Setting the Stage - Northern Magazine

by Kristi Evans

Community and connection have factored prominently in Michele Butler’s ’76 BS, ’78 MAE role as partner/coowner of Vango’s restaurant and bar, the enduringly popular Third Street fixture frequented by many Northern students, employees and alumni since it opened in 1968. She started working there in high school as a server/pizza maker and assumed partial ownership after graduating from NMU. Recognizing the symbiotic relationship that exists between local businesses like Vango’s and the university, which supplies not only a customer base but many student employees, Butler is committed to supporting her alma mater. She recently gave $100,000 to the NMU Foundation to create the Michele Butler Endowment for Theatre and Dance.

“Throughout my adult life and career, I’ve been a firm believer in the importance of giving back to the community that supports you, and I try to share that with my colleagues, employees and friends,” she said. “Northern has a huge impact on this area and is of great value to all of us. It’s been really nice to see the community reengaging with the university and vice versa the last couple of years under Brock Tessman’s leadership."

Northern also benefited me as a student by providing opportunities for personal growth and introducing me to influential mentors whose philosophies I implemented in my own life. A lot of people there helped me get to where I am today.

Butler earned two Northern degrees: a 1976 bachelor’s with a double major in Spanish education and speech/secondary education; and a master of arts in education/speech communication. She is a past recipient of both the Young Alumni Award and the Alumni Community Service Award. She was also involved in the Golden Wildcat Club and the Alumni Association Board of Directors.

“Whether we graduated from Northern or not, there’s a lot to be proud of: the positive direction the university is heading; the quality education it provides; and the many arts, cultural and athletic activities to enjoy on campus. I’m fortunate to be in a position to make this gift, and I did it based strictly on passion and care, not to draw attention to myself. 

My hope is that it might inspire others to make a meaningful difference for Northern in whatever ways they can. But giving doesn’t have to be just about money, as reflected in that saying about ‘time, talent and treasure.

Butler credits NMU Theatre and Dance Department Head Bill Digneit ’08 BS with enhancing the program’s academic offerings and increasing the number and quality of its productions. Faculty members with impressive credentials on Broadway and elsewhere have helped to raise the bar and elevate NMU’s profile, resulting in the department’s largest incoming freshman class representing 15 states, including Texas and Alaska.

“I respect the time, energy and passion Bill puts into the program,” added Butler. “Theater, arts and communication are important parts of education. They’re separate departments, but one in the same in my mind because they each help students learn to communicate better. The endowment is designed for student scholarships, to give kids who can’t otherwise afford it the education they sorely deserve.”

It was in a landlord capacity that Butler first met Digneit several years ago. He and his twin brother, Pat—both NMU alumni—rented space from her in the Village Shopping Center as the first Marquette location for their Double Trouble Entertainment business. “Michele’s generous gift will have a lasting and transformational impact on our student artists. It will open doors for talented individuals who might not otherwise have the opportunity to pursue their passion in theatre and dance,” said Bill Digneit.

Michele has supported our students for years—not just through this incredible gift, but through her presence, encouragement and belief in the value of the arts.  Her leadership in our community is a shining example of the kind of impact we hope our students will one day make themselves. She truly understands how the arts help students grow—not just on stage, but as confident, creative and engaged members of their communities. Her belief in the power of storytelling and self-expression will elevate our program for years to come, and we’re incredibly grateful for her support.

Beyond her NMU philanthropy, Butler is an active supporter of regional causes. She has received many honors for her contributions, including Rotary International’s Service Above Self Award for “demonstrating exemplary humanitarian service, with an emphasis on personal volunteer e. orts and active involvement in helping others.”

Butler recalls former Marquette insurance agent Bill Hetrick ’76 BS, ’78 MAE, approaching her at a young age to join the local Rotary as a catalyst for her community involvement. She became one of the club’s first female members. “Forty-five years ago, the phrase ‘community service’ wasn’t as well established, but a lot of good things come from it,” Butler said. “The opportunity to become a Rotarian led me to understand the true value of giving back. Rotary was a conduit for the fundraising effort to support a YMCA in Marquette County. I was proud to be the founding chair of the Y, and now it’s approaching its 30th anniversary. The past five years since the pandemic have been tough for service organizations, but hopefully people will re-engage and renew their commitment to give back to the community.”

Vango’s remains a literal cornerstone of regional business, located at the intersection of Park and Third Streets in The Village. Further proof of its connection to Northern is the fact that three of its junior partners are also alumni: Kelly Henderson ’93 BS; Mandee Dafoe ’00 BS; and Kyle Foster ’10 BS. The fifth partner is Butler’s son-in-law, Robert Caron.

Appropriately, Vango’s will host a summer Alumni Happy Hour event on Monday, July 7. Watch