What is your NMU connection?
I was stationed at KI Sawyer AFB from 1977 - 1980. I was working the night shift (4 PM-Midnight) in the Base supply computer room as an Inventory Management specialist. I started taking classes full-time at Northern. I drove into campus every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday morning at 8 after working the night shift.
Your favorite NMU memory or story
After the Air Force, I became a full-time student living in married housing on campus. I lived right behind the gym and
library. I could get back and forth from married housing to the computer lab easily and totally enjoyed all my neighbors in married housing.
Who is the most influential person you met during your time at NMU and why were they so influential?
I had several people that heavily influenced my career decisions. Professor Sandra Poindexter and Dr. Sister Frey.
Professor Poindexter taught COBOL programming classes; business/systems analysis etc... I went on to become a
programmer analyst for the first 10 years of my career. Sister Frey taught Database and Analysis classes. These two
professionals motivated me to become highly proficient at computer systems design and development.
I was able to use these skills and techniques to develop software solutions in manufacturing, transportation, and satellite tracking. I became an IBM business partner and ran my own consulting business for the better part of 15 years, until I sold it.
Tell us about the significance of any teams, clubs, or organizations you were part of during your time at NMU
I enjoyed the DPMA Computer Association. We were able to meet professionals in the field of sales, development, and
local businesses. The relationships and social aspects were intriguing, and fun and helped me realize that talking to other programmers, and developers was where I wanted to spend my time.
What is/was your favorite thing to do in Marquette?
Cross-country skiing, and golfing were always my favorite things to do.
What is your current or former profession?
I was a programmer/analyst, a development manager for a pharmaceutical warehouse provider, and an IBM business partner, and finished the last 10 years of my career as VP of operations for a credit card processing company. We ran online banking applications and credit card processing for 1200 credit unions.
How did NMU help you get to where you are today?
In life, we all acquire layers of experience. My family laid out the spiritual, moral, and values foundation. The Air Force laid out honor, duty, and determination. NMU gave me the skills, the excitement, and the realization of what I wanted to spend my work endeavors doing. I met my wife in the UP. We started our married life living in married housing at NMU. We have lifetime friends from the UP.