What is your NMU connection?
Student and graduate (1967-1972) with both a bachelor's and master's degree in music education.
Your favorite NMU memory or story
So many memories and stories are entwined with the music department. The NMU “Pride of the North” marching band,
the tours of the Wind Ensemble, being a member of the inaugural NMU Fantastics, and the performances representing
NMU across the UP and the country. The music faculty always expects the best from each student instilling pride in the department and the university.
Who is the most influential person you met during your time at NMU and why were they so influential?
Dr. Harold Wright
Dr. Lorin Ricthmeyer
Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser
Dr. Robert Stephenson
Dr. George Whitfield
Dr. Elda Tate
Dr. Ruth Mathews
Dr. James Hendricks(Dept. Of Education)
With the one exception, all members of the music faculty while I was at NMU. All demanding excellence and a strong work ethic.
Tell us about the significance of any teams, clubs or organizations you were part of during your time at NMU
The music fraternity Phi Mu Alpha which fosters the development of music on the university level and beyond. The NMU
chapter at the time encouraged a strong bond between its members and many lifelong friendships were developed,
What is/was your favorite thing to do in Marquette?
Shopping at Getz’s Clothiers!
Talk about any significant/memorable sporting events, weather occurrences or other on-campus activities
Being a commuter was an experience, to say the least. The UP winters were and are a challenge. During the late sixties
and early seventies, NMU did not cancel classes! Thanks to my carpool of fellow music majors of Rusty Veale, Tom
Polkinghorne, and Alan Oien we were often there when some of the on-campus guys weren’t.
While I was a student at NMU during my freshmen year that I answered an ad posted on the bulletin board in the music department looking for a guitar teacher at the Delta Music Center in Ishpeming. I was hired, and the person who placed the ad was Nancy Williams, who in 1971 became my wife.
Share any dorm/roommate stories you may have
Many of my best friends made at NMU of course were not commuters. The shared memories of rehearsals, performances, and gatherings in the Clef Club during card games of Hearts are long-lasting. Thanks for the memories Bob Vogel, Ken Medel, Craig Bowerman, Gary Bawks, Merry Jo DeSautel, Cam Whitford, Dick Stafford, Charlie Menghini, Pete Zyburt, George Bengston, Dale Mattis, Keith Polkinghorne, and of course others.
What is your current or former profession?
Director of Bands Retired 1972-2009
Negaunee Public Schools
Negaunee, MI
How did NMU help you get to where you are today?
NMU taught me to be able to think on my feet. You can have all the head knowledge in the world but if you cannot be
flexible in all situations you may fail to be successful. Having a calm soothing attitude while showing a professional and
knowledgeable demeanor will rule the day. Love what you do and do what you love.