Mailbox “Enjoyed your recent publication, but “The Horizons article you wrote saved U.P. is excellent.” noticed a couple of mistakes—which my life.” Don under- by now others may have discovered There was stunned silence on my went surgery on also! On page 20, Dr. Mildred Magers end of the phone when Don Clewley Sept. 12, and was was not a NMU French professor, She uttered those words. My colleagues will cleared to return was an English professor. I personally confirm it’s not easy to render me speech- home two days knew all of those pictured on pages 20 and 21. Then on page 21 under West less, but Don managed to do it—at least later. He requires for one treasured moment on a Friday no follow-up radi- Brain tumor survivor Hall you have Dr. Luther West pic- Don Clewley tured instead of Wilbur D. West. Dr. afternoon in late September. He was call- ation or [Luther] West was a biology professor, ing from his lake home near Pembine, chemotherapy, functions completely on and a very good one.” Wis., to share the remarkable story of his own and returns to the center every —Wilma Petrosky ’46 how he is now cancer-free, despite an ini- six months to ensure that the tumor Belleville, Mich. tial diagnosis that he had an inoperable doesn’t reappear. You’re right, we did hear brain tumor and only six months to live. “I’ve been called the miracle man from many others on our Don suffered a stroke and began because I had an earlier stroke last photo mixup of the two having seizures over Memorial Day week- January [2012] and almost died then, Wests. West Hall is indeed end. He was rushed by ambulance to his too,” he added. “My local doctor said it’s named after Wilbur West. local hospital, then to Green Bay. An like I’ve won the lottery twice. With the West Science is named for Luther West. Gant and MRI revealed hemorrhaging in his brain. first stroke, I lost 130 pounds and some Spalding Halls both Wilbur West When a physician told him a tumor also of my ability to talk, walk and use my opened in the fall of 1964 (not in 1965 as was detected and that nothing could be right hand. That all returned to normal, stated). Also, the streakers photo on page done, Don went home prepared to plan but the second stroke was more serious 33 was actually one from the University of his funeral and get his affairs in order. and limited those abilities to a much Minnesota (though we do it better). “I was willing to accept that’s what I greater extent. I had been with hospice had and didn’t want to dwell on it,” he after the inoperable tumor diagnosis. "I read your article in the summer 2012 said. “I wasn’t despondent because I have a When a volunteer came to pick up the issue on the state-of-the-art brain firm belief in God and eternal life. I also things I didn’t need anymore after my tumor research on campus. The roots of knew I have a network of friends and fam- successful surgery, he said, ‘We don’t usu- Northern's relationship with the ily who would support and pray for me.” ally have people leave hospice on these UMBTC [Upper Michigan Brain As a graduate of the former NMU- terms; you graduated!’ The power of Tumor Center] can be traced to initial affiliated Northern Michigan School of prayer does bring miracles. I am a walk- funding, training and work provided by Banking, Don is on the mailing list for ing testament to that.” my former biotechnology company, Horizons. The summer issue included My byline may have appeared on Seattle-based Dendreon Corporation. The omission of this part of the story what proved to be a timely story on the Horizons article, but I can’t take per- was a missed opportunity to inform NMU’s involvement in the Upper sonal credit for Don’s 180-degree health alumni and friends of Northern of what Michigan Brain Tumor Center. When turnaround. If I hadn’t volunteered for might come of collaboration between Don learned about this collaboration that assignment, one of my colleagues alumni and friends of Northern and with Marquette General Hospital’s Brain would have. We’ve written many stories imaginative and willing university & Spine Center, he called neurosurgeon with the simple goal that some people administrators, faculty and students." Rich Rovin’s office on the same day he read them—stories to inform, enlighten —T. Dennis George ’60 received the magazine. or perhaps entertain. But save a life? Issaquah, Wash. “Friends had been urging me to get That’s a new one not likely to be repeat- We apologize for the inadvertent omis- a second opinion and I figured I owed it ed. I am humbled and grateful that Don sion. The article's intent was to focus on to myself,” Don said. “At my appoint- made an effort to track down my phone the current status of NMU's involvement ment three days later, I had another MRI number to thank me. It’s the most in the UMBTC and did not explore the and Dr. Rovin told me the tumor was in rewarding reader feedback I could imag- NMU-Dendreon partnership that paved fact operable. When I met him and his ine. Don plans to do some writing of his the way for brain tumor research. Dendreon offered paid internships staff, I was totally impressed. They were own in the near future: a book about his to students, furnished materials, trans- friendly, laid back and took time to talk experience. We already know it will have ferred equipment to the university and with me. I felt encouraged and confident an awesome ending! supported Rob Winn's role as supervis- they could do something for me and they —Kristi Evans NMU and Horizons news director ing faculty. The Dendreon project faded did. The quality of care I’ve received in the away, but its impact continues.

2 HORIZONS Contents Winter 2013

On campus today 4 Northern news. 12 Sports at NMU. Feature Stories 14 Oh, Pioneers! 16 Diving to the end of the world. 19 Our water legacy. 20 Innov8tive roads. 22 ‘Taxi!’ 24 Next-gen space robots. 26 Grassroots healthcare. 28 More than a game. Foundation news 29 Illuminating research. 31 New Jamrich naming opps. Alumni in touch 32 Alumni Association news. 34 Keeping Track. Updates from fellow alumni. 37 Alumni in print.

ON THE COVER: Cross-section of the proposed SKYwayTM. Courtesy of Innov8 Transport. iStockphoto background. This page: Red pines at Little Presque Isle.

Northern Horizons, Winter 2013, Vol. 102, No. 2. Publishers Cindy Paavola ’84 BS, Director of Communications and Marketing, Martha Haynes, Vice President for Advancement. Editor Rebecca Tavernini ’11 MA. News Director Kristi Evans. Contributing Alumni Association and NMU Foundation Staff Marina Dupler ’03 BS, Vincent Grout, Brad Hamel ’99 BS, ’11 MCert., Amy Hubinger, Kerry Lucas ‘98 BS, Robyn Stille ’00 BS, ’09 MCert. Contributing writers Lucy Hough ’12 BS, Mackenzie Myers and Emily Wist.

Northern Horizons, the magazine for alumni and friends of Northern Michigan University, is published three times a year (winter, spring/summer and fall) by the Communications and Marketing Office and the Alumni Association of Northern Michigan University. NMU is an equal opportunity institution. Printed on recycled paper with EnviroInk. On campus today

Northern has streamlined the Foundation scholarship process, making it much easier to match students with scholarships. Here, two students chat with June Schaefer ‘67 BA, ‘68 MA, NMU Foundation trustee and scholarship donor, at the annual scholarship brunch and awards ceremony, where students and donors have a chance to meet each other. NMU honored as 'Model of Efficiency' NMU is one of nine colleges and universities nationwide ’09 MCert., executive director of alumni relations and being recognized by University Business magazine as annual giving, collaborated to create a web application “Models of Efficiency.” Sponsored by Higher One, a that matched students’ profiles to scholarship selection company that assists in college business office operations, criteria. Students see three levels: scholarships that exact- the program recognizes innovative approaches for stream- ly match their attributes, close matches and those that do lining higher education operations through technology not match (in the event there was some extraneous cir- and/or business process improvements. Northern is cited cumstance not provided for within the system, such as in particular for its creation of a streamlined, online plans to change their major). The system includes direc- scholarship application. tions for scholarships with unique circumstances and “Universities everywhere today need to generate FAQs. Students can track the status of their application. more productivity with fewer staff, and Northern The new system reduces data entry, paper, time and Michigan’s automated scholarship application system labor costs, increases data accuracy and provides more does an excellent job of achieving that goal,” says Tim information to selection committees. Processing time by Goral, editor in chief of University Business. “We applaud Financial Aid was reduced by 88 percent, from two Northern Michigan not only for their improvements in staffers working full time for four weeks to one staff efficiency, but also for creating a scholarship system that member working five days. There has been a 36 percent is more student-focused.” increase in the number of applications submitted and a Previously, the university’s Foundation scholarship 19 percent increase in the number of students submit- application and selection process was difficult and time- ting one or more applications. consuming for students and inefficient and labor inten- University Business is the leading publication for sen- sive for staff. It took two staff members nearly four weeks ior managers at colleges and universities throughout the to process more than 5,000 paper applications. Brian United States. Larson, senior web developer, and Robyn Stille ’00 BS,

4 HORIZONS Leadership programs College of receive national awards Business named ‘Rising Star,’ Northern’s two student involvements deepen their leadership and community learning and prepare them maintains involvement programs have to contribute in a global accreditation once again earned honors. society. We are developing NMU’s College of Business has maintained its business The Superior Edge program educated, community-cen- accreditation by AACSB International, the Association was chosen as a silver award tered leaders.” to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. Less than 5 winner by the Student Affairs Also, NMU’s Student percent of the world’s business programs have earned Administrators in Higher Leader Fellowship Program AACSB accreditation, which is the hallmark of excel- Education. It received the was selected as the 2012-13 lence in business education. Founded in 1916, AACSB honor in the category of bronze award winner by the International is the longest-serving global accrediting careers, academic support, group for student union, body for business schools that offer undergraduate, mas- service learning, community student activities, Greek ter's and doctoral degrees in business and accounting. service and related. life, leadership and related “AACSB International accreditation offers the “It is truly an honor category. most prestigious academic accreditation available for to be recognized nationally “These awards are business schools,” says Jamal Rashed, dean of the NMU as one of the most innova- made by the most respected College of Business. “This achievement is a reflection of tive, creative, effective stu- organization in Student the high-quality programs the college offers at both the dent development programs Affairs,” says Dave Bonsall undergraduate and MBA levels.” Only about 650 busi- in the country,” says Rachel ’73 BS, director of the ness schools in 45 countries and territories have suc- Harris ’91 BS, associate Center for Student ceeded in doing so. director of NMU’s Center Enrichment. “To win one for Student Enrichment of them is a significant and director of Superior achievement; to win two of “Our MBA program is named among Edge. “Northern Michigan them is remarkable. We the ‘most promising business schools’ University has established have a very genuine, com- globally,” says Dean Jamal Rashed. itself as an institution that mitted student body at encourages student engage- NMU who embrace the Additionally, the college’s master of business admin- ment in and out of the opportunities they have to istration program was ranked 23rd out of the top 35 classroom. Many of our learn and grow.” international MBA programs named Rising Stars by find- students’ life-changing yourmba.com. The 2012 ranking is based on noteworthy improvements, current data and plans for the future. “Our MBA program is named among the ‘most promising business schools’ globally,” says Rashed. “Northern attracts highly qualified students, with an average GMAT score of 620, and our MBA students rank above the top 30 percent overall in the nation of MBA students taking the graduate Educational Testing Service (ETS) exam.” Findyourmba.com critiques business schools from a student’s perspective. Some data included in other rank- ings is used for the Rising Stars, but the site also includes forum and Internet activity among MBA stu- dents and consideration of the political climate, a uni- versity’s long-term investment in the business school and its strategic choices.

WINTER 2013 5 On campus today NMU pilots MI-VetSuccess program

NMU is the host campus for a new campus-based out- conducting direct veteran outreach and advocacy. reach service, MI-VetSuccess, a pilot program supporting “Helping veterans transition from the military into student veterans. The initial program will reach out to educational programs is a privilege Northern Michigan almost 800 students who have recently served in the mil- University takes very seriously. That is why being a part itary and are now enrolled at higher educational institu- of this pilot program is so exciting for our campus. It’s tions in the Upper Peninsula. especially important that this type of assistance is avail- “We are proud to launch MI-VetSuccess as partners able in the Upper Peninsula—an area with a very high with the U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs vocational rate of military service—so that veterans and veteran stu- rehabilitation program to assist veterans on campus with dents throughout the U.P. have local access to this kind enrolling in the VA health care system or with filing for of help,” says NMU President David Haynes ’72 BS. disability benefits,” says Jason Allen, senior deputy direc- Veterans on campus say that this program is timely tor, Michigan Department of Military and Veterans and necessary. “What a benefit this will be to have a vet- Affairs. “This program will provide necessary services to eran rep at the university to give further assistance to stu- on-campus veterans and provide them with information, dents working their way through the benefits process. support and access to benefits they need to successfully Every student veteran has a little different situation that transition from military to college, and eventually into makes choosing from the benefits available difficult at civilian employment.” times," says Daniel Braund of Marquette, an NMU sen- The program establishes six geographic regions ior criminal justice major. Braund is a staff sergeant in across the state, with one college or university in each the Michigan National Guard 107th EN Battalion. He region designated as the hub from which a designated served nine years of active duty with the 101st in Ft. campus counselor operates. Each host college or universi- Campbell and did three tours in Iraq and one to ty, by signing a memorandum of understanding, com- Afghanistan with the 1430th Engineer Company of mits to providing space and resources necessary for Marquette.

NMU Baja Team records best finish ever

NMU’s SAE team. sprint 50 yards, belt into the safety A field of 19 cars harness, start the engine and go. from universities Racing the cars is just a small part nationwide competed of the competition. Participants spend in the four-hour, off- hundreds of hours designing the cars road race, which takes on the computer and building them in place on a motocross the shop. The NMU team designed track and demands a and built the current No. 23 car dur- fast, reliable car, ing the 2011-12 academic year. Its first The Society of Automotive skilled driving and competition was the International Engineers (SAE) Baja team opened its great teamwork. The NMU Baja team Race in June in Burlington, Wis. The racing season with a second-place fin- also took second place in the “fastest team spent the early winter preparing ish at the UW-Stout Backwoods Baja car” four-lap sprint. The event featured an additional car for Michigan Endurance Race in November. It an exciting “Le Mans” style start in Technological University’s Winter Baja marks the best finish of all time for which the drivers were required to Race Feb. 16 in Houghton.

6 HORIZONS Wildcat athlete drowns in PEIF pool

Accidental drowning has been cited Details provided through the as the cause of death of Wildcat interviews indicate that the recre- freshman soccer player Arianna ation sports staff who responded to Alioto, according to the autopsy the emergency call did so quickly report provided to NMU Public and performed emergency first aid Safety and Police Services by the procedures appropriately until EMS Marquette County Medical arrived on the scene to provide Examiner’s Office. advanced emergency care. Alioto was Alioto, 18 and a native of transported to Marquette General Arianna Alioto Columbia, Mo., participated in a Hospital where she was pronounced practice with her teammates in the dead at 6:18 p.m. ET. what kind of changes might come out PEIF pool on Nov. 30. She was later “Arianna’s drowning is a tragedy,” of our ongoing discussions about the found unresponsive in the pool. said NMU President David Haynes. drowning. What I do know at this “The autopsy report did confirm “The Alioto family, Arianna’s friends, time is that Arianna Alioto was a what we stated earlier, that there was the Wildcat soccer team and the wonderful young lady and her loss is no physical trauma to the body. NMU campus continue to deal with felt deeply, both here at NMU and However, it did not have any other the shock of her death. While the back in her hometown. She is dearly conclusive findings related to the inci- investigation is completed as far as the missed.” dent other than that Ms. Alioto’s police report goes, I don’t know yet death was due to drowning and the nature of the incident was accidental,” On our minds said Mike Bath, director of NMU Visiting experts sparked thought Public Safety and Police Services, and discussion on many fascinat- which oversaw the investigation. ing topics throughout the fall The investigation’s interviews semester. Some topics and their confirm there was a lifeguard present presenters included: at the practice session and that none Communism and Women—Ann of the persons in the pool during the Cudd, associate dean for the training period saw or heard anyone humanities at the University of Kansas in distress during or at the conclu- Cross-race Police Shootings—Mikhail Lyubansky of the University of sion of the practice. Illinois-Urbana-Champaign “Information gathered through A Thai Perspective on the U.S. Election—Kittipong Keatwatcharachai, the investigation interviews lead us to public administration professor with Sukhothai Thammathirat Open believe that Ms. Alioto never left the University pool and most likely drowned Canada’s Incredible Turnaround: What the United States Can Learn between 4:45 and 5 p.m.,” said Bath. from Its Northern Neighbor—Niels Veidhuis, president of the Fraser It was approximately 5:35 p.m. Institute and co-author of The Canadian Century when a student in the second-story Why Are Good People Divided by Politics and Religion?—Jonathan workout area, which overlooks the Haidt, a social psychologist at New York University Stern School of Business pool, identified the possible drowning and best-selling author of The Righteous Mind and The Happiness Hypothesis situation. According to the police One Revolution: It’s not what happens to you, it’s what you do with report, Alioto’s teammates were looking what happens to you—Chris Waddell, most decorated male skier in Paralympic history for her throughout the complex, hop- ing to leave together as they had come Where Soliders Come From—Heather Courtney, Emmy-award winning director of the eponymous film to practice, when emergency personnel arrived, responding to the 911 call Visiting creative writers included Jack Driscoll, Elena Gorokhova and placed by the facility’s employees. Nahid Rachlin

WINTER 2013 7 On campus today Two new trustees join NMU Board

Michigan Governor Rick Snyder has appointed Steve Zurbuchen is associate dean of Mitchell ’67 BS, of West Bloomfield, and Thomas entrepreneurial programs at the Zurbuchen, of Ann Arbor, to the Northern Michigan University of Michigan’s College of University board of trustees, the eight-person governing body. Engineering and founding director of Mitchell is chairman of Mitchell the Center for Entrepreneurship. He Research and Communications Inc., a also serves as a professor of space sci- position he has held since 1985. In ence and aerospace engineering at the this role, he has provided public university, where he has worked for relations, public affairs, marketing more than 16 years. Zurbuchen received a master’s degree research and political consulting in physics, mathematics and astronomy and a Ph.D. in services to corporate, association and physics, both from the University of Bern in Switzerland. government clients. Mitchell holds a He replaces Brian Cloyd. bachelor’s degree in political science and history from The appointees will serve eight-year terms that expire NMU, and received the Distinguished Alumni Award in Dec. 31, 2020. 2004. He replaces Jack LaSalle ’71 BS.

Students help teens Compact to support the project. prepare for future “We’re trying to show them that, even though they’ve experienced adversity, they should keep looking forward because they’re young and can still have a bright future,” says SIFE member Matt Croschere. “We’re giving some helpful advice for when they do start looking for a job. They’re not going to have a lot of experience to include, but they need to build a good resume with what they have.” Writing resumes and cover letters was the focus of the most recent workshop. NMU students distributed sample job applications from area employers and helped the Leading a recent session are NMU students (standing from left) attendees fill them out. Parker Foss, John VanEizenga, Jessica Parker, Maria Syreini and A female GLRC participant found the session was Adriano Da Costa. “really helpful. Most of the teenagers here don’t know how Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) is presenting a series to fill out an application. I took a class on it once, but can of workshops to teenagers from the residential program at build from that. It’s a good refresher. You can never learn Great Lakes Recovery Center in Marquette designed to enough about getting a job, and it’s nice to have it pre- prepare them to enter the workforce. According to SIFE sented by people close to the same age.” adviser and business professor Ray Amtmann, the GLRC Paul Trdan, a teacher at GLRC, agreed that it is benefi- participants have a history of substance abuse or behav- cial for the teens to interact with college students. “It’s good ioral health issues for which they are receiving treatment, for them to see what the next level of education looks like, but typically have no shortage of creativity and energy— in addition to the skills they will need to secure future major requirements for successful entrepreneurs. employment. This project reinforces what we do in class but “Access to the skills they learn in these workshops will applies it in a different environment. It’s nice for our stu- help give them confidence to apply their resources in a dents to get a different perspective outside of the classroom.” constructive way, which will increase their odds of achiev- SIFE is an international organization that brings ing a successful recovery,” Amtmann says. together a diverse network of students from various disci- Topics covered include dressing for success, building plines, academic professionals and industry leaders around a resume, interviewing skills and basic accounting/finance. the shared mission of “creating a better, more sustainable SIFE received a $2,088 grant from Michigan Campus world through the positive power of business.”

8 HORIZONS sions on the bus tour have already led to some new plans. “It was great to reconnect with NMU alumni working in the U.P. We learned that many of our current programs can assist in the furthering of their professional development needs, as well as those of their employees,” says Kapla. “We also NMU goes on the road shared ideas for future programs to ensure we meet the changing demands As part of his “Rethink, Renew, Memorial Hospital, Systems Control of U.P. businesses and community Reconnect” initiative, NMU Inc. and Boss Snowplow. In members, and look forward to continu- President David Haynes led a group Escanaba, the groups toured OSF St. ing those discussions.” of about 30 administrators, staff and Francis Hospital, EMP (Engineered Nanci Gasiewicz ’80 BSN, asso- faculty to events in Iron Mountain Machine Products), Sayklly’s ciate dean of NMU’s School of and Escanaba in October as part of Confectionery & Gifts, Besse Forest Nursing, said the visits were valuable his 2012-13 U.P. Bus Tour. Products, Delta Manufacturing and to her programs. “We have been road— r-o-a-d the Bonifas Arts Center. “It was good to speak to the —scholars this fall,” says Haynes. In both cities, the group met nursing directors in their own envi- “Our goal with these trips was to with downtown area businesses and ronments to fully gain an apprecia- reconnect with business, community K-12 school administrators, as well as tion of the need for nurses in their and alumni leaders across the Upper with members of the economic devel- areas,” she says. “It allowed me to be Peninsula to find out what their eco- opment and Chamber of Commerce confident that our reactivated LPN nomic development, training, tech- organizations. Haynes was the guest program will produce nurses who will nology and educational needs are speaker at the Rotary lunch in each be entering a good job market. In now and looking into the future, and place, while NMU athletic director addition, our BSN graduates will be to see what role NMU can play in Forrest Karr spoke to the Iron able to remain in the Upper meeting those needs.” Mountain Kiwanis. An alumni recep- Peninsula and work as registered In Iron Mountain, the NMU tion was held at the end of each day. nurses if they are willing to relocate contingent broke into smaller groups According to Dale Kapla ’90 outside of the Marquette area. Our to tour the Oscar G. Johnson AS, ’01 MPA, assistant provost for family nurse practitioner graduates Veterans Medical Facility, Dickinson undergraduate programs, the discus- from our master’s program will con- tinue to enjoy a good job market in the U.P. [They] are crucial to the rural healthcare environment.” At least two more bus trips are planned for the spring, to the Copper Country and to Menominee/ Marinette. “The needs of the U.P. are always changing. As the peninsula’s largest and most academically comprehensive university, we feel it’s important that we stay up to date on what NMU can do to help the U.P. and what new opportunities there are for NMU stu- dents, faculty and staff in areas beyond Part of the NMU group on their tour of Besse Forest Products in Gladstone. Marquette,” says Haynes.

WINTER 2013 9 On campus today

Trio programs give students an extra edge to succeed in college More than $1 million in grants each mer experience. It exposes students to Student Support Services is year go to support Northern’s three a variety of career fields, improves designed to help increase retention federal TRIO programs: McNair problem-solving skills and enriches and graduation rates of first-genera- Scholars, Upward Bound-Math their appreciation for science and tion, low-income students and stu- Science and Student Support mathematics. To be eligible, students dents with disabilities. Participants Services. The programs are designed must meet federal low-income guide- must be enrolled in a baccalaureate to assist low-income individuals, first- lines or come degree program. They generation college students and indi- from a family in receive comprehensive viduals with disabilities progress which neither academic support and through the academic pipeline from parent or personal advisement, middle school to post-baccalaureate guardian holds a access to cultural and programs. All three were recently four-year college leadership activities, notified that their federal funding has degree. UBMS is not to be confused assistance in making a positive transi- been continued or renewed. with the general Upward Bound pro- tion to campus life and requisite skills The McNair Scholars program gram at NMU, which did not have its to make appropriate career choices as serves students who are first genera- funding renewed and ceased opera- NMU graduates and lifelong learners. tion and low income, or belong to a tions at the end of August. group traditionally underrepresented in graduate education. Participation in the program affords undergraduate A Trio triple play students the opportunity to work NMU has its first graduate who com- with a faculty mentor for a summer pleted a TRIO program Triple Play. research project while earning credit, Andrea Selmser participated in NMU’s a $2,800 stipend and a living three TRIO programs. allowance. McNair participants also As a member of the McNair benefit from GRE-prep workshops, Scholars Program inaugural cohort, graduate school campus visits, oppor- Selmser completed research in the area tunities to present research at confer- of traumatic brain injury in veterans ences and individual academic coun- returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. Andrea Selmser (right) with her McNair mentor, Debra Morley, neurologist at the seling. Since the program began in She presented her research at NMU, the regional McNair Scholars confer- Iron Mountain VA Medical Center. October 2009, 16 students have suc- ence and at the Federal Interagency Conference on Traumatic Brain Injury cessfully completed all of the neces- in Washington D.C. sary components and graduated. Of As an Upward Bound student, Selmser regularly participated in those, 11 have enrolled in graduate student leadership conferences, was a three-year participant in the UB and doctorate programs across the summer program and was a UB Bridge Scholarship recipient. country, with the majority receiving She also took advantage of a broad range of opportunities while a full or partial funding packages to Student Support Services (SSS) participant. She was an active member of its continue their education. student advisory board, served as a tutor in the program, and was a Northern's Upward Bound Freshman Seminar teaching assistant for SSS. In her spare time, Selmser Math-Science program (UBMS) consistently excelled in academics, earning Dean’s List honors on a regular through the Seaborg Center is a year- basis. As an NMU student, she also maintained her connections with UB by round academic program that serving as a tutor-counselor, office assistant and newsletter editor. Andrea is currently in the speech-language pathology master’s program includes an intensive, six-week sum- at Michigan State University.

10 HORIZONS Forging relationships in Asia and the Middle East

NMU is extending its global outreach programs where Korean students could efforts under President David Haynes. spend the first two years there and fin- He traveled recently to Seoul, South ish up the last two years here, receiving Korea, where he signed memoranda of a Northern degree. If students are here understanding with two institutions: more than a semester or two, they’re Seoul National University of Science more connected to U.S. students and and Technology and Hankuk it enhances diversity on campus.” University of Foreign Studies. This In October, NMU hosted builds upon the previously signed Mohamed Rashed Al Hameli, a senior agreement with Myongji University. economic adviser with the Abu Dhabi Haynes was accompanied by Council for Economic Development.

Provost Paul Lang and Sook Wilkinson, NMU representatives recently traveled to He was invited to the Marquette area an NMU trustee who was born in Seoul, Korea and signed memoranda of under- to discuss the possibility of NMU col- graduated from the city’s Ewha Womans standing with Seoul National University laborating with United Arab Emirates’ of Science and Technology and Hankuk University and speaks fluent Korean. University of Foreign Studies. institutions to offer courses and “The schools were impressed we had a Korean-American on our board who would take the time to “Student and faculty travel there to help Northern exchanges are certainly through this,” Haynes says. “We identified four universities, met with possible, but we also their staffs to compare what we offer want to move beyond and what they offer and came away exchanges to actual with two signed agreements. We will continue to pursue partnerships with degree programs.” the others. The Seoul Institute of Arts is unique and has a lot of the Al Hameli, a senior economic adviser with the programs in the capital of Abu Abu Dhabi Council for Economic Development, same programs as we offer in art and with Jamal Rashed, NMU College of Business Dhabi and other UAE locations. He design and in communications and dean, and David Nyberg, director of the also met with business and commu- performance studies. Governor's Office for Northern Michigan. nity leaders. Haynes We spent a full day will be traveling to Al with NMU graduate Hameli’s homeland in JiHun Chang ’95 February. BS, who came here “We’re very on an exchange pro- excited about the gram and is now a opportunities that professor in the SIA may be available for Broadcasting NMU programs in Department. Abu Dhabi, and we “Student and appreciate Mr. Al faculty exchanges are Hameli traveling to certainly possible, but the Upper Peninsula we also want to move to learn more about beyond exchanges to our university,” actual degree says Haynes. programs. Maybe NMU Trustee and Korean native Sook Wilkinson, left, and NMU President David two-plus-two Haynes creating more partnerships in South Korea.

WINTER 2013 11 Sports Wildcat Women Roar in Title IX Milestone Year

It may be in honor of the 40th anniversary of the pass- ing of Title IX, the federal civil rights law that prohibits sex discrimination in education and had the biggest impact in promoting the growth of girls and women’s sports. Or, it may be motivated by seeing the impressive female performances of the London Summer Olympic Games. Whatever the reason, the Wildcat women’s teams have had a strong showing so far in the 2012-13 season. The NMU cross country squad finished fourth of 16 schools at the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Championship, a climb of four places from a year ago. Coach Jenny Ryan’s ’02 MA team also finished ninth of 38 divisional opponents at the Roy Griak, the largest national cross country invitational. Nine of the top 10 runners return in 2013. The Wildcat volleyball squad posted a 20-win sea- NMU had two top 20 finishers in the 20-kilometer classic son—its 10th straight winning campaign. Coach with junior Rosie Frankowski finishing 10th and fresh- Dominic Yoder’s team went 20-12 overall and 12-6 in man Mary Kate Cirelli 18th. In the 5K junior classic race, GLIAC play for fifth place in the conference. NMU also freshman Hannah appeared in the GLIAC Tournament for the ninth consec- Boyer was 25th. In the utive year. Juniors Lina Lopes and Kellisha Harley were sprints, junior Jordyn selected to the GLIAC first team Ross was 19th in the In soccer, senior forward Amelia Johnson was a first- women’s under 23 age team all-conference pick, representing a young Wildcat group (51st overall), team that went 4-13 overall and was 11th in the GLIAC just 23.35 seconds (3-10). behind the first-place Rosie Frankowski Mary Kate Cirelli The NMU swimming and diving team has ranked as winner. high as No. 9 in the Division II Endless Pools/College The indoor track and field team began its indoor sea- Swimming Top 25 during 2012-13. Over the semester son in January at No. 23 in the national preseason rank- break, the Wildcats competed at the Puerto Rico ings. First-year head coach Chereé Hicks looks to build Invitational and won the women’s competition, becoming on the recent successes of the program, including last the first Division II team to take the meet title in 10 years. year’s 14th place finish at the NCAA Indoor The women’s basketball team has been enjoying a Championships and three student-athletes earning All- strong season. Coming into the America status. new calendar year, NMU had a "It's been a great year so far for women's athletics at 7-3 overall record. Coach Troy NMU,” says NMU Athletic Director Forrest Karr. “We Mattson’s ’86 BS squad is eye- are very fortunate to have so many female student-athletes ing a fourth GLIAC playoff who excel in the classroom and in competition. The berth in five years when coaches of our tourney time rolls around in women's teams con- early March. sistently find ways to NMU’s women Nordic establish a culture skiers have dominated many of where everyone their early season meets. At the works toward a com- 2013 U.S. Cross Country Ski mon goal to achieve Championships in January, success."

12 HORIZONS Football players earn region, Hicks hired as track all-star game honors and field coach Four Wildcats were among the 80 players chosen to the Chereé Hicks was hired in September as NMU’s track and field 2012 Don Hansen NCAA Division II All-Super Region 4 coach. She comes to the Wildcat squad, announced in January. program after 11 years as an assis- Junior Christian Jessie was named to the second team tant coach at the University of Miami, Syracuse as a return specialist. Seniors Jace Daniels and Rockne University and Portland State University. Belmonte were named to the third-team offense while sen- Hicks was an NCAA runner-up in the shot put and discus as a student-athlete at Syracuse and an ior Zach Anderson was a third-team defense selection. Academic All-American and All-American in discus at Anderson, Daniels and Belmonte were also selected to California State University-Northridge. play in national all-star games that took place in December. Anderson and Daniels competed on opposite Bratrud skis for teams in the third annual National Bowl Game at Team USA J. Birney Crum Stadium in Allentown, Pa. Belmonte played in the D2 vs. NAIA Scout Bowl in NMU sophomore Nordic skier Myrtle Beach, S.C. and is participating in several com- Kyle Bratrud competed for Team bines. In addition to football, he was commissioned a USA at the U23 World Second Lt. in the United States Army following his NMU Championships in Liberec, Czech graduation and participation in ROTC. Republic, in late January. Bratrud “It’s critical whenever you can get our university all- was 46th in the 10-kilometer star game exposure and it’s a feather in their cap that they freestyle and led Team USA fin- were invited to play in these games and be recognized as ishing 34th in the 20k skiathlon (combined classic and one of the best players in the country at their position,” freestyle) event. He and his USA teammates were 12th in says first-year Wildcat coach Chris Ostrowksy. “It’s fantas- the 4 X 5k classic/freestyle relay with Bratrud having the tic for our program to get notoriety and to see our players fastest leg. being celebrated.” Bratrud earned one of six slots on the national NMU wrapped up its 100th season of Wildcat foot- team based on points accumulated during the first three ball with a 4-7 record. The ‘Cats went 1-5 in the first six races held at the 2013 U.S. Cross Country games and 3-2 in the final five contests. Championships in early January. Twenty-nine Wildcats have been selected to the Lifters make elite teams Junior World Team under coach Sten Fjeldheim ’86 BS, ’92 MA. Current NMU skier junior George USOEC weightlifter Breanne Carlson captured sixth Cartwright was the most recent selection in 2011. place in the 58-kilogram weight class at the World University Championships in Eilat, Israel, in November. She had a 149kg lift total. She completed all three Ranked wrestlers snatch lifts, topping her personal record by 4kg with a 67kg lift. In the clean and jerk, Carlson exceeded her Fifteen United States Olympic Education Center personal record by 1kg with an Greco-Roman wrestlers earned top 10 senior ranking 82kg lift. by TheMat.com, the official website of USA Wrestling, Three USOEC lifters earned this past fall. Max Nowry (left) was No. 2 in the 55kg a trip to the 2013 National weight class. Nowry won the University World Junior Championships held in Championships in October. mid-February: Brian Budd In December, the USOEC (94kg), Ann Bengry (53kg) and wrestlers finished third overall at Chris Young (85kg). the Lila Malar Cup in Stockholm, Additionally, 19 USOEC Sweden, with seven athletes taking team members have qualified for the University Nationals to top 10 spots in their weight cate- be held April 4-7. gories. Ramon Moreno (55kg) and Mike Mioni (60kg) won silver.

WINTER 2013 13 Oh, Pioneers!

“We are all one. In the human form we are pioneers embarked on a wonderful journey, exploring and experiencing the physical world.” Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh

By Rebecca Tavernini ’11 MA 14 HORIZONS emarkable advances in technology, health and social issues in the last few decades have brought R us not only closer to the imagined future of the mid-20th century, but in many ways beyond what any- one could have envisioned. Yet, 95 percent of the ocean remains unexplored, 96 percent of matter in the universe is unknown, 1.3 million people die each year of preventable and treatable tuberculosis and 1.2 million from traffic accidents. Not to mention that if you need a cab when it’s raining, you’re going to get wet. Enter NMU alumni, those fearless explorers, visionaries, inventors, movers and shakers. In this issue, meet Lisa (Trotter) Kelley, who dives beneath Antarctic ice to glide through a world surprisingly rich with life and bursting with color and magnificent creatures—some that may turn out to be newly discovered species. Ben Scheelk is a fellow aquaphile, whose work with Blue Legacy seeks to protect, preserve and improve the world’s essential water resources, by using new ways to educate and collaborate. Celestially, student Matt Menze worked at NASA to help develop tools to simulate a possibly revolutionary When futurist Herman Kahn came to Marquette in type of robotic anatomy that may also have terrestrial uses. 1980, he had a luncheon with faculty and staff, talked In an unbelievably short period of time, Kyle Ortiz with a social science class, went on a tour at Cleveland moved heaven and earth to save hundreds of lives by set- Cliffs Mining Company, met with local high schoolers and held a public presentation at Forest Roberts ting up community tuberculosis treatment centers in the Theatre. capital of Cambodia, demonstrating a growing model of affecting large-scale change with a small-scale staff and Here’s what Kahn prognosticated in his speech: budget. • “Very square, right wing fundamental groups will Speaking of large-scale, John Fleming and partners restore the ‘can do’ attitude to America and eliminate excessive government regulations.” are thinking big when it comes to U.S. transportation, garnering support for an elevated transportation system • In 2030 (50 years from his speech) the population that allows cars and freight to travel on both roads and will stabilize at 10 billion people and per-capita world automated high-speed rail, easing congestion, pollution income will be $25,000. and accidents. • The world is in a period of “great transition where At Northern we are working to expand the borders the rich will get richer and the poor will get richer.” of our classrooms, by partnering with other universities, • The best job prospects will be in computer science such as Macomb Community College and Lake Superior and service industries. State University to offer courses they don’t, in-person, • The U.S. and U.S.S.R. will decline in power and online or via interactive TV. In addition, by working Japan, China, West Germany and France will grow. with game theory expert Ron St. Martin we are charting • “The most likely scenario for WWIII would be a revolt in our best-best countries and strategies for bringing signifi- East Germany and Poland against Soviet domination.” cantly more international students to our Marquette campus. • “Two hundred years ago mankind almost everywhere And as for advances in hailing a cab, thanks to was scarce, poor and at the mercy of the forces of nature. Two hundred years from now, barring bad Martin Heikel, there’s an app for that. luck or bad management, mankind should be almost Enjoy the ride to these new frontiers… everywhere numerous, rich and in control of the forces of nature.”

WINTER 2013 15 Diving

to the End of the World By Kristi Evans ccording to the readers’ choice awards in Scuba Diving magazine, tropical destinations are by far the most popular. Frigid exceptions are British Columbia’s Pacific coastline, ranked first in the North American region, and the Great Lakes for best shipwreck diving. A Antarctica is nowhere on the list, but Lisa (Trotter) Kelley ’99 BS considers it a best-kept secret. She is the only person on record who both learned to scuba dive and completed her certifica- tion in Antarctica. She also wrote the first and only dive guide to the region. Kelley now accompanies travelers to the White Continent as an expedition leader aboard National Geographic Explorer.

16 HORIZONS Once the exclusive realm of Kelley almost had an earlier initi- because my grandfather had some military and scientific divers, the ation to cold-water diving, albeit in physical constraints, I was always Antarctic has recently attracted Lake Superior. She had to drop the back at the landings early and ended recreational types eager for an scuba class at NMU before its first up helping people in and out of unconventional experience. The session because it conflicted with soc- Zodiacs. extreme environment—water temper- cer practice (Kelley was team captain). “Towards the end of the trip I atures around 30 degrees F through- asked the crew how they got into this out the year—requires added prepara- line of work and they said they had a tion and about 150 pounds of gear. position open in the gift shop if I Kelley wears a long-underwear base wanted to apply. I did and ended up layer topped by a 500g Thinsulate getting the job. jumpsuit and finally a drysuit made “Because I like to keep busy, I of either crushed neoprene or trilami- asked the undersea specialist if he nate. The air tanks on her back have would train me to dive. So while I two regulators in case one stops was the gift shop manager, I learned working properly. Kelley also carries a to dive in Antarctica.” camera in a waterproof housing. After earning a bachelor’s degree in Kelley has since logged more “It is an incredibly rich environ- health education and human biology, than 900 hours exploring the region ment with lots of invertebrates and she completed post-graduate work in via scuba and a remotely-operated colors you wouldn't believe,” she immunology before her career path writes in an email from the boat dur- took an unexpected turn. “There has been so little ing a recent expedition. “I’ve been “My grandparents, who raised research underwater around the world, and Antarctica is me, were longtime Lindblad still my favorite place to dive on the Expeditions travelers,” she explains. {in Antarctica}, that planet. On any given day, you never “When I finished my post-grad work, it is possible we might know what you will find. There has they asked if I wanted to go on a trip find something been so little research underwater with them to Western Europe, start- that has never been here that it is possible we might find ing in Portsmouth, England, and something that has never been seen ending in Lisbon, Portugal. I was the seen before.” before.” youngest person onboard, and vehicle (ROV). This experience led A Harpagiferidae, or spiny plunderfish, (left) and leopard seal (below) are among the undersea creatures Kelley (above) encounters in Antarctic waters. her to write Below Freezing: The Antarctic Dive Guide, first published in 2006 and now in its second edi- tion. Kelley also served as the winter 2010 station manager at Palmer Station, a U.S. research complex located on a protected harbor off the Antarctica Peninsula. “I made sure everyone was happy and healthy, and that the station continued to run smoothly and be productive.” Now Kelley spends most of the year working aboard National Geographic Explorer as an expedition leader, naturalist and undersea special- ist. Such a nomadic career typically is not conducive to finding a spouse, but Kelley discovered about the only Photos courtesy of Lisa Kelley

WINTER 2013 17 workable solution for her situa- native. “Every week the ice and tion: she married a Lindblad animals change. A rewarding naturalist, Jason, works on the part of my job is to see the same vessel and has the same smiles on people's faces after schedule. being face to face with a penguin “Because my husband is or seeing an iceberg for the first usually one of the staff I super- time.” vise, we definitely have to be Written or spoken words careful to keep work separate will likely fall short in describing from the personal. We do pretty the environment of Antarctica, well. Half the time, the guests much less what it’s like to ven- don’t realize we’re married, as we ture below the water’s surface. are professional when outside Few have experienced the invig- the cabin. But I do find that orating thrill of diving there, but being away from shore-based it’s possible to do so vicariously friends and family is difficult.” through Kelley. A Kelley has traveled from fascinating 2008 the remote islands of the Mid- video that shows Atlantic Ridge to Europe, as her exploring the well as both coasts of South undersea beauty America and Africa. Most of her and diversity can be voyages are to polar regions, viewed on YouTube. and she prefers it that way. Enter her maiden “Any itinerary in Antarctica is my favorite because it name, Lisa Trotter, in is an incredibly dynamic area,” says the Buffalo, N.Y. the search field and enjoy your own journey into the frigid deep. ■

Kelley’s book, Below Freezing, details 25 dive sites on the Antarctic Peninsula and South Georgia and includes diving techniques for those up to the challenge.

At press time, another Wildcat explorer, David Branson ‘97 BS, was on a research cruise aboard the RVIB Palmer off the west coast of Antarctica sampling benthic invertebrates. He is working on his doctorate at Auburn University, focusing on marine molecular ecology.

Encrusted whale vertebrae provide habitat to a nudibranch and an anemone in Port Lockroy harbor, which was a haven for whalers. The sea bed is as deep as 62 meters in this area, and is home to limpets (circular sea snails that look like alien spaceships), sea stars, worms, isopods (14-legged crustaceans resembling armadillos or wood lice) , sponges and leopard and Weddell seals.

18 HORIZONS Our water legacy By Kristi Evans Ben Scheelk photo

lexandra Cousteau, grand- change,” explains Scheelk. “But a fundraising galas and a film festival. daughter of famed undersea Nature Conservancy poll recently He also was Cousteau’s executive A explorer Jacques and a global showed 77 percent of people sur- assistant. water advocate in her own right, has veyed don’t know where their water Scheelk helped to organize two said, “There’s remarkably little we can comes from. When we don’t have major Blue Legacy events. One was a do to shape productive conversation that connection to the source of our congressional film briefing on the on water issues until we return to a water, we tend to ignore the impacts 2012 Global Water Security simple truth we all learned as chil- of our daily activities and how they Intelligence Community Assessment. dren: we share a single hydrosphere work their way downstream. We “Water has a big impact on foreign and are connected through the water ignore that at our own peril.” policy,” he says. “If shared, it can bring cycle—each of us positioned quite lit- Scheelk countries together. If scarce, it can erally downstream from the other.” first met cause instability and put pressure on a Cousteau’s point is illustrated by a Cousteau weak regime or democracy.” For the satellite view of Charlevoix, situated when he was other event, he worked with the on a strip of land sandwiched between president of Waterkeeper Alliance on a Clean Water the interconnected bodies of Lake NMU’s geog- Act 40th anniversary panel discussion. Michigan, Round Lake and Lake raphy honors “A major impetus for the 1972 Charlevoix. Ben Scheelk ’11 BA cred- society and Water activist Ben Scheelk legislation occurred in 1969, when its his hometown with instilling an secured student finance committee Ohio’s Cuyahoga River caught on fire appreciation for the outdoors and funding to bring her to campus for a and caused major devastation,” reinforcing the importance of protect- presentation. After studying abroad Scheelk adds. “There was almost no ing natural resources. Those interests in Chile, finishing his final semester federal oversight. The primary intent led him to NMU and ultimately a at NMU and volunteering in India, of the act was to make U.S. rivers fish- position with Cousteau’s non-profit he contacted Blue Legacy. Based on able, drinkable and swimmable. While Blue Legacy International, which the organization’s immediate need for we have come a long way, there’s inspires people to take action on water a new website and fueled by his com- major concern that we’ll slip back- issues through traditional and new mitment to the cause, Scheelk taught wards if House Republicans succeed in media projects. himself to build websites as a volun- diverting regulatory authority from “Alexandra’s father and grandfa- teer and was rewarded with a paid the federal government to the states. ther were primarily focused on position in Washington, D.C. He is “But it’s important for everyone marine ecosystems, or oceans,” currently on leave, but continues to to be a part of this; it can’t be just the Scheelk says. “Alexandra is often volunteer as the webmaster and pro- government or environmental organi- referred to as the ‘freshwater vides technical support. In his 18 zations. If communities rally around Cousteau’ because she looks at the months with the organization, the idea of taking back the watersheds entire water cycle and promotes Scheelk served as head writer/editor, that have been neglected so long, it ‘watershed-first thinking.’ Water managed its social media accounts, not only ensures future protection, but impacts every aspect of our lives, supervised content licensing and pre- also brings that community closer from food security to community sented Blue Legacy’s latest film about together. Social media has made that health. It’s the vehicle through which the Potomac River, Our Nation’s easier. It’s led to a democratization of we’ll feel the effects of climate River: A System on the Edge, at activism and conservation.” ■

WINTER 2013 19 Time Travel of a different KIND By Cindy Paavola ’84 BS

or Northern Michigan University alumni old magnetic levitation and the car would pretty much float enough to remember the Hanna-Barbera television over the roadway,” says Fleming. “A side benefit is that Fcartoon series The Jetsons, you may recall how because it’s a natural-gas-generated electronic roadway, it father, George Jetson, would zoom in a matter of seconds will be possible to use the energy system from the road from his home to work via his 2062 aerocar that resem- itself to regenerate vehicle batteries.” bled a flying saucer with a glass bubble top. Travel speeds on the SKYway would reach up to 130 The Dual Mode SKYway™ transportation system miles per hour, but no driver input would be necessary. project that alumnus John Fleming ’64 BS is involved The cars would enter the SKYway and align with other with isn’t quite fast-flying saucers, but he chuckles when vehicles in platoons. Each platoon would be monitored he admits “it’s pretty close.” and controlled by interconnected computer systems. And, Fleming, a 1994 recipient of the NMU Distinguished given the state of the art in autonomous vehicle develop- Alumni Award, is part of a company ment, the computers in each vehicle called Innov8 Transport, which is advo- could communicate with other vehicles cating the idea of an elevated electric and the SKYway system. So, much like and automated high-speed rail system riding a current commuter train, once a that has the potential to revolutionize driver has entered the SKYway, they can modern transportation. use that time in their vehicle to do The Innov8 project would involve things other than focus on driving, such both public and private transportation. as read, work on their wireless devices, The SKYway system would accommo- take a nap or apply their makeup. John Fleming of Innov8 Transport date dual-mode vehicles known as “Past attempts at high-speed personal SKYbrid™ vehicles that could function both on the tradi- vehicle travel failed to resolve the challenges with how to tional roadways as well as the new elevated rail platform. enter and exit the high-speed roadway safely. Innov8 The system would also service commercial freight and Transport has been able to address this issue through both buses (SKYtrains). its inherent design using the MagLev conveyance and “We’re talking about creating a roadway and vehicle electronic controls built into the ingress and egress infra- system that uses a magnetic levitation mode of movement structure, which takes away the potential for human error by connecting the rail to a structural component built that has always been a part of high-speed travel when into the car or attached to the car or the car’s tires. vehicles are controlled individually.” Basically, the car and SKYway would interface to facilitate Fleming says that the discussion about long-distance,

20 HORIZONS high-speed travel is also not a new muter plane service. topic. Studies have been done on “However, the SKYway it by corporations such as General would better serve the entire Motors, Ford and Chrysler, as country and would provide safe well as by state and federal trans- and fast movement of people and portation agencies. The goods to airline hubs,” Fleming Transportation Research Board says. “The SKYway system allows convened the first workshop in people to remain with their cars, 1994. He says these studies and Americans love their cars— explore the idea of Automated they love being able to stay in Highway Systems (AHS) and their own space with their own what it would take to “leap frog stuff, and have both the flexibility the current American transporta- and utility of their own vehicle at tion system into a system of smart their destination.” roads or smart cars, or some com- Going outside of the United bination of both.” States with the SKYway system He stresses that people don’t may be one way to see it become realize how inefficient our current a reality. transportation system is. A 2008 “It may be easier to go to a government report states that the third-world country that doesn’t “U.S. government wastes $608 have a legacy transportation sys- billion annually to current high tem like the U.S. does and build inefficiencies, and must solve the highway and SKYway system growing traffic congestion, envi- simultaneously,” says Fleming. ronmental, safety and energy Fleming says that he and the problems.” (For report, see Innov8 Transport team members http://tti.tamu.edu/ documents/0-5827-1.pdf) realize they may never actually see “The trouble with a lot of the SKYway system in place in the early studies is that they didn’t Vehicles would enter the Skyway from existing roads, the U.S. or anywhere else in their have a sound business model,” and with a special component connect to the rail lifetime, but they are undeterred system, which magnetically and automatically trans- says Fleming. “What we’ve tried ports the car at high speeds until the programmed in their belief in the importance to do is to address the business exit is reached and the driver re-engages control. of moving the idea forward. component. We’ve also taken the efficient than the ones today,” says “This is our dream and, ide- work that was done in the 1990s Fleming. “I think if people, especially ally, we’d like to see the dream come regarding automated highway systems investors and policy decision-makers, true in the way that we’ve developed and we’ve updated it with today’s could actually see this concept work- it. However, realistically it may be new technology.” ing, they’d be more willing to make that only parts and pieces of our idea What Innov8 Transport hopes to the kind of investment that will be come to be. What’s important to us is see happen next is to secure a fund- needed to take this from the test that this idea helps advance the dis- ing source that would help the com- model point to an actual U.S. trans- cussion and other ideas and, ultimate- pany build a test rail to further devel- portation system.” ly, the movement to change the cur- op the components and provide Fleming says two particular pres- rent transportation system to a better, proof of concept data. sures may make funding hard to safer, more environmentally and ■ “Just focusing on the Texas come by. One is that the SKYway financially sustainable system.” Triangle (encompassing Dallas, model would directly compete with For those who may like to research this subject Houston, San Antonio and Austin), the Obama administration’s proposal further, Fleming suggests that a good place to start one can easily see the tremendous for a national high-speed train sys- would be with the studies that came from the economies of scale in productivity Transportation Research Board workshops. U.S. tem. The second is that the regional Department of Transportation Federal Highway and jobs growth from a transporta- airlines would fight the SKYway Administration, Publication No. FHWA-RD-95- tion system that is many times more model since it would impact com- 043, November 1995.

WINTER 2013 21 artin Heikel ’81 BS is giving New York City thought to that and thought geez, there’s got to be a better cab drivers a new set of eyes on city streets. He way, and that’s how the idea got started.” M created the smart phone application, ZabKab, The ZabKab app was designed to improve upon a sys- which better connects taxi drivers and passengers. tem that has worked for generations. Heikel acknowledges “There was a problem that existed in NYC that could that there isn’t much simpler than just putting one’s arm be solved with new technology: Taxi drivers who are cruising up to hail a cab, but he said problems arise when people around empty 30 to 40 percent of the time without a pas- aren’t on main streets where cabs typically run. The app senger. So you have these two parties that are searching for will help drivers see people on sidestreets, and passengers one another with an inefficient system,” says Heikel, who will no longer have to walk to busy thoroughfares in order has a marketing management degree. “We gave some to find a cab. ‘Taxi!’

By Lucy Hough ’12 BA

22 HORIZONS “If the cab only knew where you app. And within the first couple weeks, stood in the sidestreet, then they’d be 40,000 passengers downloaded it. more than willing to make the attempt “I think it drew so much media to go pick you up,” Heikel says. attention because as a New Yorker Building on the tradition of sim- where there’s 8.5 million people, plicity, the ZabKab app is straightfor- almost everybody has used a yellow ward in its design. Though Heikel says cab on occasion so it’s something that it involves complicated programming, everyone could relate to,” Heikel says. the goal was to make the interface easy “Because our app is relatively simple to to use. explain, and it’s a ‘wow, why didn’t I “We wanted to make sure that think of that’ concept, it made it high- when you open the app, whether you’re ly intriguing for a lot of people.” the consumer or the driver, it’s clean, To make the app usable by both intuitive and doesn’t take a lot of study. Inventor Martin Heikel, cofounder of drivers and passengers, Heikel had to We’re trying to make getting a cab Flatiron Apps Company learn a lot about the taxi industry, easier, simpler and save someone including unions, various stake- time.” holders, interest groups, regulato- When downloading the app It’s a ‘wow, why ry issues, some New York City for a smart phone or tablet, users politics and more. Heikel, who choose whether they are a passen- didn’t I think of has previously held positions as ger or a driver. director of global account sales The app is free for passen- that’ concept. for MCI, director of Verizon gers, who simply press a button to Financial Network and executive notify drivers of their location (the number of presses director of Verizon Enterprise Integration Services, said indicates the number of passengers). Drivers, after a 60- that continual learning is integral to his business success. day free trial, pay between $10 and $15 per month for “What I learned in the marketing management pro- the service, which allows them to see the exact gram at Northern was a good business foundation— location of passengers understanding the basic principles of business and within a few marketing in particular. To blocks. Both the understand the driver and pas- language, the ter- senger are anony- minology, it provid- mous on the app. ed a good baseline.” Passengers Heikel and his aren’t required to team plan to expand wait for a ZabKab- awareness for the app hailed taxi if another to other urban areas cab comes along throughout the sooner. Drivers are world. Technically, the not obligated to pick app will work in any up a ZabKab fare if location (and any lan- they see another pas- guage on a user’s senger first. mobile device), but its Since the beta success depends on the launch in August 2012, number of drivers and the app has seen a lot of An example of the passenger app screen is shown on the left; a driver’s passengers who down- media and user success. screen on the right. The ZabKab site explains that “when passengers load it. For now, they are Within 10 days, 2,000 touch the screen’s ‘hail’ button, nearby cabs hear a ping to notify focusing primarily on them that a potential fare is nearby.” For safety, drivers can only view ■ drivers downloaded the the location of the potential passenger when their vehicle is stopped. New York City.

WINTER 2013 23 Graphics courtesy of Matt Menze and Vytas SunSpiral Graphics courtesy of Matt Menze and Vytas NEXT-GEN space robots By Rebecca Tavernini ’11 MA

orking at NASA seems a dream as works to explore and test theoretical concepts that are unreachable as vacationing to other galaxies, being proposed for future missions. The idea is that the W but for Matthew Menze, a junior at NMU, it information gained from experimenting with methods of couldn’t be more real, or more cool. He spent the fall accomplishing a given mission profile will allow future semester as an intern at the National Aeronautics and missions to be designed based on previous experience, Space Administration’s Ames rather than attempting to execute it Intelligent Robotics Group in purely on theoretical concepts. By the Mountain View, Calif. time any NASA mission is flown, it has “Growing up I have always taken been iterated through numerous incar- in everything related to space with a nations and design phases.” sense of awe; endless sci-fi books have Menze’s mission at NASA was con- embedded in my head this idea that tributing to a team effort of laying the space is the ultimate goal of humani- groundwork for a novel concept that ty,” he says. “However, it wasn't until I may lead to a more nimble form of had this opportunity that I truly robots and exploratory vehicles, by understood the positive impact space incorporating tensegrity design princi- research and exploration has had on ples. “Tensegrities are structures that are social and technological advancement.” NMU junior Matthew Menze’s I.D. photo composed of rigid elements (rods) con- from his NASA internship His work in the Intelligent Robotics nected by a network of tension elements Group focused on the technical side of that. As Menze (cables) in such a way that all of the rods experience pure explains it, “The IRG is a research-oriented group that compressive forces, while all of the cables experience stress

24 HORIZONS only from tension,” says Menze. It While this work at one of the may more easily be thought of in world’s most venerated institutions terms of human anatomy, where the may have serious implications, rods are bones, and cables are mus- Menze, a Marquette native, was cles and ligaments. surprised by the fun work environ- On his blog (www.magicalro- ment, which is a hallmark of bot.org), Menze’s mentor at NASA, Silicon Valley creativity. “It's com- Vytas SunSpiral, explains “the inspira- pletely orientated around maximiz- tion for this research comes from the ing project progress while still idea of ‘Biotensegrity’ pioneered by managing to be one of the most Dr. Steven Levin, which holds that laid-back and low-stress work set- tensegrity structures are a good model tings. There is also a huge emphasis for how forces move through our on expanding your own horizons. bodies. Thus, instead of the common NASA is constantly putting on sense ‘bone-centric’ model where seminars with experts from Ames, force passes comprehensively from as well as guests from such organi- bone to bone, one should take a fas- zations as Google and the cia-centric view that looks at the Department of Defense. global fascia network (i.e. continuous “I really cannot say enough chains of muscles and ligaments) as about how positive an experience the primary load paths in the Vytas created for me. He and body…they have many qualities everyone I was able to work with which make them well suited for are doing an amazing job. Going to motion, especially the type of motion NASA, and Silicon Valley in gener- required of a robot (or animal) mov- al, was like stepping a few years ing in the real world outside the safe- Menze helped develop tools in a simulator to into the future. Honestly, the most ty of factories or laboratories.” construct complex transegrity structures using challenging thing I found about Menze says, “While biological only a few key parameters. The structure above being there was just trying to live resembles the forces and movements of a spine- examples exist of tensegrities in ani- like model. The pink ball on the opposite page up to the level of the people mal physiology, little is known about represents a payload added to explore the around me.” controlling these non-linear struc- effect of added mass. Below, the “ligaments” of Menze saw a microcosm of an arm and elbow-like model may provide keys, tures from a robotics standpoint.” as the others do as well, for constructing robot- Earth’s population, with great Menze, a dual major in com- ics that can better handle impacts, motion and minds from all over the world puter science and electronics engi- varying terrains. These computational models working toward the common goal are inspired by physical prototype models made neering, worked on building up a by artist and inventor Tom Flemons. of expanding our knowledge. “I catalog of models to be used have never seen anything even with a computer-generated remotely as effective at break- transegrity simulator—struc- ing down cultural barriers as tures of varying shapes, rod and the environment of learning cable lengths, points and ten- and exploration that NASA sions. He also worked with has created. At the same time, another team member to assist I have not seen a single with the development of a tool project that didn't hold the set aiding researchers to more promise of numerous quickly and easily create and terrestrial applications despite simulate these models. From being developed with space there, engineers and program- exploration in mind.” ■ mers can build actual, func- tioning models to test in the real world.

WINTER 2013 25 KC Ortiz, photojournalist and Kyle’s brother, captured these moments in Cambodia. Above left, an Operation ASHA treatment provider administering TB Cambodia, most TB patients had to trek many miles to one of the few government hospitals for their daily pill, making it challenging to complete their

t will be accomplished.” This became Kyle Ortiz’s Grassroots “I’04 BS mantra when he volunteered to build a tuberculosis According to the World Health a pill that day. Neighborhood coun- treatment program from scratch in Organization (WHO), Cambodia has selors can closely monitor use, check Cambodia and had only five months one of the highest TB rates and a in personally with those who have to complete the task before returning health system weakened by decades missed a dose and encourage them to to the United States. In that brief of civil unrest and economic hard- continue treatment. time, Ortiz arranged a meeting with ship. Diagnosis and treatment servic- “It costs OpASHA only $30 to the country’s minister of health to es used to be available only in hospi- diagnose and treat a patient for the develop a collaborative relationship tals, but many people were deterred full seven months. The challenge is with the government, hired the first by the cost of travel and accommoda- that two months in, they feel like employees and set up three treatment tions. Or they waited until they were they’re cured. But if they stop taking centers in the capital of Phnom Penh. very sick, infecting others in the the pills, they can develop a scary Ortiz had helped grad school meantime. The decentralized, grass- super-resistant strain that costs $6,000 friend Sandeep Ahuja develop a simi- roots approach adopted by OpASHA to treat. That’s why it’s critical to lar program in India titled Operation relies on small community health reduce the default rate. Many organi- ASHA, named after the Indian word centers and neighborhood counselors. zations have a default rate around 20 for hope. The organization’s goal is to “It’s a tricky treatment that percent, but OpASHA’s is 1 percent eradicate TB from disadvantaged requires one pill every day for seven in India and zero in Cambodia.” communities through treatment, edu- months,” says Ortiz. “We tried to take Ortiz says he developed his can- cation, supportive services and pre- away the hurdle of requiring a doctor do mindset at Northern. As ASNMU ventive measures. When his friend or hospital staff member to dispense president, he organized a project that expressed an interest in expanding to the medication. Why not an employee generated 2,000 letters from students another country, Ortiz agreed to at a little store in a dense urban slum at all of Michigan’s public universi- launch OpASHA in Cambodia. He close to where they live? The WHO ties, expressing concern over impend- had been teaching there while on a provides the medicine free, so there’s ing budget cuts to higher education. paid public service leave from his no black market. And Microsoft “NMU showed me that you can New York City law firm and was donates biometric devices that patients actually go out and accomplish some- eager to do something “impactful.” swipe with a finger to show they took thing big; that if you go for it, great

26 HORIZONS medication to patients at a treatment center in Phnom Penh; center, a TB patient at a government hospital. Before Operation ASHA began work in seven-month treatment. Right, an OpASHA counselor making a home visit to check on a patient. By Kristi Evans you a stipend if you’re willing to go do Healthcare something good and not come back until January 2011.’ How many peo- things can happen,” says the 2011 community college and helped the ple in their 20s are given that opportu- Outstanding Young Alumni Award Parkinson Association of Illinois nity? I planned to teach ESL in China, recipient. “My plan was to go into increase its exposure and donor base. but learned you could train for that politics after obtaining my master’s in Ortiz is an associate with Weil, and take Chinese language classes in public policy, but I got frustrated with Gotshal & Manges in New York City. Cambodia. I figured doing it that way the process of trying to affect change He represents chapter 11 debtors, would allow me to check another through politics. No one is making it with most of his time split between country off my list. My language through that path without selling out; American Airlines’ parent company, instructor was Sophea, a Cambodian that’s just the way the system works. AMR Corp., and Lehman Brothers native who is now my wife. I went to Practicing law offers flexibility, new Holdings Inc. China as planned, but Skyped her opportunities to get involved and con- every day and returned to Cambodia nections with people.” for the sole purpose of seeing where While enrolled in law school in that relationship would lead.” his hometown of Chicago, Ortiz fur- A status update from his friend ther demonstrated his commitment in India gave Ortiz a second purpose: to public service, which was nurtured starting an OpASHA program in by what he witnessed during U.S. Cambodia. Sophea’s language skills and international travel with his par- proved invaluable in dealing with ents. “I always felt a responsibility for high-level officials to gain govern- those not fortunate by the pure ment support for the effort. Kyle found a language instructor, ally in chance of where they were born,” says his mission and life partner in Cambodia OpASHA now has more than 50 Ortiz. He taught basic law and native, Sophea treatment centers in the country and human rights to inner city high “In response to market conditions plans to extend its reach with 75 school students with Street Law, in 2009, the firm offered recent hires mobile centers by December. Ortiz worked with the consumer watchdog the opportunity to take roughly 18 continues to be involved by serving group Kids in Danger, taught English months off and receive a public service on the organization’s U.S. board of as a second language (ESL) through a stipend. They basically said, ‘We’ll give directors. ■

WINTER 2013 27 More than a GAME By Rebecca Tavernini ’11 MA

ew frontiers for NMU are being explored on this trip, Justin Guiffre, was charged with not only through a strategy that’s been a staple in military keeping the gaming dialog on track in the breakout ses- Nand government planning, but a first in a uni- sions, but also building a brief in real time for use at the versity setting. Game theory may sound like something following plenary discussion. “When you get a group of requiring an Xbox and nimble fingers, but in fact is a smart people together you can’t help but have a great out- thoughtful conversational procedure used to analyze a the- come,” adds Andrews. oretical or competitive situation—or “game.” In it, partic- Guiffre explains that most of their sessions provide ipants work to identify the players in a current or future insights of a probable future. Such as one they did the situation and their possible actions and reactions, address- previous week for NATO to determine if the alliance ing the “what ifs” and “then whats.” would hold up over the next five years (it was determined Ron St. Martin ’63 BA has been doing just this since that it is sustainable), or one they had done on the eve of 1979, drawing on a career with the U.S. Navy, and positions the Arab Spring, which suggested that the government of with the National Security Council, U.S. Defense Secretary Syria would fall in three to four years. “More often than and Northrop Grumman. He is currently a senior consultant not, the way ahead that’s articulated in these sessions for Science Applications International occurs,” says St. Martin. Corporation (SAIC), working in the “Unfortunately, what that is is Center for Gaming Excellence, which almost always a crisis. Even so, helps government clients identify and talking about it in advance helps manage change in the national secu- prepare for what’s happening.” rity policy environment. The session at Northern, “It is basically helping to devise however, was more for strategy. “It a go-forward strategy shaped around gives you insights, but not the what problems a customer is hav- final answers,” says Guiffre. ing,” says St. Martin, who was on “The go-forward strategy is Ron St. Martin, center, flanked by game strategists often different than you think it campus in late January with two Justin Guiffre and Brittany Andrews members of his staff of 16 to con- will be,” says St. Martin, adding duct a gaming session to identify ways that NMU can that many participants take with them new perspectives increase its international student enrollment by 25 percent and a more open mind that is helpful in other endeavors. for each of the next three years. This session was a learning experience for St. Martin’s While St. Martin has designed and directed hundreds team as well. “I got out of it the sense of community of gaming sessions for government agencies and major that’s so evident on this campus,” Andrews says. That’s corporations, he says, “I have not heard of or participated something they don’t often encounter. in any at a university. It was masterful for David [Haynes] “Ron made a huge donation of time and expertise to to say ‘let’s do a game on this.’” help us get more international students,” says NMU At NMU, teams worked to identify the top six coun- President David Haynes. “It started a dialog and brought tries that the university should target and articulate effec- consensus on how to prioritize our international programs tive recruitment and marketing strategies. Twenty-nine and determine where we’re going—for strategic reasons. invitees participated in the session, which included inter- “I am always amazed by the talent of our alumni,” national students, faculty and staff, the Marquette city says Haynes. “And by how they’re so willing to give back manager, a city commissioner, eight alumni and others to Northern and keep us moving forward.” from around the country, many who traveled a great dis- Work continues on the details of the plan crystallized tance at their own expense. “The variety of people who during the session. And St. Martin has promised to return took part made for a great experience,” says Brittany to conduct more games to lead NMU into a clearly Andrews, who along with St. Martin’s other staff assistant envisioned future. ■

28 HORIZONS Foundation news Illuminating research When Kodak stopped making an emulsion used for DNA marking, a Lundin research fellow found a new method for NMU By Vince Grout

ssistant professor of biology Erich Ottem calls it “a sea change.” He A is referring to current and forth- coming expansions in research, instruction and opportunity at Northern Michigan University. Rozemary Howard is right in the thick of it. A junior zoology major from Gaylord, in the pre-veterinary studies program, she is pioneering a system of research that could have wide-reaching consequences. It is hands-on research often reserved for graduate students at other uni- versities. Ottem says, “As faculty advisers we provide guidance and best-practice protocols, but the students are doing the work. When NMU students go on to grad- uate programs, they often have more research experience than students from larger schools.” Howard’s research, conducted through the McNair Scholars Program at Northern, focuses on applying fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) using mouse brains. She explains it this way: “All cells have DNA, which contain genes, which are then transcribed to messenger RNA (mRNA), which will code for proteins. When study- ing gene expression, it is much easier to determine the abundance of mRNA rather than the abundance of proteins.” She says there was an excellent procedure for this that used a silver emulsion produced by NMU student Rozemary Howard working on a cryostat machine that allows her Kodak. However, Kodak has discontinued to make very thin sections (12 micrometers) of a mouse brain, which she then production of this emulsion and remaining places on slides and freezes at -80C to analyze messenger RNA, which may lead to advances in understanding neuromuscular diseases. alternate methods do not produce the same level of results. Howard believes that FISH will be a good Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor, a protein that pro- replacement for the emulsion-based method. motes the growth of sensory and motor neurons, and an “The target mRNA for us is BDNF, which stands for mRNA that Dr. Ottem is very familiar with.” Howard’s

WINTER 2013 29 research supports Ottem’s work “The ultimate benefit of my work ue her research over the aimed at providing a better with Dr. Ottem is that we will have summer thanks to the Anna understanding and treatment of and Rich Lundin Summer pathology associated with neuro- a new protocol that will be available Honors Research Fellowship. muscular diseases such as ALS, to anyone who would like to use it Roze was one of four commonly known as Lou for scientific purposes.” fellowship recipients. The Gehrig’s Disease. $5,000 fellowships are In addition, according to Howard, “If we can figure granted to students in the NMU Honors Program. out a protocol that will enable us to quantify low abun- The Lundins created the fellowship to provide dance mRNAs, it will help scientists everywhere because meaningful and immediate support to NMU Honors currently there is not an extremely reliable method.” Program students who have proposed or are engaging in FISH can have applications in many fields including exceptional research. medical research and diagnosis, biology, pathology and Rich Lundin graduated from NMU in 1973 with a plant breeding. Some FISH applications include determi- bachelor’s degree in business administration. Anna also nation of chromosome structure, function and evolution, graduated from NMU in 1973 with a bachelor’s in chromosomal gene mapping, expression of genes, localiza- nursing. The Lundins are long-time philanthropic tion of viral DNA sequences, diagnosis of viral diseases, supporters of Northern and its students. In 2009, they localization of oncogenes and sex determination. The uses established the Margaret Kay Lundin Nursing Scholarship and different approaches for FISH continue to increase. to provide financial help for non-traditional students According to the National Human Genome Research pursuing a baccalaureate degree in nursing. In addition, Institute, “FISH is useful, for example, to help a Rich has dedicated his time and experience to the NMU researcher identify where a particular gene falls within an Foundation Board of Trustees as vice president and individual's chromosomes. The first step is to prepare finance committee member. short sequences of single-stranded DNA that match a The 2012 fellowship recipients are doing work in a portion of the gene the researcher is looking for. These wide variety of fields. David Wood, director of the NMU are called probes. The next step is to label these probes by Honors Program, says, “The students selected for these attaching one of a number of colors of fluorescent dye... fellowships, and the faculty who agree to mentor them, When a probe binds to a chromosome, its fluorescent tag demonstrate that groundbreaking undergraduate research provides a way for researchers to see its location.” spans the academic divisions at NMU.” Such fellowships Howard and Ottem are helping to advance the use of attract high-achieving students to NMU, who in turn FISH overall and, help drive more specifically, to advanced research develop FISH pro- and a culture of tocols for use in a excellence, increase variety of research graduation rates and applications at enhance the universi- NMU. ty’s reputation and Howard says, global footprint. “The ultimate ben- “The award was efit of my work one of the greatest with Dr. Ottem is honors I have ever that we will have a received, besides new protocol that being accepted into will be available to the McNair anyone who would program,” says like to use it for sci- Howard. “I was so entific purposes.” “This is a picture of what the FISH products look like. We used a laser scanning excited to be chosen. Last year, she confocal microscope in order to do this. This method will allow us to quantify The fellowship received critical the amount of specific mRNA in a cell, and it will allow for detection of multiple money saved my mRNAs as well.” support to contin- project.” ■

30 HORIZONS New hall creates naming opportunities When new Jamrich Hall opens for commemorate generous donors who necessary to continually raise the the 2014 academic year, it will be an provide resources to ensure that tech- level and value of an NMU iconic building representing NMU’s nological and structural upgrades, education and to attract the best and dedication to promoting efficiency, innovations and enhancements for brightest students and outstanding creativity, collaboration and the ever- this central campus landmark will be faculty members. changing academic needs of our stu- available now and in the future. Exciting new buildings don’t dents and faculty. The new Jamrich Hall and the come along every day, nor does the The new hall will also offer very gifts that it honors will represent a chance to become a permanent part special opportunities for the universi- lasting commitment to providing of NMU’s future. For more informa- ty to acknowledge transformative enhanced learning and study environ- tion about naming opportunities at gifts that will make an indelible mark ments with access to technologies, the new Jamrich Hall, contact the on NMU’s future and leave a legacy methods and experiences that will NMU Foundation at 906-227-2627, for generations to come. Each state- ensure the competitiveness of NMU toll free at 877-472-3668, of-the-art classroom, lecture hall, lab graduates in the academic arena and [email protected] or and student gathering area will be global marketplace. In addition, both www.nmu.edu/foundation. named and feature a plaque to will provide critical resources

NMU Foundation Board welcomes new trustees Four new members joined the NMU James Johnson '77 Stephen Latus '78 Foundation Board of Trustees at its Co-Owner, Self-employed fall meeting. Casa Calabria communication Marquette specialist James Davis '72 Hillsborough, N.J. Managing Director/ Penny Larsen '91 COO, Retired from education JPMorgan Chase Au Train Naperville, Ill.

WINTER 2013 31 Alumni news

Bruce Avenall Amanda Cross Keith Hutcheson Angela Thompson NMU Alumni Association Board of Directors welcomes new members

Four new board members joined the Amanda (Jayska) Cross ’03 BS, policeman at K.I. Sawyer Air Force NMU Alumni Association Board of ’05 MA lives in Chicago with her Base. He and his wife, Marietta, live Directors at the annual meeting husband, Josh Cross ’05 BS, and in Novi, with daughter, Lowell. during Homecoming. The board’s their furry children Bently, Dempsey Angela Thompson ’97 BS responsibilities are to evaluate the and Chi-Chi. With a degree in public graduated with a degree in manage- effectiveness of programs and services relations and a master’s in administra- ment and works as quality auditor for alumni of NMU and advise tive service, Amanda works as a and trainer for premiums at Priority alumni staff on new programming. budget officer for the federal govern- Health in Grand Rapids. She and her Bruce Avenall ’98 BS majored ment. As a student, she spent many husband, Andrew Thompson ’98 in zoology and works as a process long, happy hours at WUPX. BS, live with their daughter, support engineer. He and his wife Keith Hutcheson ’79 BS is vice Alexandra, in Cedar Springs. As a Doreen ’96 BA, ’99 MAE, live with president for campus and corporate student, Angela was involved in their two sons, Bryce and Ben, in affairs at the Michigan Colleges Campus Cinema and helped start the Brighton. His favorite NMU Foundation. He came to NMU to NMU Paintball Club. memory? Meeting his wife for the pursue a degree in criminal justice first time. while working as a U.S. Air Force

Band Reunion / Music Reunions Alumni and Friends of 1965-1972 NMU Football Music Reunion June 2013 April 19-21 A group of NMU alumni are Watch your mailbox for more infor- hoping to put together a mation or contact [email protected]. reunion concert, possibly in June 2013. Do you have an Employees and Friends of interest in participating? Please contact the Center for Student Paul LeVeck ’77 ([email protected]) Dennis Enrichment / Student Ormsbee ’72 ([email protected]) or Gary Activities and Leadership Programs / Stutzman ’69 ([email protected]). Student Activities Office Reunion June 28-29 Are you planning a reunion? Watch your mailbox for more information or contact E-mail us at [email protected] and let us know. The Bernadette Norden at [email protected]. Alumni Office can help!

32 HORIZONS Upcoming alumni events

Alumni Reception - Tampa, Florida, Wednesday, March 13 The Rusty Pelican, 2425 North Rocky Point Drive, 5:30-7:30 p.m., $15 per person. RSVP by March 4 to 1-877-GRAD-NMU.

Alumni Luncheon - Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Friday, March 15 Timpano Italian Chophouse, 450 Las Olas Boulevard, $20 per person. RSVP by March 4 to 1-877-GRAD-NMU. If you’re in these regions, watch your mailbox for more information or contact the Alumni Association at [email protected] or by phone.

WildCATS: Connecting Alumni To Students March 18-19 This new initiative by the NMU Alumni Association Board of Directors aims to heighten students’ awareness of the NMU Alumni Association. CATS, with events happening both days, will offer an opportunity for students to hear about the career paths alumni have taken since they left NMU and learn valuable skills that will help them as they begin their own profession- al journey. Visit the Alumni Association website (www.nmu.edu/alumni) to learn more about CATS events and how you can be involved. Homecoming 2013 September 20 - 21 Plans are already under way for Homecoming 2013. What activities or events do you want to see? Tell us at [email protected].

In a Homecoming parade tradition, friendly residents of Fair Avenue hand out freshly grilled hot dogs and other treats to students, including one dressed as a hot dog.

WINTER 2013 33 Keeping track

Suzanne L. Smedley ’73 AS was recognized by “Stanford Who’s Who” for her work in social services Share your news. for the past 30 years. Suzanne currently works for the Arizona Department of Health Services, specializing in Just get married? Get hired? Have a baby? providing counseling services to individuals with dis- Retire? Receive an award? Tell us, so we can abilities. share with fellow alumni in Keeping Track. Mary Jo (Blaskowski) Myers '78 BS retired in 2012 Submit your story, and photo, to after a 34-year elementary school teaching career in www.nmu.edu/update, [email protected] the Cheboygan area. During that time she was hon- or NMU Horizons, 1401 Presque Isle Ave., ored with several recognitions, including "Outstanding Person in Education." She and husband, Rod, wel- Marquette, MI 49855. comed their first grandson, Declan, in July. Esther LaVoy Barrington ’79 BME ’88 MA is currently at work as a lyricist on a commissioned choral requiem with her son, emerging composer Thomas LaVoy. Esther has been a private piano teacher in Marquette for many years. She has also taught vocal music K-12 in local public and Catholic schools and has been a music director at First Presbyterian Church since 2010. ’80s ’50s James Porras ’80 BS received the Rising Star Award through State Farm Bureau Orton Melchoir ’59 BS of Warren retired from coaching Insurance Agency twice in 2012. He is an in 2010 due to cancer surgery. He coached high school agent in Menominee and won the award baseball for 36 years and football for 42 years. in July and October for his ability to help clients and provide exceptional service. Ron Beacom ’82 BS ’60s is the manager of Tom Renier ‘62 BS, ‘63 MA is being Midland Community honored by the Michigan High School Television and Athletic Association for his 45 years as a Library Communic- football official. ations for the City of Midland. He is pic- Lorelei (Wolter) Kraft ’64 BS of Park Rapids, Minn., tured here with his father, Robert ‘49, son William ‘11 owned and operated her own business, Candle BS, and son Charlie, who is a sophomore at NMU Enterprises Inc., for 39 years and is now a speaker and studying biology. author. She has written Anything is Possible and Letting go of Mommy Guilt, as well as co-authored Succeeding Kenneth King ’83 BS of Chesterfield, Va., retired as a in Spite of Everything and Fearless Women: Visions of a colonel from the U.S. Army in August. He started in the New World, which hit No.1 on Amazon.com. Air Force at K.I. Sawyer AFB, and then joined NMU ROTC and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1984. He thanks LTC Taylor, who oversaw the NMU ’70s ROTC program at the time, for the opportunity. Chuck Swanson ’72 BS of Swanson, Mercier and Associates, an appraisal firm ’90s in Marquette, has been named U.P. Dawn Crawford ’90 BS served 10 years in the U.S. Realtor of the Year by the Upper Army Reserve and Michigan National Guard. She is cur- Peninsula Association of Realtors. rently teaching 6th-grade math in Sanford. Garry R. Parrett ’73 BS, ’78 MAE, ’82 MAE retired Mike Livingston ’90 BS has been named regional from the Wausaukee School District after 34 years. He director for the Washington Department of Fish and currently is the curator for the Land of Oz Museum in Wildlife’s south central location, based in Yakima. Wausaukee, Wis.

34 HORIZONS Greg Crawford ’91 BS attended Rotary Wing training upon graduation and was a rated pilot in UH-1, AH-1 Amy Clickner ’93 BS, Jennifer Huetter ’01 BS and and UH-60 helicopters. He also served our country with Susan Hornbogen ’01 BS have been appointed to his time in the Army, the U.S. Army Reserve and the Michigan Iron Industry Museum Advisory Michigan National Guard for a total of 21 years. He Board by Governor Rick Snyder. All three will serve currently is an independent insurance agent represent- four-year terms. ing Aflac Insurance. Sue Mires ’92 BS is a first-grade teacher at Roscommon Elementary School. Sue piloted the con- Patience Ann Zivnoska ’02 BS finished nursing school cept of using iPads in the classroom in her district and at Mercy College and is now working as a registered in summer 2012 her school board voted to supply nurse at Marquette General Hospital. Her husband, iPads to the entire school. Michael Zivnoska ’02 BS, is employed by Cliffs Natural Resources. Jeff Vande Zande ’93 BS received the 2013 Michigan Notable Book Award from the Library of Michigan for Nicole (White) Griewahn ’04 BS and husband, his novel American Poet. Nicholas Griewahn ’06 BS, ’11 MS, welcomed their first child, Blake, in March. Nicole is an instructor in Ted Krumbach ’94 BS has been inducted into the NMU’s Chemistry Department and a licensed bird taxi- Greater Otsego County Sports Hall of Fame. Krumbach dermist who opened her own business in 2011. played wide receiver as a student at NMU and lettered Nicholas is a professor in NMU’s Technology and all four seasons. Occupational Sciences Department. Nicole Mattis ’95 BA has been honored Teri List-Stoll ’04 BS has been appointed to the as a 2012 Leading Woman by The Daily Financial Accounting Foundation board of trustees Record. She is one of only 50 women where she will serve a five-year term. Teri is the senior chosen for the award in Maryland. Mattis vice president and treasurer of Procter & Gamble is the chair of Frostburg State University Company. Department of Theatre and Dance. Aidan K. McKindles ’04 BS has been promoted to Julie A. Rochester ’95 MA is the recipient of the 2013 agency manager of Superior Title Insurance Agency of Charles J. Redmond Distinguished Alumnus Award from Marquette. Springfield College for promoting, enhancing and advancing the profession of athletic training. She is a Mike Brown ’05 BS and his wife, Ellen, professor in NMU’s Health, Physical Education and welcomed a new addition to their fami- Recreation Department and director of NMU’s athletic ly, Ryan (left), born on December 15, training program. 2012. Daven Wardynski ’97 AS, ’98 BS has been hired as Ericka L. McCarthy ’07 BS has earned the executive chef at Omni Amelia Island Plantation her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Resort on Amelia Island, Fla. She has 17 years of culi- degree from Michigan State University. She is currently nary experience and has been recognized numerous an intern in MSU’s program for small animal medicine times by the American Culinary Federation. and surgery. John Shanks ’09 BS and his wife, Mary ’00s ’09 BS, recently had a son, Noah. Jamal Nazir ‘01 MPA is Minister of State for the government of Pakistan (correction from the fall 2012 issue). ’10s Drew Kochanny ’10 BS has been hired as a full-time Rebekah Rose ‘02 BS has been hired as circulation sports reporter for The Petoskey News-Review. He will be director of The Journal in Martinsburg, W. Va. covering high school sports. Jesse Schramm ’02 BS is an Denise Elizondo ’11 BS has been hired as the assistant entrepreneur and actively to economic development and operations at the Lake involved in the Marquette Superior Community Partnership in Marquette. community. He is the owner of Schramm’s Superior Stephanie Rogaczewski ’12 BS is assistant aquatics Properties (Ridgeview director at the Harry Rose Samson Family Jewish Apartments), Checker Bus, Community Center in Whitefish Bay, Wis. and Checker Transport. He Scott Viau ‘12 BS is associate editor at The Daily and his wife, Laura, live in Mining Gazette in Houghton. He is a former North Wind Marquette with their three daughters. managing editor.

WINTER 2013 35 Scott Carhoun ’05 BS married Sarah Crebassa on the beach at Wetmore Landing, then headed to Presque Isle on a windy day. (Not really. Scott explains this is Jaime Beebe ’09 BS married Greg Rogers ’09 BS on July 27, 2012 in Lake the “human flag” and promises no Photoshopping was involved.) Leelanau. Jamie is head athletic trainer for Lawrence Athletic Training and Greg is the business development manager for Masterson Staffing Solutions. Both work in Appleton, Wis. In the picture with the newlyweds are: Gordon Beedle ’09, John Leech (attended), Dan Swan (attended), Jessica White ’10, Erinn (Fetterman) Swan (attended), Tyler Weber ’07, Jessica Hilgendorf ’08, Luke Whitley ’08, Bethany Pearson ’10, Amanda Gadomski ’08, Ali Saheb ’11, Fatima Saheb (attended), Pat Mathieu ’08, Ryan Grunlund ’08, George McMahon III ’09, Jim Hutton ’08 and Steve Eck (current student).

Marriages Ashley Bartkowiak ‘08 BS to Adam Sohasky. Greg Elliott ’07 BS to Chelsea Skellenger ’08 BS. Dan Nylund ’09 BS to Holly Nicholson ’08 BFA. Sarah Cempel '10 BS and Daniel Fornetti Matthew Latterman ‘07 BS to '10 BS chose a beautiful Wildcat day to wed. Marissa McDonough. Kyle Piatt ’09 BS to Neena Getzloff.

Clifford Edwin Puckett ‘50 BS, Robert Pedo ’59 BME, Sept. 24, Deaths July 22, 2012, Camarillo, Calif. 2012, Iron Mountain. Albert Anderson ’51 BS, Nov. 29, Carolee Grace Sormunen Jones Hazel A. Trebilcock ’28 Cert. 2012, South Range. ’60 BS, ’64 MA, Sept. 23, 2012, (approx.), June 11, 2012, Lansing. Gil A. Anderson ’51 BA, Nov. 10, Tucson, Ariz. Elizabeth Peterson ’37 AS, 2012, Traverse City. Jerold L. Saundri ’61 BS, Dec. 6, Dec. 17, 2012, Hasting, Minn. Dorothy E. Drozdiak ’51 BS, 2012, Marquette. Margaret Jane Larson Sawyer ’37 Nov. 1, 2012, North Huntingdon, Pa. Kathleen Grudnoski ’63 AS, ’63 AS, Oct. 8, 2012, Stephenville, BS and former NMU adjunct pro- Texas. Faye Dykstra ’51 BS, ’67 MA, Oct. 28, 2012, Iron Mountain. fessor, Sept. 22, 2012, Marquette. Norman Olav Peterson ’38 BS, Paul W. Kaarre ’64 BA, Oct. 5, Nov. 27, 2012, Gladstone. Donald Wachter ’51 AS, Oct. 23, 2012, Naubinway. 2012, Osprey, Fla. Jean Carolyn (Nee Belstrom) Waino A. Liuha ’64 BS, ’73 MAE, Guenther ’42 BS, Nov. 20, 2012, Robert William Tapio ’52 BS, Dec. 24, 2012, Negaunee. Brookfield, Wis. Oct. 15, 2012, Republic. Lucinda Baldwin ’66 BME, Vincent J. Villa ’47 BS, Dec. 6, Thomas L. Knauss ’54 BS and Sept. 12, 2012, Grandville. 2012, Negaunee. NMU math professor emeritus, Oct. 7, 2012, Marquette. Timothy E. Hollihan ’66 MA, Paul Lemin ’49 BS, Sept. 6, 2012, April 16, 2012, Green Bay, Wis. Grand Rapids. Gary A. Arvo ’56 BA, ’60 MA, Oct. 5, 2012, Suttons Bay. Marcus C. Kronauer ’66 BS, Donald A. Baldwin ’50 BS, July 26, Feb. 11, 2012, Menominee. 2012, Grandville. Lorraine Morgan ’59 BS, Nov. 12, 2012, Winthrop Harbor, Ill. Chester Arthur Sipsock, Jr. ’66 BS, George William Ferns ’50 BS, Nov. 4, 2012, Lincoln. Oct. 3, 2012, Haslett.

36 HORIZONS Frank W. Stokes ’67 BS, April 25, Mark Arnett ’81 Irene E. Stratton ’81 BS, died 2012, New Smyrna Beach, Fla. Voc., ’89 BS, Sept. 14, 2012, in Marquette, at Oct. 24, 2012, Martin Logan ’68 BS, Oct. 22, age 103. She and her late hus- Oakland, Calif. 2012, Chassell. band, Ed, started attending NMU Russell Daniel Hemingway ‘69 Shelly Marie when they turned 65, the first year BS, Oct. 15, 2012, Christmas. Johnson ’81 AB, that free tuition was offered for ’84 BS, Aug. 31, Michael E. Turino ’69 BS, ’81 senior citizens. Ed passed away a 2012, Marquette. MAE, ’87 MA and coordinator of year later, but Irene continued her studies in earth NMU Academic Support Services at Michael D. science and geography with gusto, often hosting the Jacobetti Center, Oct. 29, Treder ’83 BS, study sessions at her home. She graduated magna 2012, Negaunee. ’87 MA, Oct. 24, cum laude at 71 years old. 2012, Escanaba. Jeanette Dryden ‘70 BS, Oct. 14, 2012, South Bend. Gabrielle L. Sorber ’86 BSN, Sept. 24, 2012, Spring Lake. Robert B. Dyble ’70 BS, April 18, Friends 2012, Cedarburg, Wis. David N. Gouin ’87 BSN, Oct. 8, 2012, Skanee. Arthur E. Pennell, NMU English Robert Leemon ‘69 BS, ’70 MAE, professor emeritus, Nov. 5, 2012, Nov. 13, 2012, Marinette. Philip J. VanElsacker ’87 BS, Oct. 12, 2012, Escanaba. Marquette. William Malandrone ’71 BS, Reynold C. Knuttila, retired custo- Sept. 23, 2012, Harvey. Warren H. Nye ’90 BS, Nov. 19, 2012, Escanaba. dian at NMU, Nov. 27, 2012, Vincent Moon Reed ’71 BS, Negaunee. Aug. 16, 2012, Marquette. Eric Mason ‘96 BS, Jan. 39, 2013, Marquette. Alvin Beyer, former vocational skills Ellen L. Jensen ’73 BS, Oct. 17, instructor at NMU, Oct. 2, 2012, Grant Ebling ‘04 Cert, Oct. 26, 2012, Gladstone. Menominee. 2012, Norway. John Charles Ball ’74 BS, Nov. 29, Robert Derleth, former Trustee of Amy L. Cook, ’07 BS, Nov. 29, 2012, Port Charlotte, Fla. the NMU Development Fund, 2012, Marquette. Gary Antonetti ’76 BS, Nov. 28, Dec. 16, 2012, East Lansing. 2012, Kingsford. Kyle Daniel Wydra ’09 Voc., Nov. 22, 2012, Gladstone. Elizabeth Stephenson ’76 BA, Oct. 22, 2012, Marquette.

Alumni in print Edited by Mackenzie Myers Mushrooms of Autumn Pete the Pink Pelican Friesen Press, 2012, friesenpress.com 2012, [email protected] In his second novel, Don Gardner Pete is a pelican who is bullied (also known as Don Giesen, ’56 BS) because he’s pink. But with a little shares one woman’s tale as she help from his friends, he overcomes struggles to search for happiness this challenge. Proceeds of this chil- and save herself from the shame and dren’s book, written by Sue Arndt, guilt of her Catholic upbringing. ’71 BS, benefit the American Cancer Society. What are You Waiting For? A Beginner’s Guide to Weight Training Geology and Landscape of Michigan’s Tate Publishing & Enterprises, 2012, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore tatepublishing.com and Vicinity Upper Peninsula native Jeff 2012, Wayne State University Press Hauswirth, ’98 BS, wrote this book William Blewett, ’81 BS explores one to help people of all ages improve of the Upper Peninsula’s most popu- their health. Within its pages, he lar gems: Pictured Rocks National breaks down the elements of weight Lakeshore. He examines the history training in easy-to-understand instructions to make fit- and geology of the area, and includes ness a possibility for anyone. a hike map to major geologic sites, color photographs and detailed diagrams.

WINTER 2013 37 Phantoms of the Prairie The Cross Country Adventures of the 2012, University of Wisconsin Press Blue Highways Cycling Elite Since the 1880s, cougars (or 2012, Eric Krimmel mountain lions) haven’t appeared in A true account of three friends who Midwest habitats, but that is chang- take a cycling trip across the ing. By applying GIS technology, country—their first time doing so. historical data and more than 20 They endure all sorts of challenges years of research, John Laundre, ’74 together: winds, rainstorms, tough MA examines their past, explains the climbs, injuries and malfunctions, present and estimates what the future holds for these among other things. But they never lose their determi- mysterious creatures. nation to complete the 4,200-mile journey. Eric Krimmel ’82, BFA portrays what it means to endure Lake Superior Profiles, People on the hardship—and to keep smiling while doing it. Big Lake 2012, Wayne State University Press Claw Back Combining biography, history, folk- 2012, Panther Books lore, science and humor, John This novella by P.J. Parrish (pen Gagnon, ’92 MA explores the diverse name of sister duo Kristy Montee population that calls the shores of and Kelly Nichols ‘72) is a prequel Lake Superior home. Included are to Heart of Ice (see below). It tells the interviews with a tugboat captain, tale of protagonist Louis Kincaid, Native Americans, a voyageur re-enactor, a monk, fish- who is assigned to find a missing ery biologists and more. person named Grace who is lost in the Everglades. He is shocked to learn that Grace isn’t Tanner the Dragon actually a girl, but an endangered panther, and the case 2012, Herrin House Publishing draws him in more than he thought it would. Tanner is a young boy who wishes to become a dragon. What hap- Heart of Ice pens when his wish comes true? 2012, Panther Books Find out in this colorful children’s In this full-length novel by P.J. Parrish book by Aaron Krieger, ’09 AAS. (see above), Louis Kincaid returns to Michigan to reunite with his family. But a relaxing vacation to Mackinac Island Raise the Flag holds a chilling twist. When old bones 2012, AuthorHouse are found in an abandoned building, In this collection of autobiographical Louis is sucked into the cold case of a and fictional stories by James More, teen who has been missing for 20 years. In the midst of ’92 BS, the author shares his own a powerful family trying to gain answers and cops look- journey on finding value in an educa- ing for redemption, Louis struggles with trying to recon- tion. During this era of self-discovery, nect to the people he loves most. he also finds identity, a career and purpose.

Parlor Games Sign up at http://alumni.nmu.edu. 2013, Doubleday In her first novel, Maryka Biaggio ’73 BS tells the true story of May Dugas, a [email protected] young Michigan woman who climbs E-mail for you. the social ladder at the end of the 19th century. She finds herself in places E-mail for life. around the world, pursued not only by men but by an enemy who intervenes E-mail for free. with her plans. Her cunning nature ultimately gets her into trouble, and the reader is left to ponder May’s guilt before finding out what fate has planned for her.

38 HORIZONS

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