What is your NMU connection?
I'm a 2011 graduate from NMU with a degree in Construction Management and minors in Business Administration and in History
Your favorite NMU memory or story
Doctor Magnaghi's History Of The UP class was one of my absolute favorite classes I've ever taken, from his local stories to the tours of downtown Marquette
Who is the most influential person you met during your time at NMU and why were they so influential?
My wife, Sara Kadzban (nee TenBrink). We met at orientation in 2006, and began dating in November of 2007. We were married in 2013, and most of our wedding party (and a good chunk of guests) were NMU students or alumni
Tell us about the significance of any teams, clubs, or organizations you were part of during your time at NMU
I was involved in the Northern Michigan Constructors Club, and volunteered with campus groups in Van Antwerp and in Spooner Hall
What is/was your favorite thing to do in Marquette?
Biking and longboarding.
Talk about any significant/memorable sporting events, weather occurrences or other on-campus activities
In 2006, I was on a bike ride from campus to Presque Isle. I left and it was 45 degrees and sunny, and in the half hour I was gone, the winds changed and I arrived back at campus covered in snow.
Or when the moose crashed into Meyland/Magers in 2006 and we were on Good Morning America.
Share any dorm/roommate stories you may have
Basically my wife and I were in common social/friend circles for our entire freshman year and about half of our sophomore years. We were friends, hanging out and everything, she was involved in hall government, and everyone had us pegged as a "thing" but we were truly just besties for a couple of years before we began dating. The rest is history, and I got to marry my best friend.
What is your current or former profession?
Permits Coordinator for 2 major homebuilders in West Michigan; am currently employed as Packaging Assistant Manager and Quality Director for Saugatuck Brewing Company
How did NMU help you get to where you are today?
NMU allowed me the chance to build contacts and connections. Besides that, the jobs I held in the construction industry all led me to craft beer.