Larry Nicholson

Meet Larry Nicholson, a 2005 alumnus from Tyler, Texas. Larry is a former USOEC athlete and coach. Currently, Larry lives in Grand Rapids, MI and is a special education child care worker and boxing coach/mentor.

Brief Description of What You Do

As a Child Care Worker, I work with staff and emotionally-impaired students to help the students improve behaviors & learn life skills.

I am also a Boxing Coach & Mentor at the Michigan Golden Gloves Association Gym in Grand Rapids.

What at NMU helped you most in your current role?

I attended NMU from 1990 to 2005 as a student & athlete. After that, I transitioned to full-time USOEC Coach until 2007. There were many semesters I was unable to attend classes due to my extensive travel schedule. I also changed my major several times. Through my experiences at NMU/USOEC and traveling all over the world as an athlete & coach, I have worked with many different people from all walks of life. No matter where I am or what I'm doing, I can establish relationships quickly & easily. The ability to create rapport with almost anyone has served me well in life.

What advice would you give current students?

Never stop trying! I was a student athlete at NMU for 15 years. As noted above, I have an Associates Degree. I was working towards a Bachelor of Science, but since I traveled so much, I didn't quite get there. I had enough credits, but not enough in one concentration. However, I never stopped trying. Having that Associates Degree means the world to me because I put in the work. Although the piece of paper doesn't show all of the work, I wouldn't trade the life experiences I gained while attending NMU. I used to work with someone whose words of encouragement were "All or something!" We aren't able to give 100% of ourselves 100% of the time. So, if you can't give it your all, give something. Give what you can towards whatever you are working on. Make the effort and gain the experience. You will never regret it.

Are there personal interests and/or activities you care to share?

After leaving the Marquette area, I was able to attend the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing as part of the USA Boxing Staff. I continue to stay involved in Boxing at the grassroots level. I thoroughly enjoy coaching and mentoring young men & woman and teaching them the discipline of boxing & life.

Are there any mentors from NMU you’d like to mention? How did they help shape who you are today, both personally and professionally?

My advisor, Yvonne Lee who worked tirelessly to make every credit count for me. Also my USOEC teammates & Coach, Al Mitchell. We were all far away from home. Most of us came from large cities. When we first arrived in Marquette, it is a huge culture shock. In the end, we all became family and love Marquette, NMU and our time spent together.

What advice would you give to students/alumni of color entering the workforce? Entering your industry specifically (if applicable)?

Find a company that respects, values and is committed to diversity & inclusion. Your time at NMU has been spent building a network of people - mentors, friends, employers, professors, etc. Use that network! This network can vouch for you, your accomplishments & performance.

As a person of color, how do you feel you were supported during your time at NMU? Were there any experiences, programs, and/or organizations that stuck out to you?

I love NMU and always felt supported there. The staff & athletes at the USEOC became family, so that was a huge part of my feeling supported. I belonged to an organization called Ebony Excellence (E-Squared). We were a fraternity of men of color supporting one another and the community. I am dyslexic and utilized the services at NMU Disability Services to support and navigate my disability. The PEIF is where I spent a lot of time since I was an athlete. The PEIF was a place I could unwind, workout and spend time with other athletes and fellow students.