What is your NMU connection?
I attended NMU from 1992 to 1996 graduating with a BS in Conservation.
Your favorite NMU memory or story
Hands down my favorite memory was being involved in Van Antwerp Hall Mountain House my Freshman, Sophomore and Junior years. Participating in the homecoming parade, float building and ice sculptures. I have friendships from that group that have maintained to this day.
Who is the most influential person you met during your time at NMU and why were they so influential?
Carl Holm, and President Vandament each stood out in my time at Northern. Each influenced me to become involved or to emulate in leadership positions later in my career. I believe each had the unique ability to tell stories and excite people to become passionate about what they were doing. Each was such a gifted speaker that were able to connect with their audience to make them feel engaged.
Tell us about the significance of any teams, clubs or organizations you were part of during your time at NMU
I was ASNMU Vice President my junior year and a member of the Delta Chi Fraternity.
What is/was your favorite thing to do in Marquette?
I am not able to limit it to one. Here's 10 in no particular order.
1. Drinks at The Wooden Nickel (This one is number 1 for those that know me)
2. Whitefish at The Vierling
3. Fourth of July at Tourist Park
4. Any season at Presque Isle Park
5. Portside breadsticks and cheese spread
6. Bringing back fish from Thill and Son's Fish House
7. Jean Kay's Pasties (Yes they are no more but they are still on my list).
8. Getz's Carhartt selection
9. UP 200 start in downtown
10. Driving in under what was once the lower ore dock and remembering when the trestle had "Home of Northern Michigan University."
Talk about any significant/memorable sporting events, weather occurrences or other on-campus activities
I loved winter prior to going to Northern. Now winters are compared to winters in the UP. Otherwise. Hands down watching the storms coming in anywhere along the lakeshore and watching the waves crash the break wall at Presque Isle. Women's volleyball games 93 and 94 season. I was lucky enough to be in the company of Rachel (Dyrek) Wisnewski for those years.
Share any dorm/roommate stories you may have
My love of the UP and the history of the region are a direct result of the suite mates I had in Van Antwerp Hall. Darin Dell and Steve Combs both had trucks and dirt bikes which I got the benefit of being able to ride all over the area. Shona Davenport had snowmobiles and was able to ride trails around Marquette. Pete Prokop and I fishing spring break our senior year on Teal Lake. Ken Pelto and I traveling to Big Bay and working together summers at Marquette Golf and Country Club (The Heritage course). Beth Anderson taking me to the Keweenaw Peninsula and seeing Brockway Mountain, Quincy Dredge and Lake Linden smelters. Sean McGee, John Gibson, Carrie Varnum, Reed Beaver, Dan Pinkerton, the list goes on and on.
What is your current or former profession?
Director of Parks and Planning at the Arlington Heights Park District in Arlington Heights Illinois.
How did NMU help you get to where you are today?
Without the confidence I gained from participating and serving on the organizations and groups I was part of during my years at NMU, I would not be where I am today. I have the University and staff to thank for the environment that fostered the involvement in these types of activities. The involvement that taught me leadership skills, public service and value of self-improvement and continual learning and personal growth. These building blocks allowed me to progress in what has been more than 25 years in public service to various municipalities, and park districts in my career. Thank you NMU!