunity to work with awesome people and contribute to a valuable service that supports the NMU community.” After graduation, Lexi will be working in environmental education and pursuing graduate school.


Congratulations to Caleb Nimee for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!


Congratulations to Miya Ohashi-Berg for completing all four edges of the Superior Edge! From Rochester, Minnesota, Miya is a biology major with a concentration in physiology. She is most proud of being a big to six little over the past four years with Big Brothers Big Sisters. She says, “It has been incredibly rewarding to spend time with these kids and be a person they can trust, find comfort in, and simply be themselves with. Hanging out with these kids has ALWAYS been a highlight of my week and at times, I feel I got more out of our time than they do! It truly has been only of my favorite experiences during my time at Northern, and I will forever cherish the memories I created with every one of my littles!” After graduation, Miya will starting applying to PA schools and work at the Mayo Clinic.


Congratulations to Brooke Perttu for completing all four edges of the Superior Edge! A secondary education/social studies major, Brooke is from Bruce Crossing, Michigan. She is most proud of her time student teaching where she created an inclusive and engaging learning environment. She says, “I implemented innovative teaching strategies that catered to diverse learning styles ensuring every student felt valued and supported. By incorporating technology and real-world examples, I fostered a dynamic classroom atmosphere. I'm most proud of fostering a sense of curiosity and enthusiasm for learning among my students. This achievement not only improved academic performance but also instilled a lifelong love for teaching.” A special shout out to Brooke who completed 3,057.9 hours! Brooke has moved into 7th place of all-time hours logged. After graduation, Brooke plans to pursue a Master’s in Education for School Counseling, M.Ed.


Congratulations to Sonny Pilto for completing all four edges of the Superior Edge! A secondary education integrated science major, Sonny is from Byron, Michigan. Sonny is most proud of co-founding gender inclusive housing at NMU with their co-worker and dear friend Amber Essenmacher, where LBTQ+ students can feel safe and understood in their living environment. After graduation, Sonny plans to teach high school biology or earth science, live it up with their cat, and find their way through their 20’s.


Congratulations to Elizabeth Preston for completing all four edges of the Superior Edge! From Grand Rapids, Michigan, Elizabeth is a public relations major. She is most proud of her advocacy work for epilepsy awareness during Epilepsy Awareness Month. Elizabeth organized an Epilepsy Awareness hockey game at NMU, facilitated seizure first aid training, collaborated with the Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan, and was interviewed by several local news outlets to spread awareness. She says, “I am proud to have made a tangible impact by educating people on epilepsy. My dedication to advocacy reflects my commitment to creating positive change on campus and beyond.” After graduation, Elizabeth plans to attend grad school at NMU to pursue her MBA.


Congratulations to Katarina Rothhorn for completing all four edges of the Superior Edge! From Lansing, Michigan, Katarina is an environmental science major who is most proud of her volunteer work at the Ostional Nactional Wildlife Refuge in Ostional, Costa Rica. She says, “I was able to do work with Olive Ridley turtles and sea turtle conservation, while also gaining international experience with volunteers from all over the world. I was able to learn about different methods of data collection for turtle conservation, including tagging. Through this experience, I was able to grow my conservation skills, knowledge of other countries and people, and learn more about myself as I lived and worked in a completely foreign environment.” After graduation, Katarina will be going into the Peace Corps in the Philippines as a community development facilitator in coastal resource management.


Congratulations to Jordan Troeger for completing all four edges of the Superior Edge! From Edgerton, Wisconsin, Jordan is a biology – general major who is most proud of being a vet tech intern at the Black Beauty Ranch in Murchison, Texas. Jordan says, “Not only did I learn about veterinary medicine and a variety of animals, but I learned the value of teamwork, critical thinking, and clear decision-making. I gained confidence in communicating effectively, both verbally and in writing, and responding to an emergency situation. I feel that this internship helped me grow as a professional and person, brought me out of my comfort zone, and inspired me to boldly follow my passions!” After graduation, Jordan plans to attend chiropractic school after a two-year service in the Peace Corps.


Congratulations to Luke Tschumperlin for completing all four edges of the Superior Edge! An Art & Design – Digital Cinema major, Luke is from Beaver Dam, Wisconsin. He is most proud of his time with the Disney Program where he worked as a cast member in EPCOT and then as a digital content intern for Disney. He says, “I was able to meet people form all over the globe, use my skills I learned at Northern to create content for over 1.6 million viewers and bring back new ways of working and thinking back to NMU. It was a dream of mine to do it for over 10 years, and I am so happy to be living the dream and gaining this experience.” After graduation, Luke will be the Disney Programs Digital Content Intern until January 2025 and then he will see what happens next!


Congratulations to Erin VanderSchaaf for completing the Leadership and Real World Edges! From Marquette, Erin is a biology major with a concentration in physiology. She is most proud of being a volunteer mountain bike coach for the Marquette County Interscholastic Cycling youth team. She says, “I really enjoyed being able to coach younger kids how to mountain bike and share my love for the sport.” After graduation, Erin is hoping to travel a lot and, hopefully, start medical school.


Congratulations to Eli Williams for completing all four edges of Superior Edge! From Ishpeming, Michigan, Eli is an environmental studies and sustainability major. Eli is most proud of being an AmeriCorps VISTA summer volunteer in Saginaw, Michigan for Delta College. Eli says, “I ran day camps for high achieving-disadvantaged students. I connected with students of all backgrounds and deeply enjoyed how much they opened up to me over the summer. The experience completely changed how I view civil service and the type of public service work I want to do in the future. I am proud of the leadership skills I acquired and my adaptability in a new environment.” After graduation, Eli will be pursuing a master’s degree in Urban Planning at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and working as a teaching assistant.


Congratulations to Jenna Wiliams for completing the Leadership and Real World Edges! Hailing from Madison, Wisconsin, Jenna is an environmental studies and sustainability major. She is most proud of working in the Center for Student Enrichment and behind the scenes with Superior Edge which has been fun as she has worked on projects that she is proud of, and she has made lifelong friends. After graduation, she will be going to Madison for the summer and start job searching.


Congratulations to Gracie Witt for completing all four edges of Superior Edge! From Bruce Crossing, Michigan, Gracie is a sports science major. She is most proud of completing her Student Leader Fellowship Program community service internship at the Peter White Public Library. Gracie says, “I was able to meet and get to know such energetic, fun, and creative kids throughout the year.” After graduation, Gracie plans to attend physical therapy school at the Mayo Clinic.

Five students were recognized as Superior Edge graduates. To receive this honor, the students completed a minimum of 400 Superior Edge hours, a minimum of 100 hours in each of the four edges. Superior Edge graduates were given blue cords to wear at commencement. Five more students graduated with one or more edges. Read more about the graduates below:


Congratulations to Celeste Achatz for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge! From Ishpeming, Michigan, Celeste is a pre-medical/biology major. She is most proud of completing her Student Leader Fellowship Program community service internship with the UP Children’s Museum. After graduation, Celeste plans to apply and complete medical school. 


Congratulations to Kelsey Clark for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge! An elementary special education major, Kelsey is from Allegan, Michigan. Kelsey says, “The Bay Cliff Health Camp library was outdated and needed remodeling. This was a huge and daunting task. I removed a wall and added more wood flooring so the library could be open and accessible to all, repainted bookshelves, bought a sensory swing, fidget toys, games, posters, a rug, and new books! The camp funded some of the things but other things were funded by grants I applied for and received. This project helped me learn communication, time management, and organization skills. I also learned how to write a grant.” After graduation, Kelsey plans to stay in the UP and teach special education.


Congratulations to Kylee Kuntze for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge! From Cedar River, Michigan, Kylee is a business management major who is most proud of volunteering at Lake Lundgren Bible Camp’s Winterfest as part of the kitchen staff. She says, “I had never experienced anything like this before and I left the event feeling very fulfilled. I learned not only how to perform various kitchen procedures but also how to work with others around me. I felt grateful to be able to give back to my community and to the Lord. While I was there, I met many kind new people and made some great memories.” After graduation, Kylee will be working at Northwest Mutual.


Congratulations to Abbie Legault for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge! From Trout Creek, Michigan, Abbie is most proud of volunteering for Make A Difference Day because it means the world to people to have someone help them out. After graduation, Abbie will be coming back to NMU to work towards her bachelor’s degree.


Congratulations to Grace Mattson for completing the Real World Edge!


Congratulations to Emilia Nelson for completing the Leadership and Real World Edges! A double major in psychology and communication, Emilia is from Cadillac, Michigan. She is most proud of working as a personnel manager for the NMU Marching Band, as she was able to interact with her favorite people who became her family throughout college while applying her skills to make events and coordination and organization of the band run smoothly. After graduation, Emilia will be working in higher education.


Congratulations to Alexy Schmid for completing the Real World Edge! From Wild Rose, Wisconsin, Alexy is a neuroscience major with a biology concentration. She is most proud of doing her Student Leader Fellowship Program community service internship with Young Life where she was able to dedicate her time to starting up a ministry at NMU. She says, “I have been able to see the growth in the club at NMU and a so thankful I got to be a part of planting that seed.” After graduation, Alexy will be taking a gap year, getting married, and applying to PA school.


Congratulations to Alexandra Siders for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge! From Waterford, Michigan, Allie is an elementary education major who is most proud of completing her student teaching. She says there were lots of ups and downs but overall it brought her joy to see where the students were and where they are now. After graduation, Allie will be looking for a teaching position in Michigan.


Congratulations to Sarah Watling for completing the Leadership Edge! A double major in sociology and Spanish, Sarah is from New London, Wisconsin. She is most proud of volunteering for the Wildcat Aquatics Club as a coach. She says, “I learned a lot about myself through this endeavor, and I was able to teach some awesome kids how to swim at a competitive level. I am most proud of the relationships I was able to build with the kids that I coached. I saw most of them twice a week or more, and so we got to know each other and I loved hearing about their lives. I also felt a great sense of purpose seeing the swimmers learn new skills and gain confidence in themselves.” At this point of time, she is unsure what she will be doing but she is applying for a teaching residency and is applying to grad school.


Congratulations to Delaney Zellar for completing the Real World Edge!

Twenty-two students were recognized as Superior Edge graduates. To receive this honor, the students completed a minimum of 400 Superior Edge hours, a minimum of 100 hours in each of the four edges. Superior Edge graduates were given blue cords to wear at commencement. The other five students graduated with one, two or three edges. Read more about the graduates below:


Congratulations to Diana Antonio for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge! From Racine, Wisconsin, Diana is a biochemistry major who is most proud of working as a CNA because it allowed her to get patient care experience in order to apply to medical school. She says, “Becoming a CNA also allowed me to understand the healthcare system and realize I want to become a family medicine doctor.” After graduation, Diana will be attending medical school.


Congratulations to Kennedy Coughlan for completing the Real World Edge! A biology major with a concentration in zoology, Kennedy is from Pandora, Ohio. She really enjoyed her first-ever animal care job. She loved the staff she worked with, especially the animals. Kennedy says, “It was such amazing experience to see and work with exotics and bond with those animals.” After graduation, Kennedy will be working with Labcorp as a research technician in their animal operations team developing pharmaceutical drugs.


Congratulations to Hailey Currie for completing the Citizenship and Real World Edges! From Kingsford, Michigan, Hailey is a 4+1 accounting major whole completed her accounting degree in 2022 Winter Semester and completed her MBA in May. She is most proud of volunteering at the NMU Food Pantry, helping with NMU’s food-insecure community. She says, “This was a very enlightening experience that allowed me to feel connected to a community and feel like I was truly making a difference.” After graduation, Hailey will finish taking her CPA exams, travel overseas and in the US, and then work as a CPA at Grant Thornton as a tax accountant.


Congratulations to Olivia Dunn for completing all four edges for Superior Edge! From West Bloomfield, Michigan, Olivia is an international studies major who is most proud of studying abroad in Oldenburg, Germany. She says, “It was a leap of faith to immerse myself in a culture and language that I had little to no previous knowledge of and allowed me to further increase my international competency and cultural awareness.” After graduation, Olivia will be attending George Washington University in Washington, DC for a Master’s in International Education.


Congratulations to Brianna Elizondo for completing all four edges for Superior Edge! A double major in biology and Spanish, Brianna is from Holland, Michigan. She is most proud of spending three months in Colorado building hiking trails alongside the US Forest Service. Brianna says, “We lived in tents and spent each day working 10 hours in all kinds of extreme weather. I was placed in two different national forest and assigned different assignments based on the most pressing needs. I restored OHV trails, constructed bridges, built new segments of trail, completed campground maintenance, removed invasive species, and mitigated erosion trails, which was a great opportunity for me to get my foot into the conservation field.” After graduation, she will be studying abroad in Spain for a month and then moving to Colorado to conduct a field study on Colorado’s ecosystems.


Congratulations to Hanna Ellis for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge! Hailing from Iron Mountain, Michigan, Hanna is a speech, language and hearing sciences major. She is most proud of her Student Leader Fellowship Program community service internship with Peter White Public Library Youth Services where she planned and organized activities for an after-school program. She says, “Additionally, I put together crafts for the children to take home and make. I was happy to work with the children and give back to the local community.” After graduation, Hanna will pursue a Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology at University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire.


Congratulations to Amber Essenmacher for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge! An English-Writing major, Amber is from Bad Axe, Michigan. She is most proud of co-coordinating Make A Difference Day. Amber says, “There are few chances to really impact people and that was one of them. I loved that I was able to do something solely for the benefit of students and community members. I have helped coordinate the past three years, and despite COVID and other barriers, I have been proud to see students showing up and helping out. Make A Difference Day was among the first group events I participated in at Northern. I am happy that it came full circle and I was able to give the same opportunity to other students.” After graduation, Amber will look for jobs in higher education, apply to MFA programs, and look for her first home with her significant other.


Congratulations to Rebecca Fournier for completing all four edges for Superior Edge! From Clio, Michigan, Rebecca is a double major in criminal justice and psychology. She is most proud of doing an internship at the prison. She says, “I had an incredible opportunity to help a hidden population with mental health. It was an activity that challenged my current knowledge, and it taught me about the challenges of mental health in the correctional facilities’ population.” After graduation, Rebecca will be attending UW-Oshkosh to get a Master’s in Professional Counseling.


Congratulations to Bailey Gomes for completing all four edges for Superior Edge! A forensic biochemistry major, Bailey is from Swartz Creek, Michigan. She is most proud of her Student Leader Fellowship Program community service internship with UP Rainbow Pride where she helped coordinate the 2022 UP PrideFest. Bailey says, “It was very impactful to see how much the event meant to everyone who attended. The visibility and support that PrideFest gives to the LGBTQ+ community is incredibly important, and I am so proud to have helped make that event successful.” After graduation, Bailey will be staying at NMU to complete a Master of Science in biology.


Congratulations to Katie Hayes for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge


Congratulations to Mia Hickey for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge! From Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Mia is a public relations major who is most proud of helping with the annual Coffee Crawl through the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA). She says, “It was so valuable to get experience chairing an event and learning the ins and outs of event planning from beginning to end. I have valued all the professional experience I have gained through PRSSA but this one was the most fun.” After graduation, Mia will pursue a career in environmental communications.


Congratulations to Josie Hodges for completing the Leadership Edge! A public relations major, Josie hails from Plymouth, Michigan. Josie is most proud of working with Mind Your Health for her Student Leader Fellowship Program community service internship. She says, “I worked to connect Northern students with on-campus mental health resources.” After graduation, Josie will be moving to Minnesota.


Congratulations to Jacquelyn Jacobs for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge! A biochemistry major, Jacquelyn is from Whitehall, Michigan. She is most proud of her time with the Head Start program of Marquette and Bay Cliff Health Camp. Jacquelyn says, “I’ve learned a lot about what it means to live a different normal and that even as adults we’re all just trying to get it figured out. Working with kids has taught me so many life lessons that I’ll take with me. We are all worthy of love and people who want to dedicate their time to us and I’m just happy I could take the time to spend with the kids. It was also fun to reminisce about what it was like to be a kid again.” After graduation, Jacquelyn will be staying at NMU to get her Master’s in biology and applying for dental school.


Congratulations to Alexandra Johnson for completing the Real World Edge! A computer science major, Alex is from Antioch, Illinois. She is most proud of an internship she completed because it helped her gain the experience she would need to be a successful employee, and she was offered a full-time position upon graduation. After graduation, Alex will be a software developer for CDW.


Congratulations to Bailey Johnson for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge! From Kingsford, Michigan, Bailey is a sports science major who is most proud of her last two years as the secretary of the Pre-Physical Therapy Club. She said, “When I joined the club during my freshmen year, nearly all of the founding members had graduated. Only a select few were left to carry on the club’s purpose and provide an environment conducive to teamwork, collaboration, support, and learning. Along with fellow club members and our adviser, I contributed to establishing the club further into the NMU community and forming a solid foundation for future healthcare professionals to come together.” After graduation, Bailey will be moving to Green Bay, Wisconsin to attend Bellin College’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program.


Congratulations to Faith King for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge! A social media design management major, Faith is from Coleman, Wisconsin. She is most proud of her Student Leader Fellowship Program community service internship with St. Vincent de Paul. She says, “This activity allowed me to become further involved in the Marquette community while practicing skills that I have gained in pursuit of my major.” During her final semester, Faith secured a part-time job with iBeAuthentic in Menominee, Michigan. After graduation, she will be working with them full time creating digital strategy for professional brands in the hair and beauty industry.”


Congratulations to Mary Kuligowski for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge! From Romeo, Michigan, Mary is an earth science major. She is most proud of volunteering with her sorority, Phi Sigma Sigma, at the local Marquette schools. Mary says, “Phi Sig’s philanthropy is school and college readiness and being able to actively engage in that and also recognize/highlight it while in Superior Edge was awesome. Working with the students in the classroom was so much fun and entertaining too. It’s definitely a memory I’ll always remember after graduating.” Mary plans to work in the admissions area at a university.


Congratulations to Faith Liberty for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge! Hailing from Marquette, Faith is a secondary education – English major. She is most proud of coaching the Marquette Senior High School Girls Varsity Basketball team. Faith says, “I had the opportunity to be the assistant coach, and I learned so much throughout the year! As a future educator, my coaching experience was beyond valuable and the memories our team created were priceless!” After graduation, Faith will be teaching English at the high school level and continue coaching basketball.


Congratulations to Anna Nagy for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge! From Sterling, Michigan, Anna is a neuroscience major with a behavioral and cognitive concentration. She is most proud of doing her Student Leader Fellowship Program community service internship with Mind Your Health NMU because it allowed her to assist in relaying mental health concerns on campus to administration. Anna says, “This opportunity helped me grow both personally and professionally. I felt I made a difference on campus serving as a co-event coordinator and putting on effective Skill Builder! workshops.” After graduation, Anna will be applying to medical school.


Congratulations to Addisyn Pennings for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge! From DePere, Wisconsin, Addisyn is a clinical laboratory science major with a concentration in science technologist. She is most proud of her involvement with the NMU Food Pantry through her Student Leader Fellowship Program community service internship where she made meaningful connections with the people who used it as well as help make a positive impact on our community. After graduation, she will be working as a medical lab tech until she goes to physician assistant school.


Congratulations to Delaney Quinn for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge! From Glenwood City, Wisconsin, Delaney is a double major in marketing and public relations. She is most proud of being a volunteer coordinator for the Fresh Coast Film Festival. Delaney says, “I worked with the festival for a few months and I met some amazing people. Fresh Coast has a very positive impact on the Marquette community and the films highlight the outdoors and the environment of the Great Lakes Region.” After graduation, Delaney will be moving to Minneapolis to pursue a degree in marketing.


Congratulations to Dana Rinkel or completing all four edges for the Superior Edge! A biology major, Dana is from Royal Oak, Michigan. Dana is most proud of doing a summer marine mammal training internship in Florida. She says, “It was an amazing experience which will help with my career goals.” After graduation, Dana will be working as a marine mammal specialist at Gulf World Marine Park in Panama City Beach, Florida.


Congratulations to Hannah Roose for completing the Citizenship and Real World Edges! From Ludington, Michigan, Hannah is a nursing major who is most proud of participating with the Wildpups. She says, “I was able to interact with students of different majors and learn more about the NMU community. I also enjoyed watching the first-semester nursing students learn and gain more confidence throughout the semester.” After graduation, Hannah will be working on a cardiovascular unit in Billings, Montana.


Congratulations to Lainie Scott for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge! A double major in history and Native American Studies, Lainie is from Richland, Michigan. She is most proud of her work with the Native American Student Association because she helped organize events such as Indigenous Peoples’ Day, Orange Shirt Day, MMIW Events, and the First Nations Food Taster.” Lainie says, “It was great to help with such wonderful events that really brought the community together.” After graduation, Lainie will be pursing her master’s degree.


Congratulations to Katherine Snider for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge! From Grayling, Michigan, Katie is a biology major with a physiology emphasis/pre-med. Katie is most proud of her involvement with the ASL Club and having the honor to sign the National Anthem during some of the NMU hockey games. She says, “It was truly an amazing experience, and I learned so much about the deaf community and American Sign Language as a member and president of the club.” After graduation, Katie will be taking a gap year before applying to medical school.


Congratulations to Abigail Stelter for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge! From Mankato, Minnesota, Abigail is a hospitality and tourism major with an emphasis in lodging and tourism. She is most proud of selling cookies she made at the Marquette Farmers Market because she felt like a part of the Marquette community, became friends with other vendors, and practiced entrepreneurial skills like inventory management, food safety, financials, and marketing. After graduation, Abigail will be moving to Minneapolis/St. Paul to get a job in the hospitality industry.


Congratulations to Kayla Stevens for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge! Hailing from Howard City, Michigan, Kayla is an elementary education, integrated science major, who is most proud of her time with the Special Events Committee. Kayla says, “I spent about four years with this organization working to host engaging events for the students at NMU. This club helped me stay involved with my community and gave me something to look forward to each week outside of classes. Here I gained confidence in myself. The SEC helped me meet new people and recognize my passion for volunteering. I will forever be grateful for my time with Special Events.” After graduation, she will be heading to Greece for a two-week volunteer trip. When she gets back, she will be working her summer job and searching for a teaching position for the fall.

Twelve students were recognized as Superior Edge graduates. To receive this honor, the students completed a minimum of 400 Superior Edge hours, a minimum of 100 hours in each of the four edges. Superior Edge graduates were given blue cords to wear at commencement. The other eight students graduated with one, two or three edges. Read more about the graduates below:


Congratulations to Sylvia Bednarczyk for completing the Leadership and Real World Edges! From Oak Lawn, Illinois, Sylvia is a theatre technology and design major where she worked with the Superior Arts Youth Theatre (SAYT), the community youth theatre, where she planned, facilitated, and led theatre technology and design workshops for young children. Sylvia says, “I am most proud of this activity, as I worked to develop my virtues of patience and diligence while educating the youth, who have limited theatre and arts educational opportunities. These young students began creating connections with NMU students and faculty members and allowed them to learn more about their interests that they otherwise have not had the opportunity to do.” After graduation, Sylvia will work at professional theatres in the Chicagoland area or beyond.


Congratulations to Joey Bogaudo for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge! Joey is a biology/physiology major from Iron Mountain, Michigan. Joey is most proud of volunteering at the food pantry where he was able to help so many people in need and let them know that there are people out there that care. After graduation, Joey will be attending medical school.


Congratulations to Mandy Bonesteel for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge! From Lapeer, Michigan, Mandy is a sociology major who is most proud of studying community public health abroad in Botswana, Africa while working on a major project for McNair and working as a full-time AmeriCorps Vista Leader during the summer of 2022. She says, “…I was able to accomplish all of my goals on each of those fronts while being in a new country, on a continent I have never been to, immersed in an unfamiliar culture, and experiencing several stressful situations. Somehow, I managed to write a 70-page research paper, take 10 credits and get all A’s, work, and still find time to explore the surrounding areas and cultures. It was a LOT of work but very rewarding when all was said and done!” After graduation, Mandy will stay at NMU to work on her Master of Public Administration while working as a Rural Outreach Coordinator for Equality Michigan where she will be doing direct victim services along with public education and outreach for the LGBTQ+ community of the Upper Peninsula.


Congratulations to Tiana Brooks for completing the Real World Edge! An elementary special education major (cognitive impairment), Tiana is from Iron Mountain, Michigan. She is most proud of being a teaching assistant (TA) for NMU’s Math Department because it gave her the opportunity to apply her potential career right then and there. She says, “I had the opportunity to work under two different professors and work with students of different ages and math levels.” After graduation, Tiana would like to eventually accept a teaching position in Michigan. Before that, she would like to travel to a few of the national parks (Acadia, Glacier, and Banff) and see more of the world.


Congratulations Morgan Chidester for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge! A double major in accounting and French, Morgan is from Howell, Michigan who is most proud of planning Make A Difference Day. Morgan says, “It was a lot of work but it was so rewarding to see campus come together to serve around 125 community members by raking their yards.” After graduation, Morgan will be moving to Atlanta, Georgia to work as an audit associate at Frazier and Deeter.


Congratulations to Margaret Compton for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge! A Marquette native, Margaret enjoyed working at Bay Cliff Health Camp, a summer therapy camp serving children with disabilities. The children work towards goals of increased independence and living a fuller life. She says, “My involvement there has impacted me immensely.”  After graduation, Margaret will be moving to Santa Fe, New Mexico.


Congratulations to Olivia Crandall for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge! From Plainwell, Michigan, Olivia is a double major in criminal justice and forensic anthropology. She is most proud of her Student Leader Fellowship Program community service internship with the Women’s Center. Olivia says, “I did many fundraisers, ran their social media account, and hosted campus-wide events at NMU. …I got to work with great people, be a part of cool experiences, and get hands-on experiences.” After graduation, Olivia hopes to work for a police department on their crime scene response team.


Congratulations to Marielle Foesterling for completing the Real World Edge! From North Barrington, Illinois, Marielle is a biology major with a concentration in zoology/pre-vet. She is most proud of working at her local veterinary clinic which gave her so much experience to get on track for the vet school. She says, “I have been able to learn so many hands-on skills such as phlebotomy, surgical preparation and interacting with patients. I also was able to train new employee’s giving me more confidence and understanding on how to lead others.” After graduation, Marielle plans to attend veterinary school.


Congratulations to Destiny Green for completing the Citizenship, Leadership, and Real World Edges! A nursing major, Destiny is from Manitowoc, Wisconsin. Destiny is most proud of being able to explore different opportunities while in Superior Edge. She says, “…it pushed me to explore different diversities and to get civically engaged which was out of my comfort zone. I am most proud of finishing all four edges. As a nursing student, it was not easy to complete my hours.” After graduation, Destiny will be working as a registered nurse at Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee


Congratulations to Nicole Kannass for completing all four edges for Superior Edge! Nicki is a biology major who is from Hustisford, Wisconsin. She is most proud of working with Girl Scout Troop 6838 and having the opportunity to help these girls grow as leaders. Nicki says, “I really enjoyed working with the girls and teaching them skills to help them in their future including outdoor skills and leadership skills.” After graduation, Nicki plans to go to medical school.


Congratulations to Kristi Kruczynski for completing all four edges for Superior Edge! From Howell, Michigan, Kristi is an elementary education major with a focus on mathematics. Kristi is most proud of volunteering at her local summer camp. She says, “I am most proud of this because it helped me gain experience with children and teaching which will benefit me in my future career as a teacher.” After graduation, Kristi plans to teach in Valdez, Alaska or remain in the Upper Peninsula.


Congratulations to Thailey Leak for completing the Diversity, Leadership, and Real World Edges! A biology major with a concentration in physiology, Thailey is from Janesville, Wisconsin. She is most proud of her volunteer internship with the Wildpups. She says, “I started volunteering at the Wildpup events and helped coordinator the library events. Later, I pioneered m own Wildpup Animal-Assisted Therapy program at Brookridge Heights Assisted Living and Memory Care. This event brought so much joy to the residents of Brookridge….” After graduation, Thailey will be attending physical therapy school to obtain her Doctorate of Physical Therapy to become a neurological physical therapist.


Congratulations to Sarah Marvin for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge! Sarah is a biology major with a concentration in zoology from Appleton, Wisconsin. Sarah is most proud of working at a veterinary clinic for over a year because she was able to help so many people’s pets. After graduation, Sarah plans to go to veterinary school.


Congratulations to Hailey Rogers for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge! Hailey is a biology/physiology major from Jackson, Michigan. Hailey is most proud of helping to pack food packs for some of the students at the Lyle Torrant Center in her hometown over Thanksgiving and winter breaks. She says, “By packing these bags, I felt like I had a concrete and very positive impact on the community I grew up in, which is super important to me as I was able to give back to people that have previously given to me.” After graduation, Hailey will be staying in Marquette and working as an EMT through the spring and summer and then will, hopefully, be attending medical school in the fall!  


Congratulations to Sonora Snook for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge! A sports science major, Sonora is from Holland, Michigan. She is most proud of volunteering at the Special Olympics Polar Plunge fundraiser. Sonora says, “It was great to see such a welcoming and positive community get together to support the athletes. Plus, it was very entertaining to watch each group take the plunge with funny costumes and all.” After graduation, Sonora plans to attend physical therapy school to get her DPT. During the winter semester, she hopes to do some traveling and work as a phlebotomist.


Congratulations to Sydney St. Clair for completing the Diversity and Real World Edges!  From Gwinn, Michigan, Sydney is a biology major with a concentration in pre-veterinary who is most proud of her time in the Pre-Veterinary Club. She says, “I started as a member who didn’t know anyone in the club and worked my way up to becoming the vice president! I gained great leadership ability through this club and would not have had as many opportunities if it was not for joining my freshman year.” After graduation, Sydney will be going to veterinary school.


Congratulations to Carter Traas for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge! A sport science major, Carter is from Sheboygan, Wisconsin. Carter is most proud of teaching an after-school fitness class at the YMCA for children ages 5-13. He says, “I saw improvement in the kids’ attitudes, strengths, and eagerness to learn.” After graduation, Carter will be attending physical therapy school at Bellin College in Green Bay, Wisconsin.


Karly Ann Van Drese – Congratulations to Karly Van Drese for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge! From Escanaba, Michigan, Karly is a biology major with a physiology concentration. Karly is most proud of volunteering at The Gallery where she got to spend time in the community and learned more about one of her hobbies. After graduation and starting this May, Karly will be attending Central Michigan University for their physician assistant program.


Congratulations to Ella Zajac for completing the Real World Edge! A nursing major, Ella is from Rochester, Michigan. After graduation, Ella will be working at UP Health System for two years and then travel nursing.


Congratulations to Lauren Zimny for completing the Diversity, Leadership, and Real World Edges! From Castlewood, South Dakota, Lauren is a biology major with a physiology concentration that is most proud of all of the work she did to complete the Real World Edge. She says, “I think it really helped prepare me for my future career by giving me a better understanding of all that it will entail.” After graduation, Lauren will move back to South Dakota while applying for medical school.

Twenty students were recognized as Superior Edge graduates. To receive this honor, the students completed a minimum of 400 Superior Edge hours, a minimum of 100 hours in each of the four edges. Superior Edge graduates were given blue cords to wear at commencement. The other 14 students graduated with one, two or three edges. Read more about the graduates below:

 

Congratulations to Jenna Comperchio for completing the Leadership and Real World Edges! From Jackson, Michigan, Jenna is a biology major with a physiology concentration. She is most proud of spending a summer as a camp counselor because she was able to gain leadership experience and simultaneously teach campers to be good leaders. After graduation, Jenna will be taking the MCAT and applying to medical schools. This summer she will work as a camp counselor and come back to Marquette in the fall to work as a CAN for her gap year.
Congratulations to Katie Cothran for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge! A biology major, Katie is from Gurnee, Illinois. Katie says, “The activity I am most proud of is joining the Native American Student Association’s (NASA) march to help raise awareness for the movement to reassign October 11 as Indigenous People’s Day. I learned so much about this effort to rewrite the legacy of celebrating Christopher Columbus’ actions over 500 years ago and made many new friends by simply walking in solidarity.” After graduation, Katie plans to take the MCAT and apply to medical schools potentially specializing in obstetrics and gynecology for family medicine.
Congratulations to Tyler Davis for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge! Tyler is a business management major from Lake Nebagamon, Wisconsin. Tyler is most proud of his Student Leader Fellowship Program (SLFP) community service internship with the NMU Food Pantry. He says, “It was one of the most rewarding experiences of my college career. I worked closely with two other SLFP’ers, and we were the most efficient team I have ever worked with. The change we were able to see over the course of the year was amazing, and I would not trade that experience for anything.” After graduation, Tyler will be hiking the Pacific Crest Trail which runs from the border of Mexico to the border of Canada. After that, he will pursue his passion of guiding both rock and ice climbing.
Congratulations to Ashley Dunneback for completing the Leadership and Real World Edges! A biology major, Ashley is from Commerce Township, Michigan. She is most proud of the research she got to be a part of in the Microbiology Department and at FROST. Ashley says, “I often assisted graduate students with their thesis projects by collecting samples and helping run tests in the lab. It was a fascinating experience to work at FROST because I could see firsthand what it would be like to become a Forensic Scientist. I greatly furthered my knowledge in the lab by practicing many techniques that I learned in my science courses. Looking back at the research I started working on up to now overall is a huge accomplishment.” After graduation, she plans to move back downstate to be with her family and work.
Congratulations to Hilde Eide for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge! From Beitostoelen, Norway, Hilde is a mechanical engineering tech major. She is most proud of helping to start up Divest NMU because it increased her awareness of community challenges that come from climate change, and the challenges related to getting NMU to divest from fossil fuels. After graduation, she will work or attend graduate school.
Congratulations to Annika Enders for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge! From Stevens Point, Wisconsin, Annika is an outdoor recreation leadership and management major. She is most proud of taking kids on 1-to-2 week long backpacking, rock climbing, caving, whitewater kayaking, and canoeing trips in Virginia. This summer she will be the climbing instructor for a high adventure camp in the Virginian Appalachians.
Congratulations to Valeta Gage for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge! Val is from Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, and is a speech, language and hearing sciences major. She is most proud of taking on three clients with a variety of communication disorders as an undergraduate clinician which allowed her to grow as a student and in confidence of what she learned over the past four years. She says, “I was leading the evaluation, the planning and execution of sessions, and processed the paperwork afterwards which will be skills I continue to use in graduate school and beyond.” After graduation, Val will be attending Central Michigan University to get her Master’s in Communication Sciences and Disorders.
Congratulations to Kyle Gerych for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge! From Grass Lake, Michigan, Kyle is a double major in anthropology and sociology. He is most proud of traveling to Cusco, Peru during his freshman year where he volunteered at a dog shelter and explored the country. After graduation, Kyle will be moving to Milwaukee, Wisconsin to work with the AmeriCorp’s City Year program.
Congratulations to Madelyn Hagg for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge! Hailing from Roscoe, Illinois, Maddie is an athletic training major who is most proud of helping her high school football team during the summer because it gave her the assurance that athletic training was the right field for her. After graduation, Maddie will be taking the Board of Certification test that certifies her as an athletic trainer and will be applying for jobs.
Congratulations to Lara Hazzard for completing the Citizenship, Leadership, and Real World Edges! From Sparta, Michigan, Lara is a social work major who is most proud of everything she learned working in real-world settings. Lara says, “My job as before and after-school care teacher and my internship at the Harbor House have both really helped me figure out what I want to do for a living.” After graduation, Lara will be attending Ferris State University for their MSW program.
Congratulations to Mandy Helppi for completing the Diversity, Leadership, and Real World Edges! Hailing from Negaunee, Michigan, Mandy is a psychology major with a concentration in mental health/pre-clinical. Mandy is most proud of working as a direct care aide with Adult Learning Systems, where she assisted adults living with disabilities doing daily tasks, helping them grown in their autonomy, and maintaining emotional stability. She says, “The consumers that I worked with were truly amazing individuals who I grew quite close to. I appreciated the opportunity to create a meaningful relationship with individuals who needed it.” After graduation, Mandy will be attaining further psychological research experience in order to apply to graduate programs in clinical psychology.
Congratulations to Naomi Hendrickson for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge! An outdoor recreation leadership and management major, Naomi is from Litchfield, Michigan. She is most proud of completing her internship at the Marquette Maritime and Lighthouse giving the guided walking tours that were not only fun and engaging but also allowed her the opportunity to apply her classroom learning to a real-world experience. After graduation, Naomi plans to work in the outdoor field.
Congratulations to Christopher Jehle for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge! A public relations major, Chris is from Glenview, Illinois. He is most proud of heading up the public relations committee for his fraternity, Tau Kappa Epsilon, where he had a chance to entirely rebrand his chapter across their social media platform as well as design and develop content and graphics. After graduation, he is planning on moving to Lower Michigan to find a job either with a business for PR agency.
Congratulations to Kailey Klimek for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge! Kailey is a biology major with a physiology concentration. She is from Coleman, Wisconsin and is most proud of being a volunteer softball coach for a high school girls’ team. Kailey says, “I grew into an amazing leader through this opportunity, and I was able to pass my knowledge of a sport that I love, onto younger players. I witnessed the team grow together as they played more and more games. This experience brought me a new perspective on sports. I was able to see what it was like to coach players without actually being able to play. The players taught me about my leadership skills just as much as I taught them about playing softball.” After graduation, Kailey will attend physician assistant school in Wisconsin.
Congratulations to Morgan Kolimaga for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge! Hailing from Sussex, Wisconsin, Morgan is a forensic biochemistry major who is most proud of the three Spooky Science Night events that she put on with the UP Children’s Museum. She says, “Even through the pandemic, we were able to give kids a fun Halloween experience that showed them different aspects of STEM in a fun and spooky way. We always made it free and accessible to all kids and pre-pandemic we were able to make sure no kid left hungry. Being able to see kids have fun and enjoy these science activities is beyond rewarding.” After graduation, Morgan plans to get a job in chemistry or microbiology.
Congratulations to Jakob Lippert for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge! A double major in history and German Studies, Jakob is from Green Bay Wisconsin. Jakob is most proud of going on Superior Edge’s International Service Project to Cusco, Peru because he got to help build a dog shelter, meet amazing people, and learn more about the diverse and fascinating culture of the Andes. After graduation, Jakob will be doing lots of traveling this summer including trips to Maine, South Dakota, and New York and will then be moving to Germany to being working as an English teaching assistant with the Fulbright Program.
Congratulations to Cody Marecek for completing the Real World Edge! From Freeland, Michigan, Cody is a graphic design major who is most proud of working for Promotional Services in NMU’s Center for Student Enrichment. Cody says, “I was able to learn so many valuable things about working as a graphic designer in the real world.” After graduation, Cody will be doing some remote graphic design work while working in Marquette, and hopefully, doing some cool personal work.
Congratulations to Aidan McInerney for completing the Leadership Edge! Aidan is a criminal justice major from Troy, Michigan. Aidan is most proud of his Student Leader Fellowship Program community service internship with NMU’s Food Pantry. He says, “I was a host for the NMU Food Pantry greeting shoppers, refilling shelves with items, and showing new volunteers around the pantry. I am proud of putting in the time and commitment through these very odd and challenging times.” After graduation, Aidan will be applying for jobs with MSP or federal law enforcement.
Congratulations to Donald McKaba III for completing the Real World Edge! A double major in medicinal plant chemistry and Spanish, Donald is from Upper Saddle River, New Jersey. Donald is most proud of working at Dunegrass because it taught him that everyone will not have the same knowledge as you, and that is ok! He says, “This opportunity to work in my field of interest showed me that consumer information of cannabis is really low.” After graduation, Donald plans to become a certified yoga instructor and learning more about cannabinoids interaction with humans.
Congratulations to Mackenzie Meyer for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge! A double major in Spanish and English Secondary Education, Kenzie is from Grand Rapids, Michigan. Kenzie is most proud of working in NMU’s Center for Student Enrichment because it gave her an incredible education in human growth, trust, and leadership. She was able to develop incredible initiatives that she will cherish for the rest of her life. After graduation, Kenzie will be attending Western Michigan University to study English and have a graduate assistantship.
Congratulations to Abigail Moffett for completing the Real World Edge! From Ypsilanti, Michigan, Abby graduated with her master’s in psychology. She is most proud of helping with Pump Up the Dome because it was fun to see so many members of the community smile and enjoy themselves. After graduation, Abby will be moving to Boulder, Colorado to work as a behavioral therapist for children with autism.
Congratulations to Tara Myers for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge! An Alpena, Michigan native, Tara is an English major who is most proud of the time she spent in Haiti on a mission trip. Tara says, “My mission’s group hosted community events, brought the mission supplies, and had an opportunity to help around the campus and interact with orphans that lived there. The experience of visiting a third world country and coming alongside the locals to help them in their daily lives has changed my perspective forever.” After graduation, Tara plans to look for a full-time position in Marquette either as a content writer or in management and is looking into online technical writing positions. 
Congratulations to Chrysanthe Patselas for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge! From Ann Arbor, Michigan, Chrysanthe is an environmental studies and sustainability major who is most proud of working with Partridge Creek Farm for her community service internship with the Student Leader Fellowship Program. She says, “I gained a lot more insight about food systems and food justice. I got to see how important non-profits are to communities up close and while getting my hands dirty! I’m proud of the physical labor that I put into this internship.” After graduation, she plans on traveling to Europe this summer and in the fall she will be working on one of the Rocky Mountain Youth Corps conservation crews in Colorado.
Congratulations to Silas Pelkie for completing the Citizenship, Diversity, and Leadership Edges! A biology major with a focus in microbiology, Silas is from Lakeville, Minnesota. He is most proud of being the co-president of the ASL Club since his sophomore year where they educated people about the deaf culture and ASL doing movie nights, informational PowerPoints, and even a Skill Builder! workshop. Silas says, “All of these activities educated about deaf culture and ASL, which I am very proud of.” After graduation, Silas plans to get a job or internship in research in the field of cellular and molecular biology.
Congratulations to Caroline Porter for completing the Leadership and Real World Edges! From Kewadin, Michigan, Caroline is a secondary education social studies major who is most proud of her student teaching. She says, “Student teaching emerges you into the teaching career and requires a lot of hours of planning and preparation. Completing this phase of the education program is a big accomplishment. As most young educators in the age of COVID, I went into this semester pretty nervous and without much in-person teaching experience. I am now a more confident individual and educator as a result of this experience.” After graduation, Caroline plans to move back downstate to begin her teaching and coaching career.
Congratulations to Emma Rondeau for completing the Citizenship and Real World Edges! Hailing from Skandia, Michigan, Emma is a biology major with a physiology concentration. She is most proud of her role as a “Big” in the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Marquette and Alger counties where she was matched with her “Little” for three years. They have had so much fun together, and it taught her so much about what it means to truly be a mentor. After graduation, Emma will continue working as a medical assistant at UPHS Marquette and applying to medical school.
Congratulations to Fred Sims, Jr. for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge! Freddy is a hospitality management major from Detroit. He is most proud of creating Power in Unity, a photo series dedicated to African descendants that will take place the month of February on Instagram and Facebook, which was created out of the desperate need for equal representation. After graduation, Freddy will continue with grad school seeking a Master’s in Public Administration.
Congratulations to Hannah Smith for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge! From Waukesha, Wisconsin, Hannah is a multimedia journalism major. She is most proud of working with Camp One Step, an organization that allows children diagnosed with cancer to go to camp. Because Hannah is a childhood cancer survivor who was once at this camp, she was honored to be able to give back by becoming a counselor and social media intern. After graduation, Hannah will be taking the summer off to travel and see multiple national parks. After that, she will get a job in public relations or health communication.
Congratulations to Dallas St. Onge for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge! A speech, language and hearing sciences major, Dallas is from Clawson, Michigan. She is most proud of doing her Student Leader Fellowship Program community service internship at the Peter White Public Library in the Youth Services department. She helped with various programs including implementing their first annual winter reading program: Flamingos in the Snow. After graduation, Dallas will be attending the University of Wisconsin-Madison to obtain her Master’s of Science in Speech-Language Pathology.
Congratulations to Joseph Sturm for completing the Citizenship, Leadership, and Real World Edges! A secondary math education major, Joe is from Kingsford, Michigan. He is most proud of working with the Voter Friendly Campus project which was spearheaded by ASNMU, NMU’s student government. As a member, he was excited to help his peers become not only registered to vote but also educated to vote. After graduation, he will be working as a long-term substitute for the remainder of the school year. Then he will work as a full-time teacher somewhere in Michigan.
Congratulations to Megan Syrjala for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge! From Negaunee, Michigan, Megan is a secondary education social studies major who is most proud of coaching middle school tennis and high school track and field for Negaunee. She says, “Coaching has been a wonderful opportunity to give back to the community and school system that I grew up in. I have been able to build everlasting relationships with students, which I will carry with me as I move into the next chapter of my life.” After graduation, Megan hopes to find a teaching job in the area.
Congratulations to Ryla Vatland for completing the Real World Edge! Hailing from Westby, Wisconsin, Ryla is a zoology major who is most proud of working at her local vet clinic, Coulee Mobile Veterinary Clinic (CMVC) with Dr. Dennis Knight. Ryla was able to do a lot of amazing work, and she can’t wait to learn more. After graduation, she will continue working at CMVC while pursuing a vet tech certification.
Congratulations to Anna Watson for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge! A sports public relations major, Anna is from Troy, Michigan. She is most proud of coordinating Trunk or Treat, to give kids a safe way to trick to treat during COVID. With over 800 people from Marquette participating, she received messages about how much it meant to the families since they couldn’t trick or treat in their neighborhoods. Anna says, “I’ve put a lot of events to help NMU students, so putting on an event for the community was fun and different.” After graduation, Anna would like to work in a collegiate athletic department or find an internship with a professional team.

 

Six students were recognized as Superior Edge graduates. To receive this honor, the students completed a minimum of 400 Superior Edge hours, a minimum of 100 hours in each of the four edges. Superior Edge graduates were given blue cords to wear at commencement. The other 10 students graduated with one, two or three edges. Read more about the graduates below:

Congratulations to Madyson Hague for completing the Diversity and Real World Edges! From Gaylord, Michigan, Madyson is a management of health and fitness major who is most proud of helping all of the older folks rake their leaves during all of the Make A Difference Days that she participated in. She knows that they appreciated it.  After graduation, Madyson will be staying in Marquette.
Congratulations to Sierra Hamil for completing the Citizenship and Real World Edges! Sierra is a secondary Spanish education major from Grand Rapids, Michigan. She is most proud of her time working at Grace Adventures because she grew the most during that activity and probably had the most fun too. After graduation, she plans to teach in a secondary education classroom and do a lot of traveling. 
Congratulations to Marin Hoffman for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge! From Harbor Springs, Michigan, Marin is a political science major with a pre-law designation. She is most proud of interning at a small law firm near her hometown. She says, “This internship confirmed my desire to become a family, adoption, and child advocacy lawyer. It also opened my eyes to many different types of law and allow me to network within the legal profession. I feel like I also made a positive impact on the firm, providing an example of a good intern.” Marin is currently in her first semester of law school at Michigan State University College of Law. She is in the Legal Education Accelerated Program (LEAP) which is an accelerated pre-law/law program where your first year of law school double counts as you last year of undergraduate.  After graduation, she will be continuing her education at MSU Law until graduation in May 2024.
Congratulations to Hannah Jaworski for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge! Hailing from Scottville, Michigan, Hannah is a social work major who is most proud of her internship at Marquette Internal Medicine and Pediatric Associates, PC, where she was able to learn from and work alongside healthcare professionals, especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic. After graduation, Hannah plans to continue to broaden her education and skills in social work by pursuing graduate studies.
Congratulations to Jordyn Klumb for completing the Citizenship and Real World Edges! A Marquette native, Jordyn is a clinical laboratory science major who is most proud of the practicum she did for her major. She says, “I worked in a laboratory at a hospital in which I saw firsthand the medical and financial challenges that our community is faced with. I developed an empathy for people that I did not know existed so strong inside me. Not only was this a very educational experience, but it also gave me job security. After my practicum, I was hired immediately, and I have been working at the hospital ever since. Working in a local hospital enables me to give back to the community, and it has been extremely rewarding.” After graduation, Jordyn plans to continue working at the hospital she is currently employed with as well as working on her medical school application.
Congratulations to Christian Latuszek for completing the Leadership and Real World Edges! A sports science major, Christian is from Gaylord, Michigan. Christian is most proud of being a resident adviser and community adviser because it was really rewarding to see the growth both within the community as well as himself. After graduation, Christian plans to work towards his certified strength and conditioning specialist certification through the winter while applying to grad school.
Congratulations to Veronica Line for completing the Real World Edge! A biology major with a physiology concentration, Veronica is from South Range, Wisconsin. She is most proud of her work she did as a Freshman Fellow with the Upper Michigan Brain Tumor Center. Veronica says, “The experience I gained and the techniques I learned helped me get a head start on research, which I continued to do throughout my undergraduate career. I made great connections with faculty and peers because of my time in the lab, and I would not trade that experience for anything.” After graduation, Veronica will be applying to medical school.
Congratulations to Kalee Martin for completing the Citizenship and Real World Edges! From Munising, Michigan, Kalee is an elementary education major who is most proud of volunteering in various elementary classrooms. She says, “This was an activity that I was already doing before I joined Superior Edge and was the reason I joined. …I valued the time that I was able to spend in classrooms with students. I am proud of the impact I was able to have in those classrooms and immensely grateful for the influence this time had on me and my knowledge and ability as an educator.” After graduation, Kalee will be substitute teaching in local schools and/or applying for a full-time teaching position.
Congratulations to Alec Mayo for completing the Real World Edge! A graphic design major, Alec is from Gwinn, Michigan. He is most proud of designing a variety of projects for the Center for Student Enrichment (CSE) while working in the Promotional Services office. He says, "It was gratifying to help student organizations and the CSE promote events throughout the years while having the opportunity to meet and work with so many amazing people." After graduation, Alec will be working as a graphic designer and social media management support for Yellow Dog Creative.
Congratulations to Arabel McLachlan for completing the Real World Edge! From Traverse City, Michigan, Arabel is a diagnostic genetics major who is most proud of her freshman fellow internship in the Molecular Genetics Laboratory. Arabel says, “I was able to go from knowing basically nothing about molecular techniques to being able to run assays from start to finish independently. This internship also helped me find my passion for research and decide to pursue a bachelor’s in diagnostic genetics.” After graduation Arabel will pursuing a Ph.D. program focused on biomedical research.
Congratulations to Erin Mortimer for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge! From Paw Paw, Michigan, Erin is a double major in international studies and Spanish. She is most proud of studying abroad in Peru where she was able to log many of the multitude of experiences she had including translating for her host family and being an interpreter. After graduation, Erin will be applying for a little bit of everything—graduate schools and jobs—and is just going to see what happens.
Congratulations to Cynthia Nielson for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge! From Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Cynthia is a double major in criminal justice and Spanish. Cynthia is most proud of Superior Edge's International Service Project to Peru. She says, “This trip was my first time in a Spanish-speaking country which was a testament to my Spanish skills. Acting as a translator for our group of 20 was a challenge, but it reinforced my love for the Spanish language. I also met some lifelong friends on this trip.” After graduation, Cynthia will be working as an executive team leader of Assets Protection at Target.
Congratulations to Wyatt Porter for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge! A nursing major, Wyatt is from Traverse City, Michigan. He is most proud of his time as a resident adviser. Wyatt says, “This was my first leadership role and also the same time I entered the nursing program.  It was a challenge to balance the time and the workload, but at the end, I was able to come out greatly changed as a student, leader, and member of the community. It was incredibly rewarding to be able to help other adapt and get invested in their community and to make a positive difference in people’s lives.” After graduation, Wyatt plans to begin a career in critical care nursing.
Congratulations to Katrina Salmen for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge! Katrina is an accounting major from Peshtigo, Wisconsin. She is most proud of volunteering at a thrift store that supported the local homeless shelter one summer in Montana. Katrina says, “My life is forever changed for the better after meeting so many amazing people in such a humbling experience. I’ve had so many impactful experiences and opportunities throughout my time in Superior Edge, but I’ll definitely never forget my summer sorting and selling second-hand goods and have the opportunity to show love to people in a community filled with a lot of darkness.” Shortly after graduation, Katrina will be getting married! Next semester she will continue the 4+1 accounting program and plan to graduate with her MBA next December, after which she will start her career with a public accounting firm.
Congratulations to Courtney Stone for completing the Leadership and Real World Edges! Hailing from New Lothrop, Michigan, Courtney is a secondary education/mathematics major. She is most proud of the work for her community service internship with the Student Leader Fellowship Program at the NMU Food Pantry. Courtney says, “My team and I successfully ran food drives and the 'Share Your Dining Dollars' event. We partnered with other organizations across campus to help feed 100+ people and won the NMU Community Service Award.” After graduation, Courtney will be taking a long-term subbing position at Westwood High School.
Congratulations to Amber Zins for completing the Citizenship and Diversity Edges. From Center City, Minnesota, Amber is a biology major with a physiology concentration. She is most proud of her medical internship in Kenya where she had the opportunity to shadow physicians from different departments and got a taste of what medicine looks like outside of the US. She says, “I was able to participate in community outreach through elementary school visits where we talked to kids about personal hygiene and menstrual health. My time in Kenya was truly a life changing experience. I am grateful to have met so many wonderful healthcare professionals who work incredibly hard for their patients and taught me so much about Kenyan culture and medicine.” After graduation, Amber will be moving back to Minnesota to start working while she studies for the MCAT. She will be applying to medical schools in the spring.

Twenty-six students were recognized as Superior Edge graduates. To receive this honor, the students completed a minimum of 400 Superior Edge hours, a minimum of 100 hours in each of the four edges. Superior Edge graduates were given blue cords to wear at commencement. The other 24 students graduated with one, two or three edges. Read more about the graduates below:

Congratulations to Kristina Atkinson for completing the Diversity, Leadership, and Real World Edges!  A forensic biochemistry major, Kristina is from Alpena, Michigan.  She is most proud of participating in Superior Edge’s Alternative Spring Break trip to Puerto Rico, where she assisted in cleaning parks and beaches, helped in animal rehabilitation centers, helped plant trees, and volunteered at a food pantry.  After graduation, Kristina plans to begin working in a forensic crime laboratory at the state level.
Congratulations to Anna Badger for completing the Citizenship and Real World Edges!  From Maple Grove, Minnesota, Anna is a nursing major.  She is most proud of her time spent working with the Noquemanon Ski Marathon Race Committee.  She says, “I was able to help coordinate and plan this wonderful event for two consecutive years while at Northern.  One of the things I am most proud of is being able to get more college students involved in the Noque.  I was able to recruit collegiate skiers from across the Midwest to come to the Noque and have a great experience.”  After graduation, Anna will be moving to Traverse City, Michigan where she will be working in critical care nursing.
Congratulations to Kailey Berandt for completing the Real World Edge!  Kailey is a sports science major from Marquette.  She is most proud of being able to shadow and work closely with a physical therapist at UP Health Systems – Marquette.  She says, “This opportunity allowed me to have a better understanding of what the world of physical therapy was all about.  The therapist taught me a lot about each patient’s condition and made me aware of how to help people with varying personalities.”  After graduation, Kailey will be attending graduate school at Central Michigan University where she will pursue a doctoral degree in physical therapy.
Congratulations to Malin Boerjesjoe for completing the Leadership Edge!  She is a mathematics major from Jarfalla, Sweden!  Malin is most proud of being the team captain for NMU’s Ski Team.  She said, “It has been a very good leadership experience and Superior Edge helped me reflect on my leadership to improve.  During my time as captain, the ski team did great performances, which made me proud.”  After graduation, Malin will be moving back to Sweden and will start a master’s degree in civil engineering.
Congratulations to Malin Boerjesjoe for completing the Leadership Edge!  She is a mathematics major from Jarfalla, Sweden!  Malin is most proud of being the team captain for NMU’s Ski Team.  She said, “It has been a very good leadership experience and Superior Edge helped me reflect on my leadership to improve.  During my time as captain, the ski team did great performances, which made me proud.”  After graduation, Malin will be moving back to Sweden and will start a master’s degree in civil engineering.
Congratulations to Andre Brown for completing the Real World Edge!   From Lake Orion, Michigan, Andre is an environmental science major.  He is most proud of starting the Firecats student organization. Andre says, “Five members of the Firecats have become wildland firefighters in the two years since the start of the club, with more likely to join them this year. I was fortunate to have help when I got into wildland fire and I am glad that I could pay it forward to others.”  After graduation, he will be working as a wildland firefighter with Pike Hotshots in Colorado.
Congratulations to Lucas Burrows for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  A psychology major, Lucas is from Ontonagon, Michigan.  He is most proud of helping at the scout camp he went to as a youth, because it allowed him to give back to a community that helped raise him and that had a huge influence on him when growing up.  After graduation, Lucas will be working in Marquette.
Congratulations to Lauren Clausen for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  From Menominee, Michigan, Lauren is a biology major with a general concentration.  She is most proud of traveling to Belize where she was able to help set up mini clinics in rural cities to check basic vitals and give out medications with a doctor’s aid.  She says, “I was able to step out of my comfort zone, and I am so glad I did.  We toured the hospitals and medical facilities of an emerging third-world country and visited schools to teach children the importance of being a well-rounded, healthy individual.”  After graduation she will be attending Marquette University School of Dentistry.
Congratulations to Lauren Clement for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  Lauren is a neuroscience major from Marquette.  Lauren is most proud of working with the Marquette Senior High School Swim and Dive team as an assistant coach where she was able to work with a group of students called the Guppies, students who had never swam before.  Lauren says, “It was both extremely fun and rewarding to watch their progress over the seasons from going completely unable to swim to being able to swim up to 20 lengths of the pool and all four strokes.  I especially enjoyed watching the progress of swimmers over their 3 years that I worked with the team.”  After graduation, Lauren plans to gain more real-life experience so she can determine if she wants to go to PA or veterinary school.
Congratulations to Karsyn Cook for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  From Marquette, Karsyn is a speech, language and hearing sciences major.  She is most proud of obtaining clinical experience in NMU’s Speech Language Hearing Clinic because most other undergraduate programs do not offer it.  After graduation, Karsyn will attend graduate school to obtain her Master’s in Speech Pathology.
Congratulations to Molly Cormier for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  A biology major with a concentration in microbiology, Molly is from Livonia, Michigan.  Molly is most proud of going to the 2019 American Society of Microbiology conference where she took part in student research and helped make a poster for the event.  She says, “I learned a lot during the process.  I am proud of the work that I was able to do, and it helped me to learn more about not only my field of study but also myself.”  After graduation, Molly will be looking for a job in either forensics or microbiology.  Her goal is to work in a forensics lab, and she would like to get some job experience before going on to graduate school.
Congratulations to Emma Drever for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  From Forest Park, Illinois, Emma is a double major in English and Spanish.  She is most proud of her civic engagement work during the 2020 election cycle.  She says, “I got to meet so many students and learn about their interests and passions.  I spent a lot of time encouraging my peers to engage and take charge of their interests.”  After graduation, Emma will be attending graduate school in comparative literature.
Congratulations to Mikayla Dubois for completing the Real World Edge!  Mikayla is a biology major with a concentration in physiology and Pre-Med from Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin.  She is most proud of volunteering at UP Health System – Marquette for two years as the main desk assistant.  Mikayla says, “During my volunteering I was able to help community members in directing them to their appointments and assisting them if they needed assistance walking to their appointment.  During COVID, I was able to help direct patients to get their temperature taken and contact tracing requirements.  I was very appreciative of the opportunity to grow ties with the community of Marquette and the community at the hospital.  This has shown me parts of the hospital that I would not have experienced without this opportunity.  I am very thankful for all the opportunities that Northern has given me in my college years.”  After graduation, Mikayla will take a gap year working at the Veteran’s Home as a CNA while applying for medical schools.
Congratulations to Hailey Ellis for completing the Real World Edge!  From Iron Mountain, Michigan, Hailey is a sports science major who is most proud of completing observation hours in various physical therapy clinics which helped her gain experience to become a physical therapist.  After graduation, she will be attending physical therapy school at Andrews University.
Congratulations to Halie Gibson for completing the Real World Edge!
Congratulations to Rachel Giles for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  Hailing from Grand Rapids, Michigan, Rachel is a biochemistry major.  She is most proud of conducting her own research at the Upper Michigan Brain Tumor Center.  Rachel says, “I discovered that I truly love working in the lab!  Working there has been lots of fun and I do not see it as work at all.  I am fascinated by watching my cells grow and migrate over time, especially with the different treatments I have done.  I know I want to continue to do research in the future and learn more through my continued education.”  After graduation, Rachel will be attending the University of Michigan to get her Ph.D. in chemical biology.
Congratulations to Kiera Hau for completing the Real World Edge!  A nursing major, Kiera is from DePere, Wisconsin.  She is most proud of helping to coach Marquette’s Girls Varsity Soccer Team.  Kiera says, “This makes me proud because I feel like I am giving back to the sport that has been such a big part of my life.”  After graduation, I will be moving to Denver, Colorado with my husband and working in the metro-Denver area.
Congratulations to Casey Haugen for completing the Leadership and Real World Edges!  From Grand Rapids, Michigan, Casey is an environmental science major who is most proud of being an environmental educator in Wisconsin for a summer.  She says, “I taught children all about the environment around them and ways they can protect it.  I believe that environmental education is very important to teach children because they are the future of this planet and need to know how to protect it.”  After graduation, Casey will be moving back to Grand Rapids to look for full-time work in her field.
Congratulations to Leanna Hoyer for completing the Real World Edge!
Congratulations to Felicia Hummel for completing the Real World Edge!  Felicia is a biology major with a concentration in general biology/pre-vet from Carson City, Michigan.  Felicia is most proud of job shadowing at the Northern Veterinary Associates in Ishpeming.  She says, “When shadowing there, I was able to help the clinic with patients by keeping them calm, doing fecal, urine, blood test, and helping in other ways.  I am glad I got to do this because it really showed me all the hard work veterinaries and technicians do and how they are so committed to their patients and the owners by taking care of them properly.”  After graduation, Felicia will be attending Baker College and enrolling in their Vet-Tech Program.  After that, she plans on staying in Michigan and finding a vet clinic that fits her and do what she has always wanted to do…work with animals!
Congratulations to Heidi Hummel for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  From Hermantown, Minnesota, Heidi is an outdoor recreation leadership and management major.  She is most proud of participating in phone banking for the Michigan Democrats during the 2020 election season.  She says, “It made me feel like I was truly making a difference, and I was able to help people learn how and where to cast their vote so they could be part of the democratic process.”  After graduation Heidi will be heading to Maine to work guiding canoe trips and will come back to Marquette in the fall to take one post-baccalaureate Spanish class to finish up an intermediate certification.
Congratulations to Alyssa Johnson for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  From Green Bay, Wisconsin, Alyssa is a general biology major who is most proud of her involvement with the Adult Day Service through Lake Superior Life Care and Hospice that she did for her Student Leader Fellowship Program community service internship.  She says, “I love working with dementia patients and having the opportunity to work with that population and provide them with a sense of community and mental stimulation was something that I loved and will stick with me.”  After graduation, Alyssa will be moving to work at a large academic hospital and will eventually go on for her schooling.
Congratulations to Emily Kendall for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  From Faribault, Minnesota, Emily is a double major in theatre tech and design and criminal justice.  She is most proud of her internship with Superior Arts Youth Theatre because she was able to learn new skills, create media content, and work with Jalina!  After graduation, Emily plans to get a theatre stage management or crew internship to grow her experience and skills and then she will be looking to start graduate school within the next couple of years.
Congratulations to Sarah Kendall for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  From Faribault, Minnesota, Sarah is a business management major.  She is most proud of working with Northern Arts and Entertainment to bring Jesse McCartney along with his opener, Chicago Loud 9.  Sarah says, “It was a lot of work but was very rewarding.  I was able to see the process of contacting an agent, getting a contract signed, getting a venue and advertising, going out and advertising, and taking down the set on the day of the concert.  You have to be able to work in a group setting, communicate, and trust each other to get the job done.  It was a very rewarding experience.”  After graduation, Sarah hopes to find a job doing something she is passionate about and also hopes to travel and enjoy life.
Congratulations to Amy Jo Klas for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  From Burnips, Michigan, Amy Jo is an elementary education major.  She says, “It has been an absolute delight getting to know so many people on campus and learning about various worldviews, cultures, and perspectives.  I am so grateful for everyone who has helped me learn so much over the past few years.”  After graduation, Amy Jo hopes to find a job at an elementary school in the Great Lakes region.
Congratulations to Wilson Kneiszel for completing the Real World Edge!  From DePere, Wisconsin, Wilson is a double major in computer science and Spanish.  He is most proud of doing an internship with CyntrX, a fleet tracking company in DePere.  Wilson says, “I’m proud of the work I did for CyntrX as it offered a unique experience doing a variety of tasks for a small business, from IT work to software development to R&D work with fleet tracking hardware.”  After graduation, Wilson will start a remote, full-time position as a full stack .NET and ReactJS developer for J.J. Keller and Associates.
Congratulations to Chantel LaBlonde for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  A speech, language and hearing sciences major, Chantel is from Marquette.  She is most proud of her time spent at the D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans.  Chantel says, “I made lasting connections and friendships.  It was a beautiful experience being able to put smiles on faces and help veterans engage in activities they enjoy.  My time spent at the home is extensive; however, the lessons I have learned and the gratitude I have experienced is far greater.  In these experiences, I have tapped into my passion for people, and my passion for veterans.  I will continue to support and work with veterans for the years to come!”  After graduation, Chantel will be attending the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point to obtain a master’s degree in speech-language pathology.  Her goal is to work in medical settings with clients that have experienced traumatic brain injuries and strokes.
Congratulations to Rylee LaLonde for completing the Superior Edge!  An anthropology major, Rylee is from Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.  She is most proud of her trip to Chile because it highlighted the appreciation and love for the simple things and helped her recognize the lack of appreciation that surrounds a lot of the culture in America.  Rylee says, “The poverty, not only physically but emotionally in Chile, was astounding.  I met so many different types of individuals from young children to elderly, all with a different and astonishing story.  Although I traveled to Chile to work with youth groups and a group called Trabajo Pais, I was greatly impacted in my month there by spending time with the town’s people.”  After graduation, Rylee plans to travel for field school activities, and hopefully, attend graduate school.
Congratulations to Levi Lauren for completing the Real World Edge!  From Gwinn, Michigan, Levi is a nursing major who is most proud of being an essential asset during COVID-19 pandemic.  Levi was able to assist with on-campus testing and administering influenza vaccinations to the Marquette community.  After graduation, Levi will be working at UP Health System-Marquette as a critical care nurse with aspirations of attending medical school with a specialization in anesthesiology.
Congratulations to Amber Manitowabi-Huebner for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  A community health major, Amber is from Marquette.  She is most proud of going to the Manitoulin Islands in Canada to attend the 58th Annual Wiikwemkoong Cultural Festival. Amber says, “Wiikwemkoong is a tribe in Canada that is an unceded territory, and it was amazing to visit a Native community with strong leaders and a good community base.  Attending the Pow Wow was simply amazing; being able to see that many dancers dressed in regalia was heartwarming and brought tears to my eyes.  Natives fought through so much adversity, trauma, and abuse; now finally natives can come together, dance, and celebrate life.  Spending all day at the Pow Wow and learning more about the clan I am a part of was a life- changing experience that I'll never forget.”  After graduation, Amber plans to get her Master’s in Public Health.
Congratulations to Elizabeth Mansfield for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  From Boyne City, Michigan, Elizabeth is a double major in sports science/cluster (pre-occupational therapy) and psychology.  Elizabeth is most proud of making new friends with Best Buddies NMU, growing her leadership skills through the Student Leader Fellowship Program, creating the GoBabyGo! Program for early mobility, and gaining practical skills working as a Patient Care Tech at her local hospital.  Elizabeth says, “One experience that I am especially proud of is founding the NMU Pre-Occupational Therapy Club.  The club started with just two students and has grown in membership each semester.  Now, as the president of the club, I love connecting students with each other and professionals.  After only a few months, the club earned NMU Student Organization of the Month for active service in the community and campus involvement.  I am so excited to see the Pre-OT Club continue to grow and succeed as it supports future occupational therapists.”  After graduation, Elizabeth will plan to attend graduate school at the University of Michigan to pursue a degree in occupational therapy. 
Congratulations to Elizabeth Martin for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  Elizabeth is a biology major from Green Bay, Wisconsin.  She is most proud of her Student Leader Fellowship Program community service internship she had with InSHAPE at Marquette Community Mental Health.  This program works with individuals with various mental illnesses who want to get physically healthy as well, and it provides structure and support.  Elizabeth says, “I was able to help locate and create resources for those in the program.  I assisted in leading the nutrition education group each week and also had the opportunity to go on outings with the group.  This was a fantastic experience and I am grateful I had the chance to work with the amazing people in the InSHAPE program.”  After graduation, Elizabeth will be moving to Green Bay before beginning graduate school in the fall.
Congratulations to Shannon McCormick for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  An art and design major with a concentration in illustration, Shannon is from Waunakee, Wisconsin.  Shannon is most proud of her work as one of the NMU Marching Band’s librarians this year, which included getting the music folders ready for all of the band members as well as putting music away in the music library and updating the pep band books.  After graduation, Shannon will move back home and start looking for a job in the Madison area. 
Congratulations to Jess McIntosh for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  A double major in Communities Studies and German Studies, Jess is from Brighton, Michigan.  She is most proud of the skills she acquired and practiced throughout her time working on Orientation Staff.  Jess says, “It has not only allowed me to have a greater understanding of different types of communication but also gave me the ability to feel more comfortable utilizing these skills in professional and personal situations.  Throughout my internship through NMU, I worked with prospective and transfer students to introduce them to the university and help them navigate and learn about the various academic, conduct, and student policies of the school.  I helped students feel connected to NMU, and make meaningful relationships with others along the way.”  After graduation, Katie will be a graduate residence director at Mississippi State University while pursuing a fully-funded Master’s degree in Educational Leadership with a concentration in Student Affairs and Higher Education. 
Congratulations to Katie McNew for completing the Leadership and Real World Edges!  From Flint, Michigan, Katie is a biology major.  Katie says, “After many Sunday mornings (and many more hours), I can confidently say my time at the Upper Peninsula Animal Welfare Shelter (UPAWS) has been extremely valuable to my membership with Superior Edge.  Looking back, the early weekend mornings where it was hard to get up, the kennel cleaning and floor mopping, the feedings and play time, and the sloppy kisses and furry hugs helped me grow in humility and perseverance.  I feel honored to have played a role in the adoption promotion process of so many worthy animals, and I am glad I could help them find their forever homes!”  After graduation, Katie plans to begin a career in marine mammal training, care, and conservation where she will further educate herself and others on wildlife preservation, especially within our oceans.
Congratulations to Benjamin Music for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  An elementary education major, Benjamin is from Grand Rapids, Michigan.  He is most proud of going on a Superior Edge International Service Project to India.  He said, “It was so much fun and I experienced so much while there.  I learned about new cultures, language, foods, and people.  This experience has impacted my perspectives of the world.”  After graduation, he plans to be an elementary school teacher.
Congratulations to Vanessa Nasi for completing the Leadership and Real World Edges!  From Ironwood, Michigan, Vanessa is a biology/pre-pharmacy major is most proud of being a pharmacy technician for the past year which has allowed her to learn many aspects of pharmacy as a career.  She says, “During COVID-19, I have taken part in several vaccine clinics in Marquette which has been a great experience.  This real world experience has prepared me to enter pharmacy school.”  After graduation, Vanessa plans to move to Minnesota to attend pharmacy school.  She is also considering becoming a hospital pharmacist or studying mental health.
Congratulations to Jenna Olgren for completing the Citizenship Edge!  Jenna is a finance major from Negaunee, Michigan.  She is most proud of helping her elderly neighbors with yard work/landscaping and other things such as getting their mail/newspaper and grocery shopping or when she went up to Houghton with a few friends and helped clean up after the flood a couple of years ago.  Jenna says, “These impacted me the most because I knew I was helping people in need and the way it made me feel was so indescribable.”  After graduation, Jenna is unsure what she will be doing.
Congratulations to Analise Osgood for completing the Real World Edge!  A psychology major, Analise is from Birmingham, Michigan.  She is most proud of being a research assistant in the CABIN lab and being able to submit research to conferences and work with others.  After graduation, she plans to continue her education by getting a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health.
Congratulations to Heather Peterson for completing all four edges for Superior Edge!  Heather is a biology major and is from New Berlin, Wisconsin.  Heather is most proud of volunteering at UP Health System – Marquette because she met so many incredible people around the hospital.  She says, “I was part of the team that helped fold PPE gowns for COVID-19 pandemic preparation which was super rewarding!  This program encouraged me to reach out to new things and has allowed me to become a more well-rounded person.”  After graduation, Heather will be attending a graduate program at Mayo Clinic where she will be studying nuclear medicine.
Congratulations to Margaret Pung for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  From Hudsonville, Michigan, Margaret is an elementary education/mathematics major.  Margaret is most proud of volunteering at the Fresh Coast Film Festival with her friends!  She says, “It was enjoyable to get out into the community and help with such a cool event.”  After graduation, Margaret will find a job and begin her teaching career.
Congratulations to Meagan Rapp for completing the Real World Edge!  A biology major, Meagan is from Green Bay, Wisconsin.  She is most proud of her internships where she was able to gain experience working at a zoo and a rehabilitation hospital for seals and sea lions.  Meagan says, “I was able to spend my summers learning about different animal species, both wild animals and those in captivity, and all about their care.  I cannot wait to apply everything I learned in my future jobs!”  After graduation, Meagan will be moving to Texas and is hoping to find a job at a zoo or aquarium working in animal care.
Congratulations to Andrea Sekloch for completing the Diversity and Real World Edges!  From Casco, Michigan, Andrea is a double major in biology with a concentration in ecology and Spanish.  She is most proud of working for the Great Lakes Conservation Corps because she really enjoyed herself and got real world experience working towards her career at the same time.  After graduation, Andrea will moving to Oregon to be a wildland firefighter.
Congratulations to Anja Stout for graduating with the Leadership and Real World Edge!  From Negaunee, Michigan, Anja is an elementary education major.  She is most proud of making an online educator portfolio in which she included the Danielson Domains, a blog, view on classroom management, her philosophy on education, resume, a link to her Instagram account with music tutorials, pictures of her online music class, and COVID-19 education resources for her parents.  Anja says, “I love this website because I spent so many hours thinking about how not only I could use this website, but how I could make it useful for parents with students at home during the COVID-19 shutdown.”  After graduation, Anja plans on being a wife and mother.
Congratulations to Sara Tucker for completing the Diversity, Leadership, and Real World Edges!  She is a speech, language and hearing sciences major from Traverse City, Michigan.  She says, “I was able to go to the local preschools and do some observation, language sampling, and speech and language evaluations.  It was a really good hands-on experience that allowed me to get involved in the community.”  After graduation, Sara plans to get her master's degree in speech pathology and do some traveling.
Congratulations to Amelia Unger for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  From Oak Lawn, Illinois, Amelia is a nursing major who enjoyed attending Skill Builder! workshops.  She says, “I loved how many different opportunities I had by attending those.  I was able to learn about gender/pronouns, being healthy both physically and nutritionally, and learn about finance."  After graduation, Amelia will be working as a RN for UP Home Health & Hospice.
Congratulations to Isabelle Ureel for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  An anthropology major, Isabelle is from Livonia, Michigan.  Isabelle is most proud of being a member of the Student Leader Fellowship Program.  She says, “As a member of the SLFP, I have had many opportunities to gain leadership skills that will help me throughout my career as well as meet and learn from peers who have become lifelong friends.”  After graduation, Isabelle will pursue a Master of Arts in Anthropology at Wayne State University.
Congratulations to Lauren Viol for completing the Real World Edge!  From Boyne City, Michigan, Lauren is a biology major.  She is most proud of an internship she did at Bear Creek Organic Farms during the summer of 2020.  Lauren says, “I was able to use the knowledge from my degree into real-life work as well as meeting people who share the same passion.  I was able to learn so much and fine tune some of my biology skills.”  After graduation, she will continue working at the same place she did her internship for the rest of the year while looking for another job.
Congratulations to Katie Waters for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  A sociology major, Katie is from Marquette.  She is most proud of volunteering at the First National Food Taster fundraiser for the Native American Student Association.  Katie says, “I felt good doing volunteer work and then at the end of the day I got food out of it, which is great because (1) I love food, and (2) it was delicious food.”  After graduation, Katie will go to graduate school for public policy or a related discipline and either become a staffer for a state or federal Congressperson or do something research oriented in a think tank or fact tank. 
Congratulations to Autumn Woosley for completing the Real World Edge!  Autumn is a business management major from Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.  She is most proud of doing an internship at Northern Initiatives because she learned so much from the experience.  After graduation, Autumn will move to Louisville, Kentucky to work remotely for Invent@NMU as a freelance contractor.
Congratulations to Elsie Zajicek for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  From Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Elsie is a public relations major who is most proud of her work with NMU Mind Your Health.  Elsie says, “I was a chapter president and made strides to connect NMU students to local and global mental health resources.  I never once thought of it as work because I was so passionate about it and loved what I was doing!”  After graduation, Elise will be starting a summer internship with Sanford Health as a marketing intern.

 

Fourteen students were recognized as Superior Edge graduates. To receive this honor, the students completed a minimum of 400 Superior Edge hours, a minimum of 100 hours in each of the four edges. Superior Edge graduates were given blue cords to wear at commencement. The other 10 students graduated with one, two or three edges. Read more about the graduates below:

Congratulations to Morgan Armstrong for completing the Citizenship, Diversity, and Real World Edges!  From Gaylord, Michigan, Morgan is an anthropology and criminal justice double major.  She is most proud of the connections made and involvement in both of her departments.  Morgan says, “I was able to be a teaching assistant in the Criminal Justice Department for the investigative photography course and with the Anthropology Department, I had the opportunity to work with fellow students to create the fall 2020 exhibition at the Beaumier UP Heritage Center.  These opportunities helped me improve my leadership and communications skills as well as build relationships in my field that will help me in a career.”  After graduation, Morgan will be applying for positions as an archaeological field technician.
Congratulations to Abbigail Atkins for completing the Leadership and Real World Edges!  A computer art major, Abbigail is from Bay City, Michigan.  She is most proud of creating her own community service internship for the Student Leader Fellowship Program with the Marquette Artists Collective.  Abbigail says, “Through this internship, I was able to create art-centered events in the community and my own event to put on at their gallery.  It was really cool that I was able to help my community while doing something I was passionate about.”  After graduation, Abbigail will be starting her career at Amazon as an area manager.
Congratulations to Michael Biclawski for completing the Leadership and Real World Edges!  From Canton, Ohio, Michael is an elementary education major who is most proud of his student teaching assignment.  Michael says, “Not only did I gain valuable experience for my future profession, but I was also able to foster endearing and production relationships with students and colleagues to synthesize outstanding learning within the classroom.”  After graduation, Michael hopes to find a teaching position as well as coach swimming.
Congratulations to Erika Boomsma for completing the Real World Edge!  Hailing from Middleville, Michigan, Erika is a general biology major on the pre-veterinary track, who is most proud of working with the sled dogs and mushers during the UP 200, Midnight Run, and Jack Pine 30.  She says, “I assisted with dog handling, road crossings, vet checks, bag checks, and as a sled holder throughout my years at NMU.  I was even able to get the hands-on experience of giving an exam to the dogs before the Jack Pine 30 each year.  These experiences allowed me to learn about mushing and care of sled dogs.  I also really enjoyed getting to know the mushers and learn more about their lives.  It was a unique experience that I learned much from, and it was fun!”  After graduation, Erika will be attending a vet school in the Midwest.  While she is waiting, she will be getting married in June.  Congratulations!
Congratulations to Alyssa Eland for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  A nursing major, Alyssa is from Menominee, Michigan.  She is most proud of being a part of Superior Edge’s International Service Project in New Zealand.  Alyssa says, “I volunteered with environmental sustainability projects and immersed myself in the culture of the indigenous Maori people.”  After graduation, Alyssa will be working as a registered nurse in med-surg.
Congratulations to Cassidy Hanson for completing the Leadership and Real World Edges!  Cassidy is a biology major with a microbiology concentration and she is from Rock, Michigan.  She is most proud of Superior Edge’s Alternative Spring Break Trip to Puerto Rico.  Cassidy says, “While on the trip we worked at a manatee conservation center, helped in sand dune restoration for sea turtles, planted trees and cleaned up a local park, volunteered in a community garden, and worked at a food bank.  I often think back to the great experiences and knowledge I gained from this service trip.  I am very thankful for the opportunity to explore a beautiful island and learn about its communities.”  After graduation, Cassidy plans to attend a physician assistant program.
Congratulations to Anne Huston for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  From Gobles, Michigan, Anne is a nursing major is most proud of being involved with the It’s On Us campaign for four years through the Health Promotion Society.  She says, “As a group, we pushed hard to advocate for survivors of sexual assault and made strides in making Northern’s campus a more safe, accepting place for survivors.  We were recognized in 2018-19 as the Student Organization of the Year for our efforts, which was really cool.  Personally, the experience helped me develop my leadership and communication skills, and I’m proud of that growth as well.”  At the end of November, Anne will be working as a registered nurse on UPHS-Marquette’s Cardiac Unit.
Congratulations to Andrew Jessen for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  Andrew is an environmental science major from Green Bay, Wisconsin.  He is most proud of a calling campaign he held to get people talking to their representatives about climate change. Andrew says, “I learned a lot about how to start community outreach projects from the ground up, and it was a great way to contribute to a cause that’s important to me.”  After graduation Andrew plans to work in the non-profit industry and contribute what he has learned to community development.
Congratulations to Sabrina Kaminski for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  A psychology major, Sabrina is from Rochester, Michigan.  She is most proud of being a resident adviser.  Sabrina says, “I truly believe it is the best and most unique job I will ever have. I learned so much about myself such as communication skills, adaptability, leadership skills, delegation, etc. But the connections and memories I made with my residents and staff were by far my favorite.”  After graduation, Sabrina will take a semester off to apply for jobs as a Resident Director to earn her Master's degree in Student Affairs. She would eventually like to end up working in the Dean of Students’ office. 
Congratulations to Jessica Lanni for completing the Real World Edge! Jessica is a biology major from Ray Township, Michigan.
Congratulations to Elizabeth Lektzian for completing the Diversity and Real World Edges!  From Gladstone, Michigan, Elizabeth is a biology major with a physiology concentration.  Elizabeth’s favorite experience was traveling to Puerto Rico through Superior Edge’s Alternative Spring Break.  She says, “The island had recently been hit with a wave of earthquakes, so we helped clean up the local parks and beaches, replanted trees in the community gardens, organized food at the local food bank, and volunteered at wildlife rehabilitation centers.  It was an amazing and rewarding experience that I am so lucky to have been a part of.”  After graduation, Elizabeth hopes to start a physician assistant program.
Congratulations to Rachael Loman for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  Rachael is a sports science/pre-physical therapy major from Ishpeming, Michigan.  She is most proud of being a founding member of the Pre-Physical Therapy Club and serving as a vice president for the last two years.  Rachael says, “Building a community of students who are on the same path as me and volunteering with them around Marquette County has been a blessing.  I feel vastly more prepared for my future because of this group and the programs I’ve gotten to participate in because of it.”  Rachael is applying to physical therapy schools to pursue her doctorate in physical therapy.
Congratulations to Sabrina Morin for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  From Farmington, Michigan, Sabrina is a biology major with a physiology concentration.  She is most proud of a head-shaving event that she put together in order to raise funds for childhood cancer research through St. Badlrick’s Foundation.  Sabrina says, “I was inspired by a little girl who was ashamed of her bald head.  I am most proud of this because a team and I worked with worked really hard to raise over $1,500 for such a good cause, and a child could receive a wig made of my hair; I am also amazed by the amount of support we received.”  After graduation, Sabrina will further her education and attend medical school to become a physician
Congratulations to Lauren Nyenhuis for completing the Citizenship, Diversity, and Real World Edges!  From Duluth, Minnesota, Lauren is an environmental studies and sustainability major.  She is most proud of her study abroad experience in Baracoa, Cuba.  Lauren says, “While there, I learned about climate change impacts and sustainable, agriculture practices.  More importantly, I learned about the strength, resiliency, and kindness of Cuban people.”  After graduation, Lauren will be looking for a job in the environmental sector.
Congratulations to Liz Patrykus for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  An elementary major from Waupun, Wisconsin, Liz is most proud of taking a trip to Brazil with two of her best friends.  She says, “I was able to experience their culture firsthand while living with a local family.  I met friends from around the world.  The trip took me a little out of my comfort zone but I enjoyed every moment.”  Liz moved to Green Bay for student teaching and plans to live here for at least a year until she gets her first teaching job.
Congratulations to Paiton Plutchak for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  From Menominee, Michigan, Paiton is an environmental science major.  She is most proud of helping to build a home for a family in Cambodia on the International Service Project in Thailand and Cambodia.  It was very rewarding to help construct the home, and it really put into perspective everything that we take for granted here in the United States.”  After graduation, Paiton will be moving to Nashville, Tennessee attend Belmont University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy Program.
Congratulations to Richard Reeve for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  A biology major, Richard is from Prospect Heights, Illinois.  He is most proud of being one of the student coordinators for the NMU Food Pantry.  Richard says, “It was an amazing experience during which I learned a lot about both the Marquette and NMU communities.  Through that, I was able to become a part of those communities and help those who were in need.”  After graduation, Ricky will return home briefly before pursuing biology field research positions.
Congratulations to Karli Robbins for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  Karli is a sports medicine major from Canton, Michigan.  She is most proud of taking NAS 330.  Karli says, “I had no prior knowledge of the Native American people, no idea what their history was or the problems they are continuing to face today.  I was completely unaware and in the dark.  Now I have the chance to be educated and do everything I can to help and make a difference!”  After graduation, Karli plans to join the military either through an officer program or a graduate school program.
Congratulations to Raegan Schuchmacher for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  From Mayville, Michigan, Raegan is a nursing major who is most proud of an internship she did in Alaska.  Raegan says, “It has opened my eyes to the culture and diversity that they have for caring for their patients in a hospital, as well as throughout the rural community.  I was able to take long hikes through the mountains, eat the fresh caught salmon, and be able to take trips with sled dogs.  This was an amazing trip and opportunity to increase my skills into becoming a nurse in the future and to make lifelong friends along the way.”  After graduation, Raegan plans to work as a RN at a pediatric hospital.
Congratulations to Barbie Slagle for completing the Real World Edge!  Barbie is from Norway, Michigan and is a nursing major who is proud of providing medical care to people in Belize.  She says, “A group of nursing and other health-related students traveled abroad and brought things such as medicine and other medical supplies to people who may not otherwise get care.  We also were able to travel to areas around their country and learn more about their culture.”  After graduation, Barbie will be working as an RN in the ICU at UPHS-Marquette.
Congratulations to Brittney Smith for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  A speech, language, and hearing sciences major, Brittney is from Cadillac, Michigan.  She is most proud of her Student Leader Fellowship Program internship with the Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes where she was a co-troop leader who used her creativity to plan and execute tasks for troop meetings.  After graduation, Brittney plans to get her Master’s in Speech Pathology.
Congratulations to Anjelica Thorne for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  From Sparta, Michigan, Anjelica is a social work major who is proud of working with children at Teaching Family Homes.  She says, "I can now utilize de-escalation techniques to empower clients I work with by assisting them with emotional regulations, more effective coping mechanisms on how to handle stressors."  After graduation, Anjelica will work with troubled youth while pursuing her Master's in Social Work.
Congratulations to Emily Weber for completing the Leadership Edge!  An elementary education language arts major, Emily is from Manistique, Michigan.  She is most proud of being a member and president of Platform Personalities because it brought her more self-confidence, gratitude, and appreciation than she thought possible.  Emily says, “In order to be successful, I know I needed to keep my group members informed, engaged, and excited for speaker events.  We were able to come together as a team to plan, coordinate, and execute awesome university speakers to visit campus.  I loved seeing the smiles on their faces and the audience because I knew we brought them enjoyment, inspiration, and laughs.  I am grateful for being a part of an amazing student organization with amazing people.”  After graduation, Emily will look for a teaching position somewhere in the UP.
Congratulations to Taylor Yarnell for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  From Madison Heights, Michigan, Taylor is a special education cognitive impairments and elementary education major.  Taylor is most proud of going to Germany for a month with a team of people teaching English and religion classes to years 3 and 4.  She says, “It was so much for getting to know those students and having them teach me things while I taught them things.”  After graduation, Taylor is hoping to teach special education at Walled Lake Consolidated School District.

 

Twenty-eight students were recognized as Superior Edge graduates. To receive this honor, the students completed a minimum of 400 Superior Edge hours, a minimum of 100 hours in each of the four edges. Superior Edge graduates were given blue cords to wear at commencement. The other 28 students graduated with one, two or three edges. Read more about the graduates below:

Congratulations to Haley Anderson for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  From West Branch, Michigan, Haley is a biology major with a concentration in physiology and pre-physical therapy.  Haley is most proud of her Student Leader Fellowship Program’s community service internship with Girls on the Run which aims to imbue girls with the confidence to define beauty and health for themselves and develop paths for growing wellness.  She says, “Being a coach inspired me with pride in being a strong, capable woman, and I sought to encourage the same mentality in my runners.  I gained so much more than I gave to the program…hope to serve as a mentor in the pursuit of improved mental and physical health in my career and personal life.”  After graduation, Haley will be pursuing a clinical Doctorate of Physical Therapy at Grand Valley State University.
Congratulations to Hanna Anderson for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  A Negaunee, Michigan, native, Hanna is a speech, language, and hearing sciences major who is most proud of traveling to Belize for a 14-day speech therapy camp with two speech-language pathologists and a group of 12 undergraduates from around the US.  She says, "We traveled to the country to provide vital therapy services to underserved citizens.  There is only one speech-language pathologist in the entire country, meaning many people go without the necessary care.  My therapy partner and I taught a non-verbal child with autism some basic American Sign Language.  It was heartwarming to provide the most basic instruction in communication and see how much promise this had to improve the quality of his life.”  After graduation, Hanna will be getting her master’s degree in speech-language pathology from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Congratulations to Charlie Arnold for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  Charlie is a criminal justice major from Corpus Christi, Texas.  He is most proud of giving back to the NMU community.  Charlie says, “One day I noticed that somebody had been standing in Jamrich for hours simply holding a door open for everyone who was passing by.  This individual taught me that no matter how busy I am, I’m never too busy to make a difference in someone’s day, no matter how small or big.  I remember Halloween 2019 especially, because on that day, I had my face painted and handed out candy to my fellow Wildcats.”  After graduation, Charlie will look for a position in the criminal justice field.
Congratulations to Abigail Austin for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  From St. Joseph, Michigan, Abi is a social work major who is most proud of starting a chapter of Young Life in Marquette.  She says, “Before this, there weren’t any chapters of this organization in the UP.  I helped organize community members and college students to be leaders.  I was able to build relationships with high schoolers in Marquette by being a Young Life leader helping me implement what I was learning in my social work degree.”  This summer Abi will be going back to be a mountaineering guide for Beyond Malibu, taking a year off from school, and then getting her master’s degree in social work.
Congratulations to Victoria Avis for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  A biology major, Victoria is from Mundelein, Illinois.  Victoria is most proud of fostering animals for UPAWS.  She says, “I love working with the shelter and watching the animals come out of their shells in a more relaxing environment.  I also loved all of the different animals and situations.  I fostered bunnies, rats, and dogs.  One of the bunnies and one of the dogs were pregnant, so it was really interesting and new to me to help and care for them and their babies.”  After graduation, Victoria plans to work with children and/or animals in some capacity while her significant other gets his law degree.  Once they are able to settle more permanently, she plans to open a daycare and become her own boss.
Congratulations to Jordan Berglund for completing the Real World Edge!  Jordan is from Marquette and is a management of health and fitness major.  She is most proud of participating in the study abroad trip to Belize with medical students.  Jordan says, “I was there for 10 days giving medical care to the people of different towns outside the city we were staying at. We also went to a local school and taught kids about health-related topics, played games with them, and varnished their teeth. We also visited a nursing home and local hospital and saw a glimpse of what their health care system is like. This trip opened my eyes and made me realize how grateful we all should feel living where we do and having the resources that we have.”  After graduation, Jordan will be moving to Wisconsin and starting a graduate program of clinical exercise physiology at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. 
Congratulations to Megan Bertucci for completing the Leadership and Real World Edges!  From Ishpeming, Michigan, Megan is a biology major with a concentration in ecology.  Megan is most proud of her Student Leader Fellowship Program community service internship with Moosewood Nature Center where she says, “It allowed me to grow as a person and leader while helping a great deal of people.  My favorite part was getting to plan and host an event to celebrate Earth Day.  We had many children stop by to learn about sustainability and the environment.  It was amazing to see their excitement to learn and their passion for the environment.”  After graduation, Megan is hoping to attend graduate school for environmental science or wildlife conservation.
Congratulations to Catherine Boileau for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  We would also like to congratulate Catherine for logging 3,773.6 hours!  Since our program began in 2006, she has logged the second highest number of hours; the leader has 4,018.5 hours. From Novi, Michigan, Catherine is a secondary education integrated science major.  She is most proud of working as a math teaching assistant at NMU for the past five semesters.  Catherine says, “I was able to help hundreds of NMU students not only advance in their journey to get their degree but gain new confidence in their ability to learn, persevere, and do math.  We TA's were attached to classes that students might take if they had scored low on the math placement exam or struggled with math in their past.  As such, many students came in with the attitude that they just ‘didn’t have the math gene’ or ‘I’m just not a math person like you.’  Working with them to go from that fixed, negative mindset, to a growth-based, positive mindset was awesome. I truly learned a lot about the challenges and joys of my future career as an educator—and I gained hundreds of hours of experience, enabling me to enter the career with a realistic view and a confident spirit.”  After graduation, Catherine will being getting married to her fiancé Ryan and moving to Bloomington, Indiana.  Catherine will start a full-time teaching job and Ryan will be pursuing a Ph.D. in archaeology.
Congratulations to Jessica Campoy for completing the Real World Edge!  Jessica is from Dearborn, Michigan, and is an elementary education/language arts major.  She is most proud of working at the Henry Ford Museum as a camp counselor because it allowed her to implement an immersive educational experience for children ages 10-12 through an innovative program connecting students with tangible artifacts that are significant to US history.  Jessica says, “In the end, it helped me grow as a future teacher by practicing time management, speaking in front of an audience, and building my professional network.”  After graduation, Jessica plans on teaching middle school ELA for one year in the metro Detroit area and then moving to the Pacific Northwest to teach.
Congratulations to Abigail Christmas for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  From Montague, Michigan, Abby is a biology/physiology major who is most proud of her service learning trip to Belize where she offered medical services, health education, and community service.  Abby says, “I am most proud of this activity because I was able to learn about cultural diversity while enriching the lives of others.  This opportunity allowed me to work with Belizean community members from all ages.  Additionally, I was able to obtain new communication skills and implement my leadership and teamwork abilities.”  After graduation, Abby will be attending Michigan State University’s College of Human Medicine to pursue a career as a medical doctor.
Congratulations to Brittany Dingels for completing all four edges for Superior Edge!  Brittany is a secondary education mathematics major from Romeoville, Illinois.  She is most proud of volunteering with Lake Superior Village’s After-School Program, which assists families in need by giving the students a warm meal and safe place to go after school.  Brittany says, “This experience has taught me how to be a leader, role model, and mediator.  I bonded with my students and was someone they could talk to.  I learned that something as small as listening about a student’s day can make a big difference in their lives.”  After graduation, Brittany will be looking for teaching positions in the Marquette area.
Congratulations to Brenna Dunne for completing the Leadership and Real World Edges!  Brenna is an elementary education/special education major from Hillsdale, Michigan.  She is most proud of her International Service Project in Ireland where she was able to immerse herself into another culture, volunteer, and see the wonderful landscape.  Brenna says, “The people I met and the conversations I had with them were amazing and made Ireland a country that I must go back to.”  After graduation, Brenna will apply for special education positions in Lansing and Minnesota.  She can't wait to join a wonderful teaching team so she can watch little ones’ faces light up as they learn new information.
Congratulations to Lauren Elmblad for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  From L’Anse, Michigan, Lauren is a pre-dental student majoring in microbiology and minoring in health and nutrition.  She is most proud of volunteering for two years at the Superior Dental Day in West Ishpeming (Michigan).  Lauren says, “As I worked the Saturday event, I was able to shadow some of the most amazing dental professionals in Marquette County that were giving back to the community.  I was able to envision myself in their shoes someday.  This event truly solidified my decision to pursue a career in dentistry.”  After graduation, Lauren will be moving to Portland, Maine, to begin her first year of dental school at the University of New England College of Dental Medicine.
Congratulations to Britny Faught for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  From, Greenbush, Michigan, Britny is a cellular and molecular neuroscience major.  Britny is most proud of volunteering at the OR waiting room, main entrance front desk, and ICU in Marquette.  She says, “This opportunity not only gave me vast amounts of experience in learning how to communicate more effectively with patients and their families but also encouraged me to become a more compassionate version of myself.  I believe both of these qualities will be advantageous in my pursuit to become a physician and help me to provide my future patients with the highest quality of care.”  After graduation, Britny will apply to and attend medical school.
Congratulations to Grace Freitag for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  Grace is a biology major with an ecology concentration and is from St. Anthony, Minnesota.  Grace is most proud of helping to plan and be a part of the El Baile, the Hispanic dance that the Latino Student Union hosted in the fall of 2018.  The dance was a way for all of us in Latino Student Union to share our culture with the school and be able to enjoy something we all grew up with.”  After graduation, Grace will be working as a conservation educator in Minneapolis.   
Congratulations to Allison Fron for completing the Diversity, Leadership, and Real World Edges!  From New Lenox, Illinois, Allison is an environmental science major with a concentration in natural resources.  She is most proud of being president of the NMU Crew team.  Allison says, “It was a challenging but rewarding experience running a team, and I learned a lot about my leadership style.”  After graduation, Allison will be applying to graduate programs that deal with research in the Pacific Northwest. 
Congratulations to Eliza Goben for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  Hailing from Marshall, Michigan, Eliza is a psychology/applied behavior analysis major who is most proud a being a Psi Chi member, social media ambassador, and president.  Eliza says, “I’ve seen the chapter develop quite a lot, from a very small chapter with little engagement to a chapter that regularly inducts new members, holds meetings, attends conferences, and a student research competition.”  After graduation, Eliza will be attending Florida Institute of Technology for an MS in organizational behavior management.
Congratulations to Richard Hamilton for completing the Citizenship, Leadership, and Real World Edges!  From Grandville, Michigan, Richard is a marketing major. 
Congratulations to Sarah Head for completing the Citizenship, Leadership, and Real World Edges!  An economics major, Sarah is from Clarkston, Michigan.  She is most proud of her three-year internship with the NMU EcoReps program.  Sarah says, “From coordinating zero waste initiatives to presenting at an international conference on sustainability, EcoReps has been one of the most rewarding components of my education!”  After graduation, Sarah plans to get her master’s degree in Public Administration with a focus on sustainable community development.
Congratulations to Mark Holmgren for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  From Ishpeming, Michigan, Mark is a double major in chemistry and accounting.  Mark’s favorite memory was working as an intern for the Fresh Coast Film Festival.  He says, “Before this experience, I would’ve never pictured myself discussing collaborations with local businesses, making a film, or hosting a coffee crawl.  This opportunity proved to me how willing people are to help out one another and to create something everyone can enjoy.  This experience practically covered every edge as I volunteered my time, attended the Festival’s Board of Director’s meetings, lead a crawl, experienced a diverse set of backgrounds that different shops had come from and tried to display in their stores, talked with many people from all over the country during the festival, and further cemented my future goals as I developed confidence in my abilities to coordinate large projects.”  After graduation, Mark will be getting his Master of Arts in Higher Education program in the Center for the Study of Higher and Postsecondary Education at the University of Michigan.
Congratulations to Madelyn Huber for completing the Real World Edge!   A speech, language and hearing sciences major, Madelyn is from Hartland, Michigan.  For her Student Leader Fellowship Program community service internship, Madelyn helped out at the winter camp at Bay Cliff Health Camp.  She says, “Being able to spend the weekend with the kids and hope them to have a fun and engaging weekend impacted me as much as it impacted them!”  After graduation, Madelyn will be attending graduate school to earn her master’s degree in speech pathology.
Congratulations to Jailin Kaiser-Peterson for completing all four edges for Superior Edge!  Jailin is from Mosinee, Wisconsin, and is a psychology major.  She is most proud of going on the Superior Edge International Service Project to Ireland.  Jailin says, “It was an amazing experience, my favorite memory throughout college.  We helped clean up a beach and a community center in Dublin, as well as extensively learning about Irish history and culture.  I would go back in a heartbeat!”  After graduation, Jailin will be staying at NMU to pursue her master’s degree in integrated biosciences.
Congratulations to Taylor Kalchik for completing the Real World Edge!  A biology/physiology major, Taylor is from Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.  She says, “I had an amazing opportunity to become a member of the Student Leader Fellowship Program, in which I met so many wonderful people who I will always look up to as a leader. I loved my Student Leader Fellowship Program 100-hour community service internship at U.P. Sail and enjoyed building relationships within Marquette’s community.  I worked over 2,000 hours as a Certified Nurse Aide and learned a lot about myself, professionally and personally.  I am proud of all these experiences and am blessed to have been given the opportunity to become a part of this amazing student organization.  I know that I will carry all of my experiences with me into my future.”  After graduation, Taylor will be serving in the United State Army National Guard as a Second Lieutenant Officer and will continue her education to become a nurse.
Congratulations to Jamie Kimble for completing all four edges for the Leadership and Real World Edges! From Prior Lake, Minnesota, Jamie is a double major in mathematics and economics.  She is most proud of serving as a captain on the Swim and Dive team for two years because it helped her grow as a leader, friend, and person.  After graduation, Jamie will be pursuing a PhD in mathematics at Michigan Statue University and teaching undergraduate math courses.
Congratulations to Sadie Knill for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  Sadie is a neuroscience major from Clarkston, Michigan.  Her favorite activity was shadowing doctors while she was in Croatia.  She says, “I was able to combine my love for the health sciences with an experience that introduced me to a new, incredible culture and a group of awesome, like-minded friends that I still keep in touch with. This activity has inspired me to seek further education to hopefully become a doctor to serve communities that are truly in need.”  After graduation, Sadie will be taking a year off before she applies to medical school.
Congratulations to Hannah Laurila for completing the Real World Edge!  From Negaunee, Michigan, Hannah is a biology major with a microbiology concentration.  She is most proud of shadowing at Planned Parenthood.  Hannah says, “I learned so much during that period as well as how to communicate with patients and different health care staff.”  After graduation, Hannah will try to find full-time work and, hopefully, being able to travel some.
Congratulations to Olivia LeBel for completing the Leadership and Real World Edges!  Olivia is from Belding, Michigan and is a criminal justice major.  She is most proud of her involvement within the Northern Michigan University community in order to better the campus through activities such as Make A Difference Day.  After graduation, she plans to obtain a career in criminal justice.
Congratulations to Olivia Lemieux for completing the Real World Edge!  From Conklin, Michigan, Olivia is a finance and risk management major.  She is most proud of her past summer internship with Travelers Insurance.  Olivia says, “It gave me real world experience and showed me what working as an actuary was like. I made lifelong friendships with my coworkers and built out my network. I hope to use my experience while working in my full-time position after graduation.” She will be working for State Farm as an actuarial analyst.
Congratulations to Catherine Mathews for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  Cathy is from Jackson, Michigan, and is a fisheries and wildlife management major.  She is most proud of her participation in the Superior Edge International Service Project in Thailand and Cambodia.  Cathy says, “I was able to help build a home for a family in need, volunteer in a classroom teaching English to children, and assist with the care of elephants.  These projects allowed me to learn about the local culture in a unique way that not many people are able to experience, help me appreciate what I have taken for granted, and make a difference in someone’s life.”  After graduation, Cathy will be a Peace Corps volunteer in Guyana for two years as a community conservation promoter.
Congratulations to Erin Mattson for completing the Citizenship, Leadership, and Real World Edges!  From Escanaba, Michigan, Erin is a biochemistry major who is most proud of her involvement with Big Brothers Big Sisters.  She says, “I get to have a ton of fun while having a positive impact on the community.  My little and I stay active by ice skating, hiking, and always searching for a new adventure.  We also spend time working on homework, developing good study habits, and learning valuable life skills.”  After graduation, Erin will be taking a gap year, traveling, and applying to medical schools.
Congratulations to Nicole Moore for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  From Austin, Texas, Nicole is a biology/physiology major.  She is most proud of her internship with Planned Parenthood.  Nicole says, “Not only did it benefit the community, it reminded me of access-to-care issues inspiring me to get my Master’s in Public Health.”  After graduation, Nicole will be attending Dental School at U.T. Health Science Center in Houston, Texas, and will start work on her dual degree, a master’s degree in public health.
Congratulations to Allison O'Brien for completing the Real World Edge!  From Pulaski, Wisconsin, Allison is an elementary education major who is most proud of her work at her local summer school.  She says, “I am proud of this activity because it has prepared me for my future career.  I have learned so much about being a teacher and have been able to network with teachers from my local community.  I have gotten to experience what teaching in a school feels like before graduating, which will help me in countless ways for my first teaching job.  I am so grateful for all the students and teachers I have worked with over my last four years at the summer school.”  After graduation, Allison will look for a teaching position anywhere from kindergarten to an eighth grade classroom. 
Congratulations to Katja Otja for completing the Leadership and Real World Edges!  A nursing major, Katja is from Walled Lake, Michigan.  She is most proud of working for the Appalachia Service Project, a non-profit home repair organization that she worked with for three years to perform emergency home repair in Central Appalachia.  Katja says, “The physical impact of home repair as well as the incredibly valuable relationships with homeowners and volunteers made this work experience one of the most life-changing decisions I have ever made.  The skills and experiences I gained are absolutely priceless.”  After graduation, Katja will seek a position as a registered nurse on a pediatric in-patient unit in the metro-Detroit area.
Congratulations to Alexa Olgren for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  Hailing from Negaunee, Michigan, Alexa is an accounting/corporate finance major.  She is most proud of her work with at-risk youth in the community with Start the Cycle.  This groups focuses on providing every member with a sense of belonging through biking and mentorship.  She says, "I was able to develop programs, help with their financing, volunteer with them at events, mentor the youth, and bike the Ore to Shore.  While I was there to help make a difference in their lives, they ended up making a lifetime of difference in mine.”  After graduation, Alexa will be moving to Colorado to work with a CPA firm in their tax department.
Congratulations to Tyler Pentrod for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  Tyler is a biology major with an ecology concentration and is from Belmont, Michigan.  He is most proud of the hours he logged working with the Superior Watershed Partnership.  Tyler says, “I grew my leadership skills while completing rewarding conservation projects such as planting trees, conserving endangered species, and environmental monitoring.  The connections I build with the Superior Watershed Partnership helped me travel to South Africa to present at an international conference and become an FAA certified drone pilot.”  After graduation, Tyler will be working in Marquette for the Superior Watershed Partnership as the Great Lakes Conservation Corps Program Director.
Congratulations to Hailee Petosky for completing the Citizenship, Leadership, and Real World Edges!  Hailee is a biology/ecology major from Munising, Michigan.  She is most proud of leading the club softball team for the past three years.  Hailee says, “There is a lot of effort that goes into coordinating a team of nearly 20 people, and it’s such a reward knowing that I helped make it possible for women to continue playing softball and be active while focusing on getting an education.”  After graduation, Hailee will get some real world experience before continuing her education.
Congratulations to Hope Pintar for completing the Diversity, Leadership, and Real World Edges!  From Ontonagon, Michigan, Hope is a speech, language and hearing science major who is most proud of being a co-troop leader for the Girls Scouts.  She says, “As a troop leader, I held responsibilities such as holding bi-weekly meetings for the girls and making sure there were activities planned as well as attending troop leader meetings and many other events, including one we hosted which was the Valentine’s Day dance.  The biggest responsibility was cookies sales.  Being organized and having good time-management was key throughout this process.  In the end, I was proud of this because it allowed not only myself to grow as a person but the girls in my troop grew as well.”  After graduation, Hope will be attending Central Michigan University to get her MA in Speech-Language Pathology.
Congratulations to Julia Quinn for the completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  From Midland, Michigan, Julia is a biochemistry major.  She is most proud of creating the Photo Club because it allowed her to meet so many new people while spending time around Marquette.  Julia says, "I love our tradition of going to Huron Mountain Baker together after Make A Difference Day."  After graduation, she will be moving to California for a year before attending a physician assistant master's degree program.
Congratulations to Noah Roberts for completing the Real World Edge!  A graphic design major, Noah is from Marquette.  He is most proud of the experience he gained as a graphic designer for the DeVos Art Museum.  He says, “It was a really valuable real world experience as he learned the ins and outs of being a graphic designer.”  After graduation, he will be doing freelance work as a graphic designer and seeking full-time employment in Marquette.
Congratulations to Shelby Roesner for completing the Leadership Edge!  From Davison, Michigan, Shelby is a forensic biochemistry major.  Most of Shelby’s hours for the Leadership Edge were from her job as a Resident Adviser.  She says, “This was such a great experience for me.  I learned to be less afraid of speaking in public and how to manage a very busy schedule.  I was able to see students make friends and enjoy their time at Northern and it was wonderful to be a part of that.”  After graduation, Shelby will be applying to physician assistant’s school and will have a working gap year.
Congratulations to Ravyn Rooney for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  A social work major, Ravyn is from Alpena, Michigan/Spring Hill, Florida.  She is most proud of being a school social work intern at Marquette Alternative High School.  Ravyn says, “I have taken this real world experience incredibly seriously for the past year and have challenged myself in an unbelievable amount of ways.  The students make me a better person, and they make every day better than the last.  I have the privilege to learn about their lives—the good, the bad, and everything in between.  It is not an easy field placement by no means, but it is rewarding because with all of the negative in this world, I can shine light and hope within such a crucial time of these students’ lives.  A change like this is monumental in the field of social work.”   After graduation, Ravyn will be attending Michigan State University for an advanced standing master’s degree in clinical social work along with a certificate in healthcare.
Congratulations to Jillian Russ for completing the Leadership Edge!  Jillian is a nursing major from Fraser, Michigan.  She is most proud of the connections she made with fellow students and the Nursing Department faculty during her time at NMU.  After graduation, she will be working on the oncology stepdown unit at Ascension St. John in Detroit.
Congratulations to Madison Russell for completing the Leadership and Real World Edge!  From Manistique, Michigan, Madison is a speech, language, and hearing sciences major.  She is most proud of her three years spent as a Resident Adviser.  Madison says, “I have not only grown as a leader but also as a member of society.  An RA, in my opinion, isn’t just being an adviser for residents, and RA is also a friend, a should to cry on, late-night study buddy, voice of reason, cheerleader, support system, responder, mediator, and most importantly, a leader.  Being a part of the revival of Breakwater House, helping build a new community and meeting all of the people I have are all things I will never forget.”  After graduation, Madison will be pursuing a doctoral degree in audiology at Central Michigan University while working on a graduate apprenticeship.
Congratulations to Joshua Ryan for completing the Real World Edge!  From Portage, Michigan, Josh is a graphic design major.
Congratulations to Cassie Schweitzer for completing the Real World Edge!  A nursing major, Cassie is from Kiel, Wisconsin.
Congratulations to Morgan Shewmaker for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  From St. Joseph, Michigan, Morgan is a nursing major.  She is most proud of learning about the Belize culture and forming relationships with locals and classmates.  She says, “We set up clinics in local towns that cannot afford to make it to a doctor.  As a group we made home visits and provided simple necessities to families such as prenatal vitamins to pregnant moms.  It was an extremely rewarding experience and reinforcement of my passion for nursing.”  After graduation, Morgan will be moving to either Colorado or Oregon for a nurse residency program.
Congratulations to Emily Shirilla for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  Double majoring in anthropology and sociology, Emily is from Caledonia, Michigan.  Emily is most proud of becoming one of the founding members of Superior Con, an arts and gaming convention at NMU, and serving as a chairperson for three years.  Emily says, “Superior Con has been one of my greatest accomplishments as an undergraduate.  The event started as a small passion project focused on student organizations to a campus and community-wide event with an attendance of over 400.  This fast-growing project has given me the chance to help build a community and a space of arts and culture where anyone can share what they love with one another.”  After graduation, Emily will be taking a gap year to gain work experience before pursuing a graduate program.
Congratulations to Kimberly Shuman for completing the Diversity and Real World Edges!  A Tomahawk, Wisconsin, native, Kim is a social work major.  She is most proud of working as a Direct Care Worker in an adult foster home.  Kim says, “All of the individuals I work with are intellectually disabled.  I have learned the skills of patience, empathy, and kindness from my clients.  Every day I come into work smiling because I know I will be with some of the most caring, carefree adults I have ever met. Their demeanor has motivated me to become a kinder, more understanding social worker in the future.”  After graduation, she will be attending the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh working as an Assistant Residence Hall Director as she works on her Master’s of Social Work. She would eventually like to be a school social worker, hopefully, specifically with special education students. 
Congratulations to Kate Spalding for completing the Leadership and Real World Edges!  From Quincy, Michigan, Kate is a psychology major.  She is most proud of her time working as a direct care worker for adults with physical and developmental disabilities.  Kate says, “This experience allowed me to give back to a wonderful community while gaining experience that is relevant to my future occupation.  I was able to assist individuals in becoming as independent as possible while learning about the application of occupational therapy plans in real life.”  After graduation, Kate will be attending Grand Valley State University for her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy. 
Congratulations to Mason Steinhauer for completing the Real World Edge!  Mason is a psychology major from Rockford, Michigan.  She is most proud of working in the research labs with Dr. Carlson in the CABIN Lab and with Dr. Prus in the Psychopharmacology Lab. She says, “These experiences have given me so much, like being able to present at conferences and write a published journal article.”  After graduation, Mason will be applying to PhD programs to obtain my PhD in Clinical Psychology.  
Congratulations to Jessie Sullivan for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  An environmental studies and sustainability major, Jessie is from Bath, Michigan.  She says, “My study abroad month in Costa Rica was a highlight because I got to live with a host family and be fully immersed in a different culture.  They couldn’t speak very much English, and I could barely speak Spanish.  But, by the end of my four weeks, I was able to communicate and have conversations with my host family.  It was a great feeling looking back on week one and seeing how much I had grown.”  After graduation, Jessie will be moving to Alabama to find a job in her field of study, such as environmental educator.
Congratulations to Sydney Voss for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  From Marquette, Sydney is a nursing major who is most proud of her work as a school nurse at Cherry Creek Elementary School for her community nursing clinical experience.  She says, “I was the only medically trained person in the building and was independently responsible for providing medical care to the students and sometimes even the staff with limited supplies.  I am proud of how I handled this leadership position and proud of the care and assistance I provided.”  After graduation, Sydney hopes to obtain a registered nurse position in a neonatal intensive care unit.
Congratulations to Tehya White for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  A biology major with a physiology concentration, Tehya is from Twin Lakes, Wisconsin.  She is most proud of traveling to New Zealand through Superior Edge.  She says, “This is the first time I left the US, and it has forever changed me.  I realized that I was capable of so much more than I ever thought I was.  I was able to come out of my shell, explore the world, and meet amazing people who have influenced my life immensely.  Superior Edge gave me the opportunity to see the world, and in a way, helped me see what my place was, what my place is, and how I want to live the rest of my life, by helping others.”  After graduation, Tehya will be applying to medical schools for next year with hopes to become a physician. 
Congratulations to Chloe Wilkinson for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  From Marquette, Chloe is a double major in biology with a concentration in physiology and Spanish.  She is most proud of her community service internship with Mind Your Health through the Student Leader Fellowship Program.  Chloe says, “Sadie Knill and I started this mental health awareness campaign with the help from NMU faculty on the mental health task force.  With this campaign, we have spread awareness on mental health on campus, distributed mental health resources and information, and have held many events and exhibits that have opened the conversation on mental illness.  NMU lacked an organization that addressed mental illness on campus but now this isn’t an issue.”  After graduation, Chloe will be applying to medical school, and if she is accepted during the first round, she will start in the fall of 2021.  On her year off, she will work as a medical assistant, and hopefully, travel a bit as well.
Congratulations to Ashely Wojan for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  Ashely is from Engadine, Michigan, and is an applied behavior analysis (psychology) major.  She is most proud of being a buddy at Camp Star, a children’s bereavement camp.  Ashely says, “At camp, we put on many events to learn how to cope with the loss of a loved one.  Over the course of the weekend, I became my buddy’s rock and made sure she knew it is okay to cry and that she doesn’t have to be tough all the time!  This was an amazing experience and an opportunity for all involved to grow and share empathy for others going through a loss.”  After graduation, Ashely will be attending the University of Michigan's Applied Behavior Analysis master's degree program and is hoping to take her BCaBA exam this summer. 
Congratulations to Abbey Zigarac for completing the Leadership and Real World Edges!  A psychology major, Abbey is from Rockford, Michigan.  She is most proud of working very closely within the Psychological Sciences department especially with the neuropsychopharmacology lab.  Abbey says, “I have been able to take what I learn in class and apply it to a real world setting as well as gain confidence with my knowledge.  I have also been able to gain an understanding of a field that I was previously unaware of, and it has turned into a passion that I hope to continue.”  After graduation, Abbey plans to continue focusing on research as well as apply for graduate school.

Eleven students were recognized as Superior Edge graduates. To receive this honor, the students completed a minimum of 400 Superior Edge hours, a minimum of 100 hours in each of the four edges. Superior Edge graduates were given blue cords to wear at commencement. The other seven students graduated with one, two or three edges. Read more about the graduates below:

Congratulations to Nicholas Beattie for completing the Real World Edge!  From Escanaba, Michigan, Nicholas is a secondary education social studies major.  He is most proud of his involvement with Special Olympics.  Nicholas says, “Being involved in such a diverse and accepting community was a great experience.  My athletes were truly wonderful to be around.”  In January, Nicholas will be moving to Chicago to work in the Chicago Public Schools.
Congratulations to Elizabeth Caputo for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  A double major in criminal justice and psychology applied behavioral analysis, Liz is from Grand Rapids, Michigan.  She is most proud of working with the Superior Arts Youth Theatre and Jill Grundstrom on Newsies, which was for her 100-hour community service internship for the Student Leader Fellowship Program.  Liz says, “It was a great experience because it really opened my eyes to the theatre life.  I was able to see how much work goes on behind the scenes and how everyone has to work together to make a show.”  After graduation, Liz plans on finishing her application with Border Patrol with the hopes of being stationed in Cleveland, Ohio.  She will also be planning her wedding.  Congratulations!
Congratulations to Sydney Cornock for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  From Marquette, Sydney is a double major in sports science and Spanish.  She is most proud of traveling to Belize during her sophomore year.  Sydney says, “While in Belize we helped organize health clinics, health education in schools, and nutrition education in the local market.  I really enjoyed helping narrow the gap between the need and the availability of healthcare.  I was also able to use some of my Spanish skills to talk with some of the patients and translate for other students.”  After graduation, Sydney will be attending a physician assistant program.
Congratulations to Denali Drake for completing the Diversity, Leadership, and Real World Edges!  A political science major, Denali is from Ann Arbor.  She is most proud of all of the leadership positions that she held on campus.  Denali says, “They gave me the ability to figure out what I plan on doing in my career, and I was able to develop my management skills.”  After graduation, Denali plans to get her master's of arts in law and diplomacy.
Congratulations to Michelle Gerdom for completing all four edges for Superior Edge!  Michelle is a clinical laboratory science major with a concentration in cytogenetics from Carmel, Indiana.  Michelle is most proud of helping to organize the It’s On Us week of action with the Health Promotion Society.  The week of action and the It’s On Us campaign aims to end sexual assault on college campuses across the nation through education.  The group is dedicated to making a difference, educating about consent, providing support to survivors, and much more.  She says, “We were lucky enough to receive the 2018-19 NMU Organization of the Year Award!”  After graduation, Michelle plans to get a job in a cytogenetics laboratory. 
Congratulations to Riley Jepkema for completing all four edges for Superior Edge!  From Kalamazoo, Michigan, Riley is a biology major.  One of Riley’s favorite activities was doing research at the Forensic Outdoor Research Station (FROST).  She says, “I learned a lot about the world forensics, and it helped me decide on my future career goals.  I also enjoyed volunteering for Little Brother in Marquette and hosting at the Moosewood Nature Center.”  After graduation, Riley will be taking a year off to study for the MCAT, make some money, and prepare for medical school.  Then she will have 9 more years of studying until she becomes a board certified forensic pathologist.  She would love to come back and work in Marquette.
Congratulations to Marissa Lindstrom for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  An environmental studies and sustainability major, Marissa is from Holland, Michigan.  Marissa is most proud of her time as a naturalist intern and environmental educator for a non-profit in Holland, Michigan.  She says, “It allowed me to gain applicable skills in my field of study and interact with people and the environment in a meaningful way.”  After graduation, Marissa will be joining the Peace Corps in Guatemala to serve as a rural development facilitator, primarily working to ensure food security in rural areas.
Congratulations to Nyan Nguyen for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  Nyan was born in Vietnam but lives in Marquette and is an accounting major.  She is most proud of helping Room at the Inn with their accounting work.  She enjoyed it because she got to meet people who are doing good work, gain practical experience while helping the community, and become more confident when communicating with others.  After graduation, she will work for a local CPA firm and get involved in Marquette’s community by volunteering and joining a non-profit organization.
Congratulations to Allison Opheim for completing the Real World Edge!  From Oshkosh, Wisconsin, Allison is a public relations and pre-law major.  She is most proud of her work with in the University Marketing and Communications Office.  Allison says, “I feel like what I did as a student employee allowed me to let others know about NMU as well as other departments and individuals on campus.”  After graduation, Allison will be moving to Colorado to work in public affairs and communications.
Congratulations to Marley Redd for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  An environmental studies and sustainability major, Marley is from Lake Orion, Michigan.  Marley is most proud of working with EcoReps.  She says, “I discovered a potential career field while working towards creating change on campus.  It was also inspiring to work alongside students and faculty who share similar passions for sustainability.”  After graduation, Marley hopes to work for a not-for-profit organization doing administrative duties or program coordinating.
Congratulations to Leah Ring for completing the Diversity, Leadership, and Real World Edges!  From East Lansing, Michigan, Leah is a double major in French and international studies.  She is most proud of her time with Camp Wicosuta being able to develop my children’s social skills and helping them become well rounded, strong women of the future.  Leah says, “I have made many long lasting relationships with them and consider them great friends.”  After graduation, Leah is hoping to have a job with the federal government or somewhere related doing work with different countries.
Congratulations to Madison Rudnick for completing the Leadership and Real World Edges!  A community health education major, Madison is from Champlin, Minnesota.  She is most proud of being an intern for 1½ years at the Upper Peninsula Health Plan.  Madison says, “I am able to see the many types of positions my degree qualifies for and has lead me to a great knowledge of how community health is implemented in the real world.”  After graduation, Madison hopes to work in a government program.
Congratulations to Sarah Schollmeyer for completing all four edges for Superior Edge!  From Hudsonville, Michigan, Sarah is double major in public relations and political science.  Sarah is most proud of her involvement with the Women’s March Post March Reception Waves of Feminism which she was the financial coordinator.  She says, “It was so exciting creating a splash of domestic diversity promoting different poets, artists, and singers in the name of feminism at the Ore Dock.  With over 300 people experiencing it, I think people walked away with a sense of solidarity, strain, and intersectionality.”  After graduation, Sarah will be moving to San Antonio, Texas, to be a support staff in schools with City Year.  After her service is up, she is applying to graduate school for either communications or higher education leadership.
Congratulations to Jenna Schroeder for completing the Diversity Edge!  A psychology major, Jenna is from Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  Jenna is most proud of going to Romania with her church.  She says, “I was able to travel to such a beautiful country with beautiful people and help some children learn English.  We went there to teach the children about English, but I left having learned so much about Romanian people and their culture.”  After graduation, Jenna will be attending graduate school for clinical psychology.
Congratulations to Sierra Utych for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  Sierra is an accounting major with an entrepreneurship minor from Newberry, Michigan.  She is most proud of working with Circle of Friends.  Sierra says, “I was able to make the biggest difference here.  The people with special needs got extra attention, and they were able to do things that they normally can’t do, and their caretakers got to take a five-day break.”  After graduation, Sierra will be moving to Cadillac to work with Baird, Cotter, & Bishop, CPA’s.
Congratulations to Renee Van Arsdale for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  From Deerfield, Illinois, Renee is a secondary education English major who is most proud of learning about different cultures while she studied abroad in Galway, Ireland.  After graduation, Renee plans to teach high school near Olympia, Washington.
Congratulations to Bailey Wegener for completing the Real World Edge!  A speech, language, and hearing sciences major, Bailey is from Freeland, Michigan.  She is most proud of the work that she did at Bay Cliff Health Camp.  Bailey says, “It was an amazing experience to spend the summer with the campers and help them work towards their goals, while also having fun.  It was also a great opportunity to work with other professionals to see what they do on a day-to-day basis.”  After graduation, Bailey will move back home and eventually apply to graduate school.
Congratulations to Claire Wisner for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  From Marne, Michigan (near Grand Rapids), Claire is a business management major.  Claire is most proud of her amazing student abroad in Germany and her Student Leader Fellowship Program community service internship in the International Office.  After graduation, she will spend some time with her family, dogs, and hopefully, do some more traveling.

Thirty-five students were recognized as Superior Edge graduates. To receive this honor, the students completed a minimum of 400 Superior Edge hours, a minimum of 100 hours in each of the four edges. Superior Edge graduates were given blue cords to wear at commencement. The other 20 students graduated with one, two or three edges. Read more about the graduates below:

Superior Edge Grads May 2019

Front Row:  Madeline Rayner, Superior Edge; Victoria Casal, Superior Edge; Susan Arnold, Superior Edge; and Teressa Savastano, Superior Edge

Second Row:  Morgan Zoeller, Superior Edge; Margaret Bohm, Superior Edge, Chloe Rinkel, Superior Edge; and Tristan Ruiz, Superior Edge

Third Row:  Michael Stamm, Superior Edge; Angeleah Gravedoni, RW; Kendra Palomaki, Superior Edge; and Ashley McIntire, DE, LE, & RW

Fourth Row:  Maija Mattson, Superior Edge; Elle Gallagher, Superior Edge; and Shelby Nguyen, Superior Edge

Fifth Row:  Seton Trost, Superior Edge; Hailey Reimann, CE, LE, & RW; and Jessica Resst, Superior Edge

Sixth Row:  Caroline Davis, Superior Edge, and Adel Isaacson, Superior Edge

Seventh Row:  Amanda Manninen, Superior Edge, and Ryan Watling, Superior Edge

Eighth Row:  Kyle Konkol, DE, LE, & RW; Marlo Stevens, Superior Edge; and Rachel Harris, Director of the Center for Student Enrichment 

Back Row:  Andrew Olson, CE, DE, & LE; Emma Schroeder, Superior Edge; and Emma Goebel, Superior Edge

Missing from photo:  Holly Anderson, Superior Edge; Sara Aqwa, RW; Jaque Barr, LE & RW; Kristina Beethem, DE; Cole Brooks, LE & RW; Logan Carrick, RW; Rebecca Christy, Superior Edge; Liesel Demeuse, LE; Hailey Donohue, Superior Edge; Meghan Flynn, CE & RW; Sarah Gardner, CE, LE, & RW; Paige Govern, Superior Edge; Gwyneth Harrick, Superior Edge; Martha Jones, Superior Edge; Alysa Kasen, Superior Edge; Margo Keuler, DE & RW; Suzette LaCasse, LE & RW; Shayla Manitowabi-Huebner, Superior Edge; Regan McKay, LE & RW; Brittany Moore, Superior Edge; Christopher Moore, DE; Elizabeth Noble, Superior Edge; Phoebe Osterhus, Superior Edge; Megan Palacio, Superior Edge; Morgan Peters, LE & RW; Alysa Rebensburg, CE & RW; Maria Roell, RW; and Cassi Visintainer, Superior Edge

CE – Citizenship Edge; DE – Diversity Edge;
LE – Leadership Edge; RW – Real World Edge


Congratulations to Holly Anderson for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  A Marquette native, Holly is an accounting major.  She is most proud of teaching a math class in Cambodia.  Holly says, “Math was always my favorite subject in school, and it was enlightening to realize how universal math is, regardless of the language(s) you speak.  The entire experience was incredibly humanizing for me, and it completely shifted how I view my place in the world.”  After graduation, Holly will be working at an accounting firm.
Congratulations to Sara Aqwa for completing the Real World Edge.
Congratulations to Susan Arnold for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  From Clarkston, Michigan, Susan is a double major in English writing and photography.  Susan is most proud of being a resident adviser and studying abroad.  She says, “I am proud of being an RA because I was able to give back to the NMU community as much as it gave to me.  I was able to put on programs and help people grow, learn new skills, and develop relationships.  Housing has helped morph me into the person I am today and being able to give back a little bit is very rewarding.  I was also able to study abroad in London, England, where I was able to closely study literature and writing.  I was introduced to a new culture globally and metropolitan wise, I learned how to travel and navigate large cities by myself.”  After graduation, Susan will be attending Missouri State University to pursue a master’s degree in student affairs and higher education.
Congratulations to Jaque Barr for completing the Leadership and Real World Edges!  Jaque is a social work major who is most proud of participating in Make A Difference Day as well as helping out with the stuff swap with the student organization Ripple Effect.  He says, “It was amazing as I was able to really reach out and help the community within a one-on-one setting.”  After graduation, Jaque will be commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Army and will be pursuing a master's in social work.
Congratulations to Kristina Beethem for completing the Diversity Edge!  Kristina is a double major in sociology and Spanish and is from Cheboygan, Michigan.  She is most proud of her study abroad trip to Salamanca, Spain where she took classes at the University of Salamanca learning about the local culture and history as well as meeting new people with new perspectives.  Kristina says, “The best part was that I was pushed outside of my comfort zone and as a result I grew into someone totally different.  I’ll never forget this experience.”  After graduation, Kristina will be attending Michigan State University’s doctoral program in sociology.  She hopes to pursue a career in research.
Congratulations to Margaret Bohm for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  She is a biochemistry major from Mount Clemens, Michigan, and is most proud of working in a research lab through the Honors Lundin Summer Research Fellowship.  Maggie says, “Working with Dr. Sharp in the Biology Department, I studied gene regulation in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a bacteria species that is often involved in fatal lung infections for cystic fibrosis patients, and its sister species Pseudomonas entomphilia.  Since these bacteria are resistant to many antibiotics, my goal was to highlight a new antibiotic targets to clear up these infections before death occurs.  It was an amazing and humbling experience that will hopefully have a positive impact on others’ lives.”  After graduation, Maggie will attend graduate school where she will pursue a Ph.D. in immunology focusing on food allergy research.
Congratulations to Cole Brooks for completing the Leadership and Real World Edges!  A secondary education social studies major, Cole is from Highland, Michigan.  Cole is most proud of his student teaching experience.  He says, “It was a very rewarding experience that I will remember forever.  The students and faculty I worked with made the best possible placement for me.  I not only had the chance to teach but learned valuable life experiences from everyone.”  After graduation, Cole will get his master’s degree in education.
Congratulations to Logan Carrick for completing the Real World Edge!  From Brimley, Michigan, Logan is a sports science major.  She is most proud of job shadowing in a Radiography Department of a hospital.  Logan says, “It taught me a lot about the field and gave me experience that a classroom doesn’t.  It gave me an opportunity to observe the different modalities in radiography and be able to find which area best suits me.  It has prepared me to improve my social skills and become a better person.”  After graduation, Logan will be coming back to NMU for the radiography program.
Congratulations to Victoria Casal for completing all four edges for Superior Edge!  A psychology applied behavior analysis, Tory is from Orlando, Florida.  Tory is most proud of doing her practicum at the BEAR Center where she was able to provide behavioral assessment, consultation, and therapeutic services for children with autism, developmental disabilities, language deficits, and other behavioral concerns.  She says, “Not only was I able to get experience within my field, but I was able to help children improve their everyday lives.”  After graduation, Tory will be attending Western New England University to pursue a master’s in applied behavioral analysis while working for the New England Center for Children.
Congratulations to Rebecca Christy for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  From Iron Mountain, Michigan, Rebecca is a biology/physiology major.  She is most proud of organizing the first-ever Mini Cat Skating Camp.  This was a weekend skating camp open to local children.  It was filled with learning, games, friendships, and even a performance for family and friends.  After graduation, Rebecca will be attend Midwestern University to pursue a doctorate of physical therapy.
Congratulations to Caroline Davis for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  An English major, Caroline is from Gaylord, Michigan.  She is most proud of volunteering for Make A Difference Day.  She says, “This is my favorite day of the year.  I love helping out the community, seeing the smile and gratitude on the faces of the people we help.  I think my favorite part is when the community realizes that we really mean it when we say we will show up rain or shine – even snow sometimes!  Most of the time we are all miserable, yet each of us tries our hardest to be positive.  We make the most of the situation through sharing laughter and passion for helping others.”  After graduation, Caroline will be a primary English literacy volunteer with the Peace Corps in the Eastern Caribbean departing in early July for 27 months.  After the Peace Corps, she will be pursuing a master’s degree in English.
Congratulations to Liesel Demeuse for completing the Leadership Edge!  A Marquette native, Liesel is a general biology major.  Liesel is most proud of volunteering with the after-school program at Lake Superior Village Youth and Family Center.  She says, “I was able to meet so many amazing children and get more involved in my community in the process.  The employees have always been welcoming and supportive of my ideas for updates and new facets to their program.  I am forever grateful for the bonds I have formed through Lake Superior Village and cannot wait to continue volunteering and working with kids in my future.”  After graduation, Liesel will be attending Ferris State University’s doctor of pharmacy program.
Congratulations to Hailey Donohue for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  Hailey is an applied behavior analysis major from Marquette.  She is most proud of time she spent volunteering in a center for children with disabilities in Morocco.  Hailey says, “I brought novel and individualized teaching methods to their classrooms.  I developed a strong sense of empathy for this population from my first day with them.  I did not speak their languages, and after observing and working with the children in the center, I knew that my disability to communicate with the people of Morocco was the same disability those children faced to communicate and to be understood in everyday life.  I watched their enthusiasm to learn and grow, and I was inspired every day.”  After graduation, Hailey will be attending the University of Pacific in Stockton, California to pursue a master of arts in behavior analysis.
Congratulations to Meghan Flynn for completing the Citizenship and Real World Edges!  From Shelby Township, Michigan, Meghan is a speech, language, and hearing sciences major.  Meghan says, “Being a volunteer for Camp STAR over the summer was my favorite activity because of the enriching activities on the topic of grief that I was able to do with my camper in the span of three days.”  In the fall, Meghan will be attending graduate school at St. Ambrose University for speech-language pathology.
Congratulations to Elle Gallagher for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  Hailing from Ann Arbor, Elle is a speech, language, and hearing sciences major.  She is most proud of her Student Leader Fellowship Program community service internship with TEDxNMU.  Elle says, “I was the talent acquisition chair on the planning committee and had the opportunity to work closely with the speakers.  I chose to highlight this opportunity because I feel that I learned the most about myself during the process.  I was able to use all of the skills I have gained during my time at Northern and apply them in a real world setting.”  After graduation, Elle will be taking a gap year and then complete her master’s in communication disorders.  During her gap year, she will work and live on a catamaran in the Caribbean using her scuba certification that she received at NMU.
Congratulations to Sarah Gardner for completing the Citizenship, Leadership, and Real World Edges!  From Livonia, Michigan, Sarah is a fisheries and wildlife management major.  Sarah’s favorite activity was the Mu Beta Psi’s National Convention.  She says, “I grew so much at the conference and learned various leadership techniques, how to connect with people from across the country, and professionalism.  I have amazing memories from each convention that I have attended and love the meetings I got a chance to attend.”  After graduation, Sarah will be working at the Grant Village Hotel in Yellowstone National Park.
Congratulations to Emma Goebel for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  Emma is from Holt, Michigan, and is a graphic communications major.  Emma says, “While in Superior Edge, I decided to step up as a leader for my club, NMU Best Buddies, to help the group grow.  Through my volunteering in the club, I have been able to connect with people at NMU and within the wider Marquette community regarding the club, participate in the Polar Plunge for the first time, go to the Best Buddies International Leadership Conference this past summer, and help organize and promote club and campus-wide events.  Through our leadership efforts in our club, we were even able to become an official Best Buddies Chapter this past year.”  After graduation, Emma will look for a job where she can get more experience in marketing/public relations/graphic design.
Congratulations to Paige Govern for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  A sports science major, Paige is from Marquette.  She is most proud of her service learning trip to Belize.  She says, “We were able to take part in rural health clinics, visit local schools, and give short lessons to the students, experience the culture through culinary classes, and explore the towns and cities.  We ended our trip with a night on a tropical island, Caye Caluker, where we were able to roam and explore on our own before we headed back to the states.  I gained a tremendous amount of knowledge and appreciation on this trip that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.”  After graduation, Paige will be attending a physician assistant program.
Congratulations to Angeleah Gravedoni for completing the Real World Edge!  From Negaunee, Angeleah is an entrepreneurship major.  Angeleah is most proud of taking on major job responsibilities at Ideal Auto Sales and Service.  She says, “I have had many great experiences with customers and fellow co-workers.  It was amazing being able to interact with so many different people and hear their stories.  I really enjoyed that and loved hearing how many people had pleasant experiences with my service.  That is something I find great happiness in.”  After graduation, Angeleah will be staying in the Negaunee area and working at Ideal Auto Sales and Service for a while.
Congratulations to Gwyneth Harrick for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  A Marquette native, Gwyneth is a public administration major.  She is most proud of her employment at the Harbor House domestic violence and sexual assault shelter.  She says, “This activity counted toward my social services minor.  It was an eye-opening experience in which I learned about social problems in my home community and how to be a better advocate.”  After graduation, Gwyneth will be attending law school at the University of Pennsylvania.
Congratulations to Adel Isaacson for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  From Crystal Falls, Michigan, Adel is a speech, language, and hearing sciences major.  She is most proud of working with international students on their English pronunciation.  Adel says, “Through this experience, I learned more about the different cultures and languages of the students I worked with all while being able to use and practice theory from my major.  Working as a pronunciation practice tutor developed my confidence in working as a clinician, which will help me in my future career as a speech-language pathologist.”  After graduation, Adel will be working as a counselor at Camp Batawagama in Crystal Falls, Michigan, before heading to graduate school to become a speech-language pathologist.
Congratulations to Martha Jones for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  Martha is a social work major from Port Huron, Michigan.  Martha is most proud of her participation in Camp Star as a buddy.  She says, “Working with children who have experienced the loss of a loved one was very rewarding, and I took away a lot from it.  I am most proud of this experience because of the growth I achieved in such a short time and the bonds I formed that I will never forget.”  After graduation, Martha will be staying at NMU to be a part of the first Master of Social Work co-hort concentrating on co-occurring mental health and substance abuse counseling.
Congratulations to Alysa Kasen for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  A biology major with a physiology concentration, Alysa is from Hudsonville, Michigan.  She is most proud of her work as a house president.  Alysa says, “During the time that I held this role, I was able to meet new people and work to plan fun activities for my house.  I enjoyed being able to work with other students to create a fun atmosphere to live in.”  After graduation Alysa will be pursuing a Ph.D. in cell and molecular genetics at Van Andel Research Institute.
Congratulations to Margo Keuler for completing the Diversity and Real World Edges!  From Wrightstown, Wisconsin, Margo is an international studies and Spanish double major.  She is most proud of volunteering at Literacy Green Bay.  Margo says, “I worked with individuals who were trying to learn English.  I assisted in both a beginner and advanced-level class creating homework assignments and activities as well as holding conversations with the students.  I also helped to create the curriculum for their newly-founded US citizenship class.  I created the documents that contained the pertinent information for both applying for and taking the examination.”  After graduation, Margo will be applying for grad school for Spanish linguistics.
Congratulations to Kyle Konkol for completing the Diversity, Leadership, and Real World Edges!  Kyle is a forensic biochemistry major from Amherst, Wisconsin.  Kyle is most proud of working with the Michigan State Police as an intern at the Marquette forensic laboratory.  He says, “I have been given the unique opportunity to gain experience working in three disciplines of forensic science:  biology, controlled substances, and latent prints.  The experience has taught me a lot but has also allowed me to integrate what I have learned at NMU into a professional atmosphere.  As a whole, the experience has further cemented and fueled my passion for the field of forensic science.  There is no doubt in my mind that this experience will make me a more competitive candidate when applying for jobs.”  After graduation, Kyle hopes to work in a crime laboratory.

Congratulations to Suzette LaCasse for completing the Leadership and Real World Edges

From Lake Linden, Suzette is a construction management who is most proud of Lake Superior Day 2018.  She says, “I am most proud of this event because it was such a down-to-earth, grassroots way to clean our shorelines on the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community reservation.  It was also a beautiful way to empower the community through ceremony and shared teaching.”  After graduation, she will get married and take a long road trip around the country with her wife.  Although school has been rewarding, she definitely needs some time to rest.  

Congratulations to Shayla Manitowabi-Huebner for completing al four edges for the Superior Edge!  A Marquette native, Shayla is a sports science major.  She is most proud of the McNair Research she completed because she accomplished the intricate components it required.  Shayla says, “I formulated a question, read literature, used equipment, and wrote a paper, in addition to working with graduate students, professors, and various personalities.  The goal of my research was to determine whether hiking boots or shoes were better.  I obtained muscle activity data from subjects, analyzed it, did statistics, and found no significant difference between footwear.  Research is challenging and emotionally taxing at times but extremely rewarding.  I expanded my network and horizons and gained confidence to excel in the future.”  After graduation, Shayla hopes to compete in the track and field national championship at the end of May.  After that, she will start the master's program in exercise science at NMU and finish her cross country eligibility.
Congratulations to Amanda Manninen for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  From Hancock, Michigan, Amanda is a speech language and hearing sciences major.  She is most proud of her clinical work, including practicing phonological awareness activities at a preschool, performing a hearing, articulation, and language screening at a preschool, and practicing as an undergraduate clinical at NMU’s Speech and Language Clinic.  Amanda says, “These experiences have shown me how to be successful in my future career and are evidence of how much I have accomplished during my time at NMU.”  After graduation, Amanda will be attending the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire to complete her master’s in communication sciences and disorders.
Congratulations to Maija Mattson for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  From Pearl City, Illinois, Maija is a speech, language and hearing sciences major.  Maija is most proud of volunteering on an elephant reserve and built a home for a family in Cambodia during the Thailand and Cambodia International Service Project.  She says, “This was one of the most meaningful experiences I’ve had with NMU as it reminded me to take a step back and appreciate all that we have.  We really connected with the people we met, and we felt that they may have made a greater impact on us than we did on them.  My perspective on life has been forever changed and wish to return to these areas and volunteer.”  After graduation, Maija will be attending graduate school in the Communication Sciences and Disorders Department at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire en route to become a speech and language pathologist.
Congratulations to Ashley McIntire for completing the Diversity, Leadership, and Real World Edges!  A Marquette native, Ashley is a business management major.  Ashley really enjoyed her trip to Slovenia and Croatia.  She says, “I went with my mom to visit family that I had never met and that she hadn’t seen in over 20 years.  During this time, I did so much sight-seeing as well as tried so many new things that I otherwise wouldn’t have and I am so grateful I got the opportunity to do so.  And, if I’m being completely honest, the food was the best part!  It was amazing to see how different places in the world are compared to Marquette or even the United States.”  After graduation, Ashley will be continuing her internship with a full-time position at Invisible Fence of the UP.
Congratulations to Regan McKay for completing the Leadership and Real World Edges!
Congratulations to Brittney Moore for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  Brittney is a biology major from Chatham, Michigan.  She is most proud of a large animal veterinary medicine course she took in Belize where she got to work closely with farmers and their livestock.  Brittney says, “I volunteered as a veterinary assistant in a free spay and neuter clinic which provided sterilization procedures and vaccinations in order to reduce overpopulation and disease spread in local pets.  This was a phenomenal experience in which I got to stay in a beautiful country while learning about cultures very different from my own, all while working in my career field.”  This summer Brittney will be attending a Midwest Equine Dental Academy to become a certified equine dental technician in order to provide dentistry to horses in the UP and then will be attending the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine.  She will then attend the Chi Institute to become a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist and Veterinary Chiropractor.
Congratulations to Christopher Moore for completing the Diversity Edge!
Congratulations to Shelby Nguyen for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge! Shelby is a nursing major from Ann Arbor.  Shelby is most proud of her time as a counselor at Bay Cliff Health Camp.  She says, “It pushed me outside of my comfort zone working with campers of various backgrounds.  I learned from every single person at camp including all of the staff, visitors, and campers!  I had so much fun making customized wheel-chair costumes for the 4th of July parade.  I learned about various medical conditions such as cerebral palsy, and I ultimately learned how to support a team and remember what it means to be a kid again.  I will always remember Bay Cliff!”  After graduation, Shelby will travel, maybe scuba dive, prior to hitting the books and passing the NCLEX so she can become a registered nurse, hopefully, working with children.
Congratulations to Elizabeth Noble for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  From Rochester, Minnesota, Elizabeth is a double major in clinical laboratory sciences and biology.  She is most proud of her internship in the laboratory at Aspirus Grand View Hospital.  Elizabeth says, “This experience let me gain hands-on experience in my field and confirmed why I wanted to pursue the majors I'm studying.  Working at the hospital let me apply the knowledge I learned at Northern and let me see that I could succeed in my chosen field.”  After graduation, Elizabeth will be attending graduate school at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. 
Congratulations to Andrew Olson for completing the Citizenship, Diversity, and Leadership Edges!  Hailing from Tomahawk, Wisconsin, Andrew is a biochemistry major.  He is most proud of his Student Leader Fellowship Program community service internship with Cat Packs.  Andrew says, “Cat Packs packs weekend meals for hungry children at North Star Academy in Marquette.  It was very rewarding knowing that all the time I spent there was directly helping children in the area.  I spent most of my time packing meals and helping organize Cat Packs finances rather than working directly with the children, but I still felt like I made a difference in their lives.”  After graduation, he would like a job in a lab and then possibly go onto grad school sometime in the future.
Congratulations to Phoebe Osterhus for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  From Merrill, Wisconsin, Phoebe is an elementary math education major.  She is most proud of volunteering at an English school in Cambodia called Milk + Honey.  Phoebe says, “I taught English to students ages 3 years old to adult and I learned so much!  It was my first time traveling abroad by myself and the first time I was responsible for teaching for an extended period of time. I met so many amazing people. I am so thankful for the experiences that took me out of my comfort zone and gave me the opportunity to live in another culture!  My time in Cambodia is part of the reason I want to work abroad in the future.”  After graduation, Phoebe will be student teaching in Ecuador.  After student teaching, she will work with an Australian organization called Freedom International that focuses on the prevention of modern day slavery.  She isn’t sure what her role will be, but she will most likely be in Australia or Cambodia.
Congratulations to Megan Palacio for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  A biochemistry major, Meg is from Cumberland, Rhode Island.  Meg is most proud of spending three seasons as the captain of the women’s lacrosse team.  She says, “It has been difficult to help start a new team from scratch, but it is amazing how far we have come.  I am so incredibly proud of every girls on this team, including myself.  While this opportunity has allowed me to develop into a strong leader, it has also given me the chance to become a mentor.  This experience has given me sisters I will have for the rest of my life and the skills to be a leader in my future endeavor.”  After graduation, Meg will attend Colorado University-Boulder to work towards her Ph.D. in biochemistry. 
Congratulations to Kendra Palomaki for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  A Marquette native, Kendra is a nursing major.  She is most proud of the time she spent in Belize practicing in pop-up rural health care clinics.  She says, “We were able to provide healthcare to those who wouldn’t otherwise receive it and make small changes that had a large impact on their overall health.”  After graduation, Kendra will be working as an RN in the ICU at UP Health System Marquette.
Congratulations to Morgan Peters for completing the Leadership and Real World Edges!  A general biology/pre-physician assistant major, Morgan is from Calumet.  She is most proud of her community service internship with the Girl Scouts for the Student Leader Fellowship Program.  Morgan says, “I enjoyed having meetings with the girls and watching them grow from the first meeting to the last.  They learned a lot about leadership and what it takes to be a Girl Scout, and I enjoyed meeting and hanging out with them every week.”  After graduation, Morgan will be applying to PA school and work as a medical assistant at her local hospital.
Congratulations to Madeline Rayner for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  From Marshall, Michigan, Madeline is a speech, language, and hearing sciences major.  She is most proud of her work with Summer “Fun” Playground as a camp counselor and cadet counselor supervisor.  She says, “I got to take the leadership qualities and skills I’ve developed through my college career, specifically through the Student Leader Fellowship Program, and teach young adolescents how to begin their leadership journeys.  I was also able to expand my personal exposure to diversity by having the opportunity to work with children from several different countries and children with various disabilities.”  After graduation, Madeline will have a full-time entertainment position with Walt Disney World Parks and Resorts.  After a year or two at Disney, she plans to pursue her doctorate in audiology (AuD) and become a pediatric audiologist.
Congratulations to Alyssa Rebensburg for completing the Citizenship and Real World Edges! 
Congratulations to Hailey Reimann for completing the Citizenship, Leadership, and Real World Edges!  A fish and wildlife management major, Hailey is from Cheboygan, Michigan.  She is most proud of being a teaching assistant for a criminal justice class.  Hailey says, “This was a very rewarding experience for me and allowed me to work on my communication skills as well as my ability to talk in front a large group of people.  I’m proud of this opportunity because I had stepped up and decided to do it, knowing that I wasn’t the best public speaker as well as not knowing if I really wanted to help teach.”  After graduation, Hailey will be trying different jobs until she figures out what she wants to do as a career. 
Congratulations to Jessica Resst for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  Hailing from Lincoln Park, Michigan, Jessica is an applied behavior analysis major.  She is most proud of being an intern for Star Children’s Bereavement Service, which is an organization that helps children who have lost a loved one.  Jessica says, “There is a yearly weekend summer camp and winter camp.  Then every month we hold an event with the children.  I was able to help these children know they have a support system, which getting to meet some really awesome kids.”  After graduation, Jessica is planning to sit for her board certified assistant behavior analyst exam and then work towards her master’s degree.
Congratulations to Chloe Rinkel for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  From Royal Oak, Michigan, Chloe is a double major in biochemistry and criminal justice.  She is most proud of working at the Michigan State Police Forensics Lab because it solidified her passion for this career field, it was incredibly interesting, and has set her up to stand out as an applicant for future opportunities. After graduation, Chloe will head home to Royal Oak and will look for a job in forensic science.
Congratulations to Maria Roell for completing the Real World Edge!
Congratulations to Tristan Ruiz for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  A biochemistry major, Tristan is from Savannah, Georgia.  He is most proud of being the ASNMU president.  Tristan says, “It was a great learning experience for me in leadership, community building, problem solving, and compromise.  While I was in ASNMU, I was able to be at the forefront of things happening around campus as well as advocate for students directly to faculty and administration.  Most significantly, I was able to help pass the Indigenous Peoples’ Day Resolution through the General Assembly and the Academic Senate and the President’s Council.  Even though it failed at the Board of Trustee’s level, the student and faculty are not going to stop until Indigenous Peoples’ Day becomes a reality on campus.”  Tristan plans to attend medical school and will be a 2LT in the Army National Guard.
Congratulations to Teressa Savastano for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  From Taylor, Michigan, Tera is a biology/zoology major.  She is most proud of leading the band as a drum major.  She says, “This position pushed me physically, mentally, and emotionally, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world.  I got to help lead, guide, and push the band to create amazing music and halftime shows to show the crowds what we can really do.  I gained so much confidence in myself as well as made friendships I know will last a lifetime.  Overall, this experience made me a better musician, a better leader, and a better person, and I am so grateful for it.”  After graduation, Tera will be working at the Bird Center of Washtenaw County in Ann Arbor doing song bird rehabilitation for the summer before moving to Ely, Minnesota to work as a bear educator at the North American Bear Center starting in August.
Congratulations to Emma Schroeder for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  From Appleton, Wisconsin, Emma is a secondary French education and industrial technology major.  She is most proud of working with Teaching Family Homes.  Emma says, “Working in the Regional Treatment Center group home, I practiced valuable skills that would not only lead me to being a better teacher but a better human as a whole.  I grew in my ability to be empathetic, to search for greater understanding, to be patient, and to appreciate everybody's unique abilities.”  After graduation, Emma plans on teaching French and Industrial Technology around the Appleton area for her first “big girl” job. 
Congratulations to Michael Stamm for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  Michael is from Almont, Michigan, and is a forensic biochemistry major.  He is most proud of his experiences with the Wildcat Marching Band where he served as president during his final season.  Michael says, “As a part of this organization, I was able to not only continue to develop my musical ability but build and strengthen relationships with a wide range of students.  I believe the Marching Band provides a welcoming environment for new students to come to Northern and join a family where they already have a group of over 100 new friends.  As a part of an amazing Band Council, I felt that we were able to push our members to be the best musicians they could be.”  After graduation, Michael will head back to Bay Cliff Health Camp for his third summer and will serve as the Unit V Unit Leader overseeing 13 counselors and about 20 campers.  After camp, he will be moving to Fort Wayne, Indiana, to attend Huntington University where he will be pursuing his Doctor of Occupational Therapy.
Congratulations to Marlo Stevens for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  A speech language and hearing sciences major, Marlo is from North Branch, Michigan.  Marlo is most proud of administering hearing screenings to individuals at Bay Cliff Health Camp in Big Bay, Michigan.  She says, “This opportunity opened my eyes to a clinical setting for clients with mental and physical disabilities for younger clients.”  After graduation, Marlo will be attending graduate school at North Carolina Central University to achieve a master’s in speech language pathology.
Congratulations to Seton Trost for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  From Farmington Hills, Michigan, Seton is a biology major with a zoology concentration.  She is most proud of being a member of Best Buddies, a one-to-one friendship for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities.  She says, “I was able to be a part of establishing a friendship chapter on campus, which she was told probably wouldn’t be possible until 2020.”  After graduation, she plans on going into exotic animal care. 
Congratulations to Cassi Visintainer for completing all four edges for Superior Edge!  A social work major, Cassi is from Kingsford, Michigan.  She is most proud of working with the Teaching Family Homes high ropes course.  Cassi says, “This activity allowed me to take a step back from a typical leadership role and watch young minds develop strategies to solve problems they were presented with.  I wasn’t just a staff that day I was their teammate and their laughs from that day are unforgettable.”  After graduation, Cassi hopes to continue working at Department of Health and Human Services with the Child and Protective Services where she is an intern.  She would eventually like to attend Michigan State University to obtain her master’s degree in social work and then move on to work in individual counseling.
Congratulations to Ryan Watling for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  Ryan is from New London, Wisconsin, and is a double major in Neuroscience and Spanish.  Ryan is most proud of studying and living abroad in Valpariso, Chile for a semester.  He says, “I completed the Service-Learning program through my study abroad provider at Centro Bellavista, the only free, special education school in the region.  Because of this experience, I gained a deeper knowledge and appreciation for my host community, improved my Spanish language skills, and dismantled gender roles as I was the first male student to complete the Service-Learning program at the school.”  In May, Ryan will be working at Moon Beach Camp in Eagle River, as the assistant program director.  In August, he will be traveling to the Dominican Republic to serve as a youth development volunteer with the Peace Corps. 
Congratulations to Morgan Zoeller for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  From Midland, Michigan, Morgan is a speech language and hearing sciences major.  Morgan is most proud of studying abroad one semester.  She says, “This was a great learning experience for me both preparing for my semester in Newcastle, Australia, and traveling overseas along for the first time.  Additionally, my time spent in Australia helped me gain more knowledge and appreciation for different cultures as well as enhance both my independence and relationship building skills.”  After graduation, Morgan will be attending the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities for her master’s in speech pathology.

Seven students were recognized as Superior Edge graduates. To receive this honor, the students completed a minimum of 400 Superior Edge hours, a minimum of 100 hours in each of the four edges. Superior Edge graduates were given blue cords to wear at commencement. The other eight students graduated with one, two or three edges. Read more about the graduates below:

Superior Edge Grads December 2018

Front Row:  Megan O'Connor, CE; Jamie Whiting, Superior Edge; Hanah Braden, DE; Brooke Immel, CE & RW; and Sarah Klinger, Superior Edge

Back Row:  Margaret Spens, LE & RW; Rachel Harris, Director of the Center for Student Enrichment; Kate Rozeveld, Superior Edge; Taylor Ring, Superior Edge; Isaac Frisbie, Superior Edge; Olivia Engelhardt, Superior Edge; and Holly Roth, Superior Edge

Missing from photo:  Matison Beaudette, RW; Emily Langlois, CE & LE; Hannah Rushton, RW; Madeline Taylor, CE & LE

CE – Citizenship Edge; DE – Diversity Edge;
LE – Leadership Edge; RW – Real World Edge


Matison Beaudette completed the Real World Edge! She is a nursing major from Crystal Lake, Illinois. Mattie is most proud of her ability to relate classroom information into the clinical setting as a real nurse. After graduation, she would like to be working in an Emergency Department or Intensive Care Unit and would eventually like to go back to school to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist.
Hanah Braden completed the Diversity Edge! From Iron Mountain, Michigan, Hanah is a speech, language, and hearing sciences major. She is most proud of her undergraduate clinician experiences and says, “I am most proud of this experience because I was able to build a strong foundation of clinical skills that I will be able to carry with me to my graduate program and professional career.”  After graduation, Hanah will attend a graduate school for speech-language pathology.
Congratulations to Olivia Engelhardt for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  She is an environmental studies and sustainability major from Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. Olivia says, “One of my favorite activities was working with the USDA and FEMA at National 4-H Conference in Chevy Chase, Maryland. As part of the conference, I led a group of 14 youth from across the nation to create a presentation on environmental preparedness. I used facilitation strategies such as world cafe and nominal groups to ensure decision making was effective and democratic. The group met 6 times over the course of the conference before presenting to FEMA. FEMA was highly impressed with their work and was able to gain inspiration on how to better engage youth in preparedness actions.” After graduation, Olivia will gain career experience until she attends graduate school in the fall of 2021.
Congratulations to Isaac Frisbie for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge! Hailing from Newago, Michigan, Isaac is a second education industrial technology major. He is most proud of his Student Leader Fellowship Program community service internship at the Great Lakes Recovery Center. Isaac says, “My partner and I provided students with teambuilding activities and team games as a part of their weekly physical activity routine. It was an opportunity for me to be a positive role model for youth struggling with addiction. The internship also gave me experience with at-risk youth that prepared me for the public education field.” After graduation, Isaac will look for a teaching position in industrial technology as he works to become a school administrator.
Brooke Immel completed the Citizenship and Real World Edges! From Peshtigo, Wisconsin, Brooke is a speech, language, and hearing sciences major who is most proud of volunteering at the Jacobetti Home for Veterans. She says, “This allowed me to gain a better understanding of the elderly. I learned how to better communicate with my friends I made through this experience, and they taught me so much about empathy and compassion.” After graduation, Brooke will be going to grad school for speech language pathology.
Congratulations to Sarah Klinger for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge! A neuroscience major, Sarah is from Convoy, Ohio. Sarah is most proud of volunteering with a prenatal clinic in the Amazon Rain Forest. She says, “This was a very exciting opportunity for me because I was able to use my experience to help others and gain experience in diverse communities and medical issues.” After graduation, Sarah will be attending medical school.
Emily Langlois completed the Citizenship and Leadership Edges! From Wrightstown, Wisconsin, Emily is an elementary education major.
Megan O'Connor completed the Citizenship Edge! Hailing from Midland, Michigan, Megan is a communications major. She is most proud of her work with the Food Pantry on campus.  Through the Food Pantry, Megan learned a lot about community-centered leadership. She was able to get members of the community to donate and volunteer. Most importantly, she says, “The shoppers love it and are very thankful for it.” As of March 1st, they were open 16 times, had 179 visits, and 82 different shoppers. She is unsure of what she will do after graduation.
Congratulations to Taylor Ring for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge! From Negaunee, Taylor is a nursing major who is most proud of working at Camp STAR, a bereavement camp for children who have had loved ones die. She says, “I have never, in my entire life, felt so many emotions for so many other people at one time. Every person had a story to share, and I couldn’t hold back my tears as they shared the most intimate moments of their lives with us. My empathy and concern for other drastically changed due to this experience and I am now very aware of the challenges people face behind closed doors.” After graduation, Taylor will be pursuing a nursing career in a critical care setting.
Congratulations to Holly Roth for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge! Holly is an environmental science major from Flushing, Michigan. She is most proud of volunteering in Peru for two weeks with one of her best friends. Holly says, “It was super rewarding to help out young women as well as push my own comfort zone in a new country with a bit of a language barrier.” After graduation, Holly will be moving back downstate to take of couple of post-bac classes at the University of Michigan-Flint this winter, hopefully, finding a big girl job, and then heading on to graduate school in the fall.
Congratulations to Kate Rozeveld for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge! From Mattawan, Michigan, Kate is a community health education major. Kate is most proud of working on the Project NOMAD Summer Migrant Education Program helping migrant students ages kindergarten to middle school improve their math skills. She says, “I worked with the most amazing and passionate group of people and am so grateful for the three summers I was “Miss Kate” or “The Math Lady.” After graduation, Kate will be moving back to Mattawan to be a stay-at-home dog mom looking for jobs in southern Michigan and getting married in May.
Hannah Rushton has completed the Real World Edge! Hannah is from Port Huron, Michigan, and is a double major in political science and English. She is most proud of her work on political campaigns and projects. Hannah says, “I knocked on doors, made phone calls, and attended events. What made this experience so worthwhile was the opportunity to connect with community members and have meaningful conversations about issues facing our community. I gained a lot of “real life” experience through this work because I learned what it means to be a leader and to not only listen to others, but actually hear what they are saying. It felt good knowing I was helping make a difference in the community through the political process.” After graduation, Hannah is taking a gap year so she can travel and intern with a law office. She will be applying to law school for the 2020 fall semester.
Margaret Spens has completed the Leadership and Real World Edges! An environmental science major, Margaret is from Rogers City, Michigan. She is most proud of completing the Student Leader Fellowship Program. Margaret says, “I learned so much about myself and how you can make a difference in the world by taking part in your community. Even if you are leading something small, it makes a difference and can have an impact on others.” After graduation, Margaret hopes to get a job in her field where she make a difference in helping the environment while teaching others about the importance of natural resources, especially our water. She hopes to work with USGS, DNR, DEQ, or some kind of government program.
Madeline Taylor has completed the Citizenship and Leadership Edges! From Minneapolis, Minnesota, Mady is a forensic biochemistry major. Her favorite activity was working at Camp Teko.  Mady says, “I loved working with the kids and spreading the Jewish faith throughout the summer. I was allowed many opportunities to meet people from Israel and hear their stories of how life is different there compared to here.   was able to hear a Holocaust survivor speak about her experiences during World War II.” After graduation, Mady will be moving back to Minneapolis to get a job working in forensics.
Congratulations to Jamie Whiting for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge! A double major in environmental studies and sustainability and French, Jamie is from Dearborn, Michigan. Jamie is most proud of her time at the MooseWood Nature Center where she helped plan their Haunted Bog Walk fundraiser as well as help create and run programs. She has sat on their board and created a position for NMU student to get involve with a non-profit. Jamie says, “I have expanded my horizons and learned a lot about myself, the wildlife of the area, and educating the public about the environment.” After graduation, she will work in the environmental field for a while and plans to apply to graduate school for her master’s in geography.

Thirty-four students were recognized as Superior Edge graduates. To receive this honor, the students completed a minimum of 400 Superior Edge hours, a minimum of 100 hours in each of the four edges. Superior Edge graduates were given blue cords to wear at commencement. The other 31 students graduated with one, two or three edges. Read more about the graduates below:

Superior Edge Grads May 2018

Front Row:  Samantha Black, Superior Edge; Georgia Harrison, Superior Edge; Kendall Plapp, Superior Edge; Emily Burghardt, Superior Edge; Heather Montgomery, CE, LE, & RW; Kayleigh Hartland, Superior Edge; Breah Carter, Superior Edge; Meghan Hohenstein, Superior Edge; and Rebecca LaLonde, Superior Edge

Second Row:  Tiffany Stachnik, Superior Edge; Julie Curtis, CE, LE, & RW; Johanna Snowden, Superior Edge; Jordyn MacDonald, RW; Gretchen Spencer, DE; Alyssa Peterson, Superior Edge; Taylor Friendt, Superior Edge; Taylor Susa, Superior Edge; Jaylin Fisher, Superior Edge; Sarah Ponzer, Superior Edge; Emily Winnell, Superior Edge; and Elizabeth Fust, DE, LE, & RW

Third Row:  Madison VanGelder, LE; Rory Conn, Superior Edge; Lindsey Eaton, Superior Edge; Danielle Bain, Superior Edge; Abby Blanchard, Superior Edge; Katelyn Liubakka, Superior Edge; McKensey Gariepy, LE & RW; Alysa Kilpela, Superior Edge; Angela Brown, Superior Edge; Alyssa Sawyer, RW; and Center for Student Enrichment Assistant Director Hannah Lewis

Back Row:  Nicholas LeMire, Superior Edge; Kelsey Blackburn, Superior Edge; Jamie Sterr, Superior Edge; McKenzie Mathewson, Superior Edge; Paul Sampson, RW; Adam Kall, Superior Edge; Amby Abel, LE & RW; Shelby Talsma, CE, LE, & RW; Michaela McLeod, Superior Edge; Austin Morris, CE, LE, & RW; and Center for Student Enrichment Director Rachel Harris

Missing from photo:  Riley Ballard, RW; Kieren Becker, RW; Kayla Bell, RW; Cat Bratton, LE & RW; Samantha Cole, Superior Edge; Rachael Del Boccio, Superior Edge; Whitney Frakes, LE & RW; Karlie Gehrig, DE, LE, & RW; Alexander Graeff, RW; Ellie Gschwendtner, Superior Edge; Emily Gudwer, RW; Jenna Happach, RW; Elizabeth Harkema, RW; Madasyn Hofstedt, LE; Zachary Jodoin, RW; Katerina Klawes, Superior Edge; Wyleen Kniola, Real World; Emily Leslie, RW; Jarret McEldwoney, LE; Sarah Naracon, RW; Alexandra Negro, LE & RW; Melissa Ostrowski, Superior Edge; Page Queener, RW; and Angela Robertson, RW

CE – Citizenship Edge; DE – Diversity Edge;
LE – Leadership Edge; RW – Real World Edge


Amy Abel has completed the Leadership and Real World Edges!  A biology major from Zeeland, Michigan, Amy is most proud of being a resident adviser.  She says, “Being a resident adviser is really a humbling experience because the job is bigger than yourself.  It is mentoring students in any way you can and being a friend to all.  I can see my housemates grow as people and leaders throughout the year, and I am blessed to be able to be a part of their collegiate journey and call them my friends.”  After graduation, Amy will continue at NMU to work on her master’s of biology.
Congratulations to Danielle Bain for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  From Novi, Michigan, Danielle is getting her master’s in higher education and student affairs.  She is most proud of working as a graduate assistant in the Center for Student Enrichment.  Danielle says, “I have gotten so many opportunities to expand my skills and work with so many different people.  I’ve met some incredible role models, and I’ve had the opportunity to gain experience doing what I love doing and build my resume while I do it!  I’m so incredibly thankful for all of the challenges that forced me to grow and learn, and I believe I will be so much more successful as a professional because of my participation in Superior Edge.”  After graduation, Danielle will be working as a student program coordinator at the Tauber Institute at the University of Michigan.
Riley Ballard has completed the Real World Edge!  Riley is from Gladstone, Michigan, and is a sports science major. 
Kierin Becker has completed the Real World Edge!  She is a communication studies major from Fowler, Michigan.  Kieren is most proud of completing an internship in the Athletics Department because it provided her with hands-on skills that will be relevant to her career after graduation.  At this point, Kieren will be either working in Grand Rapids, Michigan, as a human resources intern at Lake Michigan Credit Union or as an assistant teacher at Generations (YMCA Daycare).
Kayla Bell has completed the Real World Edge!  From Eastport, Michigan, Kayla is an English major who is most proud of working as a PA on a short film titled Mino Bimaadiziwin.  She says, “I learned an incredible amount about where I might belong on a film set and fell in love with the sound department.  This experience has allowed me to navigate my way in other projects with more confidence.  It has allowed me to better integrate theory from both my major (English) and my minor (Native American Studies) to create stories for film with heart at the center.”  After graduation, Kayla will be a media production intern at the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, DC.
Congratulations to Samantha Black for completing all four edges for Superior Edge!  A nursing major, Samantha is from Caledonia, Michigan.  Samantha is most proud of her trip to Belize and the Dominican Republic.  She says, “Both trips not only got me out of my comfort zone, but they also showed me how passions that I have in my life can be applied in ‘out of the ordinary’ ways.  I also enjoyed coordinating an after-school girls club for the girls at Father Marquette Middle School.  I believe that middle school can be a difficult time in terms of growing up and figuring out life and felt that it was really awesome for the girls to have a place to go and to have a person that could understand some of the things they were going through.”  After graduation, Samantha will be getting an RN position downstate.
Congratulations to Kelsey Blackburn for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  Hailing from Wyandotte, Michigan, Kelsey is a graphic communications major.  She is most proud of her Student Leader Fellowship Program community service internship at North Star Academy where she created a curriculum and lesson plans for a fourth grade class.  Once a week she taught them about script writing, public speaking, and broadcasting.  She says, “We then sent out a monthly broadcast to all of the teachers in the school.  Watching the students grow in basic skills such as reading and writing was incredible, but then for some of them to exceed my expectations and have so much confidence in front of the camera made me very proud.”  After graduation, Kelsey will be moving to Seattle to start her career in graphic design.
Congratulations to Abigail Blanchard for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  From Petoskey, Michigan, Abby is a fish and wildlife management major who is most proud of her leadership positions in the Fisheries and Wildlife Association (formerly the Wildlife Society).  She says, “Being able to organize workshops, guest speakers, and conference opportunities has been amazing.  I have gained valuable leadership skills, learned how to efficiently organize activities, and provided opportunities for students to get hands-on experience in a field they are passionate about.  My involvement with the Fisheries and Wildlife Association has certainly been a highlight of my time at NMU, and I am grateful for the experiences and friends made along the way.”  After graduation, Abby will be attending grad school at South Dakota State University.
Cat Britton has completed the Leadership and Real World Edges!  From Manistique, Michigan, Cat is a social work major and is most proud of her times as a resident adviser in Aspen Haus.  Cat says, “This was my first time in a big leadership role and the amount of responsibilities I had was harder to handle than I anticipated. I think this experience humbled me because it forced me to take a look at myself and face my faults head-on.  You can't just run away from your problems when you have 40+ other people relying on you!”  After graduation, Cat plans to take some time off to focus on herself before applying to graduate school.  She would like to earn her MSW in clinical social work and help those who struggle with mental illness. 
Congratulations to Angela Brown for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  A biology/physiology major, Angela is from Marquette.  She is most proud of starting the NMU Club Softball team.  Angela says, “It has been the most challenging, yet rewarding process I have ever been faced with.  I hope within the next few years it will be adopted as a varsity sport (along with men’s baseball), and I would love for the opportunity to come back and coach if this happens.”  After graduation, Angela plans to pursue a master’s at NMU in exercise science.  She will also be working at the PEIF’s Kids Camp this summer.
Congratulations to Emily Burghardt for completing all four edges for Superior Edge!  From Greenville, Wisconsin, Emily is a double major in biology/physiology and Spanish.  She is most proud of her work with the Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities at their annual Wisconsin Youth Leadership Foundation.  Emily says, “I helped high school students with physical, developmental, or learning disabilities (both visible and invisible) to learn more about their voice in the government, leadership, self-advocacy, and options for the future, including college!”  After graduation, Emily will begin working on her Ph.D. in genetics, cell, and molecular biology at Kansas State University.
Congratulations to Breah Carter for completing all four edges for Superior Edge!  A mathematics major, Breah is from Pellston, Michigan.  Breah is most proud of her Student Leader Fellowship Program community service internship with Ending Hunger Alliance of Marquette.  Breah helped plan two food packs that benefited multiple families and hundreds of children over Christmas and spring break.  She says, “I handed out the bags of food and parents would cry and hug me, thankful that they had one less thing to worry about over the holidays.  Knowing that I made a difference in their lives was an extremely rewarding experience for me.”  After graduation, Breah will be attending Grand Valley State University to get her master’s in biostatistics.
Congratulations to Samantha Cole for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  From Detroit, Samantha is a general psychology major.  She is most proud of her time at the Jacobetti Veteran’s Home where she made a lifelong friend.  She says, “I feel that he helped me get through my senior year just as much as I helped him find happiness during his final stages of life.”  After graduation, Samantha plans to attend Southern Illinois University Carbondale and work as an assistant hall director majoring in social work.
Congratulations to Rory Conn for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  From Alto, Michigan, Rory is a biology major with a microbiology concentration.  Rory is most proud of coordinating Marquette Empty Bowls with Marquette Ending Hunger.  Rory says, “…Our small student organization has been able to collaborate with many other community groups.  In total, just under $20,000 has been raised from the event with all proceeds being donated to local non-profit organizations that support poverty relief and nutritional support programs.”  After graduation, Rory will be working full time as a research associate in a histology lab and will be applying to medical school.
Julie Curtis has completed the Citizenship, Leadership, and Real World Edges!  From Reese, Michigan, Julie is receiving her master’s in Higher Education in Student Affairs.  Julie is most proud of a booklet she designed entitled, “Community and Economic Profiles of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.”  She says, “It was a great experience to be able to network with the business owners, school districts, and community development agencies in the UP.  I learned so much about the place I had come to call home.  The experience was also a great way to hone my graphic design skills, community outreach skills, and promotion skills.”  After graduation, Julie will be looking for a job at a Midwestern university.
Congratulations to Rachael Del Boccio for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  An elementary education/integrated science major from Chicago, Rachael is most proud of student teaching in New Zealand.  She says, “I gained practical skills for my career but also learned about another culture.  Comparing the two education systems provided me the opportunity to see different approaches to teaching and create my own unique teaching style.”  After graduation, Rachael plans to teach inner city youth for year and start up a youth backpacking company.
Congratulations to Lindsey Eaton for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  Lindsey is an art and design major from Marquette, and she is most proud of her time serving and leading Cru.  Lindsay says, “I have met some wonderful people and made lasting friendships.  I have also had the opportunity to grow as a leader and learn how to interact with people in all sorts of situations.”  After graduation, Lindsey will be interning with Cru and continue to pursue photography in her free time. 
Congratulations to Jaylin Fisher for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  Jaylin is a biology major with a physiology emphasis and is from Carson City, Michigan.  She is most proud of volunteering with Superior Dental Day, which is an annual event in Ishpeming that offers free dental services for the uninsured and under-insured people.  Jaylin says, “Local dentists come together to satisfy the dental need in the area.  As president of the NMU Pre-Dental Club, I am able to help plan and organize this event as well as volunteer the day of.  This event is important to me because I want to be able to make a difference like this in my dental career.”  After graduation, Jaylin will be moving to Florida to attend dental school.
Whitney Frakes has completed the Leadership and Real World Edges!  Hailing from St. Louis, Park, Minnesota, Whitney is a community health education and international studies double major who is most proud of volunteering at Room at the Inn.  She says, “It was one of the first activities I was involved in that really pushed the limits of my comfort zone.  I opened my mind and was able to get to know some of the guests pretty well, and I learned how to be more understanding of people’s various situations.  I realized how many problems our community is dealing with that a lot of people might not know about or push aside.”  After graduation, Whitney will be staying in Marquette and working at Area Health Education Center for about a month and then heading back home to work.
Congratulations to Taylor Friendt for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  From Woodbury, Minnesota, Taylor is a biology/physiology major who is most proud of volunteering at the hospital for the last four years.  She says, “I gained plenty of real-world experience in a healthcare setting which reinforced my decision to pursue a career in the medical field.  I volunteered at the Skywalk, in the OR lounge, and visited with admitted sick patients.  Visiting the patients made me the happiest and I know I want to work with patients in my future.  I got to explore and learn about various positions at the hospital and through physician shadowing as well.”  After graduation, Taylor will be taking a gap year with a month in Greece before moving to Italy for the rest of the summer.  She will return to the US at the end of the summer to work in a hospital setting and will be applying to the anesthesiology assistant master’s program to start in the fall of 2019.
Elizabeth Fust has completed the Diversity, Leadership, and Real World Edges!  From St. Johns, Michigan, Elizabeth is an English writing major.  One of Elizabeth’s most memorable activities was her time spent with the Chaldean Community Foundation in Detroit.  She says, “I was able to experience a Chaldean Catholic mass, learn about the prejudices Chaldean's face in Iraq and in the US, and meet some blind Chaldean immigrants who shared about their lives.  Chaldean Catholics and Roman Catholics practice the faith a little differently, but regardless of the country we come from or what rite we are, we are all Catholics.  Hearing from these fellow Catholics about their diverse experiences will stay with me forever.”  After graduation, Elizabeth is seeking a full-time professional career in the Marquette area.
McKensey Gariepy has completed the Leadership and Real World Edges!  From Macomb Township, Michigan, McKensey is a nursing major and her favorite activity was her trip to Belize.  She says, “I was able to not only adventure to a new place but also learn to appreciate a culturally different place as well as learn about their health care system.  It was an amazing experience I wouldn’t trade for the world.”  After graduation, McKensey plans to enroll in a nursing ICU residency program out west.Karlie Gehrig has completed the Diversity, Leadership, and Real World Edges!  Karlie is a biology/physiology major from Andover, Minnesota.  Karlie is most proud of doing an internship in Australia where she says, “I was able to work with a physiotherapist for research with the first passive range of motion free standing robot named HELEN.  HELEN was used to see if she could help in a therapeutic way, to help regain strength, function, and quality of life in stroke patients.  Also being in a different country, I was lucky enough to experience the culture, the atmosphere and the beautiful views.  For excursions, we snorkeled the Great Barrier Reef, sat with a lot of kangaroos, traveled to Fiji, walked with the little penguins, and so much more.”  After graduation, Karlie will take a gap year by expanding her knowledge in occupational therapy and will then apply to graduate programs. 
Congratulations to Ellie Gschwendtner for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  An art and design major, Ellie is from Naperville, Illinois.  She is most proud of the time she spent in Bali, Indonesia, where she loved interacting with residents, exploring the beautiful country, and participating in ceramics workshops.  After graduation, Ellie plans on attending medical school at Michigan State University’s College of Human Medicine in the fall of 2019. 
Emily Gudwer has completed the Real World Edge!  From Rapid River, Michigan, Emily is a criminal justice major.  She is most proud of the real world work experience she had working in a law office.  She says, “I discovered the passion that I hold for law more in depth, and I am much more confident in the career path I chose.”  In September, Emily will be attending law school at Western Michigan University – Cooley Law School. 
Jenna Happach has completed the Real World Edge!  Jenna is an ecology major from Winnebago, Illinois.  She is most proud of the times she volunteered at the greenhouse at the Jacobetti Home for Veterans.  She says, “I was able to engage in an activity that I am passionate about (gardening) and share it with a group of people that are often overlooked in society.”  After graduation, Jenna will be an ecological field monitoring technician for BLM in Wyoming.
Elizabeth Harkema has completed the Real World Edge!  She is from Sparta, Michigan, and is a graduate prep psychology major who is most proud of her internship with Camp Star and the Best Day program.  Liz says, “I personally lost my Dad two years ago, so to work and connect with kids in similar situations was incredible.”  After graduation, Liz will be attending the University of Kansas to pursue a master’s in counseling psychology.
Congratulations to Georgia Harrison for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  Hailing from Martin, Michigan, Georgia is an ecology major who is most proud of the work she has done with her friend Olivia to create the NMU EcoReps.  She says, “This student sustainability peer-to-peer educator program allowed me to culminate many of my interests in ecology, campus involvement, volunteerism, and sustainability.  I am incredibly proud of the work we have been able to do and look forward to seeing how the program grows and is able to cultivate change after I am gone.”  Georgia will be attending graduate school at Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina, pursuing an MS in biology with a concentration in ecology and evolutionary biology.
Congratulations to Kayleigh Hartland for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  Kayleigh is an information assurance/cyber defense major from Kent, Washington.  She is most proud of starting her own student organization, the Student Cybersecurity Association, and building it up for other students to learn about and experience.  Kayleigh says, “This has been a powerful experience to me because I’ve been able to watch others grown, thrive, and discover interests as a part of this group.”  After graduation, Kayleigh will be moving to the Philadelphia area to work as a cyber defense analyst for TE Connectivity. 
Madasyn Hofstedt has completed the Leadership Edge!  Hailing from Cannon Falls, Minnesota, Mada is a speech, language, and hearing sciences major.  She is most proud of being the residence life coordinator for NMU’s Olympic Training Site because she learned more about her leadership style.  She says, “I was able to create positive environments which has lead me to get into graduate school with a graduate assistantship.”  After graduation, Mada will be attending Illinois State University to pursue a master’s in speech-language pathology where she will be doing a graduate assistantship in the Housing Department.
Congratulations to Meghan Hohenstein for completing all four edges for Superior Edge!  From Bloomington, Minnesota, Meghan is a double major with nursing and Spanish.  She is most proud of her service learning experience in Cusco, Peru.  Meghan says, “I was able to learn so much about a new/different community while expanding my Spanish knowledge and nursing skills.  It was amazing to give back to a community in need but at the same time, it is crazy to think of how much I personally grew.  My favorite part of this experience was the connection I made with my host-family and patients.  This adventure definitely solidified my career path and continued to nourish my passion for the Spanish language and the many different cultures it encompasses.”  After graduation, Meghan will be taking and passing the NCLEX and her nursing career in either pediatrics or labor and delivery.  
Zachary Jodoin has completed the Real World Edge!  Zachary is a biology/physiology major from Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.  He is most proud of his involvement with Big Brothers Big Sisters.  Zachary will be attending medical school in the fall at Michigan State University’s College of Human Medicine.
Congratulations to Adam Kall for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  Hailing from Davenport, Iowa, Adam is a double major in mathematics and computer science.  He is most proud of his work with North Star Academy’s robotics team, the Robogators.  He says, “I taught middle schoolers about programming and helped them build a competitive robot that they used to qualify for state competition.  The kids were so interested in how coding works, and by the end of the season, they were writing their own Java programs.”  After graduation, Adam will be attending Elmhurst College in Illinois for a master’s of data science.
Congratulations to Alysa Kilpela for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  A nursing major, Alysa is from Baltic, Michigan.  She is most proud of being a “big sister” for Big Brothers Big Sisters.  Alysa says, “I have been a mentor to the most amazing young lady for almost three years now.  We have become very close, and I plan to continue to be a part of her life.”  This summer Alysa will be a resident director for the Upward Bound Summer Youth Program at Finlandia University. She will also be preparing for her boards and looking for a position in a family birthing unit after her resident director job is over.
Congratulations to Katerina Klawes for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  Hailing from Oconto, Wisconsin, Kat is a secondary education English major.  Her favorite experience was working with students at Marquette Alternative High School.  Kat says, “I believe it made me a better educator by working hands-out with a group of struggling writers.”  On a side note, Kat completed the most hours for this group with 2,988.  After graduation, Kat will be looking for a teaching position in middle or high school in the UP.
Wyleen Kniola is completing the Real World Edge!  From Marquette, Wyleen is a biology/physiology major.  She is most proud of the medical mission trip to Belize.  She says, “I learned so many new skills and was able to interact with so many new people from an entirely different culture than our own.  I am proud of how I grew on the trip and the things I was able to do that I never thought I would be able to do.  I am so proud of how many people in Belize our group was able to help.”  After graduation, Wyleen plans on attending medical school to become a pathologist at Saba University of Medicine in the Caribbean. 
Congratulations to Rebecca LaLonde for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  Hailing from St. Ignace, Michigan, Rebecca is a nursing major.  She is most proud of her study abroad trip to Belize where she spent time setting up clinics, visiting a hospital, and immersing herself in the culture and community.  She says, “It was an eye-opening experience to be exposed to how people in other countries with less access to health care resources live.  I gained a lot of practical experience by providing educational teaching to a primary school and working in clinics.  I am proud of the difference I feel we made in this community.”  After graduation, Rebecca will complete a basic officer leadership course to become an army nurse corps officer in San Antonio, Texas.
Congratulations to Nicholas LeMire for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  Nicholas is a biology/physiology major from Escanaba, Michigan.  Nicholas is most proud of being a Care Aide at UP Health Systems – Marquette because it inspired him to continue his education to become a physician.  He says, “It is here that I continued to practice my bedside manner, learn about different ailments, and learn how a hospital operates.”  After graduation, Nicholas will be applying to medical schools, working at a hospital, and hopefully, traveling.
Emily Leslie has completed the Real World Edge!  Hailing from Grayling, Michigan, Emily is a biology major. 
Congratulations to Katelyn Liubakka for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  From Marquette, Katie is a double major in secondary education integrated science and secondary education social studies.  Katie is most proud of serving on the parking and traffic committee.  She says, “I helped get the crosswalk on Lincoln Avenue as well as better signage for the crosswalk on Wright Street (when we used to have a parking lot across the street).  I served during a time of major parking and campus transitions and worked to keep the disruption relatively minor.”  After graduation, Katie will be teaching high school science.
Jordyn MacDonald has completed the Real World Edge!  A nursing major, Jordyn is from Crystal Lake, Illinois.  Jordyn is most proud of her trip to Belize.  She says, “I had the opportunity to work with local communities and set up health clinics for them and give them support they needed.”  After graduation, Jordyn will be taking her boards and looking for a nursing job in her hometown.
Congratulations to McKenzie Mathewson for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  From Lewiston, Michigan, McKenzie is a double major in public relations and economics who is most proud of going on an international service project in New Zealand.  She says, “It was an amazing experience, my first experiences outside of the US that gave me the opportunity to help the less fortunate.”  On a side note, McKenzie’s house, Arctic House in Hunt Hall, won the Superior Edge logging competition this past fall.  After graduation, McKenzie accepted a fully-funded graduate assistantship position at Missouri State University where she will be a resident director while she pursues her master’s in student affairs in higher education.
Jarret McEldwoney has completed the Leadership Edge!  He is an environmental science major from Horton, Michigan.  Jarret is most proud of working at Bay Cliff.  He says, “It gave me a great feeling to help out with the campers’ daily living activities and was something that was out of my comfort zone initially.  ...I suggest it to anyone who is looking to have a memorable summer.”  After graduation, Jarret will be attending basic training for the U.S. Coast Guard and will be getting married!  
Congratulations to Michaela McLeod for completing all four edges for Superior Edge!  Michaela is from Green Bay and is double major in mathematics and computer science.  It was hard for Michaela to choose just one activity, but she chose being a Parkee for three years.  Michaela said, “It is an amazing job, but there is a lot more than playing outside with kids all day.  We plan weekly special events and get the kids involved in city-wide events with other kids from the area.  We are a constant in the kid’s lives for the summer, they come to you for all of the good and bad things in life and you become a role model for them.  They always seem to teach me more than I could imagine.  The kids are great and remind me that even though I don’t know exactly what I want to do, I want to keep working with kids.”  After graduation, Michaela will be working in Green Bay this summer and looking for a job at a science center teaching kids about STEM.
Heather Montgomery has completed the Citizenship, Leadership, and Real World Edges!  Hailing from Dowagiac, Michigan, Heather is a social work major.  She is most proud of starting an Annual Care Package Drive that started out with having businesses donate items to send to a unit oversees.  Heather says, “Creating this activity helped me to get out of my comfort zone and begin making connections with people in the community.  It put me in contact with Pay It Forward, which led me to taking over the organization, giving me more opportunities than I could ever imagine.  It also began my relationship with Mike Rutledge, who has become an incredible mentor and friend, allowing me to become more involved with the student veterans on campus, as well as other veterans in the community.  It excites me for my future career in social work.”  After graduation, Heather will be moving downstate to work on her master’s at Western Michigan University or will be coming back in NMU in the fall of 2019 to work on the MSW program.
Austin Morris has completed the Citizenship, Leadership, and Real World Edges!  Austin is a mechanical engineering technology major from Johnsburg, Illinois.  Austin is most proud of being involved with the NMU Baja Racing Team.  He says, “It is the single activity that has far and away absorbed the vast majority of my time at NMU, and I wouldn’t trade that for the world.  From the friends I’ve made, to the skills I’ve developed, I will treasure my time with the Baja Team for the rest of my life. The thing I least regret is that I spent so many thousands of hours with the Baja Team that I was too busy to log more than a few hundred.”  After graduation, Austin plans to pursue a career in research, development, and prototyping within the Aerospace and Defense Industry.
Sarah Naracon has completed the Real World Edge!  Sarah is from Felch, Michigan, and is a neuroscience major with a cellular and molecular concentration.  Sarah is most proud of participating in the Ottem neuromuscular research lab since May 2015.  She had developed a knowledge of and appreciation for scientific research to better understand cellular pathways that lead to pathology.  She says, “I am proud of the time and dedication I have made to this experience over the past three years.  I have practiced research techniques including animal husbandry, muscle and spinal cord sectioning, muscle fiber and neuron imaging and staining, and have particularly perfected PCR and agarose gel electrophoresis skills.”  After graduation, Sarah will be attending Michigan State University’s College of Human Medicine and eventually will return to the UP to practice.
Alexandra Negro has completed the Leadership and Real World Edges!  Hailing from Norway, Michigan, Lexi, is a biology/physiology major.  She is most proud of helping with the homeless shelter, Room at the Inn.  She says, “Room at the Inn provides a safe place and nice meals for those in need of shelter and food.  I am so glad I can make a difference right here in Marquette.”  After graduation, Lexi will be taking a year off while she applies for PA school.
Congratulations to Melissa Ostrowski for completing all four edges for Superior Edge!  From Holt, Michigan, Melissa is a fisheries and wildlife management major.  Melissa is most proud of her 8-week wildlife rehabilitation internship she completed during the summer of 2016.  She says, “This experience was life-changing, as it provided me with the opportunity to travel across the country and spend two months on San Juan Island, Washington.  Throughout the duration of the internship, I learned valuable animal husbandry skills such as cleaning, feeding techniques, and how to handle a variety of North American mammals.  I learned the value of hard work and was rewarded when I was able to release healed animals back into the wild.”  After graduation, Melissa plans to obtain a master’s in public policy with a concentration in environment at the University of Pittsburgh and plan her upcoming wedding!  Congrats!
Congratulations to Alyssa Peterson for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  A botany major, Alyssa is from Marquette.  She is most proud of the bracelet fundraiser she coordinated in memory of her friend, Anthony Fox.  Alyssa says, “I raised $2,300 total and half was donated to UPAWS and the other half to Do It for Daniel.”  After graduation, Alyssa will be working at Clear Lake facilitating the high ropes and other outdoor curricula.  She will also be shadowing the Parks Service, Forest Service, etc.
Congratulations to Kendall Plapp for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  A graphic communications major, Kendall is from Malta, Illinois.  She is most proud of being the president of the Quiz Bowl team where she helped plan, organize, and execute multiple quiz bowl tournaments for high schoolers at NMU.  Kendall says, “It served a great opportunity for kids in the UP to complete in something they enjoy against other teams across the UP.  Several teams were also able to qualify for nationals through our tournaments.  They also can function as an NMU college visit and are a great way for our team to show why we love and recommend NMU.”  After graduation, Kendall plans to work full time as a designer.
Congratulations to Sarah Ponzer for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  Sarah is a biology and Spanish double major from Merrill, Wisconsin.  She is most proud of working with the Honors Student Organization to participate in community events where we can give back.  She says, “My favorite were the Haunted Bog Walk and Cat Packs.”  After graduation, she will be attending medical school.
Page Queener has completed the Real World Edge!  A biochemistry major, Page is from Imlay City, Michigan.  She is most proud of volunteering at the Lake Superior Village Youth and Family Center.  Page says, “During this experience, I was able to interact with children who have completely different backgrounds than me.  This allows me to have a more open mind as I head into the next stage of my life.”  After graduation, Page will be attending Merver University College of Pharmacy in Atlanta, Georgia where she is pursuing a PharmD.
Angela Robertson has completed the Real World Edge!  Hailing from Grand Rapids, Minnesota, Angela is a biology/physiology major.  She is most proud of spending 10 days in Belize working at clinics and teaching the community about healthy living.  In January, Angela plans to attend grad school.
Paul Sampson has completed the Real World Edge!  Paul is computer science/mathematics major from Rockford, Michigan.  He is most proud of his internship at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center where he programmed a fiber optic strain gauge.  After graduation, Paul will be working at Armstrong Flight Research Center this summer, looking for a job for the fall, and then attending graduate school.
Alyssa Sawyer has completed the Real World Edge!  From, South Lyons, Michigan, Alyssa is a mathematics major.  Alyssa is most proud of volunteering at Neighborhoods Week in Detroit where she worked to clean up sidewalks and houses around Durfee Elementary-Middle School to make it safer and cleaner for the students who walk to and from school.  She says, “By clearing overgrown brush and debris, we were able to make the neighborhood safer and much nicer looking.  I increased my awareness of community challenges and enjoyed being able to help students to receive a better education.”  After graduation, Alyssa plans on pursuing a career in data analytics.
Congratulations to Johanna Snowden for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  Hailing from Escanaba, Michigan, Johanna is a nursing major who is most proud of her experiences with the Pre-Nursing Association.  Johanna says, “I helped create that organization my sophomore year and watched it grow into something bigger than I could have imagined.  This organization provides pre-nursing students information from the Student Nurses Association (SNA) members about the nursing program.  It gives these students an opportunity outside of the classroom to ask questions about the nursing program to those currently in it.  The SNA members are unofficial mentors helping these students feel more confident and prepared for their future in the School of Nursing.  I had a lot of fun with this program.”  After graduation, Johanna will take her nursing license exam and work as an RN in Escanaba. 
Gretchen Spencer has completed the Diversity Edge!  From Cedarville, Michigan, Gretchen is a speech, language, and hearing sciences major.  She is most proud of the time she spent in Belize.  Gretchen says, “This experience exposed me to a very different medical setting than I am used to and provided insight into how fortunate we are in the US to have access to the medical care that we do.”  After graduation, Gretchen will be going to graduate school at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln to earn her doctorate in audiology.
Congratulations to Tiffany Stachnik for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  Tiffany is a German studies major with minors in anthropology, sociology, and history from Midland, Michigan.  She is most proud of the Beaver Island field school archaeological dig she did during the summer of 2016.  Tiffany says, “I learned how to excavate archaeological sites and catalog artifacts during a very intense four-week course.  It was an extremely rewarding experience that boosted my confidence in my abilities.”  After graduation, Tiffany will be completing a teaching assistantship through the Austrian Ministry of Education, Science, and Research and the Fulbright Austria program where she will be teaching English to Austrian high schools in the region of Carinthia.
Congratulations to Jamie Sterr for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  Hailing from Tomahawk, Wisconsin, Jamie is a biochemistry/pre-pharmacy major.  She is most proud of being able to attend two of the Superior Edge International Service Projects.  She says, “My experiences in New Zealand and Thailand/Cambodia have helped me to share my knowledge of cultural diversity and have provided me with life-long memories and friendships.  This unique program is helping students reach their full potential of service and leadership.”  After graduation, Jamie will be continuing her education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s School of Pharmacy.
Congratulations to Taylor Susa for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  From Buffalo, Minnesota, Taylor is a neuroscience major with a behavioral and cognitive concentration.  Taylor is most proud of her undergraduate neuroscience research that she has done through psychological sciences under Dr. Joshua M. Carlson in the CABIN lab.  She says, “During this time, I have developed professional relationships in and outside of the lab, gained an enormous amount of experience being on three different studies and have appreciated every high and low of the process.  It has been so rewarding to do research here at NMU as it has helped me grow as a leader.”  After graduation, Taylor will be working on her master’s of psychological science at NMU as well as continue swimming for NMU’s Swim and Dive team.
Shelby Talsma has completed the Citizenship, Leadership, and Real World Edges!  An accounting major, Shelby is from Skandia, Michigan.  She is most proud of volunteering with the Willow Farm Therapeutic Riding Program for her community service internship with the Student Leader Fellowship Program.  Shelby says, “At Willow Farm, I volunteered at the therapy sessions as a horse leader and a side walker.  I was able to combine my passion for helping people and working with horses.”  After graduation, Shelby will complete her CPA exam, and she has accepted a staff accountant position with Plante Moran, a regional accounting firm, in Traverse City, Michigan.
Madison VanGelder has completed the Leadership Edge!  From Rochester Hills, Michigan, Madison is a criminal justice and pre-med major.  Madison is most proud of volunteering as a transportation aide for MidMichigan Health System.  Her primary role was to discharge patients and run errands around the hospital.  She says, “Being in a hospital setting, I was able to observe and learn more about how the different professionals work together for a common purpose of providing excellent health services.  I was also able to work on my patient communication skills.  This opportunity allows me to learn a lot of useful skills for my future in healthcare.”  After graduation, Madison will be moving to Saint Maarten to attend the American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine.
Congratulations to Emily Winnell for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  Hailing from Petoskey, Michigan, Emily is an English major.  Emily is most proud of her Student Leader Fellowship Program community service internship with the Community Foundation of Marquette County where she worked to improve their grant evaluation process.  She says, “I got to interview people from all over the county who have been doing really interesting things to support and engage their communities.”  After graduation, Emily will be traveling with her family to Iceland, Norway, and Scotland.  After that, she will be applying for jobs in Marquette, her hometown, and a few other places while she decides what comes next.

Fourteen students were recognized as Superior Edge graduates. To receive this honor, the students completed a minimum of 400 Superior Edge hours, a minimum of 100 hours in each of the four edges. The other six students graduated with one, two or three edges. Superior Edge graduates were given blue cords to wear at commencement. Read more about the graduates below:

Superior Edge Grads December 2017

Front Row:   Brooke Burlingame, Superior Edge; Heather Brode, DE & RW; Ryan Borges, Superior Edge; and Anna Buhl, Superior Edge

Second Row:  Center for Student Enrichment Director Rachel Harris; Natalie Lord, Superior Edge; Cecilia Smith, Superior Edge; and Erika Schaeffer, RW

Third Row:  Zadie Ward, Superior Edge; Megan McCormick, Superior Edge; Samantha Pagano, Superior Edge; and Haley Bianco, Superior Edge

Back Row:   Katrina Clausen, Superior Edge; Kelsa Dykehouse, Superior Edge; Alexander Negro, LE & RW; and Molly Schaller, Superior Edge

Missing from photo:  Lauren Freckleton, RW; Taylor Pearson, RW; Michelle Ryczek, CE, LE, & RW; Molly Smith, Superior Edge; and Emily Wright, Superior Edge

CE – Citizenship Edge; DE – Diversity Edge;
LE – Leadership Edge; RW – Real World Edge


Congratulations to Haley Bianco for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  A biology major with an emphasis in physiology, Haley is from New London, Wisconsin.  She is most proud of her global healthcare trip to Belize.  Haley says, “This trip gave me the opportunity to help set up clinics for people without access to medical care and to help educate them about health problems that are common in their country.  It was an amazing opportunity to work with a diverse population of people and learn about another culture.”  After graduation, Haley will be attending Central Michigan University’s physician assistant graduate program. 
Congratulations to Ryan Borges for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  From Bradenton, Florida, Ryan is a special education major.  He is most proud of starting Marquette’s first Special Olympics Powerlifting Team.  Ryan says, “This was one of my experiences that drove me to pursue special education as a career.  I will never forget the individuals and athletes that I was blessed to work with.”  After graduation, Ryan plans on teaching special education downstate and moving to an apartment with his girlfriend.  
Heather Brode has completed the Diversity and Real World Edges.  She is a zoology major from Imlay City, Michigan.  Heather is most proud of her international service project in Ireland.  She says, “I have always wanted to travel to Ireland, and it was an experience I will never forget.  I loved the natural environment, the history, and the friendly people.  I someday hope to go back and explore more on my own.”  After graduation, Heather will continue to live in the beautiful UP while she does a job search 
Congratulations to Anna Buhl for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  From Oakdale, Minnesota, Anna is a speech, language, and hearing sciences major.  She is most proud of her Ireland Service Project.  Anna says, “This experience forced me to get out of my comfort zone by immersing myself in a new culture.  I enjoyed having the opportunity of volunteering in both the urban setting of Dublin and also a small, rural village.”  After graduation, Anna is hoping to be accepted into a graduate school to earn her Master’s in speech-language pathology. 
Congratulations to Brooke Burlingame for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  From Davenport, Iowa, Brooke is a public relations major who is most proud of working as a marketing assistant for NMU.  Brooke says, “I have received so many opportunities through this office, like interning with the Today Show for Rokerthon, and have expanded my knowledge beyond the classroom to the real world.  I don’t think anything else has prepared me for beyond graduation like my time in this office.  They have given me a portfolio I can be proud of.”  After graduation, Brooke will be staying in Marquette while she starts freelancing. 
Congratulations to Katrina Clausen for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  A secondary education – integrated science and chemistry major, Katrina is from Menominee, Michigan.  She is most proud of her work with children at the YMCA (youth areas) and Lake Superior Village.  Katrina says, “I've learned how to build relationships with children and aid in their relationship building with each other.  Helping children develop skills and grow during the critical times in their life has helped me understand my personal leadership strengths.  These children model much of what they see….  Learning different ways to cater to the needs of children and to lead by example is extremely important.”  Katrina is currently applying for teaching positions.   
Congratulations to Kelsa Dykehouse for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  An art education major, Kelsa is from Cheboygan, Michigan.  While choosing a favorite experience is hard, Kelsa is most proud of her time spent abroad in Belize, as a part of a NMU service project.  While in a local school in Belize, Kelsa had the chance to work with students to improve their English as well as assist them in building sidewalks and planting trees around the grounds.  Kelsa says, “I became more aware of how lucky we are living in a developed country and how much potential we have to help those who are not as fortunate.”  She hopes to go back one day and make an even greater impact.  After graduation, Kelsa plans on obtaining a job as an art teacher.  She is also interested in coaching and refereeing soccer along with working towards opening her own ceramic studio.  
Lauren Freckelton has completed the Real World Edge. Lauren is a biology major from Warren, Michigan. 
Congratulations to Natalie Lord for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  From Neenah, Wisconsin, Natalie is a secondary education – mathematics and Spanish education major.  She is most proud of her work with the National Institute of the Blind in Santiago, Dominican Republic.  Natalie says, “I worked in their extremely reduced-price clinic for the public to receive eye exams and surgeries if needed.  I also assisted where I could in classes they put on for a set of visually-impaired/blind adults.”  After graduation, Natalie will be looking for a teaching position in Chicago, and within the next 5 years, she would like to move down to South America to teach in an American school. 
Congratulations to Megan McCormick for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  An elementary education major, Megan is from Waunakee, Wisconsin.  Megan is most proud of her student teaching where she says, “I took over the responsibility of teaching math, language arts, and social studies at the 7th grade level.  Balancing three subjects was not an easy task and working with middle school students definitely has its challenges, but I am walking out of this experience a better prepared educator with 101 students forever engraved on my heart.”  After graduation, Megan will be filling in as a long-term sub for 6thgrade language arts. 
Alexander Negro has completed the Leadership and Real World Edges!  From Manitowish Waters, Wisconsin, Alex is a clinical laboratory sciences major with a concentration in diagnostic genetics.  Alex says, “I am most proud of being a Resident Adviser in the best house on campus, Inferno House, and in the best hall on campus, Magers Hall!  The people that I met and were able to help with their first couple of years being a Wildcat are the best memories that I have of NMU and I will cherish them always!”  After graduation, Alex will be working as a PCR clinical laboratory technician looking at hereditary diseases in the Genomics lab at Mayo Clinic. 
Congratulations to Samantha Pagano for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  From Algonquin, Illinois, Samantha is a biology major with a physiology emphasis.  She is most proud of working as a camp counselor to six boys with varying mental and/or physical disabilities at Bay Cliff Health Camp.  Samantha says, “As a counselor, I was responsible for their health and all around well-being while at camp.  This was the hardest summer I have ever worked in my entire life.  I am most proud of this activity because I persevered through many difficult situations, and I helped make a significant impact on my campers by giving them the best summer possible.”  After graduation, Samantha will attend graduate school for occupational therapy. 
Taylor Pearson has completed the Real World Edge.  A sports science major, Taylor is from Marquette and enjoyed volunteering for Make A Difference Day.  She says, “It showed me how doing something as small as raking a yard can benefit a community.  Some members of our community are unable to rake their yards and the leaves pile up in the fall. Getting together on a Saturday with your club, team or organization is a great way to bond and help out those in need of an extra hand.  I am part of the Pre-PA club, and we always brought donuts and had fun raking leaves together.”  After graduation, Taylor will be applying for physician assistant school in April 2018 and go the following summer. 
Michelle Ryczek has completed the Citizenship, Leadership, and Real World Edges.  A nursing major, Michelle is from Stephenson, Michigan. 
Erika Schaeffer has completed the Real World Edge.  From Gladstone, Michigan, Erika is a speech, language, and hearing sciences major.  The most impactful activity that Erika has logged was her experience as a student clinician during the NMU Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences Summer Speech Program.  She says, “Through this amazing opportunity, I learned how to conduct individualized speech therapy sessions for a variety of children, and I discovered my passion for the field of speech-language pathology.”  After graduation, Erika plans to attend graduate school to obtain her Master’s in speech language pathology. 
Congratulations to Molly Schaller for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  She is a nursing major from Onalaska, Wisconsin, and is most proud of her Student Leader Fellowship Program community service internship with Norlite Nursing Center residents.  She says, “Working with Norlite residents and coordinating volunteers was always the highlight of my week.  My favorite memory at Norlite was carving pumpkins with the residents to celebrate Halloween.”  After graduation, Molly plans to obtain an RN job in the perioperative department, potentially in Fairbanks, Alaska.  
Congratulations to Cecilia Smith for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  Hailing from Crystal Lake, Illinois, Cecilia is a speech, language, and hearing science major.  Cecilia is most proud of volunteering at a camp for youth who stutter, Camp Shout Out, in Muskegon, Michigan this past summer.  She says, “The experience was incredibly valuable not just for my career but for me personally.  Getting to know the campers and learning their stories, as well as watching them find their confidence over the course of the week, was very rewarding and solidified what I want to do with my life.  And of course, the Student Leader Fellowship Program has been absolutely wonderful to participate in!”  After graduation, Cecilia will be applying to graduate schools for speech-language pathology. 
Congratulations to Molly Smith for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  From Gladwin, Michigan, Molly is an elementary special education major with a concentration on emotional impairment.  Molly is most proud of her work at Bothwell Middle School as the coach of an all-girls robotics team. She says, “The Blackrock Bots were eager to learn and enthusiastic about every step of the process.  At the end of the day, we did not make the most technically-advanced robot, but we did teach each other how to work together to problem solve, grow, and have fun.  It is wonderful to equip these young girls with the skills that they will need to succeed in STEM fields later in life.”  After graduation, Molly will be a high school special education teacher at North Star Academy. 
Congratulations to Zadie Ward for finishing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  Zadie is an environmental science major with a concentration in natural resources from Linden, Michigan.  She is most proud of her internship at Partridge Creek Farm in Ishpeming.  Zadie says, “My time was mainly focused on farm work and researching soil amendments through soil testing.  This experience gave me the opportunity to learn about sustainable food systems and to participate in community outreach at the Marquette Farmer's Market and the Transition Marquette County Plant Swap.  This was an activity that contributed to my completion of all four edges and gave me confidence that environmental science is where my passion lies.”  After graduation, Zadie will be applying for jobs or internships in the fields of conservation, restorations, and forest ecology and hopes to travel to Arizona and Montana. 
Congratulations to Emily Wright or completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  From Ishpeming, Michigan, Emily is an elementary education major who is most proud of her work with the Elementary Education Math Club all four years.  She says, “I was part of a group that helped reach our local schools and community by providing educational resources and activities for children of all ages.  I have made many long lasting friendships and memories that I will carry with me in the future.”  After graduation, Emily will be teaching third grade at Birchview Elementary School in Ishpeming following her February wedding!  Congratulations! 

Forty-one students were recognized as Superior Edge graduates. To receive this honor, the students completed a minimum of 400 Superior Edge hours, a minimum of 100 hours in each of the four edges. The other 23 students graduated with one, two or three edges. Superior Edge graduates were given blue cords to wear at commencement. Read more about the graduates below:

Superior Edge Grads May 2017

Front Row:   Eliza Groll, LE & RW; Elizabeth Bertucci, Superior Edge; Amber Barnum, LE; Autumn Moulton, LE & RW; Sara Bliesener, Superior Edge; Hannah Desmet, Superior Edge; Brittany Shandor, Superior Edge; Nicole Taylor, Superior Edge; and Celeste Gasiewicz, Superior Edge

Second Row:  Victoria Kerlin, LE & RW; Abigail Alft, Superior Edge; Elizabeth Dow, Superior Edge; Julia Moore, Superior Edge; Melanie Flaherty, Superior Edge; Jeulani Gahiji, Superior Edge; Melissa Switzenberg, Superior Edge; Maria Rockett, Superior Edge; Katelyn Pershinske, Superior Edge; Bridgette Nobbe, Superior Edge, and Sawyer Rocheleau, Superior Edge

Third Row:  Autumn Thornsberry, Superior Edge; Janice Hamacheck, Superior Edge; Kate Meade, Superior Edge; Taylor Preul, Superior Edge; Megan O'Brien, Superior Edge; Katelyn Campbell, Superior Edge; Tiffani Haught, Superior Edge; Miranda Salvia, Superior Edge; Allison Jastremski, Superior Edge; Jamie Alberta, Superior Edge

Back Row:  Bethany Riutta, DE & LE; Kayla Argeropoulos, Superior Edge; Alexis Wieringa, Superior Edge; Matthew Trefilek, Superior Edge; Benjamin Harris, Superior Edge; Center for Student Enrichment Director Rachel Harris; Tyler Leightner, Superior Edge; Joseph Novak, IV , Superior Edge; Emily Ross, Superior Edge; Alexandra Cazzetta, Superior Edge; and Emily Bongard, Superior Edge

Missing from photo:  Abigail Austin, Superior Edge; Sierra Banse, CE; Emily Bertucci, DE, LE, & RW; Chelsea Birdsall, LE & RW; Kaitlynn Brow, Superior Edge; Douglas Bruno, Superior Edge; Samantha Cretens, Superior Edge; William Curtis, LE & RW; Rachel Edwards, Superior Edge; Orry Elor, Superior Edge; Hannah Garcia, Superior Edge; Julie Goldberg, Superior Edge; Rachel Headings, Superior Edge; Mia Hill, Superior Edge; Gwendolyn Hoenke, Superior Edge; Ashley Joustra, RW; Anna Kase, Superior Edge; Kendra Klein, CE, LE, & RW; Breanna Knapp, Superior Edge; Sarah Koskiniemi, CE & RW; Andrea Krieter, CE, LE, & RW; Danielle LaCount, LE & RW; Alyssa Lambert, LE & RW; Amelia Richards, LE & RW; Ellen Saville, LE & RW; Ashley Short, Superior Edge; Rachel Sieloff, RW; Kelsey Springstroh, LE; Allen Wandrych, RW; Madeleine Weidner, Superior Edge; and Luke Whitcomb, RW

CE – Citizenship Edge; DE – Diversity Edge;
LE – Leadership Edge; RW – Real World Edge


Congratulations to Jamie Alberta for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  Jamie is a graphics communications major from Wyoming, Michigan.  She is most proud of being on the orientation staff and being a resident adviser.  She says, “Going into both positions, I felt that I was an experienced student leader and ready to accomplish anything.  After, I found myself eager to learn more about the things I learned in these jobs and how I can change for the better in order to make an impact on my campus community.”  After graduation, Jamie will be working with Teach for America in Memphis as an elementary school teacher to give an equal education opportunity to underprivileged students.
Congratulations to Abigail Alft for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  From Eagle River, Wisconsin, Abby is a biology major with an emphasis in physiology.  She is most proud of going to Belize to volunteer in their health care system.  She says, “Traveling to a country filled with poverty was an experience I’ll never forget.  We were fortunate enough to set up clinics, treat patients directly, work closely with a Belizean physician, and teach the children at local schools.  The feeling of giving to a community and country that has so little compared to America is one that’s indescribable.  This is just one of many experience I have been privileged enough to enjoy at Northern.”  After graduation, Abby plans on attending PA school at the University of Wisconsin - Madison.
Congratulations to Kayla Argeropoulos for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  From Marquette, Kayla is a history major who is most proud of doing her Student Leader Fellowship Program community service internship (CSI) with Lake Superior Village’s Youth and Family Center.  Kayla says, “My CSI taught me that sometimes the best way to connect and grow with others is to simply listen – to refrain from your own opinions or ideas in order to hear the joy and passion of others.  As I spent time with the youth at the Center, their hard, tough shells disappeared into warm, sensitive hearts desperately wanting to be loved.  The experience demonstrated how love can break boundaries and vice versa.”  After graduation, Kayla will be an intern at World Relief, an international aid organization.
Congratulations to Abigail Austin for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  Abby is a secondary education integrated science major from Rockford, Illinois.  She is most proud of her involvement with Room at the Inn.  She says, “I had to step out of my comfort zone and ignore any stereotypes against the homeless community.  Through this I gained the trust of many homeless residents and learned all about their back stories.  I learned that most of the people in the shelter were there because of back luck and were all working on getting their life back on track.  The shelter not only served as a place to sleep but also as its own community.  All of the residents looked out for each other and truly cared about each other.  I feel honored to have been a part of this impactful organization.”  After graduation, Abby will be getting married to Matt Trefilek, moving to the Madison area, and look for a teaching position somewhere in northern Illinois or Wisconsin.
Sierra Banse has completed the Citizenship Edge.  Sierra is a general psychology major from Ontonagon, Michigan. 
Amber Barnum has completed the Leadership Edge.  Hailing from East Jordan, Michigan, Amber is a speech, language, and hearing sciences major.  She is most proud of serving two terms as president of the sorority Phi Sigma Sigma.  Amber says, “This is a very proud accomplishment because of how much I grew as a person and the opportunities I was able to experience.  I was able to grow in my leadership and learned how to properly lead a group of 30 women successfully.  I was able to represent the chapter in an international wide conference and have grown in leadership through the conferences by Phi Sigma Sigma.”  After graduation, Amber plans to work in Marquette and apply to graduate schools.
Congratulations to Elizabeth Bertucci for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  From Ishpeming, Michigan, Beth is a secondary education – English major.  She is most proud of being the co-founder and co-president of NMU Best Buddies, which strives to eliminate the stigma surrounding individuals with disabilities through forming one-to-one friendships between these individuals and college students.  Beth says, “Best Buddies has allowed me to grow as both a person and as a future educator.  I have learned a lot about the K-12 school system, special education, and the fantastic people that we have at NMU.  Taking on a leadership role with Best Buddies has allowed me to grow as a leader.  I am so thankful for this experience!”  After graduation, Beth plans to teach English and Spanish at the high school level.  She says, “I have found great passion in education, and I am grateful for the opportunity to make a difference in the life of a child every day that I teach.”
Emily Bertucci has completed the Diversity, Leadership, and Real World Edges.  Emily is a biology/zoology major from Ishpeming, Michigan.  She is most proud of completing her Student Leader Fellowship Program community service internship where she gathered pet food for a local food bank.  Emily says, “I was very proud to complete this because it helped people in the area who were struggling to feed their pets.”  After graduation, Emily will be working on her Ph.D. at the University of Georgia’s Odum School of Ecology.
Chelsea Birdsall has completed the Leadership and Real World Edges.  Hailing from West Branch, Michigan, Chelsea is a double major in political science and multimedia journalism.  She is most proud of her work at ABC 10.  Chelsea says, “It really supplemented my experience in the classroom and helped me jump start my career as a journalist.  I am pleased with how it has shaped my outlook on the community and Northern.”  After graduation, Chelsea will be staying at NMU to work on her master’s in public administration and will continue her position as an anchor/reporter at ABC 10 in Ishpeming.
Congratulations to Sara Bliesener for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  From Kalamazoo, Michigan, Sara is an art and design graphic communications major.  She is most proud of the work she did with the Marquette Senior High School Z Club.  Sara says, “I had a wonderful time hanging out with the girls involved with the club and seeing the way they grew personally and together throughout the year.”  After graduation, Sara will be getting married and then just rolling with the punches!
Congratulations to Emily Bongard for finishing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  Emily is a nursing major from Madison, Wisconsin.  Emily enjoyed volunteering at U.P. Home Health and Hospice.  She says, “I am proud of this because it has given me a chance to give back to the Marquette community and given me a different perspective that I will use in my nursing career to care of those who are dying.”  After graduation, Emily will start a nurse residency program at the University of Wisconsin on the neurology unit. 
Congratulations to Kaitlynn Brow for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  From Kingsley, Michigan, Kaitlynn is a psychology major.  She is most proud of working in Belize in the healthcare setting.  She says, “Through this trip, I experienced many different things that opened my eyes to the vast differences in our two cultures.  One can see these differences in their music, food, language, and clothing.  I was also able to develop a better understanding for the diversity in health care.  I am extremely lucky to have been able to experience the cultural differences as well as healthcare differences as I go on my way to medical school.”  After graduation, Kaitlynn will be going to Grand Valley State University for her master’s in biomedical sciences before going on to a DO or MD school.
Congratulations to Douglas Bruno for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  Hailing from Hoffman Estates, Illinois, Doug is a history major.  He is most proud of teaching English in Germany for three weeks.  After graduation, Doug will be attending the University of New Hampshire School of Law.
Congratulations Katelyn Campbell for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  From Newago, Michigan, Katelyn is a social work major.  She is most proud of being a soccer coach for U6 girls’ team with Superiorland Soccer.  Katelyn says, “It was so much fun running around with the girls all summer and teaching them soccer skills!  It was a great experience and I grew as a leader and was a positive role model for the youth in our community.”  After graduation, Katelyn hopes to get a job locally.
Congratulations to Ali Cazzetta for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  Ali is a criminal justice major from Fox River Grove, Illinois.  She is most proud of interning with the Connolly Finan Fleming Solicitors in Dublin, Ireland.  She says, “I am proud of this one because I was able to live and work abroad while having experience in my field, criminal justice.  I also was happy to spend my time in my favorite country while being able to see what it was like being a solicitor.”  After graduation, Ali will be attending NMU’s Regional Police Academy to pursue her dream of becoming a police officer.
Congratulations to Samantha Cretens for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  From Gladstone, Michigan, Samantha is a business management major.  Sam says, “My study abroad to Germany completely changed my life.  It opened my eyes to global issues and has instilled a sense of wanderlust into me.  I feel as though I understand the world more and feel more culturally aware.  I made some great friends along the way!”  After graduation, Samantha will be traveling to Europe with two of her best friends.  After that, she will be working in Chicago.
Will Curtis has completed the Leadership and Real World Edges.  From Laurium, Michigan, Will is a media production and new technology major.  He is most proud of his Student Leader Fellowship Program community service internship with the Copper Country Humane Society because of the happiness and joy it brought to families in finding cats and dogs loving homes.”  After graduation, Will be moving with his wife to Brighton, Michigan, where he will be an Innovator of Marketing Outreach working as a video content producer and website coordinator.
Congratulations to Hannah Desmet for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  Hannah is a nursing major from Munith, Michigan.  Hannah is most proud of traveling to Costa Rica.  She says, “The experience allowed me to analyze the sourcing of my own traditions, norms, values, beliefs, routines, etc.  Why is my daily routine set up the way that it is set up?  Why do I believe what I believe about the world?  As authentic as we may like to think we are, I truly believe that we are the product of the environment of culture that we have been immersed in, until we come to this realization about ourselves.  It forced me to get to know myself, which has been a catalyst for truly investing in myself by answering the “why” questions of my daily actions.”  Hannah will be working as a pediatric RN at Mott Children’s Hospital in Ann Arbor.
Congratulations to Elizabeth Dow for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  An elementary education/integrated science major, Liz is from Lake Orion, Michigan.  She is most proud of receiving a Freshman Fellowship award and completing research in her academic major.  She says, “I attended the National Conference on Undergraduate Research in 2014 to present my research “From Worst to First:  A Phenomenological Study of One School’s Story of Change.”  I was thankful to be introduced to collegiate level research from my first day on campus!”  After graduation, Liz will be looking for a teaching position.
Congratulations to Rachel Edwards for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  A cellular and molecular neuroscience major, Rachel is from Wheaton, Illinois, and is most proud of being a program manager for Teaching Family Homes of Upper Michigan.  She says, “This job gave me the unique opportunity to work with at-risk youth and assist in developing residential treatment plans while gaining a sense of empathy and compassion for the youth in my community.  I also gained valuable experience as a manager where I learned about effective communication and professional development.”  In January 2018, Rachel will be attending a physician’s assistant master’s program at the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences.
Congratulations to Orry Elor for completing all four edges for Superior Edge!  From Walnut Creek, California, Orry is a biology major with a physiology emphasis.  He is most proud of working with GBM cell lines to better understand research and how it can help patients in the future.  After graduation, Orry will be attending graduate school at San Francisco State University in molecular biology with a focus on stem cells through the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine.
Congratulations to Melanie Flaherty for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  From Pickney, Michigan, Melanie is a double major in biology-physiology and German studies.  She is most proud of her research with the Upper Michigan Brain Tumor Center.  Melanie says, “I spent the first three years of my work looking at two metabolic proteins that shuttle lactate out of glioblastoma multiforme cells.  I then shifted my research focus following a summer fellowship at the University of Michigan to study cancer-associated thrombosis.  I am currently coordinating the effort to establish the first in vitromodel to look at the complex mechanisms involved.”  After graduation, Melanie will be attending the University of Michigan Medical School in hopes of becoming a vascular surgeon. 
Congratulations to Jeulani Gahiji for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  Hailing from Chicago, Lani is an entrepreneurship major.  She is most proud of facilitating the Black Student Union’s Let’s Talk About It sessions.  She says, “I feel that it aided in fostering a greater sense of community at NMU for students and community members.  Let’s Talk About It has grown exponentially since it first began, and I see it going much farther in the future.”  After graduation, Lani has accepted an Assistant Complex Director at the University of Wisconsin – White Water where she will be pursing her master’s degree in higher education leadership. 
Congratulations to Hannah Garcia for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  Hannah is a Native American Studies major from Manistique, Michigan, and she is most proud of spearheading the Native American Studies spring break trip.  Hannah says, “This was an opportunity for me to coordinate a group of NMU students that are in Native American studies to attend U.P. high schools. We presented to the youth on the importance of higher education after high school.  We advocated for the consideration of joining the Native American Studies major, and NMU overall for a school of choice.  We were able to give personal testimony on our experience with higher education and spoke one on one with students!”  After graduation, we will be moving to Illinois to save up for the costs associated with moving across country to Colorado.  Once in Colorado, we will be working in our degree fields and hiking the mountains on our down time!
Congratulations to Celeste Gasiewicz for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  From Marquette, Celeste is a nursing major who is most proud of her participation with the Student Nurses Association.  She says, “I’ve built a foundation of dynamic leadership skills that will serve me well in my nursing career.”  After graduation, Celeste will be doing critical care nursing and obtaining her degree as a certified registered nurse anesthetist.
Julie Goldberg has completed the Citizenship, Leadership, and Real World Edges.  Hailing from Clarkston, Michigan, Julie is a multimedia journalism major who is most proud of her internship at The Clarkston News.  She says, “During the internship, I learned that I want to be a reporter for either a newspaper or a television station after graduation.  Completing an internship with The Clarkston News helped me find a love and passion for writing that I didn’t have before.”  After graduation, Julie will be finding a full-time position in the Metro-Detroit area.
Eliza Groll has completed the Leadership and Real World Edges.  A graphic design major from Central Lake, Michigan, Eliza is most proud of her time as president of Campus Cursive.  She says, “I was able to influence others on campus in a positive way, and I got to do it with some of the most loving and kind people I have ever met.”  After graduation, Eliza is heading to Grand Rapids to enjoy the summer with her brothers, and she will search from employment in her field.
Congratulations to Janice Hamachek for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  Janice is an athletic training major from Manitowoc, Wisconsin.  She is most proud of traveling to Belize.  Janice says, “Through this trip, I helped provide medical outreach to rural areas around San Ignacio, Belize.  This trip allowed me to use my general medical skills in order to help people who did not have access to health care and would not be able to receive health care otherwise.  I was also able to teach the people of Belize different ways to eat healthy and become a healthier person.”  After graduation, Janice will return to Wisconsin to finish her prerequisites for physical therapy school and apply for school during the 2018 fall semester.
Congratulations to Benjamin Harris for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  Ben is a double major in computer science and econ and is from Marquette.  He is most proud of his community service internship with the Student Leader Fellowship Program.  Ben says, “I mentored/coached a middle school robotics team to state championships two years in a row.  It was very rewarding to see the kids grow and learn.”  After graduation, Ben will look for a job.
Congratulations to Tiffani Haught for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  From Madison Heights, Michigan, Tiffani is a double major in criminal justice and international studies.  Tiffani is most proud of her study abroad in Morocco because it was a large test as to whether or not she was going to make it in an international career.  She says, “Spending three months in a country polar opposite of the US came with its challenges but also its rewards.  I was able to make friends from all over the US and Morocco, and I was able to solidify that an international career is what I want out of life.”  After graduation, Tiffani will spend the summer in Madison Heights and then leave for a 27-month placement with the Peace Corps where she will be serving as a youth in development facilitator in Guatemala.
Congratulations to Rachel Headings for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  A public relations major, Rachel is from Grand Rapids who is most proud of serving on the Sustainability Advisory Committee during the 2016 fall semester as one of the first student representatives.  She says, “After almost 2 years of research efforts and presenting on Sustainability at NMU, myself, my research partner from EEGS, and two staff members convinced President Erickson of the need for this committee and have since worked to get NMU certified by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability on Higher Education (or AASHE for short). While I continued to study sustainability models in Panama, my partner and the committee have continued their amazing work and developed events and more student resources on sustainability.”  After graduation, Rachel will be working at Nature’s Pace Organics Farm in Mayville, Michigan, and applying to Americorps and Green Corps.
Mia Hill has completed the Citizenship and Leadership Edge.  A biology major with a physiology emphasis, Mia is from Rapid River, Michigan, and is most proud of her time being a bell ringer for the Salvation Army.  Mia says, “I met a lot of very generous people and received a lot of encouragement and caring words – most hoping I would stay warm!  The people in Marquette are very giving and kind, and I am proud of their many donations for people in the Marquette area during the winter months and that I could help facilitate them.”  After graduation, Mia will be pursing graduate school at the Michigan College of Optometry.
Congratulations to Gwendolyn Hoenke for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  From Marquette, Gwen is a secondary education/math and Spanish major.  She is most proud of the times she spent in Ecuador.  While there, she volunteered at a special needs school twice a week.  She says, “The students were so kind and positive, despite all of the challenges they faced (many of the students came from difficult home situations).  I learned so much about the power of perseverance and keeping a positive attitude, no matter your current situation.”  After graduation, Gwen will be going to Peru with the Fulbright program.
Congratulations to Allison Jastremski for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  A nursing major from Iron Mountain, Alli is most proud of coaching a summer Community Schools Dance Camp.  She says, “It was the first year the camp was offered, and we had many girls who had never danced before.  After learning a dance all summer, the girls had the opportunity to perform before a large crowd at the local Italianfest.  These girls worked very hard all summer and many had to overcome their fear of performing.  I was incredibly proud of all of the girls and it was an extremely rewarding experience seeing our hard work pay off.”  After graduation, Alli will be moving back to Iron Mountain to work at Dickinson County Healthcare System.
Ashley Joustra has completed the Real World Edge.  From Zeeland, Michigan, Ashley is a Spanish major who is most proud of being a Spanish tutor in the Language Resource Center.  She says, “I was able to help students that were struggling with Spanish and help them learn to love the language.  I also assisted professors by hosting study sessions before exams.  This experience has given me great experience for when I become a teacher.  After graduation, Ashley is moving to Ann Arbor and taking some time off before returning to school to get her post baccalaureate degree in Spanish Education at the University of Michigan – Dearborn.
Congratulations to Anna Kase for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  Hailing from Lake Geneva, Illinois, Anna is a zoology major who is most proud of organizing the Amphibian Appreciation Day event at Moosewood Nature Center.  Anna says, “I love amphibians and reptiles.  So, it was an amazing experience being able to educate the public about amphibians and the conservation challenges they are facing worldwide.  It was fun being able to interact with community members of all ages while sharing something I’m passionate about.”  After graduation, Anna will be working on her Ph.D. in biological sciences where she will be studying native turtles at the University of South Dakota in Vermillion, South Dakota!
Victoria Kerlin has completed the Leadership and Real World Edges.  From Midland, Michigan, Victoria is a secondary education integrated science major.  Victoria is most proud of being a part of the Student Leader Fellowship Program.  She says, “The opportunities I had taught me to be a better leader and the completion of my 100-hour community service internship allowed me to practice my leadership skills in and out of the classroom – which is something I will use for the rest of my life.”  After graduation, Victoria will be moving to the East Lansing area in hopes of finding a full-time teaching position in a science classroom.
Kendra Klein has completed the Citizenship, Leadership, and Real World Edges.  Kendra is an English/Writing major from Negaunee, Michigan. She is most proud of the work that she put into “The Ore Ink Review,” NMU’s undergraduate literary journal.  Kendra says, “It provides an outlet for NMU students to display their writing, art, or video.  I am hoping that the work that I put in will continue to grow as the Review keeps going.”  After graduation, Kendra will be doing a teaching assistantship through NMU’s English Department while she works on her master’s degree.
Congratulations to Breanna Knapp for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  From Sun City, Arizona, Breanna is a social work major who is most proud of being a camp buddy for Camp STAR.  She says, “As a camp buddy, I have a one-on-one experience working with grieving youth while creating a fun camp experience and honoring their deceased loved ones.  I experienced the death of an immediate family member when I was young and being able to connect with kids who are going through similar situations and give them hope was incredible.  Teaching kids healthy ways of grieving and showing them that they’re not alone was so rewarding.”  After graduation, Breanna will be pursuing a master’s degree in social work in Boston.
Sarah Koskiniemi has completed the Citizenship and Real World Edges!  A biology/physiology major, Sarah is from Calumet, and she is most proud of working with the Seaborg Center.  Sarah said, “I was excited to be able to help such a wonderful organization in planning and hosting many different programs for the local school districts.  Helping to bring more STEM programs and increase the STEM awareness to the young students was so rewarding.”  Sarah is currently applying to medical schools and completing her EMT-Basic training.
Andrea Krieter has completed the Citizenship, Leadership, and Real World Edges.  Hailing from Lombard, Illinois, Andrea is a biochemistry major who is most proud of her international service project in Ireland during the May 2014.  Andrea said, “I made some awesome friends during that trip and amazing memories.”  After graduation, Andrea will begin working on her PhD in pathobiology at the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana.
Danielle LaCount has completed the Leadership and Real World Edges.  From Pulaski, Wisconsin, Danielle is an accounting major.  Danielle is most proud of her internship at Swick Plumbing and Heating.  She says, “I believe I learned the most from this experience and it prepared me for my future.”  After graduation, Danielle will stay at Swick while she continues her career search.
Alyssa Lambert has completed the Leadership and Real World Edges.  A multimedia journalism major from Winthrop Harbor, Illinois.  She is most proud of being a Resident Adviser.  Alyssa says, “Making lasting connections with my residents and inspiring future leaders is an indescribable feeling.  My residents are the best and are just like my family, so it rarely feels like work.”  Alyssa is unsure what she will be doing after graduation, but she says you will eventually see her hosting a game show or talk show!
Congratulations to Tyler Leightner for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!   Hailing from Cadillac, Michigan, Tyler is a social work major.  Tyler is most proud of attending the National Alzheimer’s Forum in Washington, DC for three years.  He says, “During my first year, I spoke in front of 500 people.  The speech empowered me to make a change in the world of dementia.”  After graduation, Tyler will continue advocating for the Alzheimer’s Association and look for a job involving people with dementia.
Congratulations to Kate Meade for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  From Plymouth, Michigan, Kate is a biology major with an ecology emphasis and an environmental studies and sustainability major.  Kate is most proud of her work at Casa Ita in Peru where she was a volunteer in jungle conservation.  She says, “This was a life-changing experience that helped me grow and taught me how to rely and use the environment around me.  The jungle truly immersed me into my field and gave me valuable experience which I will carry with me as I leave for Togo, West Africa in May.”  After graduation, Kate will be entering the Peace Corps as an agricultural extension volunteer in Togo, West Africa.
Congratulations to Julia Moore for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  A social work major from Mt. Morris, Michigan, Julia is most proud of being involved with Superior Edge.  She says, “Superior Edge allowed me to push myself outside of my comfort zone and open myself up to diverse experiences and opportunities.  I’ve been able to meet and help so many amazing people including Native Americans, refugees, homeless, poverty, elderly, foster care, and many others whom I wouldn’t have if it weren’t for Superior Edge.  I have been able to overcome many of my personal biases thanks to these experiences.  These experiences have allowed me to grow into a better person while allowing me to follow my passion of helping others.”  Julia will be working on her master’s of social work at Michigan State University.
Autumn Moulton has completed the Leadership and Real World Edges.  Hailing from Fenton, Michigan, Autumn is a radiography major who is most proud of her clinicals.  She says, “It has been an exhausting two years in the radiography program.  I spend long hours at the hospital 3-4 days a week.  I am proud of myself for never giving up and finishing strong.  I feel like I am really making a difference for the patients when I help them.  It’s also taught me a lot about myself.  I’ve seen that I can push myself to the limit and I’ll still survive.  It’s also taught me that if you really want something you can do it no matter how impossible it seems.”  After graduation, she plans to work as an x-ray tech while finishing her bachelor’s degree.  She would then like to possibly go to medical school.
Congratulations to Bridgette Nobbe for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  From Appleton, Wisconsin, Bridgette is a communications major.  Bridgette is most proud of her work in Steubenville, Ohio, where she lived in the projects and worked with inner city children from three months.  After graduation, Bridgette will be attending the University of Arizona for Higher Education.
Congratulations to Joseph Novak, IV for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  Joe is a cell and molecular neuroscience major from Antigo, Wisconsin.  Joe is most proud of being a camp counselor at Camp Luwisomo where he taught youth and summer inner city Milwaukee kids about how to strengthen their faith.  He also assisted with the Joyful Hearts special needs program with various disabilities such as ADHD, PTSD, schizophrenia, down syndrome, fragile X syndrome, and autism.  Joe says, “Serving others has allowed me to humble myself and has given me much purpose in my life.”  After graduation, Joe will be attending medical school in hopes of working in family practice or emergency medicine.
Congratulations to Megan O'Brien for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  A hospitality management member from Palatine, Illinois, Megan is my proud of NMU Best Buddies.  Megan says, “We paired NMU students with buddies who have mental and physical disabilities.  We planned a Halloween party and Valentine’s Day party.  We also encourage the buddies to do things on their own to get to know one another. It has opened my eyes to how much is out there and how we just need to go about our lives no matter what is going on.”  On a side note, Megan has finished the most hours for this group with 3,268.5 hours, and she is still logging!  After graduation, Megan will be working as an event coordinator at Northwest Special Recreation Association/Special Leisure Services Foundation in Rolling Meadows, Illinois.
Congratulations to Katelyn Pershinske for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  Hailing from Maple City, Michigan, Katie is a neuroscience major.  Katie is most proud of co-founding Best Buddies, an internationally recognized non-profit organization that helps develop friendship and community involvement between individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and college students.  She says, “This opportunity allowed me to see the difference I can make in the community and that all of our actions matter.  I also grew tremendously as a leader and gained many valuable skills.  I truly put my heart into this project and believe that it has made NMU a more inclusive community.”  After graduation, Katie will be working and traveling while pursuing her Ph.D. in biomedical science.  In particular, she will be studying neurotoxicology.
Congratulations to Taylor Preul for finishing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  From Rhinelander, Wisconsin, Taylor is an ecology major.  Taylor is most proud of completing her own personal research on the impacts of increased temperatures on bluegill predator detection.  She says, “This project consumed a lot of my time and taught me about how to design and implement biological research, while also convincing me that I am in the right field of study.”  After graduation, Taylor will be working for the fisheries department at Yellowstone National Park researching native trout conservation and invasive species removal.
Amelia Richards has completed the Leadership and Real World Edges.  Amelia is an outdoor recreation, leadership and management major from Ada, Michigan.  Amelia is most proud of her Student Leader Fellowship Program community service internship with a local homeschool program called Immerse.  She says, “Each month we had a different focus ranging from microbiology to Shakespeare.  I designed a month’s worth of curriculum based on combining creative nature journaling and phenology (the student of seasonal and yearly changes in nature).  I learned a lot, the kids had a valuable experience, and most importantly, we all had a lot of fun!  After graduation, Amelia will be working at Beth Millner Jewelry in Marquette, getting married in August to her fiancé Joe, and then heading to Alaska to camp and fish for their honeymoon.  After that, she will take some time off to decide what direction she would like to go in when she pursues grad school.
Bethany Riutta has completed the Diversity and Leadership Edges.  From Houghton, Michigan, Bethany is a speech, language, and hearing sciences major.  She is most proud of being the president of her student organization, the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA), from January 2016 to January 2017.  She says, “I grew a lot during this year and learned how to be an effective leader.  I learned that I am very self-sufficient and that I have an extreme level of discipline for myself with the busy schedule that I have had during my undergraduate years.  Being the president of NSSLHA gave me a leg up for getting into graduate school and helped to prepare me to be successful in my future endeavors.”  After graduation, Bethany will be attending the University of Wisconsin - River Falls to get a master’s degree in communication sciences and disorders.
Congratulations to Sawyer Rocheleau for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  Hailing from Belmont, Michigan, Sawyer is a nursing major who is most proud of her trip to Haiti.  She says, “It was so great to be able to give back to a community that needed help the most.  It was very humbling and made me more aware of the world around us.”  After graduation, Sawyer will be working at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City as a registered nurse in their critical care nurse residency program.  
Congratulations to Maria Rockett for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  An environmental science major, Maria is from Loveland, Ohio.  She is most proud of working as an intern with Partridge Creek Farm.  She says, “I was able to work in the local community with local organizations to aim for food equity and raise produce availability in low-access, low-income communities.”  After graduation, Maria will return home and take a gap year in order to prepare to apply to either environmental law school or graduate school.  She would eventually like to be working in environmental justice.
Congratulations to Emily Ross for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  Hailing from Mankato, Minnesota, Emily is a forensic biochemistry major.  Emily is most proud of being involved with Sail on Singers, a group that goes out into the community and sings to individuals in hospice care.  She says, “I am most proud of this because of the reactions that we received from the individuals and others around them.”  After graduation, Emily will be attending Iowa State University to get her Ph.D. in analytical chemistry with a specialization in forensics.
Congratulations to Miranda Salvia for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  Hailing from St. Clair Shores, Michigan, Miranda is a nursing major who is most proud of being a mental health caregiver.  She says, “I found it to be one of the most rewarding activities I did while in Superior Edge.  I loved the Real World Edge because it gave me the opportunity to explore my career interests while contributing to my community.”  After graduation, Miranda will take her nursing boards and then start as a registered nurse on the oncology floor at St. Providence Hospital in Detroit.
Ellen Saville has completed the Leadership and Real World Edges.  From Oxford, Michigan, Ellen is a double major in art history and German studies.  
Congratulations to Brittany Shandor for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  A nursing major from Macomb, Michigan, Brittany is most proud of volunteering with children in an early development program in Ireland.  Brittany says, “It was very interesting to note the differences in early education in the United States and Ireland.  This trip took me out of my comfort zone, and I would not have participated if it wasn’t for Superior Edge.”  After graduation, Brittany will be working as an RN at Havenwyck Hospital, which is an inpatient psychiatric facility.
Congratulations to Ashley Short for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  From Lupton, Michigan, Ashley is a community health education major who is most proud of being an education intern at Planned Parenthood.  Ashley says, “I was able to apply concepts I had learned in classes to the real world.  In addition to gaining confidence and health education experience, I was able to educate people on important health issues.  I learned a lot through this experience and really felt like I helped make a difference.”  After graduation, Ashley will be a health schools coordinator in Guatemala through the Peace Corps.
Rachel Sieloff has completed the Real World Edge.  From Romulus, Michigan, Rachel is a social studies elementary education major.  
Kelsey Springstroh has completed the Leadership Edge.  A clinical lab science major, Kelsey is from Freedom, Wisconsin.  She is most proud of completing a cystic fibrosis walk with a group of students.  Kelsey says, “With this walk, I was able to meet a young girl who had cystic fibrosis and learn about her hardships and how she was determined to make the best of it.”  After graduation, Kelsey will be working at Marshfield Clinic and then furthering her education in microbiology.
Congratulations to Melissa for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  Hailing from Mason, Michigan, Melissa is a biology major with a biology major with an ecology emphasis.  Melissa is most proud of studying abroad in Ecuador.  She says, “Living abroad was challenging in numerous ways.  Despite having obstacles, I excelled in this environment and grew professionally, academically, and personally.  I loved showing my Wildcat pride while exploring new landscapes and making new friends.  It was an experience that changed my life path.”  After graduation, Melissa will take a gap year where she will apply to graduate schools to study anthropology.
Congratulations to Nicole Taylor for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  From Pinckney, Michigan, Nicole is an environmental studies and sustainability major.  She is most proud of her study abroad trip to Angers, France.  Nicole says, “On this trip I learned as much about the French culture as I did about American culture.  I learned to say oui to new experiences.  I found that humans are diverse and different in many beautiful ways.  I also found that we are all similar in more ways than we are different.  Also, if any of you make it to France, eat as many crepes as you can.  Crepe calories don’t exist.”  After graduation, Nicole will be serving in the Peace Corps in Benin, Africa.
Congratulations to Autumn Thornsberry for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  Hailing from Garden City, Michigan, Autumn is a biology major with an emphasis in physiology.  She is most proud of her externship volunteer hours.  Autumn says, “Volunteering at a vascular clinic during my breaks at home has helped me to give back to my hometown but to also see firsthand that this is truly what I want to do with my life.”  After graduation, Autumn will be applying to PA schools, take a few post-bac classes, work as a medical assistant, and run her wedding photography business…she has 40 weddings booked for 2017.
Congratulations to Matthew Trefilek for completing all four edges of the Superior Edge!   From Rockford, Illinois, Matt is a double major in computer science and math.  Matt is most proud of his involvement with Coder Dojo 906.  He says, “Providing a space for children and teens to learn about computers and programming is a valuable asset to the community.  It has been amazing watching the members learn and grow throughout the program.”  After graduation, Matt will be working as a developer for the University of Wisconsin Madison and plans on pursuing a master’s degree.
Allen Wandrych has completed the Real World Edge.  Hailing from Manistee, Michigan, Allen is a biology major with a physiology emphasis.  He is most proud of working with the Head Start program at the Jacobetti Center.  He says, “The Head Start program is similar to a day care for younger children while providing real world experiences and education.  One of my favorite memories was how much the kids loved to see me every time I volunteered with them.  Their faces would always light up, and it made me excited to teach them as well!”  After graduation, Allen will be attending a Physician Assistant school.
Congratulations to Madeleine Weidner for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  A secondary education social studies major, Madeleine is from Stillwater, Minnesota.  Madeleine is most proud of being a UP Community Rowing Club member because it gave her the opportunity to grow not only in the NMU community but also in the Marquette community.  She says, “It allowed me to create connections in the community I never saw imaginable.  I saw myself grow and adapt as I was confronted with different obstacles.”  After graduation, Madeleine will be looking for a teaching position in either a middle or high school teaching history.
Luke Whitcomb has completed the Real World Edge.  From Little Lake, Michigan, Luke is a criminal justice major.  He is most proud of the volunteering he did at Bay Cliff Health Camp.  Luke says, “I went there for two different weekends and ran the dining room for them.  This was one of my first leadership roles, and it really helped me to understand what it meant to be a leader.”  After graduation, Luke will work for the Michigan Department of Corrections as a correctional officer.
Congratulations to Alexis Wieringa for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  A marketing major from Kentwood, Michigan, Lexi is most proud of her time as an Orientation Staff Assistant.  She says, “Although this role was challenging, I feel as though I was able to positively impact the incoming freshmen class.  Often times, the students arrived to their session nervous but left three days later with new friends and blossoming love for NMU.  At the end of each orientation session, it was so rewarding to hear the students say how excited they were for the semester to start and how they didn’t want to leave.”  After graduation, Lexi will be a Resident Director in one of the new residence Halls called the Woods on campus. 

Seven students were recognized as Superior Edge graduates. To receive this honor, the students completed a minimum of 400 Superior Edge hours, a minimum of 100 hours in each of the four edges. The other 16 students graduated with one, two or three edges. Superior Edge graduates were given blue cords to wear at commencement. Read more about the graduates below:

Superior Edge grads Dec 2016

Front:  Lauren Brennan, CE & LE; Rachel McCaffrey, Superior Edge; Natalie Berger, DE, LE, & RW; Haley Jacobson, Superior Edge; and Devyn Cope, LE & RW 

Back:  Nicole LaHaie, Superior Edge; Charles Fust, Superior Edge; Center for Student Enrichment Director Rachel Harris; Paul Pohanka, RW; Andre Stringer, Superior Edge; Rachel Klitzke, Superior Edge; Taylor Keiser, CE & DE; and Madison Macek, Superior Edge

Missing from photo:  Jessica Anderson, RW; Emma Earl, LE & RW; Molly Egelkraut, LE & RW; Morgan Ferens, RW; Teala Howell, LE & RW; Paige Lamb, LE & RW; Madeline Neubauer, LE; George Patterson, RW; Ann Pelton, DE & RW; Tiffany Spangler, RW; and Courtney Young, CE & LE

CE – Citizenship Edge; DE – Diversity Edge;
LE – Leadership Edge; RW – Real World Edge


Jessica Anderson has completed the Real World Edge.  From Hurley, Wisconsin, Jessica is a clinical laboratory science – science technologist.  She is most proud of her clinical lab internship where she worked with a great health care team that helped a patient who was going into cardiac arrest.  Jessica says, “They had announced a ‘code blue” over the hospital speaker system while I was on my way to draw the patient’s blood in the ER.  When the doctors determined he was stable enough, I was able to get his blood sample and hurry back to the lab to get the analysis started.  The patient was transported from our small critical access hospital to a larger hospital, and he survived thanks to the quick response of the nurses, doctors, and every member of the patient’s health care team that night.”  After graduation, Jessica is going to medical school and continuing to further experience the clinical lab setting.
Natalie Berger has completed the Diversity, Leadership, and Real World Edges.  From Ferndale, Michigan, Natalie is a digital cinema major.  Natalie is most proud of volunteering with the Superior Arts Theatre.  She says, “I have directed over 100 youth between the ages of 3 and 18 to create exciting musicals on stage and instilling confidence, discipline, and appreciation for the arts.”  After graduation, Natalie hopes to pursue graduate school for film and eventually become a professor of film production.  
Lauren Brennan has completed the Citizenship and Leadership Edges.  A zoology major from Traverse City, Lauren loved all four years of volunteering with Make A Difference Day.  She says, “Every year had new challenges:  sometimes it was a really big yard we had to tackle or a lot of yards to delegate, or the group I was working with was excluding me.  Despite all of the things, I always got something out of it.  It was so awesome seeing the people we were raking or cleaning for.  Many of these people were adorable elders who were so excited to see young people out helping their community.  Raking leaves is satisfying because you get to see the fruit of your work and see it happen in real time.”  After graduation, Lauren will be pursuing jobs that combine her love of science and animals with her love of camp and Christian ministry.
Devyn Cope has completed the Leadership andReal World Edges.   Devyn is a biology major with a physiology emphasis.  She is from White Lake, Michigan.  Devyn is most proud of co-founding and leading the student organization, Active Minds, which is dedicated to ending the stigma surrounding mental health.  She says, “I also benefited from the Real World Edge, when I completed my internship with NSF International.  I worked as a microbiology research intern in their Ann Arbor lab.”  After graduation, Devyn will continue to apply to medical school while pursuing a career as a primary care physician.
Emma Earl has completed the Leadership and Real World Edges.  From Walled Lake, Michigan, Emma is a sociology major who is most proud of being a teaching assistant for the sociology department.  She says, “Over the course of my service, I have grown as an educator and a student.  I look forward to the advantage this position has given me as I leave Northern and start my future.”  Emma will be starting graduate school this coming fall.
Molly Egelkraut has completed the Leadership and Real World Edges. She is a public relations major from Delton, Michigan.  Molly is most proud of her time spent in the Student Leader Fellowship Program.  She says, “It was something that I value because I never would have gotten that experience at another university.  My community service internship at the NMU Foundation Office made me feel accomplished and that I truly helped serve the mission of the program and my personal goals.”  
Morgan Ferens has completed the Real World Edge.  From Beulah, Michigan, Morgan is a graphic communications major.  Morgan is most proud of being a part of Make A Difference Day for a few years.  She says, “I’m also very proud of my hard work while being a part of the Traverse City Film Festival.”  After graduation, Morgan will be focusing on getting acquainted with the art community in the Traverse City area.
Congratulations to Charles Fust for finishing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  A double major in accounting and economics, Charles is from St. Johns, Michigan.  Charles is most proud of being a leader of a Totus Tuus team.  He says, “We traveled around the UP doing week-long religious camps.”  After graduation, Charles will begin working as a staff auditor at Makela, Toutant, Hill and Nardi in Marquette and will be getting married to Emily Girdham in April.  
Teala Howell has completed the Leadership andReal World Edges!
Congratulations to Haley Jacobson for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  A double major in accounting and community health education, Haley is from Bessemer, Michigan.  Haley is most proud of the activities she participated in under the Diversity Edge.  She says, “We live in such a diverse world, and it is important to embrace one another’s culture and differences through education and acceptance.  The group projects I participated in truly allowed me to dive deep into different areas of the world to do so.”  After graduation, Haley will be doing lots of traveling and will begin working at Grant Thornton in Appleton in the fall of 2017.
Taylor Keiser has completed the Citizenship andDiversity Edge.  From Pellston, Michigan, Taylor is a zoology major who is in the pre-vet program.  Taylor is most proud of her work at UPAWS.  She says, “I was very fond of volunteering there because the staff was very kind, and we worked well together.  I also really enjoyed working with all of the animals.  Since UPAWS relies heavily on volunteers, I wanted to show them my support.  The staff was always very relieved to see my roommate and I come, especially on days when it was a blizzard.  We would walk the dogs while bundled in nearly 4 layers of clothing.  At this time, Taylor is unsure as to what she is going to do, but she has several options:  teaching English in South Korea with young students in rural areas, volunteering, shadowing and interning with different veterinarians (as well as other zoology related professions), and eventually enrolling in MSU’s veterinarian program.  
Congratulations to Rachel Klitzke for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  From Menominee, Michigan, Rachel is a community health education major.  As a result of her interest in mental health, Rachel started a student organization called Active Minds that helps inform students and the Marquette community about mental health well being while also fighting to end mental health stigmas.  She says, “I wouldn’t have been able to take on this level of leadership without the many different leadership skills that I gained by participating in Superior Edge.”  After graduation, Rachel plans to attend graduate school to get a master’s in public health administration with a concentration in epidemiology and us this to develop a career in women’s health.
Congratulations to Nicole LaHaie for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  From Mackinaw City, Michigan, Nicole is a nursing major.  She says her favorite activity was participating in Make A Difference Day.  “Getting up early to help rake leaves and clean the yards of people that are unable to do so themselves made me feel like I was accomplishing something while spending time with the people in Malibu House!  Watching the faces of the tenants after their yard was cleaned up was something I will never forget.”  After graduation, Nicole will be working on the neuro/ortho at UPHS-Marquette as a registered nurse. 
Paige Lamb has completed the Leadership and Real World Edges.  Paige is from Niles, Michigan, and is an elementary special education major who is most proud of her experience as a practicum student at Marquette Senior High School.  She says, “I was able to gain experience in the field of special education and work full-time in a public school setting.  Logging these hours for Superior Edge was helpful in helping me reach the completion of the Real World Edge.  I cherish this experience!” After graduation, Paige will be teaching at Estrella Vista STEM Academy in Avondale, Arizona! 
Congratulations to Madison Macek for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  Maddi is an elementary special education major from Plymouth, Michigan.  Maddi is most proud of a trip she took to Malawi, Africa, where she had an opportunity to bring lesson plans and supplies to work with teachers from different school as well as participate in health and sanitation meetings the local community was having.  Maddi says, “It was an incredible experience to see how different people live their everyday lives and to see that we all have something to be thankful for.”  Maddi will be looking for a teaching position in the UP and continue to make a difference in education.
Congratulations to Rachel McCaffrey for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  She is a Native American Studies major from Newaygo, Michigan.  The activity that she is most proud of is the Center for Native American Studies Spring Trip in 2016.  She says, “During this trip we visited 12 different schools talking about the importance of Native American Studies as an academic field, and the importance of attending college.  I am proud because of the people’s dedication, willingness with learning to work with our strengths, and weakness as a combined unit and being able to deliver a strong message. People gave up there break to talk about their passion for Native American studies, and the trip in itself was more than inspiring.”  After graduation, Rachel will be pursuing a master’s degree in American Indian Education or indigenous studies.
Madeline Neubauer has completed the Leadership Edge.
George Patterson has completed the Real World Edge.  
Ann Pelton has completed the Diversity and Real World Edges.  
Paul Pohanka has completed the Leadership and Real World Edges.  From Zeeland, Michigan, Paul is an elementary education/social studies major who is most proud of helping his former elementary teacher at his school during winter break.  He says, “I learned so much about teaching and how to interact with kids.  This experience made me realize that this is what I want to do.”  After graduation, Paul will be substitute teaching as he looks for a teaching position.
Tiffany Spangler has completed the Real World Edge.  Tiffany is a biology/physiology emphasis major from Titusville, Florida.  She is most proud of traveling to Pontevedra, Spain, participating in a 5-week medical fellowship that allowed her to gain the experiences and knowledge necessary to further her education as a pre-health professional.  After graduation, Tiffany will be taking a gap year and then attending medical school.
Congratulations to Andre Stringer for completing all four edges for the entire Superior Edge!  A marketing major, Andre is from Detroit.  He is most proud of participating on BSU on Wheels.  This is a recruiting trip led by The Black Student Union as an effort to increase enrollment at NMU.  He says, “This activity was so much fun, and I received an opportunity to encourage students to attend a great university.  While advocating for NMU, I encouraged the students to attend college because higher education is so important.  As a student ambassador, I provided a positive image of leadership, hard work, and perseverance.”  After graduation, Andre plans to enroll in law school, and hopefully, move on to a career in business law.
Courtney Young has completed the Citizenship and Leadership Edges.  From Carson City, Michigan, Courtney is an information technology major.  She is most proud of her work with UP 200 Sled Dog Race.  She says, “I was able to time the mushers and help bring in their dogs.  What made this event so special was being able to do vet checks.  During my first year doing vet checks, we identified an injured dog and were able to get that dog proper care.”  After graduation, Courtney hopes to find employment in Marquette, hopefully, at the hospital.

Thirty-seven students were recognized as Superior Edge graduates. To receive this honor, the students completed a minimum of 400 Superior Edge hours, a minimum of 100 hours in each of the four edges. The other 34 students graduated with one, two or three edges. Superior Edge graduates were given blue cords to wear at commencement. Read more about the graduates below:

Superior Edge Grads May 2016

First Row:  Megan Pietruszewski. Superior Edge; Emma Finkbeiner, CE, LE, & RW; Abigail Beekman, CE, LE, & RW; Kelsey Adams, LE & RW; and Abby Schneck, Superior Edge.                                                                  

Second Row:  Julie Curtis, LE; Shaley Valentine, Superior Edge; Johanna Carlson, LE & RW; Melissa Orzechowski, Superior Edge; and Josh Swedlund, Superior Edge.

Third Row:  Hannah Stanley, Superior Edge; Trina Sorce, Superior Edge; Kaylee Rowe, Superior Edge; Kaitlyn McGoff, Superior Edge; Kaitie Hansen, Superior Edge; and Rachael Peters, Superior Edge.

Fourth Row:  Olivia Steil, Superior Edge; Emily Nordlund, Superior Edge; Alexis McCutcheon, DE & LE; Jessie Robertson, Superior Edge; Andrea Kantola, CE & RW.

Fifth Row:  Brook Adams, Superior Edge; Lindsey Lieck, CE, LE, & RW; Courtney Case, Superior Edge; and Sarah Eggleston, Superior Edge.

Sixth Row:  Julius Freeland, CE, LE, & RW; Ethan Hausmann, CE & LE; Vito Giannola, Superior Edge; and Charles Morey, RW.

Back Row:  Andrew Bartlett, LE & RW, and Joel Kaskinen, LE & RW.

Missing from photo:  Samantha Anderson, LE & RW; Nicole Bowers, Superior Edge; Katie Bultman, DE & RW; Emily Carefoot, DE & LE: David Cleveland, Superior Edge; Elizabeth DeMarse, LE & RW; Xavier Donajkowski, RW; Ellen Fitzgerald, Superior Edge; Amanda Fliflet, Superior Edge; Pearl Gaidelis, CE, LE, & RW; Katerina Gombar, Superior Edge, Lindsay Hall, RW; Kathleen Henry , Superior Edge; Kelsey Huisman, DE & RW; Morgan Kontio, CE, LE, & RW; Michaela Kremhelmer, Superior Edge; Tanya Ladensack, DE & RW; Megan LaHaie, CE, LE, & RW; Trisha Larson, Superior Edge; Jaime Madalinski, Superior Edge; William Mason, CE & RW; Tiffanie Meyers, DE & RW; Leanna Miller, LE; Grace Orstad, Superior Edge; Sally Osentoski, Superior Edge; Alexandrea Penn, Superior Edge; Victoria Penny, RW; Amy Peterson, LE & RW; Tiaira Porter, Superior Edge; Morgan Rintamaki, CE, LE, & RW; Shelly Rochon, RW; Jackie Rodriguez, LE; Maggie Rose, Superior Edge; Paige Ryan, Superior Edge; Danielle Schafer, Superior Edge; Sonnie Schlossmacher, Superior Edge; Lauren Slotta, Superior Edge; Sara Spragg, Superior Edge; Hallie Sutton, RW; and Javonte Thompson, LE.

CE – Citizenship Edge; DE – Diversity Edge;
LE – Leadership Edge; RW – Real World Edge


Congratulations to Brook Adams for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  Brook is a community health education major from Quincy, Michigan.  She is most proud of her work with the Health Promotion Office where she led sexual awareness presentations and events such as the Consent is Sexy talent show.  Brook says, “It is something I grew a passion for doing and am proud I could be a strong support for survivors.”  After graduation, Brook wants to empower women through fitness and nutrition by working as a personal trainer.
Kelsey Adams has completed the Leadership andReal World Edges!  She is an art and design major from Charlotte, Michigan.  Kelsey is most proud of being a resident adviser.  She says, “It allowed me to mentor students while building my confidence as a leader.  I will go beyond Northern using the skills I have learned from this job, while knowing I was helping other students realize their potential.”  After graduation, Kelsey will be a graduate assistant at Eastern Michigan University while she pursues her master’s degree.
Samantha Anderson has completed theLeadership and Real World Edges.  She is a psychology behavior analysis major from Grand Haven, Michigan.  Sam is most proud of her practicum in an early childhood classroom.  She says, “I get to help kids learn and grow each day.  I got to apply what I have learned these past four years in a real world setting which is really great.  I have learned a lot about what works, what doesn’t work, and how to see the good in every situation.”  After graduation, Sam will be working on her doctoral degree after a year of figuring out exactly what she wants to specialize in.
Andrew Bartlett has completed the Leadership and Real World Edges.  From Novi, Michigan, Drew is a business marketing major who he is most proud of being a brand strategy intern at Tellurian Investments (Parallax Energy).  He says, “The overall goal was to strategize and position Parallax Energy.  I successfully positioned ourselves apart from competitors, therefore, boosting our visibility and giving us an advantage in the industry.  This experience was very beneficial and grew my marketing skill set, strengthened my marketing portfolio, and provided me the experience I needed to be competitive in the oil and gas industry.”   After graduation, Drew will be working as a marketing analyst with Tellurian Investments.
Abigail Beekman has completed the Citizenship, Leadership, and Real World Edges!  From Oconto, Wisconsin, Abbie is a double major in public relations and music (vocal performance).  She is most proud of her Student Leader Fellowship Program’s Community Service Internship where she gave after-school music lessons to students at Bothwell Middle School.  She says, “It was very fulfilling to see students become inspired by someone who loved music in school and followed through with it.  It showed them that they can do it too and it gave them motivation to continue with it along with improving on their own instrument.”  After graduation, Abbie plans to continue performing and teaching lessons as well as begin a career in public relations. 
Congratulations to Nicole Bowers for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  Nicole is from Pinckney, Michigan, and is a neuroscience major with a concentration in behavior and cognition.  Nicole’s favorite activity was teaching English to second grade girls for a semester in Spain.  After graduation, Nicole will be pursuing a master’s degree in medicinal microbiology.
Katie Bultman has completed the Diversity and Real World Edges.  She is a double major in public relations and Spanish and is from Kewaunee, Wisconsin.  Katie is most proud of going on a mission trip to Adairsville, Georgia.  She says, “We worked to help clean the town after it had been destroyed by tornadoes.  The entire trip was a new experience for me.  From it I learned more about other cultures within the United States, and I learned to develop a stronger appreciation and compassion for others.”  After graduation, Katie will be staying at NMU to pursue her master’s in business administration as well as be a graduate assistant in the Marketing and Communications office.
Emily Carefoot has completed the Diversity and Leadership Edges
Johanna Carlson has completed the Leadershipand Real World Edges.  From Hayward, Wisconsin, Johanna is behavior analysis major who is most proud of her practicum at Great Lakes Recovery Center.  Johanna says, “It has let me grow so much in a field of work and really gave me a look into what my future may be like in this line of work.  It is very rewarding to help people and see them recover.”  After graduation, Johanna will be moving to Minneapolis to get a job at a community mental health center before furthering her education.
Congratulations to Courtney Case for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!   Courtney is a community health education major from Macomb, Michigan, who is most proud of her time spent as an assistant health supervisor at Camp Hawthorn Hollow.  She says, “I was in between general staff and administrative staff and was able to see an entirely different side of the camp I grew up at.  I was also the youngest administrative staff member and managed to bridge the gap between both sides.”  After graduation, Courtney will be attending Ball State University to earn her master’s in student affairs administration while working as a graduate assistant resident manager. 
Congratulations to David Cleveland for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge
Julie Curtis has completed the Leadership Edge.  Julie is from Reese, Michigan, and is a management major.  She is most proud of her time spent at Red Cliff Wellness Camp – Anishnabe Substance Abuse Prevention Training which opened her eyes to the struggles that Native Americans face in everyday life.  Julie says, “The training helped me gain valuable knowledge on how to integrate Native American teachings into substance abuse prevention programs and allowed me to interact with experienced people in the substance abuse prevention field.”  After graduation, Julie will be staying at NMU to get her master’s in higher education in student affairs.
Elizabeth DeMarse has completed the Leadership and Real World Edges!  From Muskegon, Michigan, Ellie is a double major in ecology and Spanish.  Ellie says, “Teaching an ESL class in San Jose, Costa Rica, was on one of the most rewarding experiences I have had.  It allowed me to apply my Spanish major in a real world setting while also getting to know Costa Rican culture on a more personal level.  I had four students in my class (all my age or older) and I became close friends with all of them.”  After graduation, Ellie plans to work in seasonal environmental outreach and/or biological research positions for a couple of years before pursuing a master’s degree in environmental education or another conservation-related field.
Xavier Donajkowski has completed the Real World Edge.  From Hubbard Lake, Michigan, Xavier is an environmental science major who completed her Student Leader Fellowship Program 100-hour community service internship with the Yellow Dog Watershed Preserve monitoring and reporting lake and stream data.  After graduation, Xavier will be attending Michigan State University’s College of Law.
Congratulations to Sarah Eggleston for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  Sarah is a community health education major from Grand Blanc, Michigan.  She is most proud of working with Women for Women and Self-Acceptance Week where it allowed her to be surrounded by people who have similar interests.  Sarah says, “Working with Self-Acceptance Week allowed me to work with Hear Us Roar and breaking the silence associated with sexual violence.”  After graduation, Sarah will be moving to Lansing to work in a rehab facility with those suffering from PTSD and other mental illnesses. 
Emma Finkbeiner has completed the Citizenship, Leadership, and Real World Edges.  Emma is a public relations major from Marquette/Harbor Springs, Michigan.  She is most proud of working with Northern Michigan’s Governor’s Office.  Emma says, “I pushed myself out of my comfort zone during this in-depth research internship and was able to better understand the role of state government.  I feel better educated and more informed regarding issues facing the State of Michigan.  After graduation, Emma will be attending DePaul University in Chicago to pursue a master’s of public relations and advertising while serving as the 2016-16 Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) national president.
Congratulations to Ellen Fitzgerald for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  Hailing from Zion, Illinois, Elle is an elementary education-language arts major who is most proud of the volunteer work she did in Haiti.  She says, “I was able to attend three mission trips and each one changed my heart in a different way.  I experienced things I would have never dreamed of and helped so many individuals.”  After graduation, Ellen plans to become a teacher and help as many people as she can.
Congratulations to Amanda Fliflet for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  A music education major, Amanda is from Sheldon, Wisconsin.  Amanda is most proud of her work with both the Marquette Symphony Orchestra and the Marquette City Band.  She says, “These are two wonderful groups to perform with, and it has been an eye-opening experience to play with some of the finest musicians from the Upper Peninsula.  Through this real world experience, I have become a better musician and developed a stronger passion for my career in music education.”  After graduation, Amanda will be working on her master’s degree in music education at the University of Mississippi as well as have a graduate assistantship helping with the recital series.
Julius Freeland has finished the CitizenshipLeadership, and Real World Edges.  From Oscoda, Michigan, Julius is an outdoor recreation and leadership management major.  Julius is most proud of a leadership seminar that he attended where he appreciated how open everyone was discussing controversial subjects.  He also learned what he valued as an individual and group.  Julius says, “Finally, we learned what characteristics we have as leaders.”  After graduation, Julius will be doing an internship at the YMCA Camp Nissokone where he will be the program coordinator.  Then, he is off to Europe to travel and hike the Camino.
Pearl Gaidelis has completed the CitizenshipLeadership, and Real World Edges.  Hailing from Wakonda, South Dakota, Pearl is a clinical laboratory science major emphasizing in anatomical pathology.  She is most proud of studying abroad in Lithuania and getting to volunteer with the Sisters of Kretinga.  Pearl says, “It was such an eye-opening experience, and it really was such an amazing opportunity.  I learned so many valuable things from the people there, the sisters, and other volunteers that helped.”  After graduation, Pearl plans to get a job in histology somewhere and do lots of traveling.  
Congratulations to Vito Giannola for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  Vito is a political science major from Oxford, Michigan.  He is most proud of his work with the Student Finance Committee and ASNMU as well as his time spent abroad.  Vito says, “All experiences provided an abundance of knowledge and appreciation for the world around us.”  After graduation, Vito will be moving down to Detroit to work and study for his LSAT for law school.  He will be attending law school in the fall of 2017.
Congratulations to Katerina Gombar for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  Katerina is a public relations major from Saginaw, Michigan.  She says, “Being Alpha Gamma Delta's President was one activity I am most proud of.  I have grown and become a leader.  I know that there is always more to learn, but I feel that I have come out stronger than I was.  The girls weren’t afraid to give feedback and say ‘hey I don’t like the way you’re doing things’.  They were always willing to sit down and discuss what changes they would like to see and how I could better the chapter.  They gave me the most feedback to be the best leader I could possibly be.”  
Lindsay Hall has completed the Real World Edge
Congratulations to Kaitie Hansen for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  From Beloit, Wisconsin, Kaitie is an entrepreneurship major.  She is most proud of her time working with Habitat for Humanity.  She says, “It was my shortest activity, but I think it had the biggest impact on me.  It was an incredible feeling to know that I was helping to build someone else a home where they would make countless memories.”  After graduation, Kaitie will be moving home where she will begin a marketing position for the Parks & Leisure Services division of the City of Beloit.  She will also be marrying the love of her life, Josh Swedlund on July 15, 2017.
Ethan Hausmann has completed the Citizenship and Leadership Edges.  Ethan is a double major in entrepreneurship and economics.  Ethan is most proud of a mission trip he went on with His House Christian Fellowship to Long Island, New York.  He says, “We served with Samaritan's Purse for the week rebuilding the interior of a home that had been damaged by Hurricane Sandy.”  This summer Ethan will be working at Camp Hiawatha for one final time; he has worked at this Boy Scout camp for the past seven years.  Besides this, he will be assisting his father in starting a small business that conducts motivational seminars for individuals, churches, and other organizations.  Ethan will be handling the marketing and finances of the business.
Congratulations to Kathleen Henry for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  Kathleen is an environmental studies and sustainability major from Chicago.  She is most proud of participating in AmeriCorps NCCC FEMA Corps for 10 months.  Kathleen says, “In seeing communities and families torn apart from violence and natural disasters, I also saw communities and humans come together to rebuild.”  On June 1, Kathleen will begin serving in the Peace Corps in Uganda.
Kelsey Huisman has completed the Diversity and Real World Edges.  From Grand Rapids, Kelsey is a double major in biology with a concentration in ecology and Spanish.  Kelsey says, “Each research experience through NMU has pushed me to develop skills and thought processes as a scientist.  The International Service Project to Ecuador really changed everything.  NMU professor Mary Andronis introduced me to her scientist friend Lou Jost while we were staying in Baños, Ecuador.  Lou and I remained in contact through the Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship and working under Lou, I was able to study Lepanthes orchids on a mountain in the Upper Watershed of the Pastaza River in Ecuador.”  This summer Kelsey will be surveying rare and endemic plant species throughout Utah.  In the fall, she will be attending the University of Wisconsin-Madison where she will begin a Ph.D. program through the botany department. 
Andrea Kantola has completed the Citizenship and Real World Edges.  Newaygo, Michigan, is where Andrea calls home.  She is an environmental science major that is most proud of her work with the native plants area.  She knew this is where she wanted to volunteer as soon as she set foot on campus.  Andrea says, “It was exciting to see the area develop and grow with the work completed and to meet all of the people who helped to make it the wonderful educational resource it is today.  Being able to spend last summer working there allowed me to build on essential skills that will help me far into the future.”  After graduation, Andrea will be working for the National Ecological Observatory Network as a plant technician.
Joel Kaskinen has completed the Leadership and Real World Edges.  A communications major, Joel is from Beulah, Michigan.  Joel is most proud of being a resident adviser and going through the training for it.  He says, “I grew as a leader, learned to work with diverse people, and came to love the community that I was a part of in this role.”  After graduation, Joel will be pursuing his master’s degree at the University of South Dakota while he works as a graduate assistant with their sorority and fraternity life office. 
Morgan Kontio has completed the Citizenship, Leadership, and Real World Edges.  Morgan is from Negaunee and is a radiography major who is most proud of working at Aspirus Keweenaw Hospital.  She says, “I gained so much clinical experience and learned a lot in the past year.  The amount of real world experience that I now have makes me feel confident in moving forward in the radiography world.”  After graduation, Morgan will work at a hospital as a radiologic technologist and continue going to school part time to finish her bachelor’s in clinical health science.
Congratulations to Michaela Kremhelmer for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  She is a sports science major from Hartland, Michigan.  Traveling to Belize was Michaela’s favorite memory.  She says, “As a health professional, I gained quite a bit of knowledge working with such a diverse population, with sicknesses and diseases you just don’t see in the U.S.  But I also learned quite a bit about how privileged we are here in the US and how often we take such simple things for granted.”  After graduation, she will be working and taking the last of the prerequisites for her application to start the accelerated nursing school at the University of Michigan during the 2017 fall semester.  
Tanya Ladensack has completed the Diversity and Real World Edges.  Tanya is from Fairview, Michigan, and is a biology/ecology major.  Tanya is most proud of going to Ecuador during spring break her freshman year.  Tanya says, “I’m from a tiny town and had never left the US before.  'Diversity' was a foreign concept.  Being in Ecuador where I was the weird one (my red hair really stood out) was an amazing perspective switch.  I learned so much about different cultures and what it was like to not blend in or be understood easily.  The travel bug bit me pretty badly after that.”  After graduation, Tanya will be working at the Chicago Botanic Garden.
Megan LaHaie has completed the Citizenship, Leadership, and Real World Edges.  Megan is an elementary education – language arts major from Mackinaw City, Michigan.  Megan is most proud of her student teaching experience with fourth graders.  She says, “Watching them learn and succeed reminds me daily of why I want to be a teacher and this experience has reassured me that education is definitely the career path I want to take.”  After graduation, Megan hopes to get teaching position in either the UP or northern Lower Michigan.
Congratulations to Trisha Larson for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  From Escanaba, Michigan, Trisha is a biology major with a physiology emphasis.  She is most proud of her study abroad experience in Costa Rica.  Trisha says, “I was able to experience a new and beautiful culture.  I actively learned what it meant to love and appreciate another culture.  I now have a better ability to interact with people of different cultures and a deeper passion for traveling and becoming a global citizen.”  After graduation, Trisha will be doing an occupational therapy related internship in Latin America, traveling, visiting family, and then moving on to graduate school to attain her master’s in occupational therapy.
Lindsey Lieck has completed the Citizenship,Leadership, and Real World Edges.  Lindsey is a political science major from Rhinelander, Wisconsin.  She is most proud of her involvement with Cat Packs.  Lindsey says, “When I got involved with Marquette Ending Hunger and heard there was not a weekend food program for kids in need, I knew I would start one in Marquette.  I am very proud to be a part of a group that started meeting in the fall of 2014 to plan Cat Packs.  We did a lot of research and planning and by March 2015 our program was running!  I have learned so much about community engagement, the needs of my community, and the importance of lending a helping hand.”  After graduation, Lindsey will be working in Des Moines, Iowa as a campaign organizer with Impact, a non-profit that works on issues such as global warming, clean water, and campaign finance reform.
Congratulations to Jaime Madalinski for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  From Harris, Michigan, Jaime is a pre-med/biology major with a physiology emphasis.  Her favorite activity was a mission trip to Honduras.  Jaime says, “I hadn’t been too far from Michigan before and didn't have much knowledge of life elsewhere.  It was amazing to see people who had so little and yet were still so happy.  It definitely changed my outlook on life.  I went to Honduras to give what I had, but felt like I got so much more out of it through my experiences there.  The country itself was beautiful and the people we met were gracious and giving.  This was an amazing experience that I would recommend to others in a heartbeat.”  After graduation, Jaime will be attending medical school at Central Michigan University.
William Mason has completed the Citizenship andReal World Edges.  He is a biochemistry major from Lake Orion, Michigan.  Will is most proud of the research he has done at the Upper Michigan Brain Tumor Center.  He says, “It is such an amazing cause, and there is still so much unknowns in regards to brain tumors.  I’m proud to have contributed in some small way to help further the research in this area.”  After graduation, Will will be attending Wayne State School of Medicine.
Alexis McCutcheon has completed the Diversity and Leadership Edges.   From Elk Grove Village, Illinois, Alexis is a double major in political science and criminal justice.  She is most proud of being a New Student Summer Orientation staff assistant where she led small-group meetings for 30 students, gave campus and city tours, and spoke to students and their families about anything and everything.  Alexis says, “This job pushed me out of my comfort zone, and I grew as a leader as well as a person.”  After graduation, Alexis will be moving home while she searches for a federal law enforcement job that allows her to travel.
Congratulations to Kaitlyn McGoff for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  Katie is a nursing major from Williamston, Michigan.  She is most proud of becoming the president of the Women’s Soccer Club.  She says, “Being president allowed me to complete my Leadership Edge and allowed me to grow as a leader exponentially.  This was the most challenging activity but definitely the most rewarding.”  After graduation, Katie will be an RN.
Tiffanie Meyers has completed the Diversity and Real World Edges.  She is a secondary education math major from Bark River, Michigan, who is most proud of going on a mission trip to Honduras.  Tiffanie says, “While visiting Honduras, we visited many different villages, played with kids, distributed food, toys, held a medical clinic, gave out shoes, and most importantly, built a church. We helped build a church in a small village in the mountains.  It was a lot of hard work, time, and sweat, but it was by far the best volunteer experience I have ever had.”  After graduation, Tiffanie will be looking for a teaching position.
Leanna Miller has completed the Leadership Edge.  
Charles Morey has completed the Real World Edge.  An industrial technology major, Charlie is from Alma, Michigan.  He says, “The 2015 Make A Difference Day was especially memorable.  The day brought pouring rain but my house still raked all of our yards with smiles.  I am particularly proud to have been part of American Graffiti House.”  After graduation, Charlie will be moving to Alaska to work as an aircraft mechanic.
Congratulations to Emily Nordlund for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  Emily is from Ludington, Michigan, and is an applied behavior analysis major who is most proud of working as a mental health aide at Pathways Community Mental Health.  She says, “I learned a lot about the community and the resources available to people with disabilities.  I also gained valuable real world experience in my field!”  After graduation, Emily will be moving to Washington to pursue a master’s degree in applied behavior analysis at Center Washington University as well as working as a graduate assistant.
Congratulations to Grace Orstad for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  A biochemistry major, Grace is from Burnsville, Minnesota.  Grace is most proud of her trip to Thailand.  She says, “I saw more extreme poverty than ever before, both in the big cities that we visited and in the mountain village we worked in for a week, but the Thai people were amazingly kind and warm.  They were happy with so little which really helped me appreciate how blessed I am to live where I do.”  After graduation, Grace will be attending the University of Utah to pursue a Ph.D. in molecular biology with a research focus on oncological sciences.
Congratulations to Melissa Orzechowski for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  From Grandville, Michigan, Melissa is a triple major in environmental studies and sustainability, communication studies, and English writing.  Her favorite activity was being civically engaged environmentally by planning environmental education events such as the People’s Climate March:  Marquette and helping to establish the Northern Climate Network.  After graduation, Melissa will be working in Central America for the summer, and then will be an Au Pair in Spain while applying to begin an English literature graduate program the following year.
Congratulations to Sally Osentoski for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  
Congratulations to Alexandrea Penn for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  From Essexville, Michigan, Allie is a double major in political science and history.  Allie is most proud of volunteering at the Marquette Regional History Center because she was able to give her time in an area that she is passionate about and in a field where she will be eventually looking for a job.  Allie will be attending graduate school at Wayne State University after graduation.
Victoria Penny has completed the Real World Edge.  From Onaway, Michigan, Victoria is a double major in communication studies and hospitality management.  She is most proud of putting together a cancer benefit for her stepfather who was diagnosed with stage 4 B-Cell Lymphoma almost three years ago, and he will soon be going through his third round of treatments.  Victoria says, “Being so far away, I felt helpless and being able to organize a benefit was absolutely incredible.  Managing the team working with me and the countless all-nighters was well worth it.”  After graduation, Victoria would like to find a job in a human resources department and gain some experience in their training and onboarding for a few years before continuing her education with a master’s degree in organizational communication. 
Congratulations to Rachael Peters for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  Rachael is a double major in Spanish and English writing from Howell, Michigan.  She is most proud of traveling to Portugal.  “While in Spain, other students in the group traveled together to Barcelona or went on the University trip to Lisbon.  I, however, was completely on my own for my trip to Porto.  I found a bus and got the tickets, I stayed in a hostel, I toured through the national park – hiking and jumped off waterfalls, I took tours and I ate strange foods.  I did all of it on my own, without knowing the language, while meeting new people and experiencing new things.  This trip showed me that I am capable of being on my own, of doing things for myself, even in another country.”  After graduation, Rachael will attend SIT graduate institute (through the Master’s International Program with the Peace Corps) for a master’s in international education with a focus in foreign exchange and study abroad.
Amy Peterson has completed the Leadership and Real World Edges.  From Muskegon, Amy is a graphic communications major.  She is most proud of her internship at a comic book company.  She said, “It eventually led me to pursue more jobs in my field early on in college.”  After graduation, Amy hopes to work for either a video game company or a graphic design firm, preferably on the west coast or in Lower Michigan.  
Congratulations to Megan Pietruszewski for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  From Champlin, Minnesota, Megan is a Spanish major who is most proud of volunteering as an ESL pre-literate tutor.  She says, “I worked with recent immigrants learning English and immensely enjoyed it.  It’s very rewarding to see them progress with speaking and writing and to see the building confidence they bring to class.  Volunteering with them has changed my career ambitions and now I am planning on becoming an ESL teacher.”  After graduating, Megan plans to attend graduate school at Michigan Tech with their Peace Corps master’s international program.
Congratulations to Tiaira Porter for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  Hailing from Woodhaven, Michigan, Tiaira is a biology – physiology emphasis major.  She says, “One of the activities that I enjoyed the most while completing my Superior Edge would the annual UP Special Olympics.  Participating in the 26th Annual Special Olympics was one of the greatest things I've experienced since I've been at Northern.  It feels great to cheer on and time the athletes as they ran as fast as they could in snowshoes, and seeing their faces light up from having a great time.  It was inspirational watching that no matter how long it took them to cross the finish line that they kept pursuing with a smile on their faces.”  After graduation, Tiaira will be attending the University of Wisconsin – Madison to pursue a Ph.D. in neuroscience.
Morgan Rintamaki has completed the Citizenship, Leadership, and Real World Edges.  Morgan is a biology-human physiology major from Ishpeming.  While doing an internship with Integrated Wellness Chiropractic, Dr. Brandon gave her a life-changing experience.  She says, “I learned so much about being a chiropractor and about establishing a connection with patients.  He showed me the different sides to chiropractic and was the one to suggest the chiropractic school that I plan to attend after graduation.  It wasn't just about the adjustments though - there is so much more to whole body wellness, from nutrition to exercise to mental health.  My internship made me very excited to get to chiropractic school so that I can learn about the human body and how to heal.”  After graduation, Morgan will be moving to San Francisco to attend Life Chiropractic College West.
Congratulations to Jessica Robertson for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  Jessie is a computer art major from Midland, Michigan.  Jessie is most proud of being a resident adviser where she was able to work on becoming a leader and teach others about leadership.  She says, "I learned to balance a heavy workload as well as help others through difficult situations.  It was a difficult position but extremely rewarding.”  After graduation, Jessie is moving to the west coast to experience less snow.
Shelly Rochon has completed the Real World Edge
Jackie Rodriguez has completed the Leadership Edge.  
Congratulations to Maggie Rose for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  From Escanaba, Michigan, Maggie is a political science major whose most impactful experience was volunteering at the Tri-County Safe Harbor, a shelter for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault until they can find permanent housing, get a job, etc.  Maggie says, “Being able to volunteer my time to support the important work that Tri-County Safe Harbor does was incredibly rewarding because I was able to work directly with clients and see the positive impact my volunteerism had on the shelter, with the clients staying there, and the community as a whole.”  After graduation, Maggie is pursing two different job possibilities on political campaigns in Michigan for this election season.  After that, she hopes to travel, possibly attend grad school, and find a job either in the political realm, or work for some type of issues-based organization.
Congratulations to Kaylee Rowe for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  Kaylee is a clinical lab science major from Sheffield, Iowa.  She is most proud of her work with Catherine Bammert in the Molecular Lab in the CLS departments.  Kaylee says, “This was part of the Freshman Fellowship Program.  We tested experiments that she would like to implement in her future curriculum.  We worked on hemochromatosis, Factor V, and electrophoresis.  I have learned valuable skills in the lab that will be useful in my future.  These skills were also useful in my classes.  Overall, I was extremely lucky to have had this opportunity to work in the lab with a great mentor and to build the skills necessary to have a successful future.”  After graduation, she plans to take a gap year and apply to medical school.
Congratulations to Paige Ryan for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge! Paige is a sports science major from Oak Forest, Illinois. Paige is torn about what her favorite activity is...it is a tie between Relay for Life and volunteering in Ireland. Paige says, “I enjoyed volunteering in Ireland because it gave me a new experience, and I was able to see the differences in culture and the hardships of a another country compared to our own. I loved being able to volunteer with the youth center in Dublin. I am proud of Relay because of how much I was able to fundraise with my team and knowing how it affects families and how much of a difference it can make, because my family benefited from it while I was in treatment.” After graduation, Paige will be interning with Athletico for physical therapy and will be attending Fox College for their physical therapy assistant program.
Congratulations to Danielle Schafer for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  
Congratulations to Sonnie Schlossmacher for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  From Roseville, Minnesota, Sonnie is an elementary education major who is most proud of volunteering as a camp counselor in Tokyo.  Sonnie says, “I went to Japan not knowing a single person.  While there, I created strong bonds with the campers and even stronger relationships with fellow counselors that I had just met.  I had the opportunity to immerse myself in a complete new culture and learn about a new style of living.”  After graduation, Sonnie will look for a teaching position in a different country or a new city within the US.
Congratulations to Abby Schneck for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  From Burnsville, Minnesota, Abby is a theatre major.  She says, “Through this program I was able to work more closely in my major especially with the Haunted Theatre.  I’m really proud of the opportunity because I was able to reach out to hundreds of people showing them what I love and actually making a difference in the form of entertainment.  I not only worked with paying customers of the community, but I also had the opportunity to work with and be a leader for over 80 actors within the past 3 years.  Having that affect and those challenges is why I liked this program and working with Haunted Theatre as a whole.”  After graduation, Abby will be staying in Marquette to work with Lake Superior Theatre as well as interviewing for stage managing internships.
Congratulations to Lauren Slotta for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  A computer information systems major, Lauren is from St. Clair Shores, Michigan, and is most proud of being the president of the Roll Call Association.  Lauren says, “I was able to help incoming members meet new friends and was part of the planning that allowed the group to attend fun conventions.”  After graduation, Lauren will be working at Disney World.
Congratulations to Trina Sorce for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  Trina is a nursing major from Tomahawk, Wisconsin.  Traveling to Belize is what Trina is most proud of.  She says, “It was a cultural eye opener and a wonderful way to practice my clinical assessment skills.”  After graduation, Trina will be a registered nurse in Marquette at Duke-Lifepoint.
Congratulations to Sara Spragg for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  From Milwaukee, Sara is a political science major who is most proud of working on the midterm elections for the 2014 campaign cycle.  She says, “Through this experience, I gained a new understanding and bittersweet love for politics. I was able to register over 600 voters and canvass door-to-door, which helped build my confidence and ability to answer questions regarding candidates.”  Directly after graduation, Sara will be traveling throughout Brazil for 2 weeks to study environmental communication.  After that, she will be heading to Mississippi to be an AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) Team Leader, where she will be traveling around the country to help those affected by natural disaster, and build community relations.
Congratulations to Hannah Stanley for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  From Jackson, Michigan, Hannah is a nursing major who is most proud of her travel with HELPS International to attend a medical relief trip in Guatemala.  She says, “We traveled to Quetzal Tenango Guatemala and set up a hospital to provide free medical care to the people of this country in poverty.  I worked as a nurse on a medical surgical floor taking care of patients after surgery.  I was working 14-hour days and learning constantly.”  After graduation, Hannah will be moving back home to Jackson to work with Henry Ford Allegiance Health as an OB nurse.  She plans to work as a floor nurse for a few years before returning to school to get her doctorate as a pediatric nurse practitioner.
Congratulations to Olivia Steil for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  An elementary education language arts major, Olivia is from Grand Rapids.  She is most proud of implementing a Girls Club after-school program for 5th-7th graders at Father Marquette Middle School.  For three years, she facilitated the club once a week or every other week.  She says, “The goal of the program is to help young girls grow into healthy, happy young women.  We had activities that included anti-bullying, self-esteem, learning about other cultures, and many more.  It was probably my most rewarding and educational three years working with those girls.”  After graduation, Olivia will be moving back to Grand Rapids while she looks for a teaching position in either Michigan or Arizona.
Hallie Sutton has completed the Real World Edge.  From Wolcott, Indiana, Hayley is a zoology major who is most proud of volunteering one summer at a wildlife rehabilitation center.  She says, “I cared for hundreds of baby raccoons, opossums, skunks, deer, waterfowl, and song birds who relied on me and other interns for their food, shelter, medicine, and survival.  It was hard work with long hours and often very frustrating and stressful situations but the difference I made was worth all of it and I wouldn’t trade my experience for the world.”  After graduation, Hayley will be moving to Seattle to hopefully volunteer at wildlife focused zoos or center to gain more experience in her field.
Congratulations to Josh Swedlund for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  Josh is from Beloit, Wisconsin, and is an art and design – illustration major.  He is most proud of his time volunteering with Camp New Day, a camp for kids whose parents have been incarcerated.  Josh says, “During my time, I learned a lot of patience, the value of donating time to those who need the attention most, and helping kids who have been labeled as “trouble makers” grow into their potential and break free from labels.  I was asked to come back to the camp and also take on a role as a member of the Board of Directors, which I did in the summer of 2014.”  After graduation, Josh will be working for the city of Beloit doing landscaping and horticulture before looking for jobs in the art field.  He will be marring Kaitie Hansen in July of 2017.
Javonte Thompson has completed the Leadership Edge
Congratulations to Shaley Valentine for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  From Hudsonville, Michigan, Shaley is a zoology major who is most proud of the FLSA to Zambia.  She says, “I grew immensely as a person, became more culturally aware, changed my perspective on culture and research, and developed life-time friendships with native Zambians and NMU students.   Experiencing another culture by immersion is an experience like none other.  I will never forget the life lessons learned in Zambia and the people who influenced my life outlook.”  After graduation, Shaley will be working at MSU during the summer as a sturgeon research technician in Onaway, Michigan.  In August, she will be starting her master’s in ecology-watershed science at Utah State University.

Twelve students were recognized as Superior Edge graduates. To receive this honor, the students completed a minimum of 400 Superior Edge hours, a minimum of 100 hours in each of the four edges. The other 10 students graduated with one, two or three edges. Superior Edge graduates were given blue cords to wear at commencement. Read more about the graduates below:

Superior Edge Grads Dec 2015

Sitting:  Katherine Miller, Superior Edge; Margaret Saelens, Superior Edge; Dylan Perelmutter, Superior Edge; Carina Vowels, Superior Edge; and Elizabeth Owens, Superior Edge.

Second Row:  Superior Edge/Volunteer Center Coordinator Olivia Steil; Troy Morris, Superior Edge; Center for Student Enrichment Director Rachel Harris; Taylor LaFave, LE; Kascha Stern, DE & LE; and Stephanie Kropf, Superior Edge.

Third Row:  Graduate Assistant Geneva Martin; Heather Wise, CE, LE, & RW; Katelyn Tourville, RW; Kali Kisro, Superior Edge; and Superior Edge/Volunteer Center Coordinator Mike Schneck.

Missing from photo:  Mackenzie Carlson, Superior Edge; Karli Cich, Superior Edge; Maria Daavettila, DE, LE, & RW; Yvette Feng, RW; Michael LaFleur, RW; Brent Larsen, RW; Lauren Larsen, LE & RW; Clayton Queen, Superior Edge; Brittany Voich, Superior Edge, and Aleasha Weber, RW.

CE – Citizenship Edge; DE – Diversity Edge;
LE – Leadership Edge; RW – Real World Edge


Congratulations to Mackenzie Carlson for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  Mackenzie is a community health education major from Springfield, Missouri.  Mackenzie enjoyed a Western Hemisphere Institution for Security Cooperation (WHINSEC) course that lasted for 33 days and was taught entirely in Spanish.  She says, “It immerses us in different cultures and allowed us to experience different training techniques.  I learned more about several cultures through this course than reading any of my textbooks.  I enjoyed this part the most in Superior Edge because it truly made me involved in cultural awareness.”   After graduation, Mackenzie plans to attend nursing school and go into the Reserves in the US Army as a Medical Service Corps officer.
Congratulations to Karli Cich for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  From White Bear Lake, Minnesota, Karli is a biology major with an emphasis on ecology.  Karli is most proud of completing the Student Leader Fellowship Program.  She says, “The program took two years including classroom time, meetings, Skill Builder! workshops, and a community service internship.  It was all worth it to gain the confidence, community engagement, and of course, leadership skills.”  After graduation, Karli will be attending graduate school in the 2016 fall semester.
Maria Daavettila has completed the Diversity, Leadership, and Real World Edges.  She is a management of health and fitness major from Howell, Michigan.  
Yvette Feng has completed the Real World Edge.  She is a secondary education mathematics major from China.  Yvette is most proud of her student teaching experience at Bothwell Middle School.  She says, “What I learned from this experience is what it is like for a teacher every day, how to balance personal life and school life, and how to deal with difficult students and parents.”  After graduation, she hopes to find a job in the United States.
Congratulations to Kali Kisro for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  Kali is a biology and Spanish double major from Marquette.  She is most proud of being a swim instructor for special needs children at the YMCA.  She says, “I worked one-on-one with an autistic swimmer.  Watching her learn new tasks and accomplish her goals was a very rewarding experience.  Getting to know her the past couple of years has been really fun and working with her brought me out of my comfort zone.”  After graduation, Kali will be staying at NMU to work on her LPN certificate.
Congratulations to Stephanie Kropf for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  From Grand Rapids, Michigan, Stephanie is a Spanish/Pre-Physician Assistant major.  Studying abroad in Cuba was a highlight for Stephanie.  She says, “I was immersed in their culture and learned about the adversities they face as a country including a food shortage, no freedom of speech, the inability to leave their country, and very poor living conditions. The study abroad impacted me in ways I never deemed possible, and I am so thankful for the opportunity to study in such a beautiful country.  After graduation, Stephanie will be attending a physician assistant program.  
Taylor LaFave has completed the Leadership Edge.  A psychology major from Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, Taylor is most proud of being a Resident Adviser.  She says, “The opportunities I had to further the leadership skills in my residents all while furthering my own leadership skills was what I enjoyed the most.  I cannot pick one specific event we did because the experience overall was what had the most impact.”  After graduation, Taylor plans on attending graduate school for higher education.
Michael LaFleur has completed the Real World Edge. 
Brent Larsen has completed the Real World Edge.  
Lauren Larsen has completed the Leadership and Real World Edges.  Lauren is a speech, language, and hearing sciences major from Brighton, Michigan.  Lauren is most proud of founding Marquette Ending Hunger and watching the group grow and contribute to the community.  She says, “It has been a life-changing experience for me!  I love being able to reach out to those in need, especially the hungry and homeless in our community.”  Lauren will be singing the NMU alma mater and the national anthem at Commencement tomorrow.  After graduation, Lauren will be attending graduate school to get her masters in speech pathology.
Congratulations to Katherine Miller for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  From Homer, Alaska, Katie is a ceramics major.  Katie says, “Serving as worship leader for NMU Cru is one of the activities/roles I am most proud of within Superior Edge.  Through the various decisions I had to make in this position, I learned a healthy balance of receiving input and being assertive.  This volunteer position has grown my confidence and knowledge of leadership the most out of any other opportunity.  In addition, sharing the wisdom and insight I learned over the years with new worship leaders has been a wonderful process. They are fully capable of taking over the leadership and have already done so in preparation for my graduation.”  After graduation, Katie will be doing a ceramic internship as a post-baccalaureate student at NMU.
Congratulations to Troy Morris for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  A psychology/behavior analysis major, Troy is from Johnsburg, Illinois.  Troy’s service with the National Ski Patrol as a volunteer medic was his favorite activity because of the lasting lessons and tangible results of saving lives.  He says, “While serving since before I could drive, I have grown into a service that has allowed me to resuscitate an unconscious patient, put practical skills towards transporting a comatose, non-breathing patient, and aid innumerable individuals. In all, my servant leadership, interactions with diverse groups, citizen action, and use of real world skills can all be traced in a foundation forged by that organization.”  After graduation, Troy is waiting for acceptance into a Ph.D. program in industrial organization psychology.
Congratulations to Elizabeth Owens for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  An elementary special education major, Lizzy is from Downers Grove, Illinois.  She is most proud of leading a Special Olympics Young Athletes program.  Lizzy says, “It would be the best part of my week and reaffirmed my love of being in a special education classroom.  Through the most stressful days of my program, it was the special athletes that motivated me to do my best and give it my all.”  After graduation, Lizzy will start teaching in the Chicago area and will be getting married in June.
Congratulations to Dylan Perelmutter for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!   From Gwinn, Michigan, Dylan is a physical education and coaching major.  Dylan is most proud of the commitment he put into Superior Edge.  He says, “I believe time is one of the biggest commodities we have.  Knowing this, we should be very diligent on how we use it.  I am proud to have spent my time wisely, completing all four EDGES!”  After graduation, Dylan plans to work a combo job downstate that runs Impact Sports (recreational leagues with basketball being the heavy hitter) combined with helping out chaplain duties with Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) club teams.
Congratulations to Clayton Queen for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge! 
Congratulations to Margaret Saelens for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  Congratulations to Margaret for having the 5thhighest hours in Superior Edge with 2,507.50.  Margaret is a secondary education social studies major from Rockford, Michigan.  She is most proud of her work at Room at the Inn, Marquette’s traveling shelter for homeless.  Margaret says, “Volunteering with Room at the Inn taught me about the individual difference that I can make in the lives of others on a daily basis, that stereotypes about homelessness can be very inaccurate and cruel, and that homelessness is a problem even in places like Marquette (and signs of this are not always visible).  I think my own vision of the world has broadened by spending time helping with Room at the Inn, and I enjoyed talking to the guests and building relationships in the community.  After graduation, Margaret will be substitute teaching in West Michigan while looking for a full-time teaching position.
Kascha Stern has completed the Diversity andLeadership Edges.  From Forest Lake, Minnesota, Kascha is a computer art major.  She is most proud for helping a wounded veteran in Ishpeming.  Kaysha says, “A large group went out to his house to tear down a fence and put up a new one, walk/clean the horses, clear out the pens and lay down new sawdust, and pick up fallen trees around the property.  Most of the people volunteering were pre-vet majors, so I also learned a lot about the animals I was tending to.  It was a great experience!  I not only learned a lot, but I met new people and had a fun time working around the property.”  After graduation, Kaysha will be attending the University of Colorado Boulder in the fall to complete her master’s degree in art and design.
Katelyn Tourville has completed the Real World Edge.  A community health education/pre-physician assistant major, Katie is from Marquette.  While in Superior Edge, she job shadowed a PA.  After many hours of observation at the DJ Jacobetti Center and a family medicine clinic, she realized she loved the profession and had finally found what she wanted to do with her life.  She says, “It was very rewarding to watch the health professionals work as a team and all have the same common goal.  Without this experience, I may have never switched my major and still be searching for what I want to do in my life.”  After graduation, Katie will be attending PA school at Central Michigan University.
Congratulations to Brittany Voich for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  Brittany is from Holly, Michigan, and is an elementary education language arts major.  Brittany is most proud of the time she spent volunteering with Young Authors for the Marquette Alger Reading Council.  She says, “I was able to present at this conference two summers in a row to over 300 children from the area.  This program promotes reading and writing to young authors and they have the chance to meet a children’s book author.”  After graduation, Brittany is hoping to have a classroom of her own.
Congratulations to Carina Vowels for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  Carina is an environmental studies and sustainability major from Crystal Lake, Illinois.  She is most proud of attending multiple presentations on campus because it helped her learn about and appreciate many unfamiliar topics.  After graduation, she plans to develop her relationship between community service and gardening.
Aleasha Weber has completed the Real World Edge.  
Heather Wise has completed the Citizenship,Leadership, and Real World Edges.  From Imlay City, Michigan, Heather is a business entrepreneurship major.  Heather is most proud being a volunteer soccer coach for her two nephew’s soccer teams working with 5-9 year olds.  She says, “This experience has taught me how to be patient and really find a way to get the players engaged and excited about the game of soccer.  I really enjoy being able to share my passion for soccer with my nephews.  It is so rewarding helping the young players achieving their goals in the sport, especially when they can score a goal.”  After graduation, Heather will be a manager for Owen Tree Service located in Attica, Michigan.

Twenty-six students were recognized as Superior Edge graduates. To receive this honor, the students completed a minimum of 400 Superior Edge hours, a minimum of 100 hours in each of the four edges. The other 33 students graduated with one, two or three edges. Superior Edge graduates were given blue cords to wear at commencement. Read more about the graduates below:

Superior Edge Grads May 2015

Sitting:  Cassandra Ross, Superior Edge; Amanda Crandell, LE & RW; Rosmary Magidsohn, Superior Edge; Kara Lampinen, Superior Edge; Hayli Cox, Superior Edge; Superior Edge Student Coordinator Melissa Orzechowski; Leslie Schmeling, DE & RW; and Savannah Mallo, RW.                                                                                 

Second Row:  Superior Edge Student Coordinator Rachel Headings; Daniel Lee, Superior Edge; Anna Solberg, Superior Edge; Victoria Mattson, Superior Edge; Mary Lawhead, LE & RW; Superior Edge Student Coordinator Kelsa Dykehouse; Marissa Lucheck, CE, DE, & RW; Randi Boule’, Superior Edge; Amanda Kleikamp, Superior Edge; and Roy Owensby, Superior Edge.

Third Row:  Superior Edge Graduate Assistant Geneva Martin; Alexandria Brandt, LE & RW; Valerie Harvala, LE; Jessica Krali, RW; Sean Bannigan, RW; Elizabeth Sabin, Superior Edge; Malinda Penkala, RW; Superior Edge Student Coordinator Olivia Steil; Center for Student Enrichment Director Rachel Harris; and Stephanie Roberts, LE & RW.

Back Row:  Alisha Arnsparger, Superior Edge; Matthew Flessner, Superior Edge; Arika Egan, Superior Edge; Lindsy Klemmer, Superior Edge; Jordan Paquet, Superior Edge; Austin Lucas, RW; Alyssa Shaw, RW; and Kayleigh Ash, Superior Edge.

Missing from photo:  Emily Anna, DE & RW; Abby Ballard, Superior Edge; Kelly Both, RW; Alex Bratschi, RW; Cheyenne Cecchini, LE & RW; Hannah Dake, LE; Brooke Dishaw, CE & RW; Rachel Eckert, CE, LE, & RW; Jamie Elam, LE & RW; Mikenzie Frost, RW; Leann Herrmann, Superior Edge; Julie Herweyer, Superior Edge; Kaitlyn Hoffman, LE & RW; Jordan Iverson, DE & RW; Kara Jacoboni, Superior Edge; Marissa Kane, Superior Edge; Alexandra Kerlin, CE, LE, & RW; Jennifer Krawze, CE & LE; Carley Maanika, LE & RW; Jonathan Martin, CE & RW; Aaron Mellesmoen, CE, LE, & RW; Katherine Niemann – Superior Edge; Hannah Nowack, RW; Elizabeth O’Brien, CE, LE, & RW; Andrea Schultz – RW; Lauren Somogyi, Superior Edge; Cole Swiston, Superior Edge; Jessica Ulrich, Superior Edge; and Andrea Wirtz, DE, LE, & RW.

CE – Citizenship Edge; DE – Diversity Edge;
LE – Leadership Edge; RW – Real World Edge


Emily Anna has completed the Diversity and Real World Edges.  Emily is a fisheries and wildlife management major from Edmore, Michigan. She is most proud of her study abroad trip to Zambia.  She says, “I had the opportunity to do biology as well as immerse myself in the drastically different culture.  My month-long stay opened my eyes to the generosity and kindness of the Zambian people, and it will influence me for the rest of my life.  Traveling to Africa was always my life-long dream and the amazing experiences I had surpassed all expectations, which were very high!”  After graduation, Emily will be working temporary and seasonal jobs for a couple of years to gain field experience before earning her master’s degree in wildlife biology and conservation.
Congratulations to Alisha Arnsparger for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  From Gwinn, Michigan, Alisha is a communication studies major.  Alisha says, “In the fall of my freshman year, just after learning about Superior Edge, I attended a blood drive on campus put on by the Volunteer Center.  I noticed that there were many people waiting in line to get their vitals taken and only one nursing student in the registration area.  Having been trained in taking vitals, I asked an MGH employee for a stethoscope and blood pressure cuff, and got to work alongside the nursing student.  Being able to spontaneously give my time that day made me realize the importance of what Superior Edge works to promote.”  After graduation, Alisha will be working as a resident director.
Congratulations to Kayleigh Ash for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  Kayleigh is a speech, language, and hearing sciences major from Grayslake, Illinois.  Kayleigh is most proud of going on the Ireland International Service Project.  She says, “I had the opportunity to stay with a host family for a week in Dublin, Ireland, as well as volunteer at the Wee Care Montessori.  After volunteering in Dublin for a week, we traveled to Belfast, Derry, and Glencolmcille.  I was able to go to the Titanic Museum, Dunluce Castle, and my favorite site, Giant’s Causeway.  I was able to gain an appreciation for international diversity by participating in this event.”  After graduation, Kayleigh will be attending graduate school at Purdue University for speech-language pathology.
Congratulations to Abby Ballard for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  From Gladstone, Abby is a biology major with an emphasis in physiology.  Abby is most proud of being a Resident Adviser.  She says, “Through the experience and training I received, I was able to push myself as a leader and become skilled in time management, counseling/advising, and confrontation.  These were all areas I was weak in and coming out of my role as an RA, I became strong.  This experience enabled me to truly serve others with my time, advice, and support.  I am now a very confident leader, which I many not have been if I did not have this unique and incredible experience.”  After graduation, Abby will be attending dental hygiene school.
Sean Bannigan has completed the Real World Edge.  He is a graphic communications major from Kalamazoo, Michigan.  Sean is most proud of working in the Promotional Services Office in the Center for Student Enrichment.  He says, “I was able to gain valuable real world experience working with the skills I learned in my classes for my major.  I also got to do what I love every day.”  After graduation, Sean is staying in Marquette for another year while hopefully finding a job in his field or doing freelance work.
Kelly Both has completed the Real World Edge.  From Streamwood, Illinois, Kelly is a social work major and is most proud of the time she spent in Austria this past summer.  Kelly says, “Going on this trip I knew I would be taking in the Austrian culture and learning more about their history and their way of life, but I also ended up learning a lot about who I am and where I stand as well.  Even though I was in a country that is quite similar to America, I was still a minority and that was a very humbling experience for me.  Being able to navigate a foreign country gave me a huge sense of accomplishment and a desire to do it again.”  After graduation, Kelly will be attending Grand Valley State University to work on her master’s in social work.
Congratulations to Randi Boule' for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  From Ishpeming, Randi is a nursing major.  Randi says, “I am so proud of how much I have learned and how many lives I have touched through various projects, fundraisers, and volunteering.  While in Ireland in May of 2012, Cara and I met a gentleman in an assisted living facility and him and I had a connection.  He told me the history and music of Ireland, and we talked for several days and learned each other’s stories. Before I left for the final time he told me our meeting was destined to happen. Two years later, Cara took a different group of students to the same assisted living facility, and I received an email from her saying that the same gentleman wanted her to tell me he said hi. This touched me that he remembered me after two years. I will never forget him.”  After graduation, Randi would like to travel the world, create her home in the UP, and be the best nurse she can be.
Alexandria Brandt has completed the Leadership and Real World Edges.  Alex is a public relations major from Hudsonville, Michigan, whose favorite activity was working with the West Michigan Mudventure 5k and watching it come from just an idea at a dinner table to over 500 participants.  She says, “The race is in its third year and is hoping to hit close to 1,000 participants.”  After graduation, Alex plans to get a full-time job in public relations in either the Grand Rapids or Detroit area.
Alex Bratschi has completed the Real World Edge.  A secondary education/math major, Alex is from Charlotte, Michigan.  Alex is most proud of tutoring in the math lab.  He says, “Seeing the eyes of my tutorees light up as they understood what I was explaining or teaching and coming back to me excitedly exclaiming their grade was extremely humbling and rewarding.”  After graduation, Alex will look for a job, settle down, and then head back to work on his master’s.
Cheyenne Cecchini has completed the Leadership and Real World Edges.  Cheyenne is an athletic training major from St. Paul, Minnesota.  She says, “My favorite and the activity I’m most proud of is that I was a part of Special Olympics. This event that is held in January is so inspiring and the Olympic athletes are truly wonderful individuals to be around. The excitement and joy each of those athletes show, motivates me to strive to do better in everything that I do.  Starting my freshman year I was introduced to a wonderful and amazing individual named Patty.  This year was my last year getting to cheer her on at the Special Olympic events, and it was hard to tell her I would not be back next year.  The friendship that was built will always be in my heart and her smile will always be in my memories.”  After graduation, Cheyenne will be attending massage therapy school while coaching soccer at the high school she attended.
Congratulations to Hayli Cox for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  From Morenci, Michigan, Hayli is a writing major.  Hayli is most proud of teaching and doing activities with the students at Lake Superior Village.  She says, “We would paint, draw, and craft together, and once I even helped them with the Haunted Hayride.  Our work together helped them appreciate art and they helped me appreciate everything.”  After graduation, Hayli plans to attend NMU's masters in writing program as a teaching assistant and then get her PhD with creative dissertation at a larger school.
Amanda Crandell has completed the Leadership and Real World Edges.  From Midland, Michigan, Amanda is a marketing major.  Amanda is most proud of a sales internship that she had this past summer where she made about 1,840 sales calls in a 12-week period.  She says, “Selling allowed me to uncover needs through asking questions and listening.  This experience really helped me break out of my shell and find out what I am good at and what I may want to do after graduation.  I sold $52,365 in advertising on print, online and mobile platform.  That being said I ranked #1 of 39 in the Great Lakes Region and ranked #1 of 650 nationally.  I was also awarded the Blue Collar designation for exceeding standard for sales calls.”  After graduation, Amanda plans to work in sports marketing, hopefully, for the NHL or a sporting company like Nike, Easton, or Under Armor.
Hannah Dake has completed the Leadership Edge.  Hannah is a biology/pre-physical therapy major from Newberry, Michigan.  She has really enjoyed being involved in the Lunch Buddies program through Big Brothers Big Sisters.  Hannah says, “I appreciated being able to work with the same kids every week and see the relationships they formed with their buddies.  The kids did not always have a strong support system, so being able to help them find trusting relationships was a rewarding experience.”  After graduation, Hannah plans on attending physical therapy school.
Brooke Dishaw has completed the Citizenship and Real World Edges.  A clinical laboratory science, laboratory medicine major, Brooke is from Crystal Falls.  Brooke is most proud of donating bone marrow because she cured a stranger’s cancer.  After graduation, Brooke plans to continue working in her field and eventually attend graduate school.
Rachel Eckert has completed the Citizenship, Leadership, and Real World Edges.  From St. Clair Shores, Michigan, Rachel is a public relations major.  She is most proud of going on a mission trip during spring break of her sophomore year.  Rachel says, “Helping out those that were in need in my own country made me feel right.  Going back to those that truly needed made me feel as if I was doing my human right.  I cannot explain the way it made me feel.”  After graduation, Rachel will be going home for the summer.
Congratulations to Arika Egan for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  Arika is graduating with a double major in physics and philosophy and is from Mundelein, Illinois.  Arika is most proud of the Evening of Class that was held through the Social Justice Committee and said it turned out incredible.  She and her team are happy that they got such a great response from the community.  She says, “We learned a lot about global poverty and hunger from it as well.”  After graduation, Arika is hoping to work towards building an observatory in Marquette and then go on to graduate school for physics.
Jamie Elam has completed the Leadership and Real World Edges.  From Huntley, Illinois, Jamie is an athletic training major who is most proud of working as a camp counselor for children and adults with special needs and physical disabilities at Camp Courageous in Iowa.  She says, “That summer I worked as a camp counselor and found my true passion and in that my career goals changed dramatically.   As a camp counselor, it challenged me physically, mentally, and emotionally.  I enjoyed see people accomplish tasks they never thought they could, and it made me want to attend graduate school for therapeutic recreation.”  After graduation, Jamie will be attending graduate school for therapeutic recreation where she can work with inpatient or outpatient individuals at a rehabilitation hospital.
Congratulations to Matthew Flessner for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  Matt is a secondary education major from Lake Odessa, Michigan.  He is most proud of working at Sunny Crest Youth Ranch.  Matt says, “It was the most rewarding to see students who came in 22 credits behind starting their senior year graduate.”  After graduation, Matt will be moving to Muncie, Indiana, marrying fellow Superior Edge graduate Jessica Ulrich, and living the dream!
Mikenzie Frost has completed the Real World Edge.  Mikenzie is a multimedia journalism major from Dearborn, Michigan.  She says, “I completed three internships during my time at NMU but the one that stands out the most is interning at ABC 10 in Ishpeming.  This was an amazing opportunity for me to get hands-on experience doing what I want to be doing in my field.  I was able to cover the UP 200 by myself and package it for television.  This internship led me to getting hired by ABC where I work part time right now as a multimedia journalist, and I will start full time in June.”
Valerie Harvala has completed the Leadership Edge.  From Warren, Michigan, Valerie is an earth science major.  She is most proud of volunteering with the UP 200 where she was able to shadow veterinarians for the entire weekend during her freshman year.  Valerie says, “We helped with checking the dog’s health at each mandatory stopping station including checking heart rates, checking their feet for ice build up or wounds, administering IV’s, etc.  I am most proud of it because it was the first time I had the opportunity to work in a hands-on situation with what I wanted to do at the time.  It gave me a real world idea of what the future could hold outside the classroom.”  After graduating, Valerie will be volunteering and interning to gain experience and possibly attending graduate school.
Congratulations to Leann Herrmann for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  Leann is a double major in biology/physiology emphasis and general psychology/pre-physician assistant.  From Batavia, Illinois, Leann is most proud of going to Tanzania, Africa.  She says, “I went for a medical internship and was lucky enough to experience health care in an underprivileged area in regional hospitals and local clinics.  Not only was I able to gain experience in my future career path, but I also had exposure to a unique cultural experience that gave me a new outlook on the way I live my life in a different perspective.”  After graduation, Leann will be applying to physician assistant schools.
Congratulations to Julie Herweyer for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  Julie is getting her master’s degree in psychology and is from Grand Rapids, Michigan.  Julie is most proud of being a graduate teaching assistant.  She says, “It challenged me to pursue a greater understanding of the concepts I taught.  In addition, I thoroughly enjoyed meeting and teaching my students.”  After graduation, she hopes to go on to a doctorate program or find a job in the field of psychology.
Kaitlyn Hoffman has completed the Leadership and Real World Edges.  Kaitlyn is a secondary education math major from Marysville, Michigan.  Her greatest experience was working with Upward Bound and Science Camp at NMU this past summer.  She says, “It was the first time I got to have control of a classroom of students.  It really opened my eyes to how unprivileged students are overlooked in schools when they shouldn’t be.  Without this experience, I do not believe I would have been ready for my student teaching.”  After graduation, Kaitlyn will be moving to Pennsylvania with her fiancé, getting married, and finding a job.
Jordan Iverson has completed the Diversity and Real World Edges.  A nursing major from Anchorage, Alaska, Jordan is most proud of her independent study abroad in Spain and Ireland.  She says, “I hiked 300 km of the Camino de Santiago, a religious pilgrimage.  I am proud of this trip because I think it really highlighted the purpose of the Diversity Edge.  This pilgrimage was all about the people and culture of Spain, but also the friends you met walking.  300 km of walking gives you a lot of time to learn about other people and their cultures, and I think this experience gave me a greater appreciation of the world and its diversity.”  After graduation, Jordan will return to Alaska and obtain a nursing internship position at a local hospital.
Congratulations to Kara Jacoboni for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  Hailing from Milford, Michigan, Kara is a communication studies major.  She is most proud of the time she spent at Father Marquette Middle School working with the Girl’s Club.  She says, “Seeing how much the girls benefited from the club was so amazing!”  After graduation, Kara will be either attending graduate school or jumping into the workforce.
Congratulations to Marissa Kane for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  Marissa is a biology major with a physiology emphasis from Ortonville, Michigan.  Marissa says, “My time at NMU has been very well spent, and I think that the most meaningful experience has been becoming a researcher for the Upper Michigan Brain Tumor Center.  I have learned how concepts in class can be applied in a realistic way which has helped me infinitely as a student.  In addition, the perseverance needed to do this work has helped me grow as a person.  I now know of the limitless career options I have, and I have the lab to thank.”  After graduation, Marissa will continue her education at NMU working on a master’s of biology.  She would like to travel and apply for a doctoral program when she is done traveling.
Alexandra Kerlin has completed the Citizenship, Leadership, and Real World Edges.  She is currently studying abroad in Australia.
Congratulations to Amanda Kleikamp for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  From Norway, Michigan, Amanda is a social work major.  She is most proud of volunteering at Room at the Inn.  Amanda says, “It was something that was outside of my comfort zone, and it has a stigma of the populations.  I am glad to announce that doing this volunteering changed my views completely and allowed me to do a volunteering experience that was beyond rewarding.”  After graduating, Amanda plans to pursue a job at the BSW level and continue to get her master’s degree.
Congratulations to Lindsy Klemmer for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!   An accounting major form Charlevoix, Michigan, Lindsy is most proud of volunteering at UPAWS.  She says, “Although one of the most common volunteer activities among students, it was one of the first activities that I did for Superior Edge, and it was one that I sought out and fulfilled entirely on my own.”  After graduation, Lindsy will be studying for the CPA exam while working at a local accounting firm at home.
Jessica Krali has completed the Real World Edge.  From Sterling Heights, Michigan, Jessica is an athletic training major.  Jessica is most proud of attending the Great Lakes Athletic Training Association’s annual meeting.  She says, “I attended this conference every year, and it is always a good experience.  I enjoy learning about new methods and studies in my field, as well as creating memories with my peers.”  After graduation, Jessica plans on getting a job and attend graduate school.
Jennifer Krawze has completed the Citizenship andLeadership Edges.  Jenna is a management major from Suamico, Wisconsin.  She is most proud of her Community Service Internship through the Student Leader Fellowship Program with the Beacon House.  Jenna says, “This local non-profit has an amazing mission and helps people through some of the most difficult times.”  After graduation, Jenna will be looking for a job.
Congratulations to Kara Lampinen for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  From Cary, Illinois, Kara is a speech, language, and hearing sciences major.  She is most proud of implementing a Young Athletes Program at a local elementary school through her Community Service Internship with the Student Leader Fellowship Program.  She says, “It was a sports and play program for children with special needs who are too young to participate in Special Olympics.”  After graduation, Kara plans to get her master’s degree is speech pathology.
Mary Lawhead has completed the Leadership and Real World Edges.  From Munising, Mary is a history major.  She is most proud of presenting at the Phi Alpha Theta National Conference.  Mary says, “NMU very seldom sends history students to the conference, so to be selected and able to go was a huge honor.  I was able to share my research with other history scholars and hear their research.  For several days, I was surrounded by other historians.  I also had to be a little self-reliant because of issues returning to Michigan due to weather.  My flight was cancelled three times on my way home.  It was an adventure.”  After graduation, Mary will be either going to grad school or looking for a job at an outdoors school.
Congratulations to Daniel Lee for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  Hailing from Stevens Point, Wisconsin, Dan is a criminal justice major who is the proud of being a recipient of a Leadership Scholarship.  Each year he has participated in the Presidential Scholars Competition as an evaluator for prospective students.  He said, “My favorite part of the competition was the small-group activities, because it was exciting to switch places and be the one evaluating future leaders.  I stayed open-minded towards all members and was very interested to see the different types of leadership students bring to the table.”  In August, Dan will leave for Fort Benning, Georgia to attend Army Basic Officer School.  He has been assigned to the Armor Branch, which means he will be serving his early years as a Lieutenant who commands soldiers working with heavy armored vehicles such as tanks and Strykers.
Austin Lucas has completed the Real World Edge.  From Iron Mountain, Michigan, Austin is a social work major.  He is most proud of working with juveniles in the youth home as a part of the social work learning agreement.  Austin says, “I felt very proud to be able to facilitate life skills training and substance abuse awareness.”  After graduation, Austin will be attending graduate school at the University of South Carolina where he will be pursuing a master's of social work.
Marissa Lucheck has completed the Citizenship, Diversity, and Real World Edge.  Marissa is from Plainfield, Illinois, and is a social work major.  She says, “The experience I am most proud of is having an internship in Ghana.  Working in an orphanage and developing life skills classes for 20 children was an experience I’ll never forget.”  After graduation, Marissa will be applying for Americorps and then attend graduate school.
Carley Maanika has completed the Leadership and Real World Edges.  She is an athletic training major from Ishpeming.  She is most proud of her clinical experience.  Carly says, “Part of a college education is making the transition to a profession after graduation, and I feel comfortable doing that after the hard work I put in during my clinical rotations.”  After graduation, Carley plans to attend a physical therapy school.
Congratulations to Rosemary Magidsohn for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  A nursing major from Clarkston, Michigan, Rosemary is most proud of studying abroad in Costa Rica.  She says, “It definitely put me out of my comfort zone and broadened my diversity horizon.”  After graduation, Rosemary will move to Oregon to obtain a nursing position within a hospital or with a hospice agency.
Savannah Mallo has completed the Real World Edge.  A Marquette native, Savannah is a public relations major.  She is most proud of planning and executing the UP Regional Food Summit as a part of her internship with the Marquette Food Co-op.  Savannah says, “I’m extremely proud of this because this summit brought together community members, farmers, business owners, and schools to discuss how we can get more local food into our communities.  It was amazing to be a part of a collaborative process that was working toward bettering our community.”  After graduation, Savannah is hoping to find a job with an environmental non-profit in the Pacific Northwest.
Jonathan Martin has completed the Citizenship and Real World Edges.  Jon is a double major in international studies and environmental studies and sustainability from Kalamazoo, Michigan.  Jon is most proud of working as an intern at an organic farm in Maine.  He says, “When the owner fell ill, it was up to me to run all farm operations.  Together, we had the best week financially in the farm’s history.  I took this as proof that running an environmentally friendly business is a possible life path.”  After graduation, Jon will continue to work and advocate for a greener and more peaceful world.
Congratulations to Victoria Mattson for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  Victoria is a behavioral analysis major from Negaunee.  She is most proud of participating in the service learning project in Thailand.  Victoria says, “This was by far the most educating and rewarding experience I was involved in.  We traveled for three weeks to different part of Thailand.  I was immersed in an entirely new culture, lived in a hill tribe village building a community center, and learned to train elephants.  The memories and educational gain I have made are priceless.”  After graduation, Victoria will be attending graduate school at NMU in the applied behavior analysis program.
Aaron Mellesmoen has completed the Citizenship, Leadership, and Real World Edges.  From Bloomington, Minnesota, Aaron is a biology major with a physiology emphasis.  Aaron is most proud of working with the Upper Michigan Brain Tumor Center.  He says, “I conducted research which incorporated unconventional materials such as scorpion venom and plant extracts to better understand how brain tumors metastasize (or spread).  In addition, I advanced awareness on cancer research through addressments at public events, and I presented my research at a national conference.  These experiences gave me the skills and knowledge to successfully pursue a future career in medicine and cancer research.  I am proud to have been prepared to improve people’s lives in this manner.”  After graduation, Aaron will be attending NMU to conduct research and obtain a master’s degree is cancer biology.
Congratulations to Katherine Niemann for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  Katherine is a speech, language, and hearing major from Ann Arbor.  She is most proud of the hours she got from the Diversity and Leadership Edges.  Katherine says, “My job as a direct care worker for adults with developmental disabilities was very rewarding and provided me with lasting relationships, personally and professionally.”  After graduation, Katherine will be attending grad school.
Hannah Nowack has completed the Real World Edge.  Hailing from Menominee, Michigan, Hannah is an accounting major who is most proud of volunteering for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA).  Hannah says, “This program allows accounting students to assist the community with tax preparation and provides support to our local community through an increase in disposable income.”  After graduation, Hannah will be a tax accountant at Ernst &Young.
Elizabeth O'Brien has completed the Citizenship, Leadership, and Real World Edges.  From Palatine, Illinois, Elizabeth is a biology/physiology major.  Her most memorable experience was participating in Make a Difference Day with her house.  She says, “Every year we would hype up the event to new freshmen to get them excited.  We would get up early for breakfast, dress in an absurd amount of layers, and then head out.  I loved raking the leaves for the community members.  To me, it never seemed that strenuous but the residents of Marquette and the surrounding area were always so touched and grateful that we took up a Saturday to help them around the house.  I loved being able to contribute and make their lives a little better.”  After graduation, Elizabeth is hoping to head to Spain to participate in their Auxiliaries program and teach English.
Congratulations to Roy Owensby for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  A marketing and political science major, Roy is from Neenah, Wisconsin.  Roy is most proud of his volunteer work with the U.S. Congressional campaign in Marquette.  He says, “I was part of a group that helped to register over 600 voters on campus, knocked on doors throughout the community, made phone calls, attended conferences, and met candidates.  This was all very rewarding for me to help get others interested in the political process, but it was also beneficial to me to get out into the community and really interact with those who live in it.”  After graduation, Roy plans to join AmeriCorps and serve for 11 months as a team leader with their FEMA Corps program based out of Vicksburg, Mississippi. There he will lead a group of 8-12 team members to various locations assigned to them by FEMA. Once his term of service is up, Roy will complete his masters of public administration and looks forward to continued public service.
Congratulations to Jordan Paquet for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  Jordan is a public relations major from Negaunee.  Jordan is most proud of volunteering in Norway for a youth winter sports camp on the grounds of the 1994 Winter Olympics.  He says, “I was tasked with creating a fun and interactive environment for more than 1,500 Norwegian teens and lead a small group of 10 through group exercises.”  After he graduates, Jordan will be getting married and moving to Norway to work in international digital marketing.
Malinda Penkala has completed the Real World Edge.  A secondary education English major from Eastpointe, Michigan, Malinda is most proud of having the opportunity to teach through the TaLK program.  She says, “I was able to travel to Korea and gain experience teaching.  Of all my accomplishments so far, this is by far the greatest.”  After graduation, Malinda hopes to teach abroad in either Japan or Korea, and she is looking for teaching positions in Alaska.  She also hopes to obtain a master’s in international education in England and hopes to be ESL and EFL certified.
Stephanie Roberts has completed the Leadership and Real World Edges.  From Lake Orion, Michigan, Stephanie is a nursing major who is most proud of her experiences through ROTC’s Nurses Summer Training Program in Seoul, South Korea.  She says, “I completed 148 clinical hours in the Emergency Room at the Brian Allgood Army Community Hospital.  I got a lot of great hands-on experience including opportunities to start IVs, coordinate with doctors, and working within a military environment.  I was honored to be evaluated as the number 1 cadet out of 7 total cadets by my clinical preceptors.”  After graduation, Stephanie will be commissioning with the Army and going active duty to an assigned duty station working as an Army nurse.
Congratulations to Cassandra Ross for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  Casey is a biochemistry major from St. Louis, Michigan.  She is most proud of her medical volunteering in Peru with the Foundation for International Medical Relief of Children.  She says, “This experience allowed me to learn many things about myself and about helping others.  I was able to help others in simple ways such as the time we built a playground for an indigenous community, to the time we gave fluoride treatments to children.  This opportunity taught me about the medical disparities in Peru that will help me in my hopeful career of medicine along with both domestic and international diversity.”  After graduation, Casey plans to attend medical school to become a physician.
Congratulations to Elizabeth Sabin for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  An elementary education and mathematics major from Grand Rapids, Liz really enjoyed tutoring students to help them obtain their GED.  She says, “I was able to work with a diverse range of students and learn much from helping them. It was fun because it tested my teaching abilities – I had to help students understand in different ways, and at times I had to teach them pretty high level math even though they had practically no mathematics background.”  After graduation, Liz hopes to find a teaching job and start teaching children how to be the best they can be.
Leslie Schmeling has completed the Diversity and Real World Edges.  From Marquette, Leslie is a biology major with a physiology emphasis.  She is most proud of her volunteer work in India.  She says, “One activity I was involved in was planning and teaching lesson plans at an elementary school of 1st to 5th graders. We taught the 1st through 5th graders about dental hygiene, such as the proper time of brushing your teeth and flossing, first aid and geography. I didn’t realize how much of an impact I had on the children until my last day there.  I received endless hugs and pictures taken of me.  I felt like I had truly made an impression on them, something that they could take away and remember for a long time.”  After graduation, Leslie will be applying to physician assistant’s school.
Andrea Schultz has completed the Real World Edge.  Andrea is from Appleton, Wisconsin and is a management of health and fitness major.  She is most proud of being a coach at Peak Fitness.  Andrea says, “I enjoyed taking a leadership role in a fitness setting and helping with the kids!  They were a lot of fun to work with.  I learned a lot from this experience and feel even more confident in what I would like to do after graduation – open a business such as a gym/training facility.”
Alyssa Shaw has completed the Real World Edge.  A speech, language, and hearing sciences major, Alyssa is from Livonia, Michigan.  Alyssa is most proud of her work as a camp counselor at Bay Cliff Health Camp.  She says, “I am most proud of it because it was such a challenging experience that I was able to succeed in doing.  I had so much to overcome throughout the whole summer.  I had to take care of three children at a time, ages three to six years old.  I was basically their mom for the summer.  I am proud to say that I was able to keep my kids in line and build beautiful connections with them.”  After graduation, Alyssa will be attending graduate school for a master’s degree in speech-language pathology.
Congratulations to Anna Solberg for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  From Negaunee, Anna is an environmental studies and sustainability major who is most proud of her Tanzania trip with her church.  While they were there, they volunteered at a few schools and clinics around Dar es Salaam, and Anna also took photos of the group.  Anna will be working on her masters in geography when she attends Kent State University in order to study water accessibility in Tanzania.  She will also have a TA position in a physical geography lab.
Congratulations to Lauren Somogyi for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge! Lauren is an environmental studies and sustainability major from Bolingbrook, Illinois. One of the activities that Lauren is most proud of is bringing the film “Girl Rising” to NMU. She says, “I watched the trailer and felt passionate about the message it portrayed. The film focused on the importance of educating women around the world. It shared personal stories of girls from different countries and how they are treated within their society. These girls expressed how important education is to them and how it would help them in their lives. I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to bring this film to campus and spread this powerful message.” After graduation, Lauren has applied to the Conservation Corps as a summer youth corps leader where she will be leading groups of high school students in outdoor service projects that could include natural habitat restoration, campsite development, and invasive species removal.
Congratulations to Cole Swiston for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  Cole is a biology (physiology emphasis)/pre-med major from Washburn, Wisconsin.  Cole is most proud of the time he spent in Belize with 20 other NMU students.  He says, “I believe the medical care we were able to provide spoke not only for the compassion of each individual but also for the university as a whole.  Working as a team to help so many diverse groups of people was fulfilling and made me proud to be an NMU student.”  After graduation, Cole will be heading to the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health next year.
Congratulations to Jessica Ulrich for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  Jessica is a biology/physiology major from Fenton, Michigan.  She is most proud of time spent as a volunteer for Marquette General Hospital.  She says, “I was able to connect with the Marquette area communities through service, and I had the opportunity to become friends with some of the coolest older U.P. folk in the area.  I especially grew to know the regular dialysis patients and understand the challenges they face in daily activities.  I would not have some of my greatest friends and the skill and knowledge they taught me if I did not volunteer at the hospital.”  After graduation, Jessica plans to get her master’s in biology education from Ball State.
Andrea Wirtz has completed the Diversity, Leadership, and Real World Edges.  From Brookfield, Wisconsin, Andrea is a zoology major.  Andrea is most proud of going to Zambia with a Faculty Led Study Abroad trip.  She says, “It was a life-changing trip that gave me the experience in carrying out research in a wildlife field as well as an opportunity to experience a difference culture that so many of us find far from home.  The trip not only helped me complete my Diversity Edge, it also helped me grow as a biologist and overall as a person.”  After graduation, Andrea hopes to work at a zoo.  Until then, she hopes to get as much experience as possible through volunteer opportunities.

Twelve students were recognized as Superior Edge graduates. To receive this honor, the students completed a minimum of 400 Superior Edge hours, a minimum of 100 hours in each of the four edges. The other 19 students graduated with one, two or three edges. Superior Edge graduates were given blue cords to wear at commencement. Read more about the graduates below:

Superior Edge Grads Dec 2014

Sitting:  Mary Dillow, Superior Edge; Samantha DeNeef, RW; Ashleigh Rogers, Superior Edge; Alicia DenHerder, Superior Edge; Keara Kangas, Superior Edge; Kristina Mattson, Superior Edge; and Superior Edge Student Coordinator Melissa Orzechowski.

Middle Row:  Laura Hillock, CE, LE, & RW; Rebecca Smolarek, CE & RW; Marissa Brooks, DE, LE, & RW; Elizabeth Klarecki, Superior Edge; Megan Pierre, RW; Danielle Thoune, Superior Edge; Katelyn Lemire, Superior Edge; and Alan Kerr, LE & RW.

Back Row:  Superior Edge Graduate Assistant Geneva Martin; Center for Student Enrichment Director Rachel Harris; Regan Lussier, Superior Edge; Carly Moore, Superior Edge; Lindsey McVicker, RW; Neil Poglese, Superior Edge; and Superior Edge Student Coordinator Olivia Steil.

Missing from photo:  Nicolle Bezio, RW; Min-Jung Chun, LE; Christopher Danik, CE, LE, & RW; Scott Evans, RW; Becky Foglesong, LE & RW; Patricia Larkin, RW; Shelbi Lisecki, Superior Edge; Autumn Lowery, RW; Kathryn Meyers, RW; Michele Owens, RW; Nichelle Paquette-Christensen, RW; Kimberly Randolph – RW; and Carolyn Trela – RW.

CE – Citizenship Edge; DE – Diversity Edge;
LE – Leadership Edge; RW – Real World Edge


Nicolle Bezio has completed the Real World Edge.
Marissa Brooks has completed the Diversity, Leadership, and Real World Edges.  An elementary education major with an emphasis in math and integrated sciences, Marissa is from Farmington Hills, Michigan.  Marissa said that working at Camp Pinewood has been the most rewarding experience.  She says, “I was able to make an impact in someone’s life.  Forming the bonds with my campers and aspiring them to be the best self they could be made the experience all worthwhile.”  After graduation, Marissa will be teaching in the school she student taught in.
Min-Jung Chun has completed the Leadership Edge.
Christopher Danik has completed the CitizenshipLeadership, and Real World Edges.  From Madison Heights, Michigan, Chris is a computer science major.  He is most proud of his work with Relay for Life.  Chris says, “This event contributed to all four edges.  It allowed me to gain leadership experience and experience working as a team to put together a large event.  Since this event raises money, it also allowed me to give back to the community.”  After graduation, Chris will be a web designer at NMU!
Samantha DeNeef has completed Real World Edge.  Sam is an elementary education major from Traunik, Michigan.  The highlight for Sam has been her mission trips to Mexico.  She says, “They have been a wonderful experience, and I have enjoyed getting to know another culture from personal experience.  The contrast you see is so strong and really makes you appreciative for all you have here.”  After graduation, Sam plans to start teaching as soon as possible.
Congratulations to Alicia DenHerder for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  Hailing from Grand Rapids, Alicia is a sports science/pre-physical therapy major.  Alicia is most proud of attending the NMU service project to San Ignacio, Belize in the spring of 2013.  She says, “We volunteered at San Jose Succotz School tutoring students individually and in the classroom on math, reading, and writing. We built a sidewalk and planted numerous trees around the school.  With a minor background in the Spanish language, I was able to utilize these skills to reduce the language barrier. Seeing the impact that my fellow colleagues and I had on these children’s lives and the improvements they each made was one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever had.”  After graduation, Alicia will be finishing up her research project to submit for publication in an academic journal, volunteering, shadowing therapists, and working while is waiting to hear back in February from the doctorate of physical therapy schools she applied to.
Congratulations to Mary Dillow on completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  A secondary education social studies and physical education major, Mary is from Winthrop Harbor, Illinois.  She says, “From student teaching to volunteering in Ireland to giving my time to those less fortunate, it is difficult to choose which activity I am most proud of.  However, if I had to choose one, it would be Ireland.  Ireland forced me to step out of my comfort zone and live in a culture different than my own.  It was through this experience in Ireland and volunteering in the Montessori school that influenced my decision to pursue a teaching career in elementary physical education.  If it was not for my time in Ireland, I would have never discovered my passion for teaching physical education at the elementary school.”  After graduation, Mary will continue coaching high school girls’ basketball and was as pursue an elementary physical education teaching position.
Scott Evans has completed the Real World Edge.
Becky Foglesong has completed the Leadership and Real World Edges.
Laura Hillock has completed the Citizenship, Leadership, and Real World Edges.  From Marquette, Laura is an elementary education/language arts major.  Laura says, “Student teaching was the most enjoyable, rewarding, and flat out fun semester of my years spent at NMU.  It was during this time, I knew I was meant to be a teacher.  The actual process of teaching, lesson planning, attending parent/teacher and faculty meetings, staying after school much later than necessary, etc., proved to me that being a teacher is something I can not only do well, but something I truly want to do.  Being in the classroom full time and taking over all the duties have taught me far more than any book or lecture can.”  After graduation, Laura would love to find a job teaching kindergarten or first grade.
Alan Kerr has completed the Leadership and Real World Edges!  From Hawks, Michigan, Alan is a forensic biochemistry major.  Alan is most proud of being a Resident Adviser.  He says, “It not only showed me the leadership skills that I possess, but it taught me new ones as well.”  After graduation, Alan hopes to join the Federal Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Bureau.
Congratulations to Keara Kangas for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  Hailing from Gwinn, Keara is a graduate school prep, psychology major.  Going to Belize for spring break through the International Service Project, was a highlight for Keara.  She said, “We helped teach preschoolers English as well as planted trees and constructed a sidewalk.”  After graduation, Keara plans to go to graduate school to get a clinical neuropsychology Ph.D.
Congratulations to Elizabeth Klarecki for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  A graphic communications and network computing major, Liz is from Big Rapids, Michigan.  Liz is most proud of teaching computer classes to girls while volunteering in India.  She says, “It resonated with me personally as a woman in technology, and I was thrilled to share my knowledge and teach other women about my passion.”  After graduation, Liz will be working as a web designer and developer at Elegant Seagulls in Marquette.
Patricia Larkin has completed the Real World Edge!  Trisha is a public relations major with a minor in art from Arab, Alabama.  She says, “To complete my Real World Edge, I was an intern with the Nashville Predators of the NHL.  I am most proud of being able to rise to the occasion when needed and work in a fast-paced environment.  Changing a child’s view and being a positive role model in their life while at hockey camp was my main achievement.”  After graduation, Trisha hopes to work for a children’s charity or a corporate firm.
Congratulations to Katelyn Lemire for completing all four edges for Superior Edge!  Katie is a business management from Iron Mountain, Michigan.  Katie is most proud of her very first hours in Superior Edge.  She says, “I was inspired by a blind elderly man who was extremely happy and blessed that we were there to rake his yard for him when he couldn’t.  We sat and talked with him when we were finished.  Seeing how happy he seemed to have us there encouraged me to volunteer more and motivated me to finish all four edges.”  After graduation, Katie and friend will be traveling throughout Europe for a month or two, and then she plans to look for a job in her field.
Congratulations to Shelbi Lisecki for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  From Newport, Michigan, Shelbi is a biology major.  Traveling to Honduras with the NMU nursing/public health departments was an activity that she was most proud of.  Shelbi says, “We were able to administer vaccinations to children and educate both children and their parents about health.  The experience helped me see the healthcare field from a different perspective and also helped me realize that despite imperfections present in certain aspects of healthcare in the United States, in comparison with other parts of the world, we are very lucky.  The experience was also eye opening in realizing that health education is also tremendously important in promoting a healthy society, especially in the developing world.”  After graduation, Shelbi would eventually like to attend a graduate school for an epidemiology program.
Autumn Lowery has completed the Real World Edge!  From East Tawas, Michigan, Autumn is a clinical laboratory science major.  While in Superior Edge, Autumn is most proud of being a teaching assistant in the Clinical Sciences Department.  She says, “I was able to TA in over 10 classes during my 4 years at NMU.  I really enjoyed being able to teach other students what I know and help them grow.”  After graduation, Autumn hopes to be able to stay in the area and get a job at the hospital.
Congratulations to Regan Lussier for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  A history major with minors in anthropology and sociology, Regan is from Kalamazoo.  She says, “One activity I am most proud of is the volunteer work I did during my study abroad experience in Australia.  I volunteered with the Conversation Volunteers program where I worked in areas where the environment needed to be cleaned up and did things like plant flowers and cleaned up garbage.  I am so proud of what I did with the program because I felt like I was contributing to help the country that I temporarily lived in.  I was also doing something good for the environment and created something beautiful in a place that was devastated by man.”  After graduation, Regan plans to go back abroad to work in an international setting where she can put the skills that she learned in college to good use.
Congratulations to Kristina Mattson for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  A secondary education – mathematics major, Kristina is from Negaunee.  Her favorite activity was participating in the Upward Bound Math Science program.  She says, “I was the resident director, a resident mentor, and the mathematics tutor.  I am most proud of this activity because I gained experiences in citizenship, diversity, leadership, and the real world.  I learned a lot from this experience that has helped prepare me for my future as an educator.”  After graduation, Kristina plans to further in education by pursuing a master’s in educational administration while teaching mathematics in a public middle school or high school.
Lindsey McVicker has completed the Real World Edge!  From Petoskey, Michigan, Lindsey is an elementary education major with a focus on language arts.  Lindsey is most proud of participating in NMU’s Relay for Life.  She says, “I was the team captain for my residence hall.  I am proud of this because together my team raised a total of $250 for the fight against cancer! Relay for Life promotes exercise and brings the NMU community together to raise money for the American Cancer Society.   At last year’s Relay, NMU set a new school record!  We raised $28,342.  That is the most fundraised in the 10 years the event has been happening on campus.”  After graduation, Lindsey plans to move back to Petoskey to substitute teach.
Kathryn Meyers has completed the Real World Edge!  She is a biology major with a minor in French and is from Galesburg, Michigan.  Kathryn is most proud of being a vetling for the UP 200 Dog Sled Race.  She says, “From this event I gained a lot of experience with handling and working with animals.  It is from this experience that I realized my true love for animals and how I want to help them.  I also got to meet and get to know a lot of different people that I wouldn’t get to know otherwise.”  After graduation, Kathryn plans to work at a microbiology lab or company and gain some experience before she applies to graduate school for either epidemiology or food microbiology.
Congratulations to Carly Moore for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  Hailing from Flint, Michigan, Carly is a language arts elementary education major.  Carly says, “My favorite activity was the volunteer project in Ireland.  I started out the helping in Irish schools.  I was able to connect with the community and see how Ireland’s school system functioned.  The students were super interested in having a foreigner in the classroom.  Also, the sites I was able to visit were breathtaking.”  After graduation, she plans to substitute while looking for her first full-time teaching position.
Michele Owens has completed the Real World Edge!  Michele is from Escanaba and is an elementary education with a math and science major.  She said that she is most proud of the Elementary Education Math Club created a new event called Math Day at the Peter White Library.  Michele said, “This was a great event for children in the Marquette area because they got to learn that math can be fun.  The students played games and did math activities.  The children had a blast.  I am proud of the club because we were new and wanted to create an event so we could get our name out.  I am also proud that our club came up with the ideas on our own.”  After graduation, Michele plans to substitute in the Escanaba area unless a job opens up.
Nichelle Paquette-Christensen has completed the Real World Edge!  From Marquette, Nichelle is an elementary education major with focuses in social studies and integrated science.  She is most proud of being a part of College for Kids on campus.  Nichelle says, “I was really able to put myself to the test, and I definitely came out on top.  I spent three hours teaching kids all about plate tectonics, rocks, and fossils.  I absolutely love teaching and education and this experience helped cement my passion for the profession.”  After graduation, Nichelle will be subbing in Marinette, Wisconsin.
Megan Pierre has completed the Real World Edge!  She is a clinical laboratory science – diagnostic genetics major from Yorkville, Illinois.  Megan is most proud of completing her internship in the Cytogenetic Laboratory at Marquette General Hospital and gaining the confidence that chose the right career.  After graduation, she will be taking a little break before she begins her job hunt.
Congratulations to Neil Poglese for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  From St. Johns, Michigan, Neil is a biology/human physiology major with a minor in chemistry.  Neil says, “The activity that I am most proud of since coming to NMU has been my involvement in Dr. Ottem’s neuro lab.  This experience has given me a deep understanding of the chemical and cellular pathways responsible for neuromuscular development and disease development.  I gained a sound foundation in laboratory practices and techniques to assist in development and implementation of research protocol.  Additionally, I have gained experience in clinical based procedures that will be beneficial to my future profession.  My involvement has had a direct contribution to the scientific community in helping better understand and develop treatments for persons afflicted by neuromuscular diseases.”  After graduation, Neil will be continuing his education at Central Michigan University to complete the master’s of physician assistant program.
Kimberly Randolph has completed the Real World Edge!  From Jeddo, Michigan, Kim is a wildlife management major.  She says, “Working for the Department of Natural Resources as an explorer guide for Lakeport State Park was one of the most influential experiences I’ve had in my college career.  Not only did I get the opportunity to connect today’s youth to the outdoors, I was also able to improve my communication skills and explore all of the other career opportunities within the department.  My time working with the youth was enjoyable and eye opening.”  After graduation, Kim will be applying for the Michigan DNR Conservation Officer Academy, the National Park Service, and the US Fish and Wildlife Service.
Congratulations to Ashleigh Rogers for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  Graduating as a secondary physical education major from Flanagan, Illinois, Ashleigh is most proud of her volunteer trip to Ireland.  She says, “The most rewarding part of the trip was volunteering in the Montessori because the kids were so nice and we played through learning every day.”  After graduation, Ashleigh plans to find a job in Michigan.
Rebecca Smolarek has finished the Citizenship and Real World Edges.  Rebecca’s major is elementary education with a mathematics major and an integrated science minor.  She is from Shelby Township, Michigan.  Rebecca says, “I am most proud of my K-3 lesson experience, where I developed different lessons for each grade.  It taught me an awareness of finding the timing of different lessons, as well planning and reflecting on how I taught the lesson and how the students responded to it. I have found more confidence in my lesson planning and teaching, finding that I have strengthened in my skills and can take lessons one step further as time went on.  This opportunity gave me a new appreciation for the students ranging in K-3 grades.”  After graduation, Rebecca will be looking for a teaching position and will be subbing in the meantime.
Congratulations to Danielle Thoune for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  A Marquette native, Dani is an art and design: ceramics major.  She is most proud of her time in Prague, Vienna, and London through the YMCA European Festival.  Dani says, “I participated in leadership training with youth from across the world.  I made connections that will last a lifetime.  I met people that want to change the world.  They want to help make things better for our generation.  By connecting, we are taking the first step towards that change.”  After graduation, Dani will take a few months off and will return in the fall to work on a master’s in psychology.  She hopes to eventually work with troubled youth and utilize her art background to teach art therapy.
Carolyn Trela has completed the Real World Edge!  After graduation, Carolyn will be moving back to her hometown.  She will be working and looking or career opportunities while preparing for the birth of her first child that is due in April!

Thirty-five students were recognized as Superior Edge graduates.  To receive this honor, the students completed a minimum of 400 Superior Edge hours, a minimum of 100 hours in each of the four edges.  The other 38 students graduated with one, two or three edges.  Superior Edge graduates were given blue cords to wear at commencement. Read more about the graduates below:

Superior Edge Grads May 2014

Sitting:  Kathleen Biddle, Superior Edge; Carrie Grishaber, Superior Edge; Christopher Fast, Superior Edge; Carolyn “Lizzie” Corser; Superior Edge; Katie Selinger, Superior Edge; Meghan Marquardt, CE, LE, & RW; Nicole Lewis, DE, LE, & RW; and Kayla Shupert, Superior Edge.                                                                             

Second Row:  Jessica Duncan, Superior Edge; Abigail Iwen, RW; Sarah Parkkonen, Superior Edge; Emily Anderton, Superior Edge; Rachel Gruler, Superior Edge; Brittany Ridge, Superior Edge; Samantha Hawkins, Superior Edge; Melissa Esser, Superior Edge; Superior Edge Student Coordinator Melissa Orzechowski; and Rachel McOwusu, Superior Edge.

Third Row:  Victoria Arnold, LE; Linaye Whitehead, Superior Edge; Danielle Morrison, Superior Edge; Stephanie LeClaire, Superior Edge; Sarah M.  Miller, DE, LE, & RW; Morgan Raether, Superior Edge; Sara K. Stafford, Superior Edge; Kevin Sundt, DE, LE, & RW; and Emily Stulz, Superior Edge

Back Row:  Sara Hujar, Superior Edge; Kristine Bush, Superior Edge; Shavon Harris, Superior Edge; Trent Podskalan, Superior Edge, Mark Surrell, Superior Edge; Cassandra Sovereen, Superior Edge; Alexander Perry, Superior Edge; Director Rachel Harris; Megan Weber, LE & RW; and Superior Edge Graduate Assistant Stephanie Felton

Missing from photo:  Monica Ahles, LE; Harlee Alexander, CE & RW; Rebecca Allers, DE & LE; Arica Altobello, RW; Stephanie Beeman, Superior Edge; Danielle Benson, RW; Britni Birt, RW; Courtney Brown, Superior Edge; Erin Carey, CE; Jamie Carter, Superior Edge; Nicholas Cook, Superior Edge; Danae Cowell, CE, LE, & RW; Elizabeth Ernst, LE & RW; Mindy Grabko, DE, LE, & RW; Bethany Grysko, LE & RW; Shelby Guilbault, CE, LE, & RW; Jeremiah Harrington, LE & RW; Cassandra Hastings, Superior Edge; Christina Helms, Superior Edge; Amanda Hewer, RW; Rozemary Howard, CE, LE, & RW; Sarah Juday, CE, LE, & RW; Chelsea Koziel, DE & LE; Daniel Love, RW; Dawn Marsh, RW; Mollie McConnell, Superior Edge; Jamie McCraren, RW; Elijah Meert, RW; William Morgan, CE, LE, & RW; Andrea Nelson, CE; Nicole Nutt, Superior Edge; Jenelle Pelletier, CE, LE, & RW; Sara Pingel, Superior Edge; Michelle Stewart, Superior Edge; Samantha Terry, RW; Sandra Thomas, RW; Devon Tocco, DE; Sara Trudgeon, DE, LE, & RW; and Christopher White, CE.

CE – Citizenship Edge; DE – Diversity Edge;
LE – Leadership Edge; RW – Real World Edge


Monica Ahles has completed the Leadership Edge.  Monica is from Wausau, Wisconsin and is a math major. 
Harlee Alexander has completed the Citizenship and Real World Edges.  From Derby, Kansas, Harlee is a political science major who is most proud of volunteering at UPAWS.  She says, “I have been able to work with animals and get them to open up to humans especially if they have been abused or neglected.  I have always had a huge passion for helping animals and this has helped me to actually do something for them.”  After graduation, Harlee will be heading to Florida Coastal School of Law.
Rebecca Allers has completed the Diversity and Leadership Edges.  Rebecca  is a social work major from Marquette.
Congratulations to Emily Anderton for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  Hailing from Houghton, Emily is a nursing major.  She is most proud of becoming a resident adviser.  She says, “It truly developed me as a leader and as a person.  I was able to touch so many lives and take skills that I will use forever.  Being a nursing student and a RA is not easy, but I was able to successfully do both.  I am very proud of that.  It made me the person I am today and for that I am grateful.”  After graduation, Emily will be returning to Houghton to take the nursing boards in June and then apply for nursing positions in Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota.
Victoria Arnold has completed the Leadership Edge.  A biology major from Rockford, lllinois, Victoria is most proud of her participation with the Gliding Stars disability ice skating program because she was able to build such a great relationship with her little buddy.  She says, “I still continue to visit him.  He is a nine-year-old by with spina bifida.  We recently went to the Children’s Museum.  I love that I have taken my volunteering and applied it to my own personal life.”  After graduation, Victoria will be attending the master of Occupational Therapy Program at the University of St. Augustine in San Marcos, California.
Congratulations to Stephanie Beeman for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  Stephanie is a psychology major from Ionia, Michigan.  Stephanie is most proud of her involvement as an Institutional Review Board (IRB) Committee Member.  She says, “I am the first and to date the only student to become an IRB Committee Member at NMU.  This unique exposure to research ethics will always be helpful to my future in academic research.  It has been exceptionally rewarding to seek out such a professional experience and to have the involvement experience that an NMU student has never had before.  I consider myself fortunate to be surrounded by such a professional board and get to know faculty in this setting.”  After graduation, Stephanie will be going to graduate school to study psychology and would eventually like to become a professor.
Danielle Benson completed the Real World Edge.  Danielle is a clinical lab science major from Dollar Bay, Michigan.  She is most proud of volunteering at the Blood Donor Center and completing her six-week internship.  She says, “I loved representing NMU in a positive light while volunteering and interning.”  After graduation, Danielle will be staying at NMU to work on a master’s degree.
Congratulations to Kathleen Biddle for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge.  Hailing from Petoskey, Michigan, Kat is a nursing major who is most proud of her work with the Alzheimer’s Association where she developed an understanding about the culture of:  the area, disease, and the role of caregiver.  She says, “The view society has for disease is strong, and I am now hopeful we will turn around some very bad habits within our health care system to heal this stigma.  By looking globally, across history, we can see the necessity for a non-judgmental and stereotype-free place for the people of the community to heal.  I found the light to combat a darkness of social isolation and mistrust of community resources, where community can heal openly.”   After graduation, Kat will be taking her licensure exam and get an RN position.
Congratulations to Courtney Brown for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  From Midland, Michigan, Courtney is a triple major in French, English, and Theatre and Entertainment Arts.  Courtney’s most rewarding experiences was working with the Lake Superior Youth Theatre (formally the MACC Youth Theatre).  She says, “Not only have I met and worked with great youth members but also many people and parents in the community.  I have worked with the theatre for about five years and helped with over 10 major productions and concerts.  Serving as a stage manager, director, and technical director on different productions provided me with true insight into teaching theatre in general and through these experiences I have developed a close relationship with my spectacular mentor, Nikke Nason, founder of the youth theatre.”  After graduation, Courtney plans to return to NMU to obtain her Michigan teaching license.  After that year, she would like to work in professional theatre doing costume design and construction before teaching at the secondary level.
Congratulations to Kristine Bush for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  A biology major from Traverse City, Michigan, Kristine said her most influential experiences was completing the Diversity Edge.  She says, “I had the opportunity to travel abroad to Honduras and Tanzania, and I’m so grateful I was fully immersed in these cultures.  They were the most humbling and educational experiences I’ve had so far, and I plan to continue traveling throughout my life.”  After graduation, Kristine plans to attend nursing school and travel.
Erin Carey has completed the Citizenship Edge.  She is an athletic training major who is from Sawyer Lake, Michigan.  The activity that Erin found most rewarding was doing her clinical rotation with the NMU football team.  She says, “Through this rotation, I gained an invaluable knowledge about various athletic injuries while working in a fast-paced, high energy environment.  I gained a confidence in both my athletic training skills as well as in myself.  I also learned how rewarding it is to be able to bring an athlete back to full participation after a significant injury.”  After graduation, Erin will be attending California University in Pennsylvania to complete a master’s degree in athletic training as well as do a graduate assistantship.
Congratulations to Jamie Carter for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  From Ishpeming, Michigan, Jamie is an entertainment and sports promotion major who has enjoyed working in the NMU Athletic Department.  She says, “It has been an eye opening experience.  It has also been the best hands-on experience I could have asked for my future career choice and has given me countless opportunities.”  After graduation, Jamie will be working in the NMU Sports Information Department.
Congratulations to Nickolas Cook for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  From Ellsworth, Michigan, Nick is graduating with his master's degree.
Congratulations to Carolyn "Lizzie" Corser for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  From Ontonagon, Michigan, Lizzie is graduating with her master’s in public administration.  Lizzie is most proud of participating in the Superior Edge sponsored International Service Trip to Thailand.  She says, “Over the course of three weeks, we toured the country completing service activities, exploring cities and engaging in the social and political environment perpetuated by Thailand’s revered traditions.  The trip was by far one of the most culturally engaging, enriching and eye opening experiences I have had as a Wildcat and one I very much hope to repeat.”  After graduation, Lizzie will be continuing her position as the marketing and administrative assistant at the Marquette Downtown Development Authority while she searches for a position on the east coast.
Danae Cowell has completed the Citizenship, Leadership, and Real World Edges.  A psychology major from Menominee, Michigan, Danae is most proud of her involvement with the Circle K 24-Hour Service Project.  She says, “It was a great opportunity to help out and appreciate the local organizations around Marquette like the Beacon House, Bay Cliff Health Camp, and the Salvation Army.”  After graduation, Danae plans to attend the University of Wisconsin-Stout to pursue a master’s degree in school psychology.
Congratulations to Jessica Duncan for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  Hailing from Cedarville, Michigan, Jessica is a social work major.  She is most proud of her senior social work field placement at an orphanage called Acres of Hope, Uganda.  She says, “I was faced with many challenges, but through various Skill Builder!workshops and activities prior to leaving, I felt confident in the work I had set out to do.  I am proud to say I was the first social work student from NMU to do a senior field placement in a third world country.  I can honestly say if it wasn’t for the confidence I gained from my involvement in the Student Leader Fellowship Program and Superior Edge, I don’t think that would have been possible.”  After graduation Jessica plans to get her master’s in social work and continue advocating for education for people in all parts of the world where education is lacking and is not being treated as a basic human right.
Elizabeth Ernst has completed the Real World Edge.  From Clarkston, Michigan, Elizabeth is a double major in Earth Science and Physical Geography.   She is most proud of firefighting with the US Forest Service.  Immediately after graduation, she will be fighting fires in the Denali National Park.  After that, she will start applying to graduate schools to study forest ecology.
Congratulations to Melissa Esser for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  Hailing from Fair Haven, Michigan, Melissa is a psychology/behavior analysis major.  The activity Melissa is most proud of is her Student Leader Fellowship Program Community Service Internship with the Women and Children’s Center at Marquette General Hospital.  She says, “While interning, I was responsible for running Sibshops, workshops for children that have siblings with various physical or mental disabilities.  In the workshop, the children got to meet others that are going through the same things as they are and we got to address their feelings about their sibling in a safe, positive environment.  It helped open my eyes to the fact that a disability not only affects an individual but the entire family.  This knowledge I gained from this amazing opportunity will help me in my future career.”  After graduation, Melissa will be attending graduate school at Western New England University in Massachusetts to get a master’s in applied behavior analysis.  From there, she hopes to become a board certified analyst and specialize in helping children on the autism spectrum.
Congratulations to Christopher Fast for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  Topher was the first person to do our interview process for completing an edge.  Topher is an environmental studies and sustainability major from Kalkaska, Michigan.  Topher is most proud of reconnecting with his family in his birthtown of Olongapo City, Phillipines.  He said he found the truest sense of freedom.  He says, “After spending valuable time with my sister, I found a farm in Castillejos, Philippines. Sherry Zimmer, a Scottish born and educated American citizen, has done so much for that area and has changed many lives including the Aetas’.  I made good friends with the shy natives becoming invited to join their village.  I was able to help in their politics, their hut building, and even hunting.  There has never been a time I felt as free as I did with them.”  After graduation, Topher wants to start up a farm internship on his grandmother’s property and set sail for a bit of traveling.
Mindy Grabko has completed the Diversity, Leadership,and Real World Edges.  Mindy is an outdoor recreation leadership and management major from Sussex, Wisconsin.  Mindy is most proud of her trip to Costa Rica for RE 495X:  Ecology and Ecotourism of Costa Rica.  She says, “It provided me with a great opportunity to experience a culture outside of the country.  I was immersed in the food, dance, and politics of Costa Rica.  I found it very interesting just how aware the Costa Rican people are about preserving their precious environment.  Costa Rica has the most diverse ecosystem in the world because it is in between two continents and two oceans.  They are making strides towards preserving their environment, and NMU students had the chance to help out with tree planting, sea turtle research, and in turn, developed a deep appreciation for the nature.”  For the summer, Mindy will be interning at the Seney National Wildlife Refuge to complete her degree requirements; she is graduating in August. 
Congratulations to Carrie Grishaber for completing all four edges for Superior Edge!  Carrie was the first person to do videos to complete her Superior Edge reflection papers.  From Kalamazoo, Michigan, Carrie is a social work major who is most proud of volunteering with the American Red Cross disaster action team which gave assessments and did client casework with people affected by house fires.  She says, “I also provided support to first responders such as police and firepeople and taught disaster preparedness classes to Habitat for Humanity families.”  After graduation, Carrie will attend graduate school at the University of Michigan to complete the advanced masters in social work program with the practice method of community organization and practice area of social systems.
Congratulations to Rachel Gruler for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  Hailing from Petoskey, Rachel is a nursing major.  She is most proud of traveling to Santa Cruz de Yojoa for a faculty led study abroad trip for health care students.  She said, “I thoroughly enjoyed being able to help the children and families throughout the village with vaccinations and health assessments, and I love learning about the culture in Honduras.  I felt as though we made an impact on the health of others and that was really important to me.”  After graduation, Rachel hopes to find a job in Michigan working as a circulating nurse in an operating room.
Bethany Grysko has completed the Leadership and Real World Edges.  From Plymouth, Michigan, Bethany is a physiology major who is most proud of her involvement in The Next Chapter Book Club.  Bethany says, “This reading group for mentally disabled or illiterate adults allows its participants to experience the benefits of reading in a social environment.  Reading has always been important to me, and I believe that it is important to help people acquire this skill.  After being a part of this program for over two years, I have seen the members improve so much and become more confident in their abilities to both read and comprehend the books.  There is nothing more rewarding than seeing them laugh over a particularly humorous part of book or seeing how proud they are of themselves when they finish reading a particularly difficult page.”  After graduation, Bethany will be attending graduate school.
Shelby Guilbault has completed the CitizenshipLeadership, and Real World Edges.  A public relations major from Greenland, Michigan, Shelby is most proud of her NMU athletic internship and her experience in the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA).  She says, “I was able to gain the confidence and experience I need to help me in my career.  I worked with athletics and PRSSA to enhance my skills and realized how hard work truly pays off.”  After graduation, Shelby will be either going to grad school or will look for a job.
Jeremiah Harrington has finished the Leadership and Real World Edges.  An outdoor recreation leadership and management major from Royal Oak, Michigan, Jeremiah enjoyed participating in the Leave No Trace Trainer program.  He said, “It provided me with a wonderful opportunity to practice my outdoor and leadership skills in a structured and fun environment with like-minded people.”  After graduation, Jeremiah plans to work and travel out west or in Alaska for a year before returning to school to earn a master’s degree.
Congratulations to Shavon Harris for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  An international studies major from Chicago, Illinois, Shavon is most proud of her Student Leader Fellowship Program Community Service Internship with the Marquette Adult Day Services.  She says, “I am proud of it because it's not flashy and it's not super grand.  It's just something that I had no prior interest in, and now I have got to learn so much about hospice care and being an active listener in that environment.  I love working in that community, and it is an activity I will take with me for years to come.”  After graduation, Shavon plans on sitting back with her feet up and watch the money roll in.  Plan B is to teach English in South Korea.  She says, “I applied for that in case plan A doesn’t work out, fingers crossed for both of them.”
Congratulations to Cassandra Hastings for completing all four edges for Superior Edge!  A physics major from Hillsdale, Michigan, Cassy is most proud of volunteering at the Tosmaganga Orphanage.  She says, “The kids at the orphanage in Tanzania touched my heart in more ways than they can ever know.  It was a privilege to be able to teach first graders English, while also getting the opportunity to care for the infants.  From that experience, I have learned that working with children is something that I want to pursue in the medical field as well as working internationally.  My time at the orphanage is something I will never forget and memories I will have for a lifetime.”  After graduation, Cassy plans to attend Oakland University Beaumont School of Medicine.
Congratulations to Samantha Hawkins for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  Hailing from Waterford, Michigan, Sam is an elementary education major.  She is most proud of working with Miracle League of Michigan.  Sam says, “It has been a wonderful opportunity for me to work with children of different abilities and see the absolute joy on their faces as they play a game that was created for them.  I have made great friends through the organization and have learned more about life in my time working with those kids than I ever could have imagined.”  After graduation, Sam will be looking for a teaching position in the metro-Detroit area.
Christina Helms completed the Citizenship, Leadership, and Real World Edges.  From Oshkosh, Wisconsin, Tina is a loss prevention major.  She is most proud of the community service she has done, mostly through Kohl’s.  She volunteers at 15-25 events each year.  Tina says, “I have had a lot of fun doing these events and have met a lot of great people.  I enjoy being a part of a great program that gives back to children and breast cancer charities.”  After graduation, Tina plans to get a position in loss prevention and work with more charities and organizations like the American Legion.
Rozemary Howard has completed the Citizenship, Leadership, and Real World Edges.  Hailing from Gaylord, Michigan, Rozemary is a zoology major who is most proud of her dog walking program.  She says, “I was able to help local citizens as well as dedicated students.  It allows an animal interaction that tends to be forgotten when students go to college.  I have made some community members very happy with this program, and I have seen more smiling faces then I ever thought I could.  This program was the best thing I could have done for my Community Service Internship with the Student Leader Fellowship Program, and I am glad to have been able to share such a wonderful experience with so many people.”  After graduation, Rozemary will be attending veterinary school at Michigan State University.
Congratulations to Sara Hujar for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  An entertainment and sports promotion major from Binghamton, New York, Sara is most proud of her involvement in Circle K International.  She says, “Looking back to my freshman year, I would’ve never imagined that I would have become so involved on campus, in the local community, and even the surrounding regions.  My leadership roles in this community service organization have opened my eyes to some of my greatest passions in life, and I plan to continue my involvement post-grad by joining the Kiwanis!”  After graduation, Sara plans to pursue her master’s degree at NMU while working as a graduate assistant in the Center for Student Enrichment.
Abigail Iwen has completed the Real World Edge.  Hailing from Greenfield, Wisconsin, Abigail is a pre-physician assistant with biology/physiology who is most proud of volunteering in the inpatient pharmacy.  She says, “This is where I felt like I was really helping.  I was able to do odds and ends jobs with the pharmacist so they could focus on the really important things.  I learned how busy they are and sometimes just doing simple tasks can really go a long way.  I made a difference in not only with the pharmacist work but also in the patients’ lives.  After graduation, Abigail will be taking classes at Carroll University and will be going to PA school eventually.
Sarah Juday has completed the Citizenship, Leadership, and Real World Edges.  Sarah is an elementary education/language arts major from Woodhaven, Michigan.  Sarah is most proud of creating a kickball event where all the proceeds go towards Leader Dogs for the blind.  She says, “Creating an event on my own and doing all the work myself was both challenging and thrilling.  Having the event be so successful for three years has been an unexpected blessing that has helped so many people.  To have been the founder of this event and to have it continually run is something I am very proud of and would not have been possible without the support and skills I have learned through leadership.”  Sarah will be staying in the UP after she graduates and will be applying for a permanent teaching position.  She also plans to stay involved with the Marquette Lions Club and volunteer as much as she can.
Chelsea Koziel has completed the Diversity andLeadership Edges.  Hailing from Woodstown, New Jersey, Chelsea is a psychology major.  Chelsea is most proud of her service trip to Ecuador.  She says, “During those ten days I got to learn about other native cultures, practice my Spanish speaking skills, relate lessons that I have learned at NMU through my NAS minor to other cultures, and help people. That experience was eye opening and forced me to step out of my comfort zone which taught me a lot about myself, the people we helped, and it has inspired me to go to graduate school for international development.”  After graduation, Chelsea will be going to the University of Denver to obtain her master’s degree in international development through Master’s International with the Peace Corps.  She will complete two years at the University of Denver and then be placed overseas for 27 months to complete the Peace Corps part with the hope of one day creating her own non-profit organization to help save and promote indigenous languages.
Congratulations to Stephanie LeClaire for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  Stephanie is an elementary education major from Kingsford, Michigan.  She is most proud of all of the activities she has done while in Superior Edge.  She says, “Each one of those has helped me grow as a person and has allowed me to help other people.”  After graduation, Stephanie plans to travel and pursue her dream in educating children.
Nicole Lewis has completed the Diversity, Leadership, and Real World Edges.  She is a speech, language, and hearing sciences major from Galesburg, Michigan.  Nicole really enjoyed the opportunity of being able to apply what she learned in the classroom.  She said, “I have learned so much from working with clients and gained more knowledge just with the firsthand experience.  I have gained so much myself during the semester including different personality traits I never knew I had.  I feel I have become more patient, more knowledgeable, more creative, and less worried about perfection.  Working with real clients gave me more patience because it is all of their time and their temperament for that specific session.”  After graduation, Nicole will be in the distance program at the University of South Carolina for a master’s degree in communication disorders.
Daniel Love has completed the Real World Edge.  From Midland, Michigan, Daniel is an environmental science major.
Meghan Marquardt has completed the Citizenship, Leadership, and Real World Edges.  From Eau Claire, Wisconsin, Meghan is a theatre and English writing major.  Meghan said the most rewarding activity she participated in was the Drama and Dreams Camp through Lake Superior Youth Theatre.  She says, “I have never worked with such a diverse, enthusiastic group of kids, and it was absolutely amazing to see the group blossom as we gave them a safe space to explore and play in.”  This summer, Meghan will be working at Hershey Park as a stagehand and then will be moving to either Portland, Oregon, or Seattle, Washington, to pursue a career within a theatre company.
Dawn Marsh has completed the Real World Edge.  From Greenville, Michigan, Dawn is an environmental science major who is most proud of her internship with the Seney National Wildlife Refuge.  She says, “These internships allowed me to grow personally and professionally, and allowed me to get a great head start on my future career as a scientist.”  After graduation, Dawn will be working as the applied sciences crew leader at Seney National Wildlife Refuge and in a year will attend graduate school.
Congratulations to Mollie McConnell for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  From Ann Arbor, Michigan, Mollie is a social work major who is most proud of the time she spent in Haiti.  She says, “I had the opportunity to meet a lot of fantastic people and see how they live on a daily basis.  This experience made me realize how fortunate we are to live where we do.  I am proud of the relationships I formed and the things I taught so many children while I was in Port Au Prince.  Having been to another country to experience a new culture and way of life has made me open my eyes to international social work; something that is so often overlooked and seen as unimportant.”  After graduation, Mollie hopes to obtain a career in child welfare in Marquette County.
Jamie McCraren has completed the Real World Edge.  Jamie is a speech, language, and hearing sciences major from Highwood, Illinois.  Jamie loved seeking out an internship for a speech-language pathologist in her hometown.  She says, “Internships in this field are rare because you must have a license to practice.  She taught me so much through practical experiences and became my mentor in the field.  I helped out around her private practice and even observed therapy sessions.  This experience helped strengthen my confidence in pursuing a career as a speech-language pathologist.  After graduation, Jamie will be attending College of DuPage in Illinois to pursue an associate’s degree as a speech-language pathology assistant.    
Congratulations to Rachel McOwusu for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  From Taylor, Michigan, Rachel is an international studies major who is most proud of volunteering at the Beacon House Orphanage in Ghana, West Africa, during her study abroad.  Beacon House is an orphanage built for children ranging from infancy to 18 years.  She led tutoring sessions, arts and crafts, discussion forums and other educational but fun activities to help enhance their skills in whatever areas they needed help, all while having fun.  She got the children motivated and they felt challenged by the goals they set for themselves.  Rachel was really touched by the one-on-one time the students fought over with her.  She was really excited about their motivation to read and see how excited they were.  This summer Rachel will be an RA/Tutor with Upward Bound at Ohio State University.  In the fall, she will be attending Columbia University in New York while she works on her masters of social work degree.
Elijah Meert has completed the Real World Edge.  Hailing from Rockford, Michigan, Eli is a math major who plans on pursuing a career as an actuary.  Eli is most proud of tutoring at All Campus Tutoring.  He says, “I really enjoyed helping others succeed in math, and I especially liked the feeling I got when they came back to thank me.”  After graduation, Eli will be studying for the GRE and applying to graduate schools so he can pursue a degree in college math education.  He says, “I realize that I love tutoring math and teaching it too much to turn away from it.”
Sarah Miller has completed the Diversity, Leadership, and Real World Edges.  From Wausau, Wisconsin, Sarah is an elementary education language arts major.  She is most proud of student teaching abroad in Dhaka, Bangladesh, and experiencing real-world situations, as well as a whole lot of diversity and leadership.  The trip summed up all three areas.  It was such a rewarding experience.”  After graduation, Sarah will be heading abroad with her fiancé to doing some teaching.
William Morgan has completed the CitizenshipLeadership, and Real World Edges.  An English major from Jackson, Michigan, William is most proud of his volunteer work at Marquette General Hospital.  He said, “I made a meaningful impact on those I interacted with, and it was very rewarding to make that kind of difference.”  After graduation, William will be attending medical school at Michigan State University.
Congratulations to Danielle Morrison for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  Danielle is a psychology:  graduate school preparation major from Springfield, Illinois.  Danielle is most proud of working in the mental rotation lab.  She says, “Not only have I gained a multitude of professional knowledge directly applicable to my chosen research career, participating has allowed me to present at professional conferences.  The mental rotation lab has provided me the opportunities to build not only my professional capabilities and confidence, but my personal ones as well.”  After graduation, she will be attending a Ph.D. program at the University of Glasgow.
Andrea Nelson has completed the Citizenship Edge.  Hailing from Oakdale, Minnesota, Andrea is an English major.  Andrea is most proud of her work at a cat shelter.  She says, “I worked weekends for over a year cleaning the shelter and socializing the cats.  I helped many cats become ready for new homes and assisted families in finding a cat that matched their wants and needs.”  After graduation, Andrea plans to start a career in technical writing with the hope of one day being an editor in a publishing company.
Congratulations to Nicole Nutt for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  From Farwell, Michigan, Nicole is a social work major and is most proud of her internship at the Marquette Women’s Center/Harbor House.  She said, “I got the incredible opportunity to work with women and children in need who had nowhere else to go.  While at the Women’s Center, I developed a passion for sexual assault advocacy and I am now a member of the Sexual Assault Response Team for Marquette County.”  After graduation, Nicole plans to stay in Marquette while pursuing a job in social work.
Congratulations to Sarah Parkkonen for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  Hailing from Negaunee, Sarah is a nursing major who is most proud of working with the Lose the Training Wheels program.  This is a program that teaches children with disabilities to independently ride a two-wheel bike.  Bike riding provides a person with disabilities a lifelong means of transportation and immense independence.  Sarah says, “While volunteering for this program, my role was to run behind the children on their bikes, keeping them safe and encouraging them.  I will never forget the look on the children’s faces when they rode a two-wheel bike for the first time.  Through volunteering with this program, I enjoyed nurturing the potential of children with disabilities and was inspired by their enthusiasm and self-determination.”  After graduation, Sarah will be working as a pediatric RN at University of Wisconsin’s Health Children’s Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin.
Jenelle Pelletier has completed the Citizenship,Leadership, and Real World Edges.  From Grant, Michigan, Jenelle is an environmental conservation major who is most proud of conducting an environmental impact assessment on the Longyear Property in which NMU owns.  She says, “Through this, I was able to develop real-world experiences and present the class’s research to the Board of Trustees as well as at a dinner for President Haynes and the administration.  I was part of the water quality and aquatics team and was able to analyze environmental impacts of the property.”  After graduation, Jenelle is hoping to get a residence hall director position within Student Affairs.
Congratulations to Alexander Perry for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  Hailing from Newport, Michigan, Alex is a nursing major who is most proud of traveling to Honduras for a nursing abroad trip.  He says, “During this trip, I was able to strengthen my fundamental nursing skills and gain experience in another cultures way of life.  Half of the trip was to administer vaccinations and provide teaching as well as medical assessments to school age children.  The second half of the trip was mainly to gain knowledge and live experience within the Honduran culture.  I developed an appreciation for international diversity through this trip by fully immersing myself in the culture of the Honduran people and gaining fundamental nursing skills.”  After graduation, Alex plans to get more experience in the critical care field and eventually moving into a master's or doctorate degree.
Congratulations to Sara Pingel for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  A Germanstown, Wisconsin, native, Sara is an outdoor recreation leadership and management major.  Sara is most proud of coordinating the Earth Day Celebration at Moosewood Nature Center.  She says, “Local artists entered natural themed pieces into a gallery.  Cash prizes were awarded to the top two pieces as well as the winner of audience choice.  There were judges from the community to choose the winners.  In addition to the art gallery, many local environmental non-profit agencies came for an open house.  Each agency was able to set up a table with an activity or information to get youth and their parents thinking about how they can better their impact on Earth.  It was great experience in community-wide event planning, and it was great to set up an outlet for talented artists and dedicated non-profits to show off what they have been up to!”  After graduation, Sara will be staying at NMU to pursue her master’s degree in higher education and student affairs.
Congratulations to Trent Podskalan for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  Trent is from Wayland, Michigan, and is a multimedia journalism major.  Trent is most proud of his Student Leader Fellowship Program’s Community Service Internship at Sandy Knoll Elementary School in a first grade classroom where he helped the kids with writing twice a week.  He says, “I can tell that it means a lot to the students, and they often greet me with hugs and/or a “Hi, Mr. Trent!”  It has been wonderful to watch them grow in their writing and to be able to be a role model for them as well.  I’m truly going to miss them after this year.”  After graduation, Trent will be working at Walt Disney World as a part of their Disney College Program.  He hopes to be able to grow within the company or else he will be pursuing a master’s somewhere during the fall of 2015 in student affairs/higher education.
Congratulations to Morgan Raether for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  A secondary education – English major, Morgan is from Eau Claire, Wisconsin.  She is most proud of organizing the partnership between the Honors Student Organization (HSO) and the US Forest Service Greenhouse in Marquette while she was the president of HSO.  Morgan says, “For two years, I helped to organize volunteers to clean greenhouses, water plants, and plant seeds the greenhouse.  In so doing, we were able to play a small part in helping keep the UP’s native plants thriving throughout the UP.”  After graduation, Morgan will be looking for a high school teaching position in the UP.
Congratulations to Brittany Ridge for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  From Hudsonville, Michigan, Brittany is a nursing major who is most proud of working at Bay Cliff Health Camp during the summer as well as other weekend camps throughout the school year.  Brittany says, “I loved working with the campers and encouraging them to be as independent as possible.  It is also great to be able to make normal children activities such as jumping in the pool or cross country skiing available for kids who have physical disabilities.”  After graduation, Brittany plans to work as an RN in a neonatal intensive care unit.
Congratulations to Katie Selinger for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  Katie is from Grayslake, Illinois, and is an English writing major.  She is most proud of her participation with Special Olympics.  Katie says, “Taking the time to give the athletes their moment to shine and celebrating with them was one of the most gratifying moments I’ve had in Superior Edge.  More importantly, the event taught me to get out of my comfort zone by realizing even people with special needs have special gifts.”  After graduation, Katie is taking training to get TESOL certification and intends to apply for the JET program to teach English in Japan.
Congratulations to Kayla Shupert for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  A double major in psychology and sociology, Kayla is from Alpena, Michigan.  Kayla is most proud of her participation for two years in Camp Star, a children’s bereavement camp.  She says, “It was one of the most influential experiences I've had.  It allowed me to connect with a younger child who was going through the loss of a family member and give them some support to help them work through it.  These kids would go from a very emotional healing circle to running around and playing. I t was inspiring to watch them work through it and still be able to laugh and enjoy themselves.  After graduation, Kayla will be going to graduate school.
Congratulations to Cassandra Sovereen for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  Cassie is a psychology major from Grand Rapids, Michigan.  She is most proud of working in a group home.  Cassie says, “Working with mentally and physically handicapped women has truly made me value how lucky I am.  I feel like I was put on this earth to help others and working in the group home has helped me to do that.  I see that I can make a difference, and I do, every day.”  After graduation, Cassie will be taking the GRE and going to grad school.
Congratulations to Sara Stafford for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  From Huntington Woods, Michigan, Sara is an environmental studies and sustainability major.  Sara is most proud of her work in Brazil.  She says, “This trip and completing this edge opened my eyes to a completely new world:  one where I can accomplish anything I put my mind to.  This edge taught me to be confident, independent, and open-minded.  Experiencing new cultures, languages, and meeting new people was a life-changing experience.  The things that I did and the people I met are something that I would have never imagined myself doing in a million years when I was a freshman.  Now I see myself not on a level in the US but a global level as in I can live and work anywhere and that borders will not stop me.”  After graduation, Sara will be moving to Orange, Texas, where she will be participating in an environmental education internship.
Congratulations to Michelle Stewart for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  Michelle is a clinical laboratory sciences major from Monroe, Michigan.  She is most proud of her experience in Guatemala.  She says, “It forced me to step outside my comfort zone and see what the world had to offer and what I had to offer the world.  I thought I would have so much to offer the people of San Lucas and instead they gave me more than I could have imagined.  That experience changed me as a person and I am extremely grateful for every second I got to spend with the people who made me a better, educated, well-rounded human being.”  Michelle’s practicum doesn’t end until July so she will be officially graduating in August.  She is the process of applying for jobs.
Congratulations to Emily Stulz for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  From Marquette, Emily is a multi-media journalism major who is most proud of her participation in Women for Women’s Hear Us Roar, a sexual assault survivor’s reader’s theatre.  Emily says, “It gave me the opportunity to be involved in some of the strongest young adult’s lives I’ve ever met and be able to be with them as they took steps towards overcoming their own fear in sharing their stories.”  After graduation, Emily plans on getting her master's in higher education.
Kevin Sundt has completed the Diversity, Leadership, and Real World Edges.  Hailing from Lake Orion, Michigan, Kevin is a biology major who is most proud of his experience at Marquette General Hospital in the operating room.  Kevin says, “Observing the procedures done on real patients in real situations prepared me for the medical atmosphere and influenced how I thought about medical procedures.”  After graduation, Kevin plans to attend the masters of bio-imaging program at Boston University.
Mark Surrell has completed the Diversity, Leadership, and Real World Edges.  Mark is a biology and philosophy double major from Marquette.  Mark is most proud of being the president of Platform Personalities for three years.  He says, “I was able to bring meaningful ideas and discussions to campus.”  After graduation, Mark plans on traveling around the United States and then looking for employment in various industries.
Samantha Terry has completed the Real World Edge.  Samantha is a communications studies major from Reese, Michigan.  She says, “I am so thankful that I started participating in Superior Edge as a freshman.  Although I haven’t completed all of the edges, it gave me the motivation to branch out and try new experiences as well as helping out a new community.  One experience that really resonated with me was my time spent at Scheurer Hospital.  I will be moving to this area upon graduation and volunteering there was a great way to get to know their community.  During my time at the hospital, I volunteered in the Community Relations department.  I helped with their children’s wellness fair and assisted kids with putting together ‘make your own first aid kits.’  It was a great experience that got me involved with a community I hope to be working in upon graduation.  I was also helping out in the office with various tasks involving their upcoming events.  I really enjoyed this aspect and it gave me a greater understanding of what the area has in place for health education and involvement as well as what could be improved.”  Samantha recently got engaged, will be getting married in August, and will be moving downstate to be closer to her family.  She hopes to find a job promoting community wellness and actively engaging the decisions.
Sandra Thomas has completed the Real World Edge.  Hailing from Canadian Lakes, Michigan, Sandra is a social work major that is most proud of serving as a long-term care ombudsman and advocate for the rights of residents in long-term care facilities throughout Marquette County.  At this time, she unsure what she will be doing after graduation.
Devon Tocco has completed the Diversity Edge.  A secondary education – English major, Devon is from Warren, Michigan.  She is most proud of studying abroad in Vienna, Austria and then traveling in Europe for two months.  She says, “I then was able to take my experiences back with me to my classroom to dispel negative generalizations and stereotypes.”  After graduation, Devon will be looking for a teaching position in the US or will go abroad to teach English.
Sara Trudgeon has completed the Diversity, Leadership, and Real World Edges.  She is a political science/pre-law major from Grayling, Michigan.  Sara is most proud of her work with the Model United Nations Club.  She says, “I was vice president of the club for 2012-13 and president during 2013-14.  Through much hard work, I encouraged members to extend their knowledge of different nations around the world and study global issues.  Under my leadership, the Model United Nations club won multiple awards for outstanding achievement.”  After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in three years, she will be studying for the LSAT and applying to law schools as well as save money for future expenses.
Megan Weber has completed the Leadership and Real World Edges.  She is an elementary education major from Neenah, Wisconsin.  Her favorite activity was being a leader for Wildcats for Life.  She says, “I really enjoyed connecting students and alumni together.  It was such a great experience and I learned a lot, whether it was networking skills or tips on what to do after graduation.  Through this organization and other on-campus organizations such as Hunt Hall government, I was also able to participate in Make a Difference Day or volunteer at UPAWS.  All of these little activities have really made a difference in my life, and I don’t think I would be where I am in life without meeting the people I did and doing the things I did.”  After graduation, Megan plans to move out of the area to find a teaching job.
Christopher White has completed the Citizenship Edge.  Hailing from Kingsford, Michigan, Christopher is a construction management major whose favorite memory was building some outside structures for the children at Bay Cliff.  He says, “It put a huge smile on my face when I saw how happy those kids were.  Those children were so happy, and it was the least we could do was spend an afternoon making their lives a little bit better.”  After graduation, Christopher will be moving to Cincinnati, Ohio for a job.
Congratulations to Linaye Whitehead for completing all four edges for the Superior Edge!  From Litchfield, Michigan, Linaye is a psychology behavior analysis major who is most proud of her practicum.  She says, “It gave me a chance to actually experience what I’m going to school for.  I was able to interact with people in the desired setting and learned many things about myself.  It helped me improve my decisions for my future.”  After graduation, she plans to attend graduate school.

Eight students were recognized as Superior Edge graduates.  To receive this honor, the students completed a minimum of 400 Superior Edge hours, a minimum of 100 hours in each of the four edges.  The other 15 students graduated with one, two or three edges.  Superior Edge graduates were given blue cords to wear at commencement. Read more about the graduates below:

Superior Edge Grads Dec 2013

Sitting:  Nicky Kumerow, DE, LE, & RW; Anna Dravland, CE, LE, & RW; Ellyn Carroll, Superior Edge; Charlotte Cialek, Superior Edge; Kaytlyn Kwiatkowski, LE; and Joseph DeLisle II, LE.

Second Row:  Kelli Arnold, RW; Anica Gillis, Superior Edge; Diana Nguyen, Superior Edge; Jacqueline Carroll, Superior Edge; Allison Haltaufderheid, Superior Edge; Superior Edge Student Coordinator Melissa Esser; Superior Edge Student Coordinator Samantha Hawkins; Superior Edge Graduate Assistant Stephanie Felton; Superior Edge Student Coordinator Sara Hujar.

Back Row:  Adam Magnuson, LE & RW; Julia McLean, Superior Edge; Caitlin Mrowiec, Superior Edge; Heather Drangin, DE, LE, & RW; Center for Student Enrichment Director Rachel Harris; Superior Edge Student Coordinator Olivia Steil, and Ronald Allen, CE, LE, & RW.

Missing from photo:  Eric Borsum, LE; Amanda Carey, RW; Chelsea Ewaldt, CE & LE; Emily Goodman, DE & RW; Steven Goulding CE & RW; Paige LaFave, LE; Andrew Piasecki, CE & RW.

CE – Citizenship Edge; DE – Diversity Edge;
LE – Leadership Edge; RW – Real World Edge


Ronnie Allen completed the Citizenship, Leadership, and Real World Edges.  He is an environmental conservation major from Harrison Township, Michigan.  Ronnie is most proud of the time he spent working on the courage retreat through his community service internship with the Student Leader Fellowship Program.  He says, “Working on a program that was meant to help kids was rewarding.  To know that my fellow SLFP’ers and I worked hard on making life better for 7th and 8th graders is something I will always cherish.”  After graduation, Ronnie plans to work full-time for a couple of years and then return to school to earn a graduate degree in professional studies.

Kelli Arnold is an athletic training major who has completed the Real World Edge.  She is from Carney, Michigan.  Kelli is most proud of going to Dickinson County Hospital and working with an outreach program for Kingsford High School.  She says, “With help from a teacher, I was able to find this opportunity and normally students stay between Marquette and Ishpeming for our experiences.”  Kelli is waiting for the results of her Board of Certification test and then she hopes to be employed through a hospital outreach program to a high school.

Completing the Leadership EdgeEric Borsum is from Houghton and is a business management major.  He is most proud of being a camp counselor.  He says, “I was able to work with kids and be a leader.  I was a major influence on them and I was able to learn how to motivate and discipline them.  I learned how to inspire them and I also learned a lot about myself by being around them.  They taught me how to be a better leader by being more clear with directions, how to get them excited for different activities, and how to keep them under control.  It was a great experience.  I learned so much from the kids, and they learned a lot from me.”  After graduation, Eric hopes to find a position that he can fit into somewhere outside of Michigan.

Amanda Carey completed the Real World Edge.  An environmental science major with a concentration in natural resources, Amanda is from Negaunee.  She is most proud of her service trip to Belize.  She says, “While there, we helped paint a school, helped teach the children, and got to experience different types of diversity.”  After graduation, Amanda is hoping to find a job in wildlife conservation.

Completing all four edges for the Superior Edge is Ellyn Carroll!  She is a business management major from Maple Grove, Minnesota.  She is most proud of her work as a coach for the Superior Central Middle School track and field team.  She said, “I felt so connected to the community as the coach of the young adults of Superior Central.  I was given invaluable autonomy and leadership experience.  I have been able to maintain a strong relationship with the athletes, even though I no longer coach for them.  Coaching track really fueled my passion for coaching in general.  It made me seek out more coaching opportunities and I am the assistant coach for Marquette’s varsity volleyball team.”  After graduation, Ellyn will be staying at NMU as a graduate assistant for First Year Experience while working on her master of psychology in training and human performance improvement degree.

Jacqueline Carroll completed all four edges for the Superior Edge!  Hailing from Wixom, Michigan, Jacqui is an art and design education major with a minor in secondary English education.  She is most proud of her student teaching experience.  Jacqui says, “Not only has it been the most immersion I have experienced in the classroom, but it has been the greatest period of learning and reflection in my life.  Every day my patience is tested by my students, a virtue I have always struggled with.  Once  this experience is over, I know I will walk out with more than just classroom management skills; I will walk out as a confident, wise, lighthearted woman who is willing to take on the world – can’t ask for more than that.”  After graduation, Jacqui will be moving to Germany to be an ESL teacher.

Charlotte Cialek completed all four edges for the Superior Edge!  A biochemistry major from Ann Arbor, Michigan, Charlotte is most proud of her time in the Center for Student Enrichment and the Student Leader Fellowship Program.  She says, “We’ve all heard it before, ‘If you actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader.’ by John Quincy Adams.   When I started the Student Leader Fellowship Program (SLFP), it was one of the best decisions I’ve made.  I’ve met so many influential people who have taught me valuable lessons about leadership and life.  I feel connected to the Marquette community and have learned how to be a servant leader, the essence of Adams’ quote.  Because of the SLFP, I know I’ll be an active community member and leader in my future endeavors.”  Charlotte was the 2013 fall semester commencement speaker.  After graduation, Charlotte is going home to hug her family, grandma, and dog and then she will head to South Korea to teach English!

Heather Drangin completed the DiversityLeadership, and Real World Edges.  Heather is a computer information systems major concentrating in network administration and is from Cedar Springs, Michigan.  She is most proud of her experience in the Real World Edge working for eBay.  She says, “This gave me an opportunity to learn more about opportunities available in my field.  I also had the opportunity to grow as a professional.”  After graduation, Heather will be staying at NMU to pursue an MPA.

Anna Dravland completed the Citizenship, Leadership, and Real World Edges.  Anna is a hospitality management major from Negaunee who completed her associate’s degree.  The activity that Anna is most proud of is the Support Our Soldiers car wash and barbecue that she created.  She says, “My boyfriend and three of my brothers are in the military and it came to my attention that our local military units were in need of money for their family activity days and family support programs.  The proceeds of the event went to the two active military units in the area.  This was the first time I have ever created, from the ground up, my own fundraiser.  I did everything including poster design, donation acquisition, media spots and marketing, volunteer coordination and everything in the middle….  It is a genuine blessing to know that my personal efforts and the generosity of the community can truly make a difference.  The Superior Express Care & Wash on Washington Street has offered to host the 2nd Annual fundraiser on Saturday, July 5, 2014. Volunteer soldiers and their families will join us again to make this an amazing, fun day of support.”  After graduation, Anna will continue working on her bachelor’s degree at NMU and develop her resume as a fundraising specialist and event planner.

Chelsea Ewaldt completed the Citizenship and Leadership Edges.  She is an English major from Menominee, Michigan.  Chelsea is most proud of the opportunity to share her music abilities with aspiring young musicians.  She says, “Every summer for many years I have taught band lessons to local sixth graders in my hometown.  I love to see the progress they make from the beginning of the lessons until the end.  It’s absolutely wonderful to know that I’ve made a difference in their lives and have shared something I am really passionate about.”  After graduation, Chelsea plans to find a job as a journalist.

Anica Gillis completed all four edges for the Superior Edge!  Hailing from Chassell, Michigan, Anica is a speech, language, and hearing sciences major.  The activity that Anica put the most time into planning and implementing was an after-school program at Marquette Alternative High School.  She says, “I was the leader of this activity but had several students that would work with me at each of the after-school lessons.  I learned the importance of a positive group dynamic, consistency in leadership, and commitment while helping to guide many area students in need.”  After graduation, Anica will be pursuing a master’s degree in speech-language pathology.

Emily Goodman completed the Diversity and Real World Edges.  Emily is an environmental studies and sustainability major from Lake Bluff, Illinois.  One of Emily’s favorite activities while in Superior Edge was going to Belize.  She says, “Voluntourism is just as it sounds, part volunteering and part tourism. We went over spring break my sophomore year for a 10-day trip.  This trip alone opened my eyes to diversity around the world.  Exploring the jungle in inland Belize was almost as rewarding as helping students in El Progresso clean up their school.”  After graduation, Emily will be spending a few months in Puerto Rico exploring and working at a farm that practices permaculture.

Allison Haltaufderheid completed all four edges for the Superior Edge!  From Green Bay, Wisconsin, Allison is a physical education and health education major.  She is most proud of her successful coaching career over the past three summers.  Allison says, “I had the opportunity to coach the Allouez Red Youth 9-12-year-old girls’ softball team.  I was asked to take on this responsibility due to my passion for coaching and athletics.  The hands-on head coach position requires you to build a team, be a leader, set goals for the girls and to teach techniques all while enjoying the sport and experience.  I had to make critical position changes, dealt with parent opinions, and the commitment of long weekend hours.  To watch the girls enjoy themselves and develop my coaching skills was definitely a highlight that will be with me for a while as I plan to continue on with my team in the future.”  Allison will be moving back to Green Bay to look for a teaching job in the field of physical education or health education.

Completing the Diversity, Leadership, and Real World Edges is Nicky Kumerow.  An early childhood and Spanish double major, Nicky is from Forest Lake, Minnesota.  Nicky is most proud of being the president of the NMU’s Women’s Alpine Ski Team for two years.  She says, “Being president required a lot of planning, responsibility and decision making that I think cumulated in an overall great experience.”  After graduation, Nicky will be staying Marquette to continue working as a toddler teacher.

Kaytlyn Kwiatkowski completed the Leadership Edge.  Hailing from Memphis, Michigan, Kaytlyn is a criminal justice major.  The highlight of being in Superior Edge was going to London, England.  She says, “This was the first time I had ever traveled across seas and the experience opened my eyes to the vast diversity.  We spent a bit of time browsing the local street markets and getting to know the local people that lived there.”  After graduation, Kaytlyn hopes to obtain a career working for Child Protective Services in Michigan.

Completing the Leadership and Real World Edges is Adam Magnuson.  An environmental studies and sustainability major from Brookfield, Wisconsin, Adam is most proud of being the president of the “greatest club in Northern’s history,” The Tree Musketeers.  Adam plans to hike the Arizona National Scenic Trail in March and then go on to graduate school.

A nursing major from Dearborn, Julia McLean completed all four edges for the Superior Edge!  Julia is most proud of her experiences at Bay Cliff Health Camp.  She says, “This employment experience had such a positive impact on my college experience, as well as on my life in general.  I am a more positive and accepting person because of my time spent here.  I learned more from working with these amazing children than any textbook could ever teach, and I recommend the job to anyone majoring in a healthcare field, education, or to anyone who wants a life-changing experience.”  After graduation, Julia plans to pass her boards and become licensed as an RN.  She would then like to get a job in pediatrics at C.S. Mott Hospital at the University of Michigan, and after working for a while, go back to get her masters in nursing.

Completing all four edges for the Superior EdgeCaitlin Mrowiec is a zoology major from Antioch, Illinois!  She is most proud of participating in the entire 24 hours of Relay for Life.  She says, “I have lost family to cancer and so had members of the team I participated with.  It was incredibly emotional and touching, and we all supported each other throughout the experience.  There was a very strong sense of community and camaraderie between the participants, and I am honored to have been part of raising money for such a noble cause.”  After graduation, Caitlin is taking a short break from schooling before attending graduate school.  During her break, she will continue to volunteer at the humane society.

Diana Nguyen completed all four edges for the Superior Edge!  From Marquette, Diana is a nursing major who says that all four edges have impacted her positively as a person.  She says, “I really enjoyed volunteering and helping others.  I have spent over 100+ hours tutoring students in all subjects.  As a nursing student, I enjoyed teaching young students about health care and helping them with homework.  By completing the entire Superior Edge, my life has changed through meeting so many great people.  Besides having a positive impact on my life, I hope my contributions as a Superior Edge member has impacted others in a positive way as well.”  After graduation, Diana plans to do an overseas mission trip during winter break before returning to NMU as a post baccalaureate student.

Andrew Piasecki completed the Citizenship and Real World Edges.  A marketing major, Andrew is from Upsala, Minnesota.  Andrew is most proud of his involvement with planning the 2012 United Conference.  He says, “I helped Judy Puncochar and her team with the planning as well as the promotion of the conference.  It was a great experience, and I really learned a lot from it.  The Student Leader Fellowship Program led me to work on the project as my community service internship, which was a part of the program.  I am most proud of this activity since I was able to help bring several guest speakers to NMU.”  After graduation, Andrew will be staying in Marquette to work at the Convention and Visitor’s Bureau.

Thirty-six students were recognized as Superior Edge graduates.  To receive this honor, the students completed a minimum of 400 Superior Edge hours, a minimum of 100 hours in each of the four edges.  The other 34 students graduated with one, two or three edges.  For the first time, Superior Edge graduates were given blue cords to wear during commencement.

Superior Edge Grads May 2013

Sitting:  Superior Edge Graduate Assistant Stephanie Felton; Clare Cunningham, Superior Edge; Hillary Hamblin, Superior Edge; Jacqueline Diekman, LE & RW; Hailey Schroeder, Superior Edge; Abby Engen, Superior Edge; Brook Derusha, Superior Edge; and Anthony Labadie, Superior Edge.

Second Row:  Associate Director Rachel Harris, Kristin Denryter, Superior Edge; Corinne Holmes, Superior Edge; Melissa Young, Superior Edge; Geneva Martin, Superior Edge; Amelia Johnson, Superior Edge; Jennifer Hamberg, Superior Edge; Superior Edge Student Coordinator Melissa Esser; Sara Smolucha, Superior Edge; and Amanda Marcotte, Superior Edge.

Third Row:  Superior Edge Student Coordinator Samantha Hawkins; Emily Stenson, DE & LE; Jolie Wycinski, Superior Edge; Havah Cohn-Mitchell, Superior Edge; Jacqlin Nord, Superior Edge; Sarah Weirtz, Superior Edge; Robin Feuerman, Superior Edge; Amanda Sterzick, Superior Edge; and Superior Edge Student Coordinator, Sara Hujar.

Back Row:  Robert Carlson, LE; Kevin Corkin, Superior Edge; Brandon Frazho, Superior Edge; Garrett Paquette, RW; Kurt Lang, LE & RW; Stephanie Hahn, Superior Edge; Laura Budinger, LE & RW; Brendan Franklin, Superior Edge; and Ashley Foster, Superior Edge.

Missing from photo:  Chloe Apelgren, RW; Natalie Avila, DE, LE & RW; Edward Bollman, LE & RW; Elizabeth Brown, RW; Jamie Burgan, LE & RW; Daniel Case, LE; Natalie Chrapla, RW; Nicholas Cirilli, Superior Edge; Sarah Cousineau, CE, LE, & RW; Matthew Croschere, RW; Ariel Egan, Superior Edge; Aaron Elam, LE; Parker Foss, RW; Amy Geyser, Superior Edge; Stephanie Grajek, Rw; Shane Graves, CE, LE & RW; Megan Jastremski, LE & RW; Suzanne Juip, Superior Edge; Megan Keiser, RW; Scot Koski, LE; Megan LaRocque, Superior Edge; Brittany Loomis, Superior Edge; Andrew Mills, LE & RW; Abigail Parker, DE; Shelby Pfeifle, Superior Edge; April Pratico, LE; Callia Robinson, Superior Edge; Brittany Rodenberg, RW; Eric Schaff, RW; Tracy Schwart, RW; Magan Scully, Superior Edge; Courtney Sherman, DE, LE & RW; Allison Testolin, Superior Edge; Alanna Toro, LE; Caitlin Uecker-Herman, LE & RW; Megan Vesel, RW; Samantha Wightman, DE & LE; and Shannon Yaroch, Superior Edge.

CE – Citizenship Edge; DE – Diversity Edge; 
LE – Leadership Edge; RW – Real World Edge

Ten students were recognized as Superior Edge graduates.  To receive this honor, the students completed a minimum of 400 Superior Edge hours, a minimum of 100 hours in each of the four edges.  The other 12 students graduated with one, two, or three edges.

Dec 2012 Grads

Front:  Christie Rumrill, CE & RW; Huijin He, Superior Edge; Nicole Pietsch, CE, LE, & RW; Megan Collins, RW; Molly Davis, Superior Edge; Kathryn Mara, Superior Edge; Kaitlin Krengel, DE, LE, & RW; Superior Edge Student Coordinator Melissa Esser; and Superior Edge Student Coordinator Samantha Hawkins

Middle:  Justin Brugman, CE, LE, & RW; Ashley Felicelli (partially hidden), Superior Edge; Samantha Ogea, LE & RW; Lauren Veale, CE, LE, & RW; Superior Edge Graduate Assistant Stephanie Felton; Kathryn Powell, Superior Edge; and Summer Kanniainen-Hadden (partially hidden), Superior Edge

Back:  Erik Maillard, CE, LE, & RW; Associate Director of the Center for Student Enrichment Rachel Harris; Sarah Nadeau, CE, LE, & RW; Cody Hough (partially hidden), DE, LE, & RW; Sarah Muellerleile, Superior Edge; Aaron Bardwell, Superior Edge; Natasha Gallagher, Superior Edge; and Renee Hayes, CE, LE & RW

Missing from photo:  Alison Eberts, Superior Edge, and Kaitlyn Silver, RW

CE – Citizenship Edge; DE – Diversity Edge; 
LE – Leadership Edge; RW – Real World Edge

Twenty-nine students were recognized as Superior Edge graduates.  To receive this honor, the students completed a minimum of 400 Superior Edge hours, a minimum of 100 hours in each of the four edges.  The other 43 students graduated with one, two, or three edges.

May 2012 Grads

Front Row:  Associate Director of the Center for Student Enrichment Rachel Harris; Superior Edge Student Coordinator Melissa Esser; Superior Edge Student Coordinator Sara Hujar; Kathryn Powell, Superior Edge; Jessica Persaud, Superior Edge; Rebecca Beaverson, RW; Heather Lawson, CE, LE & RW; and Superior Edge Graduate Assistant Erik Maillard

Second Row:  Rachael Williams, Superior Edge; Claire Kooperman, Superior Edge; Heather Munsche, CE, LE, & RW; Natasha Piper, LE & RW; Mollie Anderson, CE, LE, & RW; Jennifer Clement, Superior Edge; and Sarah Eberhard, Superior Edge

Third Row:  Hannah Kratz, CE & LE; Superior Edge Student Coordinator Sarah Leissring, Superior Edge; Emily Martin, Superior Edge; Meredith Steggerda, Superior Edge; Elaine Brushafer, RW; Tracy Pickering, Superior Edge; Naomi David, Superior Edge; Carolyn Tobin, Superior Edge; and Laura Judge, Superior Edge

Back Row:  Robert Herman, CE; Erin Astle, Superior Edge; Alex Wolfe, Superior Edge; Stefane Preston, Superior Edge; Kristen Halsey, CE, LE & RW; Ryan Twilley, Superior Edge; Abbey Schuyler, RW; and Zachary Mendelsohn, Superior Edge

Missing from photo:  Brittany Akehurst, RW; Jonathan Archiquette, RW; Zachary Bartel, Superior Edge; Branden Bearup, LE; Helen Beelen, CE; Bryanne Bellovary, RW; Jacinda Bowman, Superior Edge; Emily Carefoot, DE & LE; Jennifer Clement, Superior Edge; Stephanie Dupuis, Superior Edge; Alison Eberts, LE; Elise Edwards, LE & RW; Megan Forrest, CE, LE & RW; Stephanie Fouts, Superior Edge; Dan Freeborn, LE; Eric Garchow, DE, LE & RW; Caitlin Glendenning, DE & RW; Nathan Goetzinger, LE & RW; Nicole Gozdor, LE & RW; Jennifer Grasch, CE & LE; Andrew Harmon, LE & RW; Carolyn Harwood, Superior Edge; Daniel Helminen, RW; Lauren Jacques, CE; Brittany Kruger, RW; Kaylee Laitinen, LE & RW; Katrina Lamansky, RW; Heath Mason, CE & RW; Michael Michalek, RW; Christina Moffett, Superior Edge; Megan Munyan, DE, LE & RW; Aimee Nash, DE & LE; LeeAnne Nawrot, RW; Jessica Olson, RW; Kathryn Polus, Superior Edge; Laura Putwen, LE & RW; Stephanie Ray, Superior Edge; Courtney Russell, Superior Edge; Katlynn Sayles, DE, LE & RW; Erin Schafer, Superior Edge; Heather Seppanen, RW; Emily Shank, LE & RW; Kristine Stensgaard, RW; Leah Waite, RW; Katelynn Wright, LE; Callie Youngman, Superior Edge

CE – Citizenship Edge; DE – Diversity Edge; 
LE – Leadership Edge; RW – Real World Edge

Five students were recognized as Superior Edge graduates.  To receive this honor, the students completed a minimum of 400 Superior Edge hours, a minimum of 100 hours in each of the four edges.  The other 23 students graduated with one, two or three edges:

Dec 2011 Grads

Front:  Superior Edge Graduate Assistant Erik Maillard; Amber Holland, Superior Edge; Associate Director of the Center for Student Enrichment Rachel Harris; Kristin Hillegonds, CE & RW; and Shauna Neshek, DE, LE, & RW

Back:  Holly Mathys, Superior Edge; Aaron Lohman, RW; Monica Bruell, LE; Caitlin McCarty, CE, LE, & RW; Mary Nalette, RW; and Bradley Jousma, RW

Missing from photo:  Christina Dougherty, LE & RW; Brooke Goldsworthy, CE, LE, & RW; Ashley Hoag, DE & RW; Kirsten Hoklas, Superior Edge; Laura Klein, LE & RW; Adda Lamon, CE, LE, & RW; Anna Miller, LE & RW; Sarah Miller, RW; Monica Rinckey, Superior Edge; Courtney Russell, CE, LE, & RW; Stephanie Sayen, RW; Kyle Schaeffer, LE & RW; Robert Slater, DE, LE, & RW; Renee Smith, CE, LE, & RW; Holly Sobel, CE; Nicole Stocks, LE & RW; Jessica Thompson, Superior Edge; Kayla Teimeyer, LE & RW; Gina Woodruff, RW

CE – Citizenship Edge; DE – Diversity Edge;
LE – Leadership Edge; RW – Real World Edge

Twenty-one students were recognized as Superior Edge graduates.  To receive this honor, the students completed a minimum of 400 Superior Edge hours, a minimum of 100 hours in each of the four edges.  The other 52 students graduated with one, two or three edges:

May 2011 Grads

Front:  Superior Edge Student Coordinator Renee Smith; Alisha Hammill, DE & RW: Ann Marie Hall, LE; Alysa Diebolt, CE, LE, & RW; Brianne Horton, Superior Edge; Stacie Davidson, LE & RW; Victoria Leonhardt, Superior Edge; and Emma Budros, Superior Edge

Middle:  Superior Edge Graduate Student Erik Maillard; Associate Director for the Center for Student Enrichment Rachel Harris; Erica Wilson, Superior Edge; Eva Statler, CE, LE, & RW; Maureen Donegan, CE, LE, & RW; Salem Watts, Superior Edge; Amanda Emerson, Superior Edge; Benjamin Scheelk, Superior Edge; Carolyn “Lizzie” Corser, CE, LE, & RW; Leanne Plath, Superior Edge; Amber Baillargeon, Superior Edge; and Laura Conway, Superior Edge

Back:  Christopher Windy, CE & LE; Kurt Brandly, Superior Edge; Mitchell Foster, LE; Rachel Posthumus, CE, LE, & RW; Andrew Kandell, LE & RW; Zachary Beeksma, Superior Edge; Victoria Hill, LE; Clarice Marjaniemi, LE; Melissa LaPointe, CE, DE, & LE; and Rebecca Rasmussen, CE & LE

Missing from photo: Ian Astle, Superior Edge; Elisabeth Backer, RW; Nicholas Calzetta, LE; Tracy Cheever, DE & RW; Sara Classen, Superior Edge; Melissa DeHut, LE & RW; Corey Engelhart, Superior Edge; Andrew Ewasek, DE; Stephanie Felton, Superior Edge; Kelsey Fila, RW; Kirsten Fisher, RW; Danielle Gerdes, CE & LE; Connie Goudreau, Superior Edge; Jessica Hannink, Superior Edge; Sarah Harriger, Superior Edge; Vanessa Heasley; RW; Geoffrey Holloway, DE, LE, & RW; Scott Jensen, LE & RW; Jessica Kausak, LE & RW, Carrie Klemm, LE & RW; Cassandra Kobler, LE & RW; Meghan Kozub, CE, DE, & RW; Jane Kreul, LE; Julie Landreville, LE; Jasmin Lane, RW; Jamie Laurie, CE, DE, & RW; Ashley Lundin, RW; Lana Maki, LE & RW; Jason Morgan, Superior Edge; Margaret Newberry, DE & RW; Laura Niemela, RW; Sara Opolka, RW; Christopher Paulus, DE & RW; Ashley Rye, LE; Eric Schaff, RW; Alyssa Sexton, Superior Edge; Daniel Stam, CE & RW; Josh Stone, RW; Katherine Taylor, LE & RW; Vanessa Thibado, CE, LE, & RW; Kalli Thurgood, RW; Jennifer Turri, CE, LE, & RW; Katie Twardzik, RW; Brigham Voigt, RW; Whitney Warren, RW; and Trista Zdroik, CE, LE, & RW

CE – Citizenship Edge; DE – Diversity Edge;
LE – Leadership Edge; RW – Real World Edge

Three students were recognized as Superior Edge graduates.  To receive this honor, the students completed a minimum of 400 Superior Edge hours, a minimum of 100 hours in each of the four edges.  The other 12 students graduated with one, two or three edges.

Dec 2010

Front:  Superior Edge Student Coordinator Renee Smith; Associate Director of the Center for Student Enrichment Rachel Harris; Tiffany Sirtola, DE; Melanie Bell, LE & RW; and Robert Watson, RW

Back:  Superior Edge Student Coordinator Melissa LaPointe; Jessica Krol, DE & RW; Amanda Tankka, CE, DE & RW

Missing from photo:  Allison Carlton, Superior Edge;  Robert Conradi, RW; Kaylee Goretski, RW; Jaclyn Jorgensen, CE, LE & RW; Audra Kelly, RW; Kathryn LaForais, CE & RW; Kristen Millado, DE, LE & RW; Leah Normand, Superior Edge; Oliver Ryan, RW; and Megan Schneider, Superior Edge

CE – Citizenship Edge; DE – Diversity Edge; 
LE – Leadership Edge; RW – Real World Edge

Thirteen students were recognized as Superior Edge graduates.  To receive this honor, the students completed a minimum of 400 Superior Edge hours, a minimum of 100 hours in each of the four edges.  The other 23 students graduated with one, two or three edges.

May 2010

Front: Liz Becker, Superior Edge; Michelle Brittnacher, Superior Edge; Lindsay Hagner, Superior Edge; Danielle Hernandez, Superior Edge; Stephanie Rockwood, Superior Edge; and Superior Edge Graduate Assistant Seth Hill-Kennedy

Middle: Linda Burton, LE; Abigail Starich, Superior Edge; Anne Scott, Superior Edge; Michelle Woodford, RW; Superior Edge Student Coordinator Amanda Portice; and Associate Director of the Center for Student Enrichment Rachel Harris

Back: Jennifer J. Martin, Superior Edge; Amber Snyder, Superior Edge; Rachel A. Maki, DE, LE & RW; Superior Edge Student Coordinator Stephanie Felton; Jessica Baroni, CE, LE & RW; Chelsea Matthew, LE & RW; Superior Edge Student Coordinator Keith Voorheis, Superior Edge; Monica Lambert, Superior Edge; Nicole Stumpf, CE, DE & LE; and Robert Vest, Superior Edge

Missing from photo:  Shea M. Belanger, DE, LE & RW; Erin Bostelmann, DE, LE & RW; Alanna Budgick, RW; Lara Burke, DE, LE & RW; Lukas Dietz, DE & RW; Victoria Faucett, DE, LE & RW; Brenton Fitzpatrick, Superior Edge; Katherine Grabeman, RW; Jessica Haglund, Superior Edge; Joshua Jensen, RW; Katie Jensen, LE & RW; Courtney Minich, CE, LE & RW; Bethany Peacock, CE, LE & RW; Karla Salo, RW; Megan Sarder, LE & RW; Megan Shipp, RW; Melissa Stoykovich, LE & RW; and Jessica Vitale, RW

CE – Citizenship Edge; DE – Diversity Edge; 
LE – Leadership Edge; RW – Real World Edge

Fourteen students were recognized as Superior Edge graduates.  To receive this honor, the students completed a minimum of 400 Superior Edge hours, a minimum of 100 in each of the four edges.  The other 13 students graduated with one, two, or three edges.

Dec 2009

Front:  Superior Edge Student Coordinator Stephanie Felton; Superior Edge Student Coordinator Keith Voorheis; and Superior Edge Graduate Assistant Seth Hill-Kennedy

Middle:  Amanda Hawkins, Superior Edge; Jessica Soborowicz, Superior Edge; Emily Strazzinski, CE, LE & RW; Danielle Brandreth, Superior Edge

Back:  Associate Director of the Center for Student Enrichment Rachel Harris; Michael Head, Superior Edge; Amanda Blettner, Superior Edge; Jen Humphries, DE, LE & RW; Alexandra Marshall, LE; Justine Pinskey, LE & RW; Laura Garrison, RW; and Jaime Engvall, Superior Edge

Missing from photo:  Marija Bobik, RW; Jade Bolthouse, DE, LE & RW; Erin Coron, Superior Edge; Emily Englehardt, Superior Edge; Cory Howes, Superior Edge; Erica Lensink, Superior Edge; Traci Marra, Superior Edge; Jenny Miller, Superior Edge; Angela Neumann, CE & RW; Andrew Niemann, Superior Edge; Peter Povolo, LE; Ariel Powers-Schaub, CE, LE & RW; Courtney Russell, LE & RW; Eric Schmoldt, CE, LE & RW; Laura Smith, DE & RW; and Emily Westphal, Superior Edge

CE – Citizenship Edge; DE – Diversity Edge; 
LE – Leadership Edge; RW – Real World Edge

Twenty-one students were recognized as Superior Edge graduates.  To receive this honor, the students completed a minimum of 400 Superior Edge hours, a minimum of 100 in each of the four edges.  The other 21 students graduated with one, two, or three edges.

May 2009

Front:  Superior Edge Graduate Assistant Seth Hill-Kennedy; Jason Richards, LE; Associate Director for the Center for Student Enrichment Rachel Harris; Kady Adams, Superior Edge; Caitlin Colombo, DE & RW; Jodi Tervo, Superior Edge; Lorena Lagunas Martinez, DE, LE & RW; Emily Bochniak, Superior Edge; Nicole Weber, Superior Edge; and Paul Green, Superior Edge

Second:  Superior Edge Student Coordinator Stephanie Felton; Katherine Sartori, Superior Edge; Emily Westphal, LE & RW; Raechel Percy, Superior Edge; Melissa Engelmeier, LE & RW; Rebekah Pogwizd, RW; Sara Kilker, Superior Edge; Andrea Arbic, Superior Edge; and Alan Donaldson, Superior Edge

Third:  Superior Edge Student Coordinator Ara Wittwer, Superior Edge; Amy Jo Chick, DE & RW; Amanda Wieser, Superior Edge; Amber Chiapuzio, DE, LE & RW; Sidney Arnold, LE & RW; Nicholas Ward, Superior Edge; James Smiljanich, RW; Sarah McHugh, LE; Christina Hammond, Superior Edge; and Julie Rueden, Superior Edge

Back:  Mallory Mahoney, CE, LE & RW; Darren Widder, Superior Edge; Stacy Maijala, DE; and Russ Steinhoff, Jr., Superior Edge

Missing from photo:  Christina Boncyk, Superior Edge; Megan Chartier, RW; Jeremy Cook, LE & RW; Erica Ehardt, LE & RW; Brooke Graham, LE & RW; Kara Holmes, RW; Gerald “Marty” Kulwich, Jr., Superior Edge; Mike Luehmann, RW; Faren Peterson, DE, LE & RW; Klamesha Richards, Superior Edge; Michelle Schmitz, Superior Edge; and Andrew “Dylan” Smith, DE, LE & RW

CE – Citizenship Edge; DE – Diversity Edge; 
LE – Leadership Edge; RW – Real World Edge

Five students were recognized as Superior Edge graduates.  To receive this honor, the students completed a minimum of 400 Superior Edge hours, a minimum of 100 in each of the four edges.  The other nine students graduated with two or three edges.

Dec 2008 grads

Front:  Ellie Luce, Superior Edge; Krista Leidi, CE & LE; and Lynn Fuller, LE & RW

Back:  Meg Lazier, LE & RW; Jeron Schmidt, Superior Edge; and Jeremy Wright, Superior Edge

Missing from photo:  Sara Blomquist, CE & LE; Brennen Busse, Superior Edge; Kristi Foye, Superior Edge; Aaron Luther, DE; Brigitte Michaels, CE & RW; Melissa Natter, CE, LE, & RW; Betsy Ott, Superior Edge; and Kathy Stenlund, DE

CE – Citizenship Edge; DE – Diversity Edge; 
LE – Leadership Edge; RW – Real World Edge

Nineteen students were recognized as Superior Edge graduates.  To receive this honor, the students completed a minimum of 400 Superior Edge hours, a minimum of 100 in each of the four edges.  The other 14 students graduated with one, two, or three edges.

May 2008

Front:  Kevin Wieser, LE & RW; Andrea Bianco, Superior Edge; Danielle Foulks, Superior Edge; Angela Brumm, DE & RW; Seth Hill-Kennedy, Superior Edge; and Jill Seaman, Superior Edge

Middle:  Abby Kiley, Superior Edge; Amanda Boyle, Superior Edge; Elizabeth Steffl, RW; Skyla Vandervest, Superior Edge; Amanda Moraska, Superior Edge; Karen Callahan, Superior Edge; Kimberly Hallfrisch, CE, LE & RW; Jessica Krummich, Superior Edge; and Stacey Beary, Superior Edge

Back:  Dana Toenjes, CE & RW; Kara Granroth, Superior Edge; Terrance Saunders, Superior Edge; Jeremiah Bubb, Superior Edge; Brian Bouril, LE & RW; Amanda Lobsinger, Superior Edge; Nathan Gazza, Superior Edge; Associate Director of the Center for Student Enrichment Rachel Harris; Janelle Goodreau, Superior Edge; and Superior Edge Student Coordinator Stephanie Felton.

Missing from photo:  Anne Bradley, Superior Edge; Jessica Ewald, LE & RW; Ruth Hogan, LE & RW; Jessica Peterson, RW; Laura Rueden, RW; Katherine Sartori, LE & RW; Tovah Schnorr, CE, LE & RW; Todd Ward, Superior Edge; Julia Woehrer, DE; and Carolyn Zdroik, DE, LE & RW

CE – Citizenship Edge; DE – Diversity Edge; 
LE – Leadership Edge; RW – Real World Edge

Two students were recognized as Superior Edge graduates.  To receive this honor, the students completed a minimum of 400 Superior Edge hours, a minimum of 100 in each of the four edges.  The four other students graduated with one, two, or three edges.

Dec 2007

L to R:  Erin Bernard, CE & RW; Allison Mundell, Superior Edge; and Kathryn Paulin, LE.  These three students graduated in 3 1/2 years.

Missing from Photo: Celmarie Arroyo, LE & RW; Katie Hedrich, CE, LE & RW; and Alana Stuart, Superior Edge

CE – Citizenship Edge; DE – Diversity Edge; 
LE – Leadership Edge; RW – Real World Edge

Fifteen students were recognized as Superior Edge graduates.  To receive this honor, the students completed a minimum of 400 Superior Edge hours, a minimum of 100 in each of the four edges.  The other 10 students graduated with one, two, or three edges.

May 2007

Front:  Allison Mundell, Superior Edge; Jessica Jannette, Superior Edge; Associate Director of the Center for Student Enrichment Rachel Harris; Jill Logsdon, Superior Edge; Amanda Henson, RW; Rachel Griffin, Superior Edge; Cassiopeia Zeratsky, Superior Edge; and Brianne Rogers, CE, LE & RW

Back:  Leigh Dudley, LE & RW; Nathan Lehman, Superior Edge; Shawn Brown, Superior Edge; Joshua Lopac, RW; Alexander Hansen, Superior Edge; Jeremy Wright, Superior Edge; Jason Miller, RW; Alyssa Hubbard, RW; Celmarie Arroyo, LE & RW; and Gavin Telfer, graduate assistant in the Center for Student Enrichment.

Missing from Photo: Melissa Fuller, RW; Kimberly E. Johnson, LE; Carrissa Lee, Superior Edge; Stacey LeJeune, Superior Edge; Heather Lidbeck, Superior Edge; Billie Miller, Superior Edge; Kristina Niehaus, Superior Edge; Anne Rossio, Superior Edge; Tyler Weber, Superior Edge; and Annie Wolfe, RW

CE – Citizenship Edge; DE – Diversity Edge; 
LE – Leadership Edge; RW – Real World Edge

Three NMU students were recognized as Superior Edge graduates.  To receive this honor, the students completed a minimum of 400 Superior Edge hours, a minimum of 100 in each of the four edges.  Another three completed at least two edges.

May 2006

Left to Right:  Katy Morrison, LE & RW; Jessica Olson, Superior Edge; Gavin Telfer, Superior Edge; Lindsey Pepin, LE & RW; Samantha Hart, LE & RW; and Rachel Harris, associate director of the Center for Student Enrichment. 

Missing from photo:  Stefane Nichols, Superior Edge

CE – Citizenship Edge; DE – Diversity Edge; 
LE – Leadership Edge; RW – Real World Edge