What is your NMU connection?
I was a student from 2006-2010. I lived in Hunt Hall (Copa Cabana as a resident, and the RA for Arctic House). I participated in house government, and had a couple of on-campus jobs (deskie, janitor, RA). I returned to NMU in December of 2023 and am working as a Senior Success Advisor.
Your favorite NMU memory or story
My favorite NMU memory includes the connections and relationships made in the residence halls, the sharing of life… Going hiking and camping at Dead River, sharing struggles and successes in classes, Dead River games, broom ball, intramural season, cliff jumping into Lake Superior… There isn’t a particular day or moment that stands out. It’s my whole student experience, the full tapestry, and I am now getting to continue it in my work life!
Who is the most influential person you met during your time at NMU and why were they so influential?
The most influential person I met as a student at NMU was Jeron Schmidt. I was a super nervous and shy Freshman that arrived at campus, not sure what I was going to do or where to even start with attending college. Jeron encouraged me to jump in and get involved in different on-campus activities and organizations. I went into House and Hall Government for Hunt Hall. I participated in Primetime Productions. That encouragement from Jeron and the experiences inspired me to continue finding ways to stay involved, like joining SLFP and becoming an RA. All those experiences tied me to NMU. It made NMU home and a place I never forgot after I graduated and a place I always wanted to return to and stay a part of.
Tell us about the significance of any teams, clubs, or organizations you were part of during your time at NMU
My first 2 years, I was part of the House and Hall government. I was Treasurer and President for a time in the Hall. Then I became and RA for Arctic House for my last 2 years. Intertwined with all that, I participated in Primetime Productions, and was in the Cerulean Block for SLFP. All of this was significant considering I was an introvert and pretty shy when I first arrived on campus. I’m still introverted, but I know how to act extroverted and take leadership roles everywhere I’ve gone and in all the jobs/companies I’ve been a part of because of what I learned I could do at NMU.
What is/was your favorite thing to do in Marquette?
My favorite thing to do in Marquette is to hike, swim, and be outside! I play disc golf. Anything to get out and keep Lake Superior within view.
Talk about any significant/memorable sporting events, weather occurrences or other on-campus activities
Relay-4-Life, Dead River games and the winter Broomball Championships were always a blast. The way we got to connect with people on campus, the way the halls were teams and the friendly rivalries that came out of those were so much fun. It was a great way to decompress before, during, and after exams and classwork.
Share any dorm/roommate stories you may have
Hunt Hall Halloween, the talent show in the basement, thanksgiving meals in the kitchen and grabbing others from the residence hall who didn't got home for the holiday to come join in, hide and seek in the dark on the grounds around the quad... So many to pick from. I remember the talent show the most. I was Hall President and we were struggling to get participants. Me and a couple of other residents from other houses threw together an act where we "spoofed" the major song/dances back then and just decided to act crazy. We got a lot of laughs and placed pretty high I think with our "on the spot" talent.
What is your current or former profession?
I'm a Senior Success Advisor at NMU.
How did NMU help you get to where you are today?
NMU helped me find out what I am capable of. It allowed me time and space for me to explore, to experience, and to do it in a setting with Lake Superior and wilderness that inspires and motivates. It was a way to disconnect from where I came from and to connect to where I wanted to go. NMU helped me find purpose, direction, and instilled in me a skillset that I carried on into my post-graduate life... A skillset that has allowed me to continue to grow, to challenge status-quo, to never take the "always done it this way" answers and to always evaluation and find out if there isn't a better way, and to continue finding a way to help others and help my community.