What is your NMU connection?
I graduated from Northern Michigan University in 1992, but my connections to NMU and the community run deep. Growing up in Marquette, I was closely tied to the university through my stepdad, Dr. Robert Allbritten, who taught in the communications department for nearly 40 years. I was fortunate to serve as an assistant ball boy for NMU’s 1975 championship football team, attending practices and games regularly since I lived near Memorial Field.
My hockey roots are just as strong. I was a stick boy for NMU's 1980 championship hockey team and played hockey throughout my youth, including at Marquette Senior High School. Don Waddell, a player on the 1980 NMU team, also coached my Marquette Junior Hockey team to a state championship. In high school, my team was the state runner-up during the 1983-84 season.
Hockey is deeply ingrained in my family and community, with many local connections, including my grandfather, Boots Kukuk.
Your favorite NMU memory or story
I was accepted to NMU on probation, as I struggled academically in high school due only to lack of effort and felt fortunate to be admitted at all. College wasn’t originally in my plans, but after losing my dominant left arm at the mid-forearm at 20, I decided to change direction and managed to gain admission. One of my most significant memories comes from that first year. Despite a rough start with my arm and the fact that I “didn’t pay enough attention” in high school, I earned one of the highest GPAs and was invited to speak to incoming freshmen. I went on to maintain a strong GPA throughout my time at NMU and eventually pursued graduate studies in Counseling.
Though most of my career was in Cardiac Rhythm Device sales (pacemakers), the experiences and lessons I gained at NMU stayed with me every day.
Who is the most influential person you met during your time at NMU and why were they so influential?
That would be Dr. John Renfrew from the psychology department. I conducted research in his lab and took many of his courses. He was incredibly patient and accepting of me, and I ended up earning some of my highest grades in his classes. Dr. Renfrew greatly influenced the way I came to understand human behavior through the principles he taught. In his lab, we worked with rats, and I admired how respectful and caring he was toward the animals we studied.
Tell us about the significance of any teams, clubs, or organizations you were part of during your time at NMU
I was in the psychology club and also worked as a student counselor on campus.
What is/was your favorite thing to do in Marquette?
It has to involve the lake. I grew up only a block from Lake Superior and swam in the lake every day that it was possible…even days when it was technically not possible…I came from a time when we played on picnic rocks all summer long.
Talk about any significant/memorable sporting events, weather occurrences or other on-campus activities
It would be when Northern Michigan University's (NMU) hockey team won the NCAA Division I Men's Ice Hockey National Championship in **1991**. The Wildcats defeated Boston University 8-7 in a thrilling triple-overtime game to capture the title. This remains NMU's only hockey national championship to date.
Share any dorm/roommate stories you may have
I lived off campus - but partied on campus my fair share as well
What is your current or former profession?
I am retired from my work in medical sales.
How did NMU help you get to where you are today?
Northern Michigan University opened my mind and taught me to think in new ways, both through coursework and collaborating with other students. It was a transformative period of growth for me. Having been disengaged in high school, NMU made me feel like I had entered the real world, where things truly mattered and every person deserved to be valued and respected.
