What is your NMU connection?
I was an undergraduate student from 2007-2010
Your favorite NMU memory or story
I was a Communications major and had a minor in Music, so I spent a lot of time at McClintock and TFA, performing
music and recording myself and others as well. My favorite memories are the ones I made performing in Northern's
bands, and while marching and symphonic bands were fun, the pep band at hockey games was the absolute best. I play drums, so not only did I have the best view in the Berry but I had a big role in driving the energy and excitement of those thousands of attendees. No matter how the team was doing (usually winning), you could almost feel the electricity in the building when we all got to play together. I miss those times most of all!
Who is the most influential person you met during your time at NMU and why were they so influential?
I met SO many important people at Northern, but perhaps the one that had the biggest impact on my future is Dr. Mark
Shevy. He was a professor for a few of my courses, but was also my academic advisor. I didn't have to come to him for
much during my time there, but it was his advice that led me to try out for an internship at RadioX, apply to be a
commencement speaker, and continue post-graduate education if I was unsatisfied with my job prospects. With the
reassurance of his open-mindedness and confidence in me, I ended up hosting my own RadioX show for a few years, I
graduated a semester early and spoke in the Winter 2010 ceremony, and ended up earning a Master's degree from the
University of Colorado-Denver, which helped me take the first steps into what has become an amazing career. I can't
thank you enough, Dr. Shevy!
What is/was your favorite thing to do in Marquette?
My favorite thing to do in Marquette is visit (obviously), but hiking Presque, taking my kids to the Children's Museum, and getting way too full on Vango's fries will always be up there on the list.
Tell us about the significance of any teams, clubs or organizations you were part of during your time at NMU
I used to play pickup ultimate (for folks who aren't in the know, it's "frisbee") with a group of regulars in a few spots around campus: the little flat spot just outside the Art building, in the fields by the dome, sometimes IN the dome, basically anywhere we had even the slightest iota of room. Shortly thereafter, Northern developed its own legitimate club team that travels to tournaments and competes. I like to think I saw the birth of that organization before it came about, but even if I didn't really, at least the scrappy, gritty time spent throwing a little plastic disc around with some pals was a great way to satisfy the need to be an occasional playground hero.
Share any dorm/roommate stories you may have
I always had really decent roommates/suitemates in West Hall and Magers, and used to have the Cat Trax schedule memorized (look out for Mongolian Grill days...).
What is your current or former profession?
I am a Digital Forensic Examiner for a government agency.
How did NMU help you get to where you are today?
My time at Northern prepared me academically and in a project management sense, sure, but it also helped me form my confidence and ambition. Most importantly, it was a time when I discovered that I have a world of amazing options for how my life can turn out, and that I have everything I need to succeed.