EDITOR’S NOTE It all adds up…

Winter 2005 I Vol. 94, No. 2 At the beginning of the fall semester, the NMU Dean of Students Office helped nearly two dozen Northern students withdraw from the university because they Publishers had been called to active military duty. Cindy Paavola ’84 BS, Director If you ask around campus, you’ll find that most NMU students—and probably of Communications all faculty members—know someone who is in the military and is currently serving in Martha Van Der Kamp, Executive Iraq, has served in Iraq, or is scheduled to serve there. Director of Alumni and Development NMU economics professor David Switzer did his part to support American troops serving overseas, and he invited students in his fall 2004 EC 201 Editor Microeconomic Principles class to join him. Karen Wallingford ’02 MA In the spirit of making a little go a long way, Switzer approached his students News Director with the idea of pooling together their contributions into one, large donation to Kristi Evans the Adopt-a-Platoon program (AAP), a non-profit organization managed by volun- Alumni Relations and Development teer mothers to ensure that deployed U.S. service members in all branches of the Fund Staff military are not forgotten. Switzer asked students who were interested to contact Deanna Hemmila ’88 BS him outside of class. Amy Silk The response was more than he could have imagined. Not only did about one LuAnne Thurston ’93 BS third of his 150-student class contribute, many more offered to take part in AAP’s Graphic Design pen pal program. Word spread, and Switzer began getting calls from other students, Russ Ault ’76 BA asking if they, too, could participate. With donations ranging from five to 50 dollars, Contributors the students in Switzer’s class donated just over 300 dollars. Switzer matched their Matthew Schneider ’04 BA collective contribution and used the money to purchase items for a care package that was then shipped off to a platoon stationed in Iraq. Horizons, the magazine for alumni and friends of The Adopt-a-Platoon program doesn’t give contributors specifics about their Northern Michigan University, is published three platoon, but Switzer said the soldiers that he and his students had adopted were times a year (winter, spring/summer, and fall) by the Communications and Marketing Office and the NMU finishing up a one-year tour in Korea and were scheduled to return home when Alumni Association. they found out they were being re-deployed to Iraq. AAP seems to select those

Funding is provided by Northern Michigan University, troops who could use an added level of moral support. NMU Alumni Association members, alumni, and Switzer said that as an undergraduate and graduate student, he had always friends. Subscriptions are available at $15 per year, wanted to contribute to a cause or charitable organization, but never thought he $7.50 for NMU retirees. Views expressed are not nec- had the means. He said that if one of his teachers had ever asked him to donate essarily those of the NMU Alumni Association. five or ten dollars, he would have done it. Those who participated in Switzer’s Letters Policy: Unless noted as “not for publication,” communications to the editor are considered for pub- endeavor also seem glad to have been asked. lication. Letters will be printed as space permits and Sarah Gondek, an NMU sophomore from Painesdale, Mich., mirrors the sen- may be edited for space and clarity. Please limit your timents of many of the students who helped with the project. comments to Horizons magazine or to topics men- tioned in the magazine. Mail to: Editor, Horizons, “When David told our class about supporting the troops that are overseas, I Northern Michigan University, 1401 Presque Isle Ave., immediately wanted to be a part of it,” she said. “I can’t imagine what they are going Marquette, MI 49855; fax: 906-227-2722; e-mail: through right now. They had to give up so much of their life in order to fight for us. [email protected]. I just want to show them that we care and offer any kind of support or help that I Northern Michigan University is an affirmative can. It might not be much, but if I can make one soldier happy by donating money action/equal opportunity institution. or writing a letter, I am happy to do so. It’s the least we can do.” POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Horizons, —KW Communications and Marketing, Northern Michigan University, 1401 Presque Isle Avenue, Marquette, Michigan 49855. Third-class postage paid at Midland, CORRECTIONS: In the fall 2004 issue of Horizons, we printed the wrong photograph Michigan 48642. with the Northern Perspective column, “Leading by Example,” by Greg Rathje (pg. 32). We regret the error and have corrected it in our on-line edition, which can be found at www.nmu.edu/horizons. Also in the fall issue, we mistakenly reported that Lynn Emerick was the executive director of the Retired Senior and Volunteer Program in the article “Turning a Passion into a Profession” (pg. 26). Kathy Herrala of Negaunee is the director of that program. ContentsWINTER 2005

DEPARTMENTS

2 Campus News 16 Alumni Association 18 Development Fund 20 Sports 22 Keeping Track

FEATURES

Front row seat to history 6 When the United States went to war in Iraq, CBS News photographer John Truitt ’85 BS volunteered for the assignment. Even though he felt the hostile environment training he was provided didn’t adequately prepare him for what he experienced, he said he’d gladly do it all over again. Truitt shares some of the images he captured in Iraq along with his commentary on the war, his experiences, his career, and the role that NMU played in his success.

Courage under fire: Expanding women’s rights in Iraq 12 As a foreign services specialist with the U.S. State Department, Kristi Gruizenga ’99 BS was assigned to take on humanitarian and democracy projects related to women’s issues. For months she worked side by side many Iraqi women who inspired her with their bravery, but Gruizenga didn’t realize the impact she had on their lives until she almost lost her own.

Bombs to building blocks: Laying the foundation for a new generation 14 Major Paul Phillips was deployed to Iraq shortly after he was hired as a professor in the NMU Military Science Department. Charged with overseeing the renovation of schools, Phillips and his battalion quickly discovered that the damages weren’t just cosmetic or structural. These schools and the school system had suffered from years of neglect.

ON THE COVER AND ON THIS PAGE John Truitt stands in front of a tank in Baghdad. On this page, Truitt stands at the Jordan/Iraq border in front of one of many bronze statues of Saddam Hussein on a galloping horse. Photographs courtesy of CBS News. CAMPUS NEWS ‘Limitless possibilities, unparalleled opportunities’

es Wong was officially invested friend or foe or choosing to steer with the NMU chain of office clear of the unknown, Lewis and L as the university’s 13th presi- Clark responded with curiosity. dent at an Oct. 16 ceremony. They did not lose a single person to In his speech, “Everybody hostile action, and they met numer- Counts—Everybody Matters,” ous tribes of Native people. Wong cited chronicles of the Lewis “Their journey represents the and Clark expeditions, which triumph of a curious, positive according to one historian exempli- engagement with the unknown,” he fied “[America’s] sense of limitless said. “Everyone on the Corps of possibilities and unparalleled oppor- Discovery and everyone they met tunities.” He said higher education mattered.” could take a lesson from how the Similarly, Wong said he envi- explorers reacted to the possibility of sions an NMU education as using encountering unknown people curiosity to contain fear, minimize whose smoke trails were visible on ignorance, and prepare students to the horizon of the Dakota prairie. respond to the unknown. A chal- Wong said that rather than lenge, he added, is to begin to rec- making an assumption as to ognize the value of the journey and whether the smoke represented not just the rewards of the outcome. Photo of Les Wong by Jim Godell.

Northern earns another Fire sparks, water works top Midwest ranking small fire was contained to one room in Van Antwerp Hall at Northern Michigan University is one Northern Michigan University on Saturday, Nov. 13. of The Princeton Review’s “Best A halogen study lamp left on for too long and left too close to Midwestern Colleges” for 2005. The A distinction came on the heels of the bedding material caused the fire. August 2004 announcement that The evacuation of the building went smoothly, and the fire was quickly NMU ranks 13th in the top tier of snuffed out by Northern’s sprinkler system, which was installed just two years Midwest public universities by U.S. ago. This was the first real-life test of the system, and, according to university News & World Report magazine. officials, the system worked exactly as it should. The Princeton Review named No one was hurt, and the damage—mostly from smoke and water—was 170 institutions—public and pri- limited primarily to the room the lamp was in. A few items on the floor in vate—from 13 states to the “Best adjacent rooms suffered some mild water damage. Midwestern Colleges” list. Each had Students, other than those who lived in the room where the fire was, to meet standards for academic were able to get back into their rooms about 3 1/2 hours after evacuating the excellence within its region. The residence hall. The material possessions of the students who lived in the room publication also sent representatives were covered by homeowner’s insurance, and the university provided both to each campus to distribute and collect a 70-question student survey students with replacement notebook computers. about campus life. The students were assigned to other rooms in Van Antwerp Hall while the damage to their room was repaired.

2 HORIZONS Excellence in Teaching Freshman retention rises recipients announced greater percentage of probation programs, all-campus NMU English professor Ray Ventre Northern freshmen are tutoring, and the writing center; and communication and perform- A returning to campus for their and stronger academic credentials of ance studies professor Wally second year of college, according to NMU freshmen. Niebauer are the recipients of the 2005 NMU Excellence in Teaching Paul Duby, associate vice president “The credentials of our fresh- Awards. They were recognized at of institutional research at NMU. men have been increasing because of the Celebration of Scholarship Nearly 73 percent of first time, full- scholarships and recruitment,” Duby Ceremony on Thursday, Dec. 9. time, baccalaureate-bound freshmen said. “Our goal is to recruit more Ventre joined the NMU English who enrolled in the fall of 2003 first-time, full-time freshmen and faculty in 1979. He is director of returned to NMU for the fall 2004 keep them.” English graduate studies and has semester. This is a one percent NMU has been investing more served on the American Association increase over the previous year’s in scholarships such as the National of University Professors executive, comparison. It is also virtually equal Academic Award to recruit high educational policy, and salary com- to the all-time high in 1995, which school students. pensation review committees. is an especially notable achievement, “Our reputation is also increas- Ventre is a past recipient of the given the fact that NMU now has ing, and if your reputation is stronger, outstanding faculty award from the NMU chapter of Mortar Board. He twice as many freshmen. you get better students,” Duby said. received a bachelor’s degree from Duby attributes the increase to He also said that the number of Providence College and a doctorate the following factors: the success of students from Northern Illinois and from Brown University. the First Year Experience program, Wisconsin has increased. Niebauer arrived at Northern in which almost half of NMU fresh- “There are a lot of good things four years ago after teaching public men are enrolled; Northern’s array going for the university, and the relations for 17 years at Iowa State of student support programs such as increasing numbers show that,” University. He serves as adviser for the college transition and freshmen Duby said. the NMU chapter of the Public Rela- tions Student Society of America, a role that earned him the 2002-03 student organization adviser of the Cosby packs the Berry year award. Niebauer is a member of the USOEC, academic service learn- ill Cosby treated NMU stu- ing, and health promotions advisory dents, faculty, staff, and boards. He received both a bache- B community members to a lor’s and a master’s degree from the night of improvisation, funky facial University of Wisconsin-Madison. He expressions, and good-natured teas- earned a doctorate from Michigan ing on Friday, Nov. 12, at the Berry State University. Events Center. More than 6,800 Award winners were cited for people attended the two sold-out their sustained record of high performances. achievement in teaching evidenced Cosby joked about the Upper by peer observation; student evalu- Peninsula, college life, relation- ations; knowledge of subject matter taught; clarity, organization, and ships, and parents and children consistency in subject presentation; during his routine. enthusiasm for teaching and learn- The event was sponsored by two ing; creation of a safe and open NMU student groups—Platform learning environment; and experi- Personalities and Northern Arts and mentation with teaching and learn- Entertainment. ing paradigms. Bill Sampson

WINTER 2005 3 NMU student discovers rare blood disorder Easing sticker shock NMU student Pete Pelletier of Study shows the ‘net cost’ of college has decreased Newberry was gaining some hands-on experience at the Portneuf Medical he net tuition cost for the Center in Pocatello, Idaho, as a step average Michigan public uni- FOR MORE INFORMATION: toward completing his associate versity student decreased over T •Presidents Council Report degree as a clinical laboratory tech- a recent five-year period, according www.pcsum.org nician, when a discovery turned his to a study issued in November by • NMU Tuition anf Fees standard clinical practicum into a the Presidents Council, State www.nmu.edu/facts/tuitfees real resume booster. Universities of Michigan. • NMU Financial Aid Pelletier was testing an anemic Results show that increases in (Federal and State Aid, NMU woman’s blood to find a donor for scholarships, grants, and tuition tax Scholarships, Grants, and her transfusion and obtained abnor- credits have more than outpaced ris- Special Situation Funds) mal results. ing tuition rates after inflationary www.nmu.edu/finaid “We were thinking that I had adjustments. This means that stu- done something incorrect in my test- dents, on average, paid a smaller per- ing, but I continued to do the work- centage of the total “sticker price” for NMU awarded an average of up for more learning experience,” tuition and mandatory fees in fiscal $556 in institutional aid per fiscal- Pelletier said. “What I found next year 2003 than they did in 1998. year equated student in 1998. Five confirmed that my work-up was prob- At Northern Michigan years later, the figure climbed to ably accurate and that we were deal- ing with a very rare Rh blood type.” University, for example, the annual $889, a 60 percent increase. Since this occurrence was so tuition rate for resident undergradu- The Presidents Council report rare, Pelletier sent the blood sample ates increased by $1,358 over the was patterned after a study done for to the American Red Cross, and they five-year span. But the increase was USA Today and compiled by Hank forwarded it to the National Refer- offset by a combination of institu- Prince, a former Michigan House ence Lab and Rare Donor Center. The tional aid, state aid, federal aid, and Fiscal Agency associate director. ARC listed the chance of finding a federal tax credits that rose by an Prince found that the net cost compatible unit of blood as less even greater amount—$1,411. of a college education was 45 per- than 1 in 10,000. “This study confirms that it’s cent of the “sticker price” in fiscal “It is a very complex problem to important to look at both num- year 2003, compared with 60 per- solve when encountered, and it is so bers,” said NMU President Les cent in 1998. hard to find compatible blood that Wong. “Some might assume college “Institutional aid is a signifi- the patient could die before it would is out of reach because they only see cant but overlooked component of become available,” said Wayne Price, reports of tuition going up. They the total cost of higher education,” Pelletier’s adviser and a clinical labo- may not realize that financial aid is said Mike Boulus, executive director ratory science professor at NMU. compensating for that by growing of the Presidents Council. “Political Pelletier described the discovery at a similar or even more accelerat- involvement, in the form of tuition of the unusual Rh-factor as both ed rate. Higher education is a sig- caps, makes it harder for universities exciting and nerveracking, especially nificant investment, and Northern to provide resources to students, because many technicians who work is committed to ensuring that it which may result in higher net in the field of transfusion medicine remains accessible to those with the tuition costs for many students.” have never had the chance to see a greatest need. We have put more The Presidents Council is a similar case. university resources into financial nonprofit higher education associa- Pelletier wrote a paper on the aid and scholarship programs every tion based in Lansing. It serves topic and presented it at the Wiscon- year, even when we were cutting Michigan’s 15 public universities. sin Association of Blood Banks Annual Education Seminar in Milwaukee. other budgets across campus.” —Kristi Evans

4 HORIZONS Taking a closer look at child’s play Psychology professor receives grant to study gender development

ost research on gender devel- National Institutes of Health to kids play with related toys. There is opment has focused on chil- develop and pilot-test measures to some evidence that children know M dren 3 years of age or older, analyze gender development in 6- to the doll and truck distinction at 12 but theory suggests that awareness of 30-month-old children. months. They might have stereotype one’s own sex and the potential for “We will adapt methods used in knowledge at that age, or it could be developing gender stereotypes begins other areas of research with very a case of innate differences or par- even earlier in life. The challenge has young populations with the goal of ents steering them away from other been validating the theory. designing paradigms that things. At 12 months girls and boys are both age appropriate prefer dolls—at 18 they show gen- and engaging,” she said. der stereotyped preferences.” “Specifically, we will try Sen’s interest in the field stems to measure children’s from her feminist upbringing. While understanding of what sex parenting plays a role, she said even they are; their knowledge children raised in egalitarian house- of gender stereotypes; and holds learn gender stereotypes. Sen is gender salience, or the interested in when these first develop attention and importance and whether they conceivably can be they attach to gender. The changed. She is also intrigued by main focus is determining children who don’t conform to whether the measures stereotypes even when there is so themselves are feasible, but much societal pressure to do so. hopefully we will also “Reducing stereotypes is a goal, obtain some results for this but not the primary one,” she said. age group in the process.” “We want to provide detail for Sen said that while what develops and when so that there are a variety of ways hopefully we can use these meas- to measure stereotype ures to develop longitudinal studies istockphoto.com knowledge in older chil- of gender development from birth dren, such as showing the through adulthood. Once a better subject a doll and asking theoretical explanation of gender Infants and toddlers do not have whether a girl or boy is most likely to development is in place, it might be the same level of verbal understand- play with it or asking the subject to used for interventions that will lead ing or cooperation required in previ- put a toy airplane into the hands of a to cultural change.” ous studies, and recent attempts to female or male doll, these are not Four undergraduate students establish age-appropriate measures ideal activities for younger children. will help Sen execute the study. have been thwarted by methodologi- “We will test kids 12-30 “Students can read or talk cal problems or inconsistent results. months old using six different meas- about designing a study, but to actu- Maya Sen, psychology professor ures,” she said. “One is sequential ally experience the process is much and director of the gender studies touching—presenting them with a more valuable and really boosts their minor at NMU, will try to make tray full of toys and observing how resumes,” she said. advances in this emerging area of they play with them and associate Sen began testing young chil- research. She has received a two- the toys with each other. It’s similar dren in December. year, $100,000 grant from the to testing category formation when —Kristi Evans

WINTER 2005 5 John Truitt ’85 BS likes to Despite his rise as a successful network news photog- be in the thick of things. As rapher, a career in photography was not his original goal. a photographer for CBS Tr uitt has always had a passion for news and grew up News, he hasn’t been disap- wanting to be a reporter. After holding several jobs as a pointed. He has witnessed and reporter and news editor, he opted for a career as a cam- recorded many of the major news eraman because he said it offered more job stability. events that have shaped contemporary histo- Looking at stories through a lens, however, has not ry—from wars, uprisings, and national tragedies, to a few dulled his journalistic instincts; it seems only to have good-old-fashioned happy endings. sharpened his eye for finding a good story.

6 HORIZONS Interview by KAREN WALLINGFORD ’02 MA Photography by JOHN TRUITT ’85 BS

“I’m a journalist,” he said. “I just happen to carry a on how he got to this point in his career, his experiences camera.” in Iraq, and his insights about the future of the country. One of his more recent assignments for CBS News Pictured above: A large crowd of Shiites gather on Saddam was covering the beginning of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Hussein’s former parade grounds in Baghdad to hold a demonstra- He was in Iraq from April-June 2003 and then again for tion. Truitt shot this image from the Palestine Hotel, where most a brief period in December 2003. Western journalists were lodged. I had a chance to talk to Truitt in November 2004. Inset photo: Truitt dons his flak jacket, one of the precautionary items supplied to journalists. Much of the time, though, he chose In addition to sharing some of the images he captured in not to wear his protective gear, saying it made him feel like more the early days of major combat, he shared his reflections of a target.

WINTER 2005 7 U.S. armored vehicles roll along the famed Iraqi parade route. The Hands of Victory monument, built in duplicate, mark the entrances to a parade ground constructed to commemorate Iraq’s supposed victory in the Iran-Iraq war. Each triumphal arch consists of a pair of hands holding 140-foot crossed swords. The swords were cast from the melted-down guns of fallen Iraqi soldiers.

What ignited your interest in journalism? What do you remember about each of them? I don’t know. I was a janitor at Channel 6 in Marquette Dr. Buccalo is like a member of my family. Every time I when I was 15 years old. I got fired from every fast food come back to Marquette, I go see him and his wife. He’s restaurant in Marquette, and that was the one place that just a super guy. He has knowledge of broadcasting that didn’t fire me. I actually love the news, and I love having reaches back decades. And he knows the way broadcast- a front row seat to history. So that’s why I kept it up. ing should be. Dr. Buccalo doesn’t see broadcasting as a money-making endeavor. He sees it as a public concern, What made you decide to attend NMU? and a public trust, and a public utility. I’ve taken the I grew up in Marquette, so all I wanted to do was to be tenets of journalism from what I learned from him. It’s in a warm weather-climate. I applied to ridiculous places not just to make a buck, it’s to inform and to educate. like Pepperdine, Miami University, and the University of Hawaii. When all of my friends got the giant packet of Barry Knight has always been one of my favorite, favorite information from Michigan State and University of instructors at that entire university. He portrayed history Michigan, and I got a tiny little 3x5 card that just said, as a current event. He portrayed history as if it were news “No. Sorry,” I was crushed, but in hindsight, I think I because history and journalism go hand in hand. He was got a much better education than anyone who has gone very inspirational to me. to any of the larger universities. And Louise… Louise really shared my wanderlust and What faculty members inspired you? my interest in international affairs. She really opened a window to international events and how broadcasting You know, I eked my way through high school, and I plays out in other countries. graduated from Northern with honors. It’s because my education was fostered by the people who provided it. How did your career develop? People like Bill Buccalo (Communications and I graduated in December of ’85 and went to Kalamazoo, Performance Studies, retired), Barry Knight (History, Michigan, at WWMT-TV, and then I went to be the retired), and Louise Bourgault (Communications and bureau chief of their Grand Rapids office. From there, I Performance Studies). moved to Philadelphia and was chief editor for FOX televi-

8 HORIZONS sion in Philadelphia. Then I went to the Discovery Channel Did you volunteer for that assignment? in Philadelphia, where I was the director of photography Absolutely. for a travel show. For about 3 1/2 years, we traveled to 56 countries doing shows about festivals and crazy things. Why? It’s where the action is. It’s what’s going on. We had to go I left there and went back to Chicago and worked at to hostile environment training in Virginia for two weeks WBBM-TV, and then I went to CBS News. I started at and learn how to deal with things like nerve gas and hos- CBS in 1997. tile takeovers and being kidnapped. We were trained by What kind of stories have you covered for CBS? former Royal Marines. Well, 9/11. I was at ground zero for a month and a half. Did the training you received adequately prepare We were there when it happened. The 2004 presidential you for what you actually experienced? campaign, the 2000 presidential campaign, every hurri- Not really. I mean, there was a lot of gunfire. There were cane you can imagine. I covered the miners who were people with guns everywhere. I found that the most trapped in Pennsylvania. I was working a camera when important thing was to just smile and not be threaten- they pulled the miners out. I covered the first Gulf War ing. Common sense will keep you alive in Iraq. Being a with FOX in Philadelphia. I covered Kosovo with BBM cowboy will get you killed. The guy who drove me in, in Chicago. I was in Panama covering Noriega. And the from Iman, Jordan, he was killed. He had his head cut most important thing is the Iraq war that I just was at. off. He was a friend of mine.

The Iraqi Olympic headquarters was one of the first buildings blasted by U.S.-led warplanes and missiles. Saddam’s son, Odai, who was the head of the Iraqi National Olympic Committee, was said to have run a torture center in the building for athletes whose performance failed to meet his expectations.

WINTER 2005 9 While in Iraq, Truitt played soccer in the street outside his hotel with Abas (center) before complications from an eye infection left the boy blind. The two tanks in this picture served as the goal for their game.

How horrifying. pulled Saddam’s statue down. And we were at Saddam’s It’s awful. But it happens. palace and got to see his gold toilet. Crazy stuff. How did your family feel about your assignment? But the one thing, if I were to really get one message across, is about the people of Iraq. I’ve been to a few My parents didn’t know I was there at first. I told them I places in the world. And I think some of the Iraqis that was in Germany. But after a while I told them. It was I’ve met, and most of the Iraqi people are some of the scary for them. It’s much scarier to look at Iraq from the nicest people I’ve ever come across. They’re incredibly United States point of view. But when you’re there you’re warm, very friendly, very quick to smile. I was there dur- not afraid because you’re there. It’s like once you’ve been ing a time when there was a lot of hope and a lot of faith through something you’re not afraid of it anymore. in the future. But they were suffering under a great deal People are always more afraid of the unknown. And Iraq of hardship. seems so far away. Beyond just the war? Were you embedded? Oh yeah. We found several stories of how kids go with- No. We were completely independent. out proper medical care. A friend of mine’s kid—beauti- How did you decide what to cover? ful little girl—she was 11 months old, and she had an Whatever came our way. Whatever intelligence we gath- infection in her mouth from teething. She died because ered or heard about, if we deemed it as newsworthy, we she couldn’t get antibiotics. Another little boy I know—I covered it. used to play soccer with him in the street in front of the hotel—he went blind because he had an eye infection. What was it like to cover a war zone? Some things were gruesome. I was the first person to We went to a lot of orphanages. I saw a lot of displaced shoot the storming of Saddam’s son’s house where we kids because their parents were killed or rounded up by found human bones in a lion’s cage. And then the mass Saddam. A very bleak place, but with people who have graves in Babylon, I was the first Western journalist to go heart. Wonderful, gorgeous people. They had a great deal there and report on that. We were there when they of hope. I think their hope is waning now.

10 HORIZONS In what way? What role did your NMU education play in your I put it like this: It’s like going to a dentist and having success? him drill and get rid of cavity in your tooth, but he There are opportunities that exist where you least expect doesn’t fill it in. This is what we’ve done in Iraq, I think. them. There are places to learn and things to listen to if We got rid of an evil dictator, but we haven’t patched you would just take the time to look around and exploit the hole yet. opportunities that might not be blatant. Because in my profession, academic learning is a very minimal part of Where there times when you were in imminent the education process. It’s more hands on, so the more danger? you can actually do, the better off you’ll be. You mean like when a guy runs out from behind an alleyway and points an AK-47 at my head? At Northern, we’re able to do that. As a freshman, I was able to work at WBKX (now WUPX) on the air and at How did you deal with that? WNMU. At Michigan State, I would have been stuck in I just smiled at him. I pointed the camera at him. He a lecture hall. So Northern afforded me the opportunity didn’t want to hurt me. We were there right after the war to apply my trade early on, and actually have experience, started, and he had never seen a Western journalist. All he rather than read about it in a book. I found my niche at wanted to do was show me his new gun. He fired it off. NMU, and I liked it. I How has your experience in Iraq changed the way you look at your profession and your life? It basically made me realize that people are people. No matter where you go in this world—whether it’s in Mandarin China, Viet Nam, Africa, Iraq—people want the same thing out of life. They want to be happy. They want to be free, and they want to be free of an evil dicta- tor. How it’s changed me is that I could never ever judge another human being as long as I live. What do you think of the situation in Iraq currently? I’m very close with a lot of people who are still there, and it’s just getting worse. The reconstruction is wonder- ful, but the country and the people can’t progress until they have their own free elections and get to govern themselves. They have to make sure that it’s a democracy before anything. You know the three colors of the Iraqi flag represent the three striations of the culture—the rural Shiites, the urban Sunni’s, and the Kurds up to the north. They are politically bound together, but socially and philosophi- cally, they’re so different. I don’t think they’ll ever have one unified country. It’s a mess. Would you go back into a war zone? Sure. It’s what I do. You gotta have the front row seat to history. And with that comes a tremendous amount of responsibility. It’s an absolute honor to be able to photo- Truitt poses in front of the pedestal which used to support the 40- foot bronze statue of Saddam Hussein in central Baghdad’s Al- graph world events that shape our lives. It’s not a privi- Firdos Square shortly after a U.S. Marine armored recovery vehicle lege; it’s nothing more than an honor. helped topple the monument. Photograph courtesy of CBS News.

WINTER 2005 11 Many Iraqi women are risking their lives in order to take a role in the country’s new government. The top photo shows Kristi Gruizenga with the director of the Assyrian Christian Women’s Union, Ban Jamil Katto, and her daughter. The bottom photo shows Gruizenga with Fatima, a member of the Baghdad City Council.

“It happened so fast I don’t remember hearing a boom,” she recalled. Danger managed to “In the time it takes to blink, I went from sitting in a chair to lying on penetrate the heavily the ground. I have a lot of bad burns and deep shrapnel wounds on my legs. My arms and face were also cut up. My right eardrum was 70 per- fortified Baghdad Green cent ruptured, and I will need surgery to get my hearing back.” Moments earlier, another bomb blast within the zone killed four Zone just days before American security workers. They were friends of Gruizenga’s. She later learned the men were in the process of buying a gift for her going-away Kristi Gruizenga ’99 BS party that evening. At the time of the bombing, Gruizenga was at the end of her nine- was scheduled to leave month tour in Iraq as a foreign services specialist with the U.S. State Department. She worked with the Coalition Provisional Authority and DIraq. She was at a café was responsible for implementing human rights and democracy projects that focused on women’s issues. having lunch with a friend She said she is humbled by the courage of Iraqi women who are when a suicide bomb eager to play a more active role in the new government, even at the risk of losing favor with their families or becoming a target for terrorists. detonated nearby. Some of those Gruizenga assisted were among the first to offer support as she lay physically and emotionally wounded.

12 HORIZONS “After the explosion, a group of macy for the organization and obtain later, she was confined to the Green them came to see me,” she said. funding for programs. Several initia- Zone around Saddam Hussein’s for- “They told me how much I had tives were geared toward the elec- mer palace. Her capacity for out- helped them and how brave I was. I tions slated for January—from edu- reach was severely limited. couldn’t accept that because, for me, cating women on how to vote and “It’s frustrating because you it was just a case of being in the what to expect come election day to can’t build a democracy from inside wrong place at the wrong time. But encouraging them to run for office. your office in the Green Zone. If they put themselves out there every “It was a mixed response,” she you leave, there’s a risk you’ll be day knowing they could be killed. explained. “Most women thought shot or kidnapped. Working in the That takes a lot more bravery.” it was a great idea, but they were presidential palace was interesting, When she began her tour in very hesitant to get involved. They but very depressing. It had beautiful February 2004, Gruizenga initially didn’t know how their families crystal chandeliers and golden helped with grant-writing requests would approve of taking a visible doors, but you realize how much to secure funding for programs role in the new government. It was money was wasted on the fancy ranging from language, sewing, and also a security issue. Outspoken, décor while most residents suffered cosmetology classes to a women’s educated women leaders were tar- in poverty. It was like a Third shelter. The latter is not only a geted by the terrorists. The last World country in many ways. We refuge for victims of abuse; it pro- thing the terrorists want are strong were able to leave the zone some- tects women who have been raped women. Because of that, some times, but it was with a convoy of and risk retaliation from family were inclined to back off and not armored vehicles and tanks and lots members for “shaming” them. be too high profile.” of security guards.” “There are a lot of highly Energized by those who want- Gruizenga was recuperating at motivated, well-educated, and ed to forge ahead as active partici- her parents’ Kalamazoo home when ambitious Iraqi women who want pants, Gruizenga nominated a few interviewed by phone in November. to see their country do well and Iraqi women to travel to Washing- She was planning to make a delayed want to take some ownership of ton, D.C., for various training pro- return to Kiev, Ukraine, where she that,” she said. “They were treated grams. One was able to observe the was stationed prior to volunteering like second-class citizens under U.S. elections so that she could for duty in Iraq. In June, she will Saddam, but now they see an share her observations with Iraqis begin her next assignment at The opportunity for change. But there and help with the balloting in her Hague in the Netherlands. are still challenges. Some of the own country. No matter where her job takes Islamic fundamentalists in positions “I think we made a lot of her, Gruizenga will never forget the of power are opposed to female progress there,” she added. “Even if Iraqi women she befriended. involvement, and the Ministry of there weren’t measurable results, I Despite the traumatic ending— the Interior is requiring women to think the Iraqi women seeing which could have easily spawned have permission from their father, American professional women doing bitterness and regret—Gruizenga husband, or brother in order to the type of work we were doing to remains upbeat. She still considers receive a passport.” help them may have inspired them Iraq the experience of a lifetime. Gruizenga also served as an to do the same. There’s certainly “I was exposed to a culture I adviser to a Kurdish woman who much more left to be done. I just will never be able to experience was the Minister of State for don’t know if it can happen at this again in that way—a whole new Women’s Affairs. She said it was a point because the security situation society built after years of oppres- positive step that such a position was has made it difficult.” sion. Experiencing it first hand created by the interim Iraqi govern- Back in February, Gruizenga taught me so much about how good ment, but because there were indi- could travel around Baghdad with we have it in the United States. It viduals within the government who an Iraqi driver to interact with civil- also taught me about the human perceived it as “somewhat of a joke,” ians in their homes. When the spirit and how strong people can be Gruizenga tried to help gain legiti- insurgency escalated two months in the face of adversity.” I

WINTER 2005 13 Bombs to Building Blocks

Laying the foundation for a new generation

By KRISTI EVANS

Major Paul Phillips never “Most officers had bounties on their heads because the insurgents real- ized we were the money men, and if they took us out, the money might stop questioned the necessity or flowing toward measures to help people or improve things,” he said. “It was kind of disheartening until you found out others were in the same boat.” value of the U.S. military Phillips (pictured above, center) had recently been hired as a professor in the military science department at NMU when his Green Bay-based 432nd presence in Iraq. But if he Civil Affairs Battalion was deployed in March 2003. They spent 14 months in Iraq. The first six were in Diwanyah, about 100 miles south of Baghdad. Phillips had any doubts about his said the time flew by with few problems. But when they moved to Al Qaim, a mile from the Syrian border, the pace slowed and the situation worsened. personal contributions to “Reporters and others have called it ‘The Wild West’ because it was like something out of the 1800s, with bandits, thugs, thieves, and smugglers,” he Mthe reconstruction efforts, explained. “We called it the main rat line between the Syrian border and Fallujah and Baghdad. That’s where the insurgents funneled through. We they were quickly erased the were attacked every two or three days. Fortunately, I didn’t lose anyone.” Phillips’ responsibilities during the combat phase were to keep Iraqi moment a $30,000 bounty civilians away from the battlefield, provide humanitarian assistance for those displaced to refugee camps, and offer guidance to commanders regarding was placed on his head. cultural matters.

14 HORIZONS During the reconstruction peri- line,” he added. “Saddam kept most been responsive to the coalition od, the duties shifted. One of the of the power for himself and his fol- efforts, even holding public demon- biggest missions was to oversee the lowers. Baghdad was consuming 60 strations expressing thanks. renovation of schools, which Phillips percent of available electricity origi- “In the Sunni region near the described as dilapidated. nally. Saddam would rotate power to Syrian border, I think they are glad “Saddam did not put much the rest of his country, but would we’re there, but they only express it money into education,” he said. “We use it as a tool to control his people. privately. They are fearful of show- brought in new desks and chalk- Now we’ve made it more equitable ing any public support because they boards. We provided supplies because so Baghdad gets only 27 percent.” could end up dead. There were 30 most students didn’t have much. We Phillips contends that the murders in 30 days toward the end also replaced the textbooks because media-filtered view of Iraq tilts of my tour in one town. Apparently they were inaccurate, outdated, and toward the negative and too often they were people showing support glorified Saddam. It was amazing ignores the positive signs of progress. for the coalition forces. The Shia are some of the things you would see in trying to take power, and the Sunnis elementary and nursery schools. don’t want to give it up. The United There were murals on the walls and “ITWAS AMAZING SOME OF States is in it for the long haul now drawings by young students that because if we left there would be a showed war, bombs blowing up, peo- THE THINGS YOU WOULD SEE major civil war.” ple dying (pictured at left). They IN ELEMENTARY AND NURSERY Phillips is able to share some of were teaching these kids to hate from his “eye-opening” experiences with SCHOOLS. THERE WERE MURALS the get-go. We removed the propa- the cadets in the NMU Wildcat ganda and made the schools more ON THE WALLS AND DRAWINGS Battalion. He said anyone serving in proper learning environments.” BY YOUNG STUDENTS THAT the military these days is likely to A fellow officer, who was an spend at least some time in either SHOWED WAR, BOMBS BLOWING elementary school principal in Iraq or Afghanistan, so they should Wisconsin, took the lead in training UP, PEOPLE DYING. THEY WERE be prepared for modern facets of teachers and setting up administra- TEACHING THESE KIDS TO HATE war such as improvised explosive tive systems. Phillips said Iraqi chil- devices (IEDs)—roadside bombs— dren were not required to attend FROM THE GET-GO.” and rocket-propelled grenades school previously, and many opted (RPGs). “I wish I had training on out in favor of trying to raise money those before I left because I had my for their poor families. When his “Their economy is up, which share of encounters with both.” battalion left, he said attendance had you can tell by the number of im- He left for Iraq with lofty climbed to about 80 percent. ports coming in—cars, cell phones, ambitions of facilitating substantial Phillips and his battalion were and other products,” he said. “Salaries and immediate change, but Phillips also charged with establishing city have improved from $17 per month said he received a reality check near and provincial councils, bringing in for a family when we got there to the Syrian border. bankers to help with the country’s about $400 per month. The Iraqis “Things were tougher than I financial systems, training new can communicate with the outside thought they would be, and people police forces, and arranging for con- world through telephone service and weren’t reacting the way we wanted tractors to fix power plants and Internet access. In a town I was in, them to. Sometimes you wanted to water sanitation facilities. the child mortality rate due to dysen- beat your head against the wall. But “Before, sewage was flowing tery was about 30 per month. We then you look back and see that you down the streets, and kids were came in and fixed a couple of pumps did make at least some little changes, playing in it,” he said. “Now, we’re for about $2,000 and dropped the which combined with others to cre- trying to fix sewage treatment facili- mortality rate to three per month.” ate bigger change. I’m proud of what ties and getting rid of garbage. Phillips said Iraqi citizens, par- we accomplished, but there’s still a “Electricity is coming back on ticularly the Shia in the south, have lot to do.” I

WINTER 2005 15 ALUMNI

PRESIDENT’S NOTE NMU and the rest of the world

hen does one begin to successful in both life and their pro- learn to be a good citizen? fessions in today’s global society. W Where does one learn to I believe that the NMU student become a participant in the world should have a global perspective in community? For many people, that order to prosper. Many of the com- process truly begins to take shape panies I do business with today are during their college years. headquartered in cities around the I was thinking about these world. Are Northern students ready questions while back on campus in to be worldwide community mem- October for Homecoming week- bers? Just the fact that there are end—first when I attended our about 200 student organizations on Alumni Awards and Sports Hall of campus today leads me to believe Fame banquets and listened to the they are on the right track. When I testimonials given about the volun- hear that about 900 NMU students passed along to the various commit- teer and community service efforts turned out for Make A Difference tees that are examining such things of all of our award winners, and Day, I’m even more optimistic. as international experiences and again when President Les Wong dis- Dr. Wong has challenged NMU leadership and ethics training. cussed the “Curriculum for the 21st alumni to get involved in this very Let’s all get involved. Doing so Century” in his investiture address. important discussion and planning can help Northern, its students, fac- In the latter, Dr. Wong challenged process for the “Curriculum for the ulty, and alumni in taking an even students, faculty, staff, alumni, and 21st Century.” What from your pro- greater place in the nation and the friends of Northern not to be afraid fessional or personal experiences world. And that is something that of change and to be active partici- would you bring to this discussion? can make all of us proud. pants in the discussion about what If you have ideas, e-mail them to Barry Axelrod ’69 BA, President skills NMU graduates need to be [email protected]. They will be NMU Alumni Association

ALUMNI F AST FACT... NORTHERN BY THE NUMBERS

When asked about your alma mater, do you have current 5. Male-female ratio of student body? Nearly even, with information right at hand? Now, you do. Below are 10 women having a slight edge (male 46%, women 54%). frequently asked questions and answers that can help 6. Average class size? About 25-30 students. alumni provide accurate information about Northern 7. Number of faculty and staff members? Faculty, about Michigan University. 350. Staff, about 700. 1. Number of students? About 9,400. 8. Number of academic programs? About 200 (includes pro- 2. Number of freshmen? About 2,000. grams at all levels). This is the same rounded number as 3. Number of full-time undergraduate students? About student groups on campus in any given year. 8,400—90 percent of student body. 9. NMU’s graduation rate? Fifty percent—about the same as 4. Number of students who live on campus? About 2,600— the national average for comprehensive universities. just over 25 percent of the student body (2,300 in the And last but not least... residence halls and about 350 students in the university 10.Number of NMU alumni? More than 50,000 and counting!

apartments). Numbers listed are as of fall 2004.

16 HORIZONS Can’t come to NMU? LOST ALUMNI We know they’re out there. Can Bring NMU to you with Mediasite Live you help us locate these people? Floyd Cassidy ’64 MA ust weeks before the 2004 presi- “We have so many faculty, staff, Kenneth LaMar ’72 BS dential election, Steve Mitchell and alumni who are excellent Peter LaVoy ’72 BS J ’67 BS, CEO of Mitchell resources. Mediasite will allow us to Darwin Wendt ’75 BS Research and Communications and provide some real life-long learning Julia Pitcher ’79 BS one of the most respected political opportunities,” said Deanna Hemmila, Esther Serfas ’79 BS pollsters in the business, came to cam- director of alumni operations. Nancy Franco ’80 BS pus and gave a presentation on leader- “We could feature investment Deborah Wright ’81 BSN ship and the upcoming election. A specialists, history professors, read- Donnell Elwood ’82 BS woman in Virginia watched Mitchell’s ings by our English writing faculty, Diane Turchan ’82 BSN Mark Levelius ’86 BS presentation and afterward asked him and current students and their Gerry Sandahl ’86 BS what he thought about negative cam- research projects. The possibilities are Philip Johns ’90 BS paigning. What made that interaction endless. The real task for us now is Barbara Ferguson ’91 BS possible? Mediasite Live. determining what topics are of inter- Linda Hill ’97 BS Mediasite Live is a real-time pres- est to alumni,” Hemmila added. If you can help us, please drop us entation system that can serve up live, Previous NMU Mediasite presen- a note at [email protected] or call interactive, Web-based broadcasts tations are archived and ready for you us toll free at 1-877-GRAD NMU. while also allowing users to store and to view. Visit www.nmu.edu/alumni replay presentations on demand. The for details. If you have an idea for a LIFETIME MEMBERS NMU Alumni Association is hoping Mediasite presentation, let us know. to use this technology to help keep Send an e-mail to [email protected], We’d like to thank the following you connected to your alma mater. or call us at 1-877-GRAD NMU. people who have recently joined as lifetime members of the NMU Alumni Association. Upcoming Alumni Raymond Hirvonen ’48 BS and Marquette Area Events Betty Dahlquist ’75 BA Larry Inman ’76 BS DATE EVENT Theresa (Vallina) Adams ’83 BSN Jan. 21 Chicago Area Alumni Reception, Glascott’s in Lincoln Park Richard Droelle ’84 BS Jan. 22 NMU Alumni Association Board of Directors Winter Kurt ’86 BS and Susan Lindow Meeting, Chicago James Hundrieser ’87 BS Jan. 28 Wildcat Night Across the Country, NMU vs. Michigan at Linda Swenson ’90 BS Ann Arbor, Various Locations Jodi Golisek-Nelc ’96 BS and Francis Nelc Feb. 15 DeVos Art Museum Grand Opening, Marquette Tiffany Menard ’95 AS, ’96 BS Feb. 18-19 U.P. 200 and Winter Fest, Marquette Craig ’98 BS and Amy (Johnson) March 17-19 CCHA Super Six Tournament, Detroit, Joe Louis Arena Jones ’98 BS April 19 Reynolds Recital Hall Dedication, Marquette Jeremy ’98 AS, ’00 BS and Nichole (McMahon) ’00 AA Stover June 23 Wildcat Club/Alumni Association Golf Outing, Marquette Bruce Herr Jr. ’99 BSN June 24 NMU Alumni Association Spring Meeting, Marquette To learn about the benefits of August 10-14 Finn Grand Fest 2005, Marquette membership, visit our Web site Sept. 16-17 NMU Homecoming 2005, Marquette at www.nmu.edu/alumni, e-mail For more information on any of the above events, contact the NMU Alumni us at [email protected], or call Association at 1-877-GRAD-NMU or [email protected]. us toll free at 1-877-GRAD NMU.

WINTER 2005 17 DEVELOPMENT Talking about tolerance Cohodas endowment brings speakers to campus

hen Lois and Willard (Bill) Cohodas married on December 25, 1939, the young Upper Peninsula couple did so at a time when W American Jews were forced reflect on their heritage in light of the world events taking place. Over the six decades since that day, the Marquette couple would devote themselves and significant personal resources toward helping the U.P. com- munity study and understand multicultural, societal, and religious issues. Among their many efforts was the development of the area’s Holocaust Awareness Program more than 50 years ago. The program brings speakers to Marquette to present on topics related to Jewish culture, religion, and his- torical events. The couple, along with other members of the Cohodas family, also pro- vided the materials for NMU’s Lydia Olson Library to establish a Holocaust section. In honor of Lois and Willard’s 65th wedding anniversary in 2004, their daughters Lynn Stahl of San Antonio, Texas, and Nancy Oberman of Denver, Bill and Lois Cohodas. Colorado, and their husbands, Rabbi Samuel Stahl and Paul Oberman, have created the Lois and Willard Cohodas Endowment Speakers Series Fund for Interpersonal Reconciliation. “My mother and father The fund will help NMU engage one nationally recognized speaker annually to address the campus and general community on societal issues found out early in their related to prejudice and bias reduction, tolerance education, cultural and reli- gious understanding, hatred and racism elimination, or Holocaust awareness. lives what it meant to Platform Personalities, the student group currently responsible for NMU’s major speaker program, will be charged with selecting the speaker. be a minority in the “My mother and father found out early in their lives what it meant to be a minority in the Upper Peninsula,” said Stahl. “They spent a good deal of Upper Peninsula. They their lives promoting the idea that interpersonal understanding is vital to a peaceful and productive world. spent a good deal of “Understanding cultural and religious differences, erasing hatred and racism, and learning to be tolerant of those different than you are incredibly their lives promoting the important values to my parents. This gift to Northern is a way for my sister and me, and our families, to honor their efforts and to ensure the continu- idea that interpersonal ance of their work in the Marquette area.” While neither Lois nor Bill Cohodas is an NMU alumnus, Stahl said understanding is vital to that Northern’s presence in the community where her parents reside has had a profound impact on the couple. a peaceful and “I know they feel they have been culturally, socially, and intellectually enriched by their involvement in NMU,” Stahl said. productive world.” “Northern Michigan University has been the greatest asset Marquette has ever had,” said Bill, who added that he and Lois are extremely pleased —Lynn Stahl that their family has chosen this way to honor them. Platform Personalities plans to announce the first Cohodas Speaker sometime during the winter 2005 semester. —Cindy Paavola ’84 BS

18 HORIZONS Development Fund changes name Bertoline creates scholarship

The fundraising branch of the ary Bertoline ’74 BS, who received an honorary doctor of technology degree from NMU in university has changed its name December 2003, and his family have established the from the Northern Michigan G Robert Bertoline Scholarship in honor of Gary’s father. University Development Fund to Robert Bertoline, who died in March 2003, was born in the Northern Michigan University Vulcan, Michigan, and resided in the Detroit area follow- Foundation. The organization’s ing World War II. He and his family moved to Norway, Board of Trustees approved the Michigan, in 1961, where he worked in shipping and as an auto mechanic. name change at its September The $2,500 annual award will be given to a student pursuing a baccalau- 2004 meeting. reate degree in the School of Technology and Applied Sciences. Some of the The change better reflects the preferences for the award are that the student be an Upper Peninsula high organization’s purpose and mis- school graduate, a student showing financial need, and/or a freshman who is sion, according to Martha Van Der the first in his or her family to attend college. Kamp, executive director of alumni While receiving his honorary degree, Bertoline also gave the mid-year and development. commencement address. Bertoline is a professor of computer graphics tech- “Our former name, the nology and associate vice president for information technology at Purdue Development Fund, described only University. He also serves as director of the Envision Center for Data a small part of what we do. We Perceptualization and is the author of eight books. acquire, steward, and disburse pri- vate gifts for Northern, so NMU Foundation is a more accurate Northern professor pays description of our operations. The new name also is in keeping with tribute to former profession the industry standard,” said Van oward Nicholson, an associate history professor at Northern Michigan Der Kamp. University, has set up a scholarship program to cover the cost of the In addition to the name H one (resident) credit student teaching seminar required of NMU change, the foundation and the student teachers. university have entered into a The idea for the Dr. Howard Nicholson Student Teaching Scholarship legal agreement that recognizes gift came to Nicholson as a way to honor his former profession. the foundation as a separate enti- “Today, I am in charge of the secondary education advising for the ty. Within the agreement, the uni- School of Education, but I spent 25 years in the secondary classroom myself. versity’s contribution to the foun- I wanted to do something to contribute to the next generation of secondary dation’s operations serves as a education history teachers,” said Nicholson, who came to Northern in 2000. management fee for fundraising The Nicholson scholarships will be awarded to two students each year who are pursuing teaching certificates in secondary education and majoring efforts on NMU’s behalf. in economics, geography, history, political science, or social studies. The “While operationally little has awards will be provided during the recipients’ semester of student teaching. changed, we have been advised “This is just my way of helping students and, at the same time, remind- that this type of formal agreement ing colleagues, alumni, and friends of NMU that you don’t always have to helps to ensure the highest level make a huge gift to have a significant impact on a student,” Nicholson said. of privacy for our donors,” Van Der “I wanted to make this gift while I am still working with students and could Kamp said. see that impact firsthand.” The new name will begin Tr ue to its roots as a normal school, education remains Northern’s most appearing on materials in January popular major with about 1,000 education majors enrolled each year, includ- 2005. ing about 600-700 who are in secondary education programs.

WINTER 2005 19 SPORTS

Wildcats back on track (and field)

fter an 11-year absence, track in the rotation to host the confer- yet this time around the track. In its and field has returned as a ence championships in the future. return season last year, the Wildcat A varsity program at Northern We’ve even started discussions about women’s team had 30 members, Michigan University—although this the possibility of bidding to host a which was a bit of a surprise to the time the program consists solely of a national indoor championship here coaching staff. This year, the squad women’s squad. someday, which would be great for has 36 members. Northern made the decision in our program, Northern, and the “We are very pleased with the the spring of 2003 to add the pro- general Marquette community.” numbers, especially considering we gram, in part, to meet the NCAA During the four years NMU last had almost no time to recruit prior requirement that all Division II supported track and field—1988- to last season,” said Fjeldheim, who schools have at least one men’s and 92—the Wildcats finished sixth of also guided the previous track pro- one women’s team that competes in six teams in both men’s and women’s gram. “Last year, we had a good the spring. Northern’s men’s spring indoor and outdoor competition at cross section of an entire team, sport is golf. The track and field the Great Lakes Intercollegiate being able to compete in every event squad saw its first season of action Athletic Conference (GLIAC) except the hammer.” last year, competing unofficially dur- Championships, except for the 1991 Northern also surpassed expec- ing the indoor season and officially indoor meet when both were fifth. tations in performance during its during the outdoor season. This Twenty-five NMU men and 22 first campaign. Jennifer Lahr, an All- year, the ’Cats have declared NCAA women earned all-conference status America cross-country runner, pro- teams for both the indoor and out- during that span. visionally qualified for the NCAA door season, and they get under way Part of the reason for Northern’s Division II Championships in the with indoor action this month. point struggles in league competition 1,500 and 3,000 meters. She fin- “With the Superior Dome as back then was the limited number of ished 14th in the 3,000 at the our indoor facility, I see a lot of participants. The men’s team aver- national meet. potential for us to be a premier aged about a dozen members and the “To have an NCAA qualifier in indoor program down the road,” women’s, six to 10. The subsequent the first year as well as some of our said Coach Sten Fjeldheim ’86 BS, impact was the inability to have women beating Division I athletes at ’93 MA. “Being declared as both an entrants in all events. meets was phenomenal,” said Tom indoor and outdoor program puts us History has not repeated itself Barnes, assistant coach and coordi-

20 HORIZONS nator of the day-to-day training. Two Wildcat teams post top 10 NCAA finishes Other top performers last The cross country team placed seventh at the national meet year included Stephanie Boyer in for a fifth consecutive top 8 finish. It was also the program’s sprints and the long jump; fifth consecutive appearance at the meet. Junior Stephanie Stephanie Mishica in the 400 Howe of Forest Lake, Minn., earned All-America status, finish- intermediate hurdles and pole ing 20th overall. She ran the 5-kilometer course in 22:40.5. vault; Wildcat basketball player Northern advanced to the meet as the NCAA II Great Lakes Tiffany Grubaugh in the discus, Regional runner-up. shot put, and javelin; and The volleyball squad bowed out of the national tourna- Breanna Riedel in the triple ment with a 3-1 loss to Minnesota-Duluth at the NCAA Elite Stephanie Howe jump. Boyer and Mishica are Eight Tournament. It was NMU’s first Elite Eight appearance now sophomores and Grubaugh since 1997. is a senior. Riedel was a senior The ’Cats went 24-7 for the year. While Northern bowed last season. out of the GLIAC Tournament in the quarterfinals, it rebound- While most of the team’s ed to win the NCAA Great Lakes Regional with victories over meets were non-scoring competi- Hillsdale College, Grand Valley State University, and tions, it finished fourth of 20 Northwood University. teams at the Wheaton Invitational Senior outside hitter Aimee Dewitte of St. Charles, Ill., and competed well in the non- was selected to the American Volleyball Coaches Association scoring Division I Notre Dame All-America Second Team. She led NMU with 406 kills. She Invitational. At the GLIAC out- had a .306 hitting percentage, 47 service aces, 375 digs, door championships, the ’Cats three block solos, 71 block assists for 74 total blocks, and finished seventh of ten teams. had a team-high 491.5 points. Aimee Dewitte “It was a very solid team, and I know the women really USOEC adds women’s wrestling enjoyed the experience. We set goals, and we accomplished many In September, 13 women freestyle wrestlers took to the mat as the newest stu- of them,” Barnes said. “This year dent-athletes of the U.S. Olympic Education Center. Women’s freestyle wrestling we want to continue to build our joins the USOEC’s residential teams for men in Greco-Roman wrestling and for men numbers and increase our depth. and women in boxing, speedskating, and weightlifting. Eventually we’d like to have “The program has gotten off to a great start at the USOEC and NMU. Things are really going well, both athletically and academically,” said Coach Shannyn between 40-50 team members.” Gillespie. “In October, we started competition, and we were raring to go.” Jenny Ryan ’02 MA is the Two of the women wrestlers, Mary Kelly (105.5 pounds) of Mahomet, Ill., and other assistant coach. She is also Debbie Sakai (112.5 lbs.) of Miliani, Hawaii, are also members of the U.S. the assistant to the women’s cross National Team based on their current top-three national ranking at the senior country and men’s and women’s level in their respective weight categories. Nordic ski teams. She works pri- Three others—Linse Meadows (Katy, Texas; 130 lbs.), Elena Mena (St. Paul, marily with the middle and dis- Minn.; 158.5 lbs.), and Donnell Bradley (Aiea, Hawaii; 158.5 lbs.)—have placed tance events. at past U.S. National meets. “I think Tom and Jenny As part of the USOEC program, all of the women are also enrolled at Northern. have done a great job,” said All but two are college transfers, having competed on collegiate teams at various Fjeldheim. “Each of us was able universities around the country prior to the start of the USOEC program. to focus on different aspects of Future plans by USA Wrestling include growing the program to 30 athletes, growing the program, and with an additional eight athletes next year and another nine in the third year. because of that we are ahead of “We are excited to have this new team here,” said Jeff Kleinschmidt, director of schedule on the team’s develop- the USOEC. “Shannyn is a great coach, and we’ve been very impressed with the ath- ment and success.” letes. We believe there is a very strong possibility that some of these women will be —Cindy Paavola ’84 BS members of the U.S. Olympic Team at the 2008 Summer Games in Beijing, China.”

WINTER 2005 21 to develop the new Zoon model wood- en flute. He previously worked at two Heart Building major flute companies for many years. Ron Revello ’95 AS is filling two roles while [email protected] stationed in Iraq—one that capitalizes on his Reed Grimes ’76 BS of The professional expertise and another that is Woodlands, Texas, was named corpo- rate real estate executive of the year much more personal in nature. Revello, who by the Houston Chapter of CoreNet is serving with the Chippewa Falls, Global. The award recognizes success Wisconsin, National Guard Unit HHC in meeting corporate real estate 264th Engineer Group, has been stationed at objectives, innovation, project devel- Forward Operating Base Speicher in Tikrit since February 2004. opment, leadership, impact, and con- In his primary role as the technical engineering supervisor and tributions to the real estate industry. lead CAD designer, he and his unit have designed more than 175 Reed is responsible for managing projects ranging from roads and buildings to fences, guard posts, and Exxon Mobil’s worldwide commercial control posts. real estate services. “We have designed over $60 million worth of projects that are just Linda (Ruprich) Reynolds ’76 BS of waiting to be built,” Revello wrote in an e-mail to Horizons in November. Hancock is a behavior specialist and In addition to designing new building projects, Revello’s unit has autism teacher/coordinator for the Copper Country Intermediate School repaired all of the runways at the airfield, rebuilt many of the area’s clinics, District. [email protected] hospitals, and schools, and worked to get running water to these facilities. Timothy Evans ’77 BS of Marysville was Not all of his unit’s assignments have involved physical buildings recently selected as the 2004 Gilder and construction projects. Revello said that some have been “heart Lehrman Preserve American History building.” He and his unit helped with Operation Backpack, in which Teacher of the Year for Michigan. He troops went to local schools and handed out free backpacks and school has taught for 28th years at Marysville supplies to all of the students. Public School. Tim has been active with “All of the supplies were donated by families in the U.S., and to the Great Lakes Lighthouse Keepers see the smiles of the children, well, there is nothing better,” he wrote. Association’s Maritime Heritage In his second role, Revello serves as the chaplain’s assistant. He sets Education Workshop, is president elect up the chapel for two services each Sunday and helps prepare memorial of the Michigan Council for History Education, and is a volunteer deckhand services for fallen soldiers. and education and training committee Revello said that his time in Iraq has actually made him to grow member on the tall ship Highlander closer to his family through mail and e-mail. If all goes well, he wrote, Sea. He also is an adjunct instructor at he and his unit should return home to Wisconsin in February. St. Clair County Community College. Revello is nearing the end of his 20 years of service in the Army. Tim’s daughter Megan is currently a He was recently promoted to sergeant and received an Army sophomore at NMU. Commendation Medal for his work in Korea, Italy, and Cambodia. [email protected] —Karen Wallingford ’02 MA Charles Hawes ’77 BS of Lansing has joined Yeo & Yeo, a certified public accounting and consulting firm, as a Patty (Carroll) Mason ’77 BS of East Networks. [email protected] principal in their Lansing office. Tawas is the office manager for Tawas Jesse Luttenton ’78 BS of Baraga is a Charles is a CPA and will serve busi- Pathologists. She has been the figure community economic developer for the ness and individual clients, with a skating director for the Huron Hockey Keweenaw Bay Indian Community. special emphasis on audit, workers and Skating Association for eight [email protected] compensation, business consulting, years. Patty and her husband have two Jill (Walker) Taylor ’78 BS of Shelby and tax services for not-for-profit sons. [email protected] Township is a high school special edu- organizations and trade associations. Ramon Castro ’78 AT of Boca Raton, cation teacher for Richmond Community Charles is a past member of the NMU Fla., is a test engineer for Siemens Schools. [email protected] Alumni Association board of directors. Information and Communication

WINTER 2005 23 Friends in Need Become a Family Indeed BILL SAVOLA ’54 BME AND BURL JORDAN ’00 BS

“People keep telling me I should when Savola met him, is now a write about my life,” said Bill police officer and studies law six Savola. “I have all kinds of stories.” nights per week. Yusuf was a trou- He’s not exaggerating. A seasoned bled homeless boy who encountered world traveler, Savola has been to Savola when he helped another boy Nepal, India, Honduras, Japan, steal Savola’s camera. Now 21, Yusuf Thailand, Spain, and New Guinea. is taking accounting classes at a local He’s hunted in Africa, gone scuba university. He sends his report cards diving off the Great Barrier Reef of stateside to Savola. Australia, and trekked through the Almost all of these young men, jungles of South America. Savola explained, come from a trou-

Gregarious, talkative, and Savola with his “adopted sons” Lalu (left) bled domestic background or one in inquisitive, Savola easily engages and Ishak. Savola has promised to send which they lost parents. Savola sees people in conversation and is quick Lalu to police officer’s school next year. himself as a kind of surrogate father to make friends—something Burl figure. It’s a role Jordan conferred Jordan can readily attest to. upon him as well. “I’ve listened to every story Bill Coming from what he has told for eight years, and I know described as a rough childhood, ’em all,” said Jordan. Jordan wanted to follow in Savola’s Jordan was an NMU student footsteps, but Savola insisted that when he met Savola in 1995. He was Jordan finish college before “adopt- studying across from Bookbinders in ing” any Indonesian children. the NMU Learning Resources “The day I [graduated], Bill Center when Savola, a regular patron Ozy (left) and Am share a meal in their came up to me and said, ‘Okay. of the snack shop, struck up a con- new home with their benefactors, Anne Now you can help,’” Jordan said. and Burl Jordan. versation with him. Over time the In January 2003, Jordan and his two got to be good friends. When when he discovered that Bali had a wife Anne ’00 BA traveled to Jordan discovered that for several perforated eardrum, he took him to Indonesia to meet their adopted years this retired high school band the hospital and paid for all of his children, Am, 16, and Ozy, 18. teacher had been financially support- medical expenses. The two have Jordan, who now owns and operates ing a young Indonesian man, he was stayed in touch ever since. Bali is the largest landscaping business in impressed with Savola’s generosity. now 30 years old and lives with his California’s San Diego County, was For more than a decade, Savola wife and two daughters on the stunned by the living conditions on has been making yearly trips to island of Sumatra, where he farms Lombok Island. Am had been living Indonesia and has informally adopted singkong, or cassava, which is most with his family under a thatched several young men to whom he refers commonly associated with tapioca. roof with a dirt floor and no walls. as his “children.” During his first trip Since meeting Bali, Savola has The Jordans purchased a two-bed- to Indonesia in 1994, he met Baliarta helped three more young men in room house for the family for one (Bali), who was supporting himself by Indonesia. Ishak, who could not thousand dollars. waiting tables at a local restaurant. afford to go to school when Savola To ensure a steady income for Tr ue to his nature, Savola met him, is now 18 and in ninth his adoptees, Jordan has established befriended the young man. And grade. Lalu, who was a police cadet Treasures from Bali, a nonprofit on-

24 HORIZONS Robert Holmstrom ’79 BS of Daleville, director of research and development Ala., is an executive officer with the 1- for KDF Fluid Treatment. James and 14th Aviation Regiment of the U.S. his wife, Lorraine, hope to move to Army. [email protected] New Mexico and start a consultancy. Shelagh Williams ’79 BS of Redford [email protected] studied at Harvard University last Eileen McGill ’82 BS of Clarkston is a summer. Shelagh is a principal in the regional director for the Carlson Shelters such as this are all some Indonesian families have to protect Detroit Public School System. Marketing Group. [email protected] themselves from the elements. [email protected] Curt Tucker ’82 AT of Saginaw is the president of Teamtech Motorsports line export business that he Safety, which internationally distrib- hopes will become the largest in 80s utes patented race car driver safety the world. Savola is also partici- Edward Cook ’80 BS of Zion, Ill., was restraints and related products. pating in the venture. promoted to police sergeant at the [email protected] Northwestern University Police While all of the proceeds Bren Bildner ’83 BS of Waterford is a Department in Chicago last February. from the business will benefit senior buyer for General Motors. [email protected] Indonesian children, Jordan said [email protected] Linda (Parkkonen) Hosking ’80 AB there is much that needs to be Edward Buchynski ’83 BS of Ypsilanti of Green Bay, Wis., is a group con- done in many other countries. has been the principal of Harry S. troller for the retail lending division Savola feels the same way, Truman High School for six years. of US Bank. In 2003, she obtained a and while he can provide endless bachelor of arts degree in accounting Bill Slough ’84 BS, ’90 MAE of emotional support for his from Lakeland College in Wisconsin. Gladstone has been selected as the Indonesian family, his financial She then went on to earn the certified middle school principal in Gladstone. resources are wearing thin. management accounting designation. Craig De Damos ’85 BS of Rockford “I can think of more who Linda and her husband, Barry ’84 BS, coaches Rockford “RAM” Rocket should go to school, and they have two daughters and a grandson. Football and is president of the need help, but I can’t afford it,” [email protected] Rockford Wrestling Club. He works as a he said. Colleen Maki ’81 BA of Port Huron senior program manager for Alticor. He One of Jordan’s goals is to teaches French in the Croswell- and his wife, Lisa, have two sons, Dominic, 13, and Anthony, 10. learn how Savola does what he Lexington Schools. does so that he can continue David Sevick ’81 BFA of Lakewood, Andre Driver ’85 BS of Chicago, Ill., graduated from Lake Forest Graduate Savola’s dream of helping those Colo., is the principal and creative School of Management with a master less fortunate than himself. director of D. Sevick Communications. “I just moved and wanted to keep of business administration degree in Savola plans to return to friends and classmates updated with June 2004. He works in purchasing for Indonesia this month. When he my new information.” W.W. Grainger. [email protected] does, he’ll be taking on a project [email protected] Donald Meyer ’85 AB of Ishpeming that capitalizes on his profession- David Forsberg ’82 BS of Lansing has has owned and operated Meyer Transit al expertise. After visiting his been hired as the community and for almost 19 years. His company children, he will try to put government affairs leader for the hauls forest products to area mills. He together a national philharmonic Upper Peninsula Power Company. For is actively involved in several organi- orchestra for Indonesia, one that the past three years, David’s firm, zations that restore, maintain, and fly he hopes will be the largest in Forsberg Golenda Communications and World War II era aircraft. “Traveling on Southeast Asia. A quick side trip Government Relations, had been board a 60+ year-old aircraft to an event is incredible! You meet some to Manila is also on his itinerary. UPPCO’s lobbyist at the Michigan state capitol. David is a past recipient wonderful people—including many When he returns, he’s sure to of Northern’s Outstanding Young veterans and their families. It never have many more stories—if only Alumni Award. gets old.” there were time to tell them all. James Jeakle ’82 BS of Kalamazoo Kurt Person ’85 BS of Farmington —Matthew Schneider ’04 BA has served for the past 10 years as Hills was promoted to vice president

WINTER 2005 25 KEEPING TRACK

Michael Schopieray ’88 BS of Mansfield, Ohio, was named the hous- ing coordinator at The Ohio State University-Mansfield campus. Michael is a former associate director of hous- ing and residence life at NMU. Dan Pilarski ’89 BS of Rockford is a systems analyst at Calvin College. [email protected] Michelle Vinoski ’89 BS of Superior, Wis., recently earned a master’s degree in educational administration with an emphasis in K-12 principalship from the University of Wisconsin-Superior. She is a middle school mathematics teacher and assistant principal at Cathedral School in Superior. [email protected] 90s Tom Baranowski ’90 BS of Birmingham is a regional sales manager for Terminal Supply Company. [email protected] Laurie (Geniesse) Bruce ’90 BS of Mansfield, Pa., has been the assistant women’s basketball coach at Mansfield University for six seasons. Last season her team had the best record in the school’s history. Laurie has been mar- ried to her husband, Bobby, for 13 years and has two children. [email protected] of engineering at the Robert Bosch brothers of the Phi Kappa Tau fraternity Tammie (Anderson) Mrachek ’90 BS Corporation. at www.gammadeltanmu.com. Treacy of Merrill, Wis., started TM Training Charles Roberts ’86 BS of Lansing is hopes that folks visit the site and and Consulting two years ago. She spe- operations manager for construction, remember the fun times they had. cializes in training for Cisco phone sys- maintenance, and interior design at Treacy works as a manager for Olympic tems and computers. Tammie has been Michigan State University. Advisors. [email protected] married for seven years to her hus- Lisa (Yax) Sayers ’86 BS of Girard, Ian Jellis ’88 BS of Roseville gradu- band, Darin, with whom she has two Pa., is a self-employed independent ated in May 2004 from Wayne State daughters: Rylee, 4, and Reese, 2 1/2. consultant with Arbonne International. University with a master of arts in William Bowerman ’91 MA of [email protected] teaching. He teaches 5th grade in the Central, S.C., has been promoted to Roseville School District. Todd Sliktas ’86 Dipl., ’97 BS of associate professor with tenure at [email protected] Fraser teaches woodworking and Clemson University. He is a wildlife coaches football at Fraser High School. Marcia Mufti ’88 BSW of Granite Falls, ecologist/toxicologist with the [email protected] Minn., became the director of financial Department of Forestry and Natural aid at Minnesota West Community and Resources. He has been researching Treacy Duerfeldt ’88 BA of Olympia, Technical College in November 2004. bald eagles in the Great Lakes region Wash., recently launched an independ- [email protected] for 20 years. Bill is a past recipient of ent alumni site for the Gamma Delta

26 HORIZONS an NMU Outstanding Young Alumni Award. [email protected] Christian Johanneson ’91 BS of Duvall, For Kids’ Sake Wash., works for Microsoft as a global Al Behnke ’98 BS is nearing the end of his business development manager. He and scheduled one-year tour in Iraq. When con- his wife, Alice, have two sons, Jack and tacted via e-mail in November, he was sta- Finn. [email protected] tioned at the Logistical Support Area Sheila Kirt ’91 BS of Concord is a vet- Anaconda, about 45 miles north of Baghdad. erinarian. She owns Kibby Park Animal As headquarters commander, Behnke is Hospital in Jackson. responsible for administrative and logistical [email protected] functions of the 126th Finance Battalion. Ken Mercier ’91 BS of Manitowoc, Like Major Paul Phillips, whose story is featured on page 14, Wis., teaches science at Kewaunee High School in Kewaunee, Wis., and Behnke was involved in supervising the renovation of a school. His bat- has coached baseball and softball for talion also distributes supplies and visits with the children. several years. His wife, Julie (Birkle) “The building was very dilapidated,” he explained. “There were ’92 BSN, is a midwife. no renovations or major repairs done since it was built in the 1960s, [email protected] and it lacked indoor plumbing. Most of the textbooks were written by Michelle (Zochowski) Sanchez ’91 BA the Baath Party and made Saddam out to be a great Iraqi hero. The of Brownsville, Texas, works for Customs students are very excited and happy to see us. Whenever we visit, they and Border Protection as a supervisory come running up to greet us as we arrive.” entry specialist. [email protected] Behnke said the vast majority of Iraqis are friendly toward Veronica (Graves) Scrimshaw ’91 BA Americans and are happy that Saddam Hussein is no longer in power. of Grand Rapids and her husband, “As always, there’s a small portion of the population that isn’t happy John, celebrated the birth of their because they are not in charge,” he added. son, John Henry, in September 2004. When asked how he would respond to those who object to the Veronica is the director of corporate U.S. military presence in Iraq, Behnke replied: “Regardless of how they communications at National Personnel Associates in Grand Rapids. feel, the important thing is that they continue to support the troops [email protected] that are over there.” Dave Danis ’92 BS of Marquette is the —Kristi Evans sports director for Northern Star Broadcasting, WNGE 99.5-FM. He teacher at Utica High School. He will Patrick Wercinski ’94 BS of Payson, announces the play-by-play for NMU also be coaching varsity hockey at Ariz., works for the U.S. Forest Service football, hockey, and volleyball. Utica Eisenhower High School. as a forest protection officer. He has [email protected] [email protected] completed assignments in Arizona, John Hand ’92 BS of Sanford, N.C., is Shawn (Ketchum) Nowicki ’93 BS of Nevada, and New Hampshire. the program director of cardiac reha- Marquette is a fishery biologist with [email protected] bilitation at the Fayetteville Veterans the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Mike ’95 BS and Melinda (Carlson) Affairs Medical Center. [email protected] Long ’97 BS of Hopkinsville, Ky., Eric Bastian ’93 BS of Grand Ledge is Anthony Caduto ’94 BS of Oak Creek, welcomed their daughter, Avery a parole/probation officer with the Wis., is a senior programmer with M&I Katherine, into the world on Dec. 12, Michigan Department of Corrections. Trust and Investment Management in 2003. [email protected] [email protected] Milwaukee. Kari (Kibin) Szczechowski ’95 BSN Laura (Lutz) Lonergan ’93 BS ’98 [email protected] of Wyandotte gave birth to her second MPA of Novi is a project technical Matthew Driscoll ’94 BS of child, Nickolas Robert, in May 2004. adviser for TriMedia Consultants. Sheboygan Falls, Wis., is the principal Kari is a registered nurse and works [email protected] of James Madison Elementary School part-time in the critical care area at Bob Morin ’93 BS of Macomb in the Sheboygan Area School District. Oakwood Hospital and Medical Center Township has been hired as a science [email protected] in Dearborn. [email protected]

WINTER 2005 27 ALUMNI IN PRINT Stephanie (Andrzejewski) Boytim Jeremy Stover ’98 AS, ’00 BS of Settlement ’96 BS of Canton is taking a year off Green Bay, Wis., is a corrections officer 1st Books Library, 2002 from teaching to spend time with her with the Outagamie County Sheriff’s new daughter, Allison, who was born Department. [email protected] Donald Giesen ’56 BS, in July 2004. Stephanie has been a ’64 MA Danielle (Tasson) Stupsky ’98 BS of math consultant in Wayne-Westland Minneapolis, Minn., and her husband, In response to the Schools as well as a classroom teacher Ryan, welcomed their baby girl, national sex-abuse for the last four years. Teagan Rose, to the world on May 18, scandal in the Catholic [email protected] 2004. [email protected] church, Donald Giesen explores Matt McLachlan ’96 BS of St. what can happen in an organization Marianne (Bissett) Donoghue ’99 BS Petersburg, Fla., recently accepted a of Lake Orion works in the Pontiac when there is too much secrecy. His newly created position with the City of Community Schools as a math teacher. book centers on a fictional Upper Bradenton, Florida, as assistant direc- [email protected] Peninsula Catholic parish; a priest tor of the department of development Braden Graham ’99 BS of Ferndale is who abuses his power, his office, services. Matt and his wife, Christine, the national promotions and events and his vows; and a bishop who celebrated the birth of their daughter, manager for Carlson Marketing Group. allows it to go on despite com- Amelia Rose, in September 2004. [email protected] plaints from parishioners. Gregory Wood ’96 BS of Urbana, Ill., Bruce Herr, Jr. ’99 BSN of Newport is an Andrew Mellon Predoctoral Fellow has completed requirements for a A Matter of Courage in the University of Pittsburgh’s master of science in anesthesia degree Beaver’s Pond Press, History Department. at Wayne State University and is now 2004 [email protected] eligible for board certification as a Joann (Austin) Hakala Scott Frappier ’97 BS of St. Louis, certified registered nurse anesthetist ’73 BS, ’75 MAE, ’88 Ed.S Mo., is an embedded software engineer (CRNA). He is now working as a CRNA At a gathering of high with the Boeing Company. He has been at the Washington Hospital Center in school friends, a selected to participate in an executive Washington, D.C. wrestling accident changed Gerry learning development program for the [email protected] Hakala’s ’87 BS life forever. His neck next two years. Scott is married with was broken, and there was a 95 per- two children and recently completed cent chance he would never walk his master’s in engineering manage- 00s again. But Gerry was not about to ment from Washington University. Brian Gibson ’00 BS has been sit quietly and watch life pass him Brandy Burns ’98 BS of Dunn, N.C., is employed with the United States by. In this book, Joann recounts the a community services coordinator for Secret Service for three years. He is a story of her son’s determination and RHA Health Services. She graduated special agent. her family’s commitment to him. with a master of public administration William Moore ’00 BS of Chicago, degree from NMU in May 2004. Ill., graduated from John Marshall Law Riding the Runners [email protected] School in June 2004. He accepted an Oak River Publishing, Heather May ’98 BS of Johnson, Vt., associate position at the law firm 2003 is attending graduate school at Adler, Murphy, and McQuillen in June Johnson State College, where she and was admitted to practice law in Jan Sabin ’74 BS, the State of Illinois in November. ’86 MAE works as the director for two resi- dence halls. [email protected] [email protected] Jan Sabin compiled this photo Michael Rochon ’98 BA of Manistique Toby Soboleski ’00 BS of Redford is a essay to commemorate the 15th has completed a master’s degree in worker’s compensation claims special- anniversary of the U.P. 200 Sled school guidance counseling and plans ist with Crawford & Company. He is Dog Race in Marquette. The photos, to teach part time and counsel part assigned to a seven-state region for which chronicle the first 13 races, time. Michael is a Spanish teacher which he detects fraudulent claims. capture the community spirit of the and guidance counselor in the [email protected] race and show the motivation and Manistique area schools. Toby Kilbourn ’01 BS of Deford drive of the mushers and their sled- [email protected] recently graduated from the Damage dog teams.

28 HORIZONS ALUMNI IN PRINT Control Assistant Course (DCA) at gram director at The Crayon Club Surface Warfare Officer School in childcare center and preschool. Daniel’s Final Chapter Newport, R.I. The DCA course is Patricia has worked for Mister PublishAmerica, 2004 designed to provide shipboard DCAs McGregor’s Garden, Inc., The Crayon John Smith ’77 BS with training that includes in-depth Club’s parent company, for five years. study in damage control administra- The murder of Nicholas tion and training, systems, equipment, Doss’s girlfriend and maintenance procedures, battle dam- Marriages his subsequent discov- age evaluation and containment, fire- Charles Vader ’67 BS to Judith Moore. ery of an extant ver- fighting, and chemical, biological, and Tina Simula ’77 BS to Donald Weiland. sion of the original prophetic bibli- radiological defense procedures. Toby cal book, Daniel, garners worldwide Rodney Bolton ’81 BS to Linda Laffler. is an ensign in the U.S. Coast Guard. attention. Accused of his girlfriend’s John Bleckiner ’82 Dipl. to Jennifer Jamal Nazir ’01 MPA of Murree, murder, Nick must prove his inno- Radcliffe. Pakistan, recently completed his judi- cence by identifying the killer and cial clerkship with the U.S. Bankruptcy James Jeakle ’82 BS to Lorraine in doing so protect the priceless Court in Colorado. He plans to return Marais. scroll and its divine message. to Pakistan to work as an adviser to Charles Roberts ’86 BS to Jennifer the prime minister and to set up a pri- Hart. Swapping Lies! Deception in vate law firm dedicated to constitu- Darlene Wiese ’86 BSN to T. Tracy the Workplace tional reforms and promoting animal Young. Trafford Publishing, rights. [email protected] Blaine Sprague ’92 BS to Amanda 2004 Tara (Savage) Pipkorn ’01 BSN of Lompre. Marc Bringman ’78 Gladstone is a registered nurse at Beth Lullo ’93 BA to Jeremy Bolen. MA Marquette General Hospital Home This book takes on Health in Escanaba. [email protected] Kyle T. David ’94 BS to Christine Kullander. the issue of deception Randy Carlisle ’03 BS of Marquette is in the workplace. Using a blend of Cynthia LaPenna ’95 BS to Vincent a master control operator with Lake academic research, common sense Felicella. Superior Broadcasting. business advice, and home-spun Dale Powell ’95 BS to Sarah Clark. Jennifer Giangrasse ’03 BS of Chicago, tales, the author presents a case Ill., is an online specialist account Amanda Smith ’95 BS to Andrew for change. In doing so, he offers manager for CareerBuilder.com. Stroth. more than 80 tips designed to help [email protected] Matt Wiitala ’95 BS ’98 MPA to the reader navigate today’s com- Jason Henderson ’03 BS of Iron Sheila Freeman. plex work environment. Mountain is a maintenance engineer Roxanne Kapalla ’96 BS to Greg Thorpe. for the American Transmission Fatal Network Craig Mallett ’96 AS ’96 BS to Amy Company. His duties include contract- Manninen ’97 BS ’02 MPA. iBooks, 2004 ing services from Cable Constructors in Gregory Wood ’96 BS to Mihaela Trevor Scott, aka Iron Mountain to obtain data pertain- Scott Schmidt ’93 MA ing to structures in the transmission Gainusa. system located in the Upper Peninsula Melissa Lukach ’97 BS to Nicholas When a tech rep in and Wisconsin municipals. Adams. charge of an avionics outfit at a U.S. Air George Jackson ’03 BS of Big Rapids Kimi Fosco ’98 BSN to Frederick Force Base in Germany comes up is a land use agent for the Michigan Steinberg. missing, Jake Adams, former Air State University Extension. Kimberly LaMere ’98 Dipl., ’03 Cert. Force intelligence and CIA officer, [email protected] to Chad Kakkuri. is hired to find him. Was the man Shelley Jiles ’03 BS of Charlotte, Todd Waurio ’98 BS to Lisa Wiitala. selling vital technology for the new N.C., is a theater arts teacher for the Mark Balisi ’99 BS ’00 BS to joint strike fighter? This mystery Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. Jennifer Yatchak ’03 BS. leads Jake from an aircraft carrier Patricia Williams ’04 BS of Krystal Koskey ’99 AB to Gilbert off the coast of Italy to the chilly Marquette was recently named pro- Hoffer, Jr. banks of the Rhine.

WINTER 2005 29 KEEPING TRACK

Lisa Rossell ’99 BS to Christopher Elizabeth Hubert ’04 BSN to Adam Raymond Smith ’56 BS, June 19, Riccobono. Gillis. 2004, Dearborn. Heidi Turri ’99 BS to Scott Neil Andrea Sherwood ’04 BS to Joshua Glenda (Paris) Robinson ’57 BA, May Jensema. Maxwell. 27, 2004, Marquette. Mark Fuller ’00 AAS ’00 BS to Maria Bernard Givens ’58 BS ’62 MA, Oct. Mendini ’01 BS. Deaths 23, 2003, Hancock. Jason Kangas ’00 BS to Jodi Reiten. Allan Hackmann ’58 BS, July 17, Sylvia Lescelius ’35 LC ’46 BS, Sept. 2004, Chassell. Christopher Kimpel ’00 BS to Tammy 15, 2004, Mass City. Ott. Barry Torreano, Sr. ’58 BS ’60 MA, Lila (Liimakka) Elliott ’36 LC, Sept. N.D., Chocolay Township. Casey L. Reidy ’00 Cert. to Paul 29, 2004, Ypsilanti. Richards. John Bianchi ’60 BS, Oct. 17, 2004, Roy Brigman ’37 BS, May 11, 2004, Negaunee. Leigh Schout ’00 BSN to Daniel Traverse City. Freberg. Gerald Sturvist ’61 BS, June 23, Madelyn (Eggert) Dennis ’38 BS, 2004, Jacobsville. Lindsey Villa ’00 BS to Lee Ringuette. June 3, 2004, El Centro, Calif. Theodore Anderson ’62 BME ’68 MA, Robby Baumgartner ’01 BS to Sarah Clara (Teague) Gourd ’38 BA, Dec. July 23, 2004, Torch Lake. Winquist. 29, 2003, Dearborn. Nancy Rantanen ’63 BS, May 5, 2004, Melisa Head ’01 BS to Adam Gleason. Albert Mercure ’38 BA, Aug. 14, Munising. Danielle LaForest ’01 AB to Justin 2004, Milwaukee, Wis. John Isaacson ’67 BS, June 5, 2004, Dove. Arthur Kortesoja ’39 BS, June 30, Iron River. Bobbi Nault ’01 Cert. to Jason 2004, Ann Arbor. Aleta (Bell) Arenz ’69 BS ’75 MAE, Arsenault. Ford Borema ’41 BA, Sept. 9, 2003, Aug. 22, 2004, Marquette. Michael Picotte ’01 BS to Hannah Melbourne, Fla. Ronald Bolenz ’69 MA, May 24, 2004, Cuddie ’03 BFA. Russell Christian ’41 BA, June 29, Battle Creek. Justin Schultz ’01 BS to Anne 2004, Marquette. Carla (Chartier) Bonner ’69 BA, Schneider. Shirley (Blumquist) Nyquist ’41, Sept. 7, 2004, Grand Haven. Kristy Stevenson ’01 BS to Joshua April 12, 2004, Marquette. Al Prideaux ’69 BS, Sept. 13, 2004, Burt. Harriet Goodman ’43 BS, Oct. 1, Ishpeming. Jessica Brown ’02 BS to Chris Kovala 2004, Escanaba. C. Alexander Moll ’71 BS, Sept. 2, ’02 BS. Kenneth Brami ’48 BS, May 26, 2004, 2004, Paulding. Kelly Freberg ’02 BS to B.J. Ash. Marquette. Herbert Boyle ’72 BS, June 12, 2004, Steven Johnson ’02 BS to Jamie Donlin Pangborn ’48 BA, July 26, Marquette. Ziller ’04 BS. 2004, Munising. Richard Loomis, Jr. ’72 BS, July 31, Jeffrey Morgan ’02 BFA to Christi Peter Ghiardi ’49 BA, Aug. 20, 2004, 2004, Otter Lake. Smith ’02 BS. Three Lakes. Michele (Ogea) Millimaki ’72 BSN, Sarah Rousseau ’02 BS to Scott Tyler Harold Schoch ’49 BS, Oct. 8, 2004, Oct. 15, 2004, Ishpeming. ’02 BS. Ann Arbor. Darryl Dobrzenski, Sr. ’73 BS ’83 MS, Laura Guizzetti ’03 AAS to Gary Sovey. Michael Anuta ’50 BA, Sept. 9, 2004, Aug. 6, 2004, Gwinn. Joseph Neumann ’03 BS to Alison Marinette, Wis. Ronald Hill ’73 BS, June 6, 2004, Granlund ’04 BS. Sally (Wood) Roth ’50 BS, Aug. 15, Jamestown, R.I. Nathan Plescher ’03 BS to Alisha 2004, Flushing. Douglas Smith ’75 MAE, Aug. 9, Murphy ’04 BS. Roland Sandell ’50 BA, Aug. 25, 2004, Hawkins, Wis. Michelle Tass ’03 BS to Thomas 2004, Dearborn. Linda (Nykanen) Zimmerman ’77 Phelps, Jr. Laura Parsons ’53 BS, May 23, 2004, BS, April 24, 2004, Livonia. Amy Durocher ’04 BS to Wade Isham. Leesville, S.C. Margaret (Peaden) Yelland ’78 Cert., Edward Guindon ’55 BS, July 23, Kelly Fulsher ’04 BSW to Dean Schultz. Sept. 26, 2004, Harvey. 2004, Escanaba.

30 HORIZONS Judith Miller ’82 BSN, Sept. 7, 2004, Marquette. Terry Schuller ’82 BS, Oct. 5, 2004, Marquette. Francine Malindzak ’83 BS, Sept. 28, 2004, Marquette. Ken Quinn ’83 Dipl., May 10, 2004, Green Bay, Wis. Sean Sullivan ’83 Dipl., Sept. 9, 2004, L’Anse. Gregory Revord ’86 BS, May 25, 2004, Munising. Elmer Heidtman, Jr. ’90 Cert., May 12, 2004, Skandia. JoAnne (Norie) Pietro ’91 BS ’02 MPA, Aug. 21, 2004, Negaunee. David Rautiola ’96 AS, July 18, 2004, Tell us what’s new in your life Belmont. Thomas Katona ’00 MPA, June 12, Stay in touch with your alma mater! Tell us your exciting news or personal updates so we can put it in Keeping Track. (Attach a separate page if you 2004, Cornell. have a lot to say or don’t want to write this small.) Include a recent photo if Joseph Lesner III ’00 BS, March 11, you have one—we may be able to use it. 2004, Ishpeming. ______James Ruddy ’03 BFA, Sept. 19, 2004, Flint. ______Noah McNamara ’04 AAS, July 3, ______2004, Marquette. ______Friends ______John Fassbender, June 24, 2004, Name: ______Marquette. John worked in the Last First M.I. Maiden Operations and Maintenance depart- Home Address: ______ment at NMU for 20 years. City/State/Zip: ______Gottfried Hogh, July 30, 2004, Ann Year of Graduation: ______Major: ______Arbor. Gottfried taught biology at NMU from the mid 1960s until 1972. Home Phone: ______Evelyn Nystrom, Aug. 28, 2004, Business Name: ______Marquette. Evelyn worked in the Business Phone: ______Financial and Student Employment Occupation: ______office at NMU for many years until her retirement in 1995. Business Address: ______Thomas Uhlinger, Sept. 22, 2004, City/State/Zip: ______Traverse City. Thomas was a professor E-mail address: ______in the Music Department at NMU from Would you like your e-mail address printed in Horizons? K Yes K No 1947-65. He conducted church choirs in addition to band, orchestra, and Send to Northern Michigan University Alumni Association, choral ensembles at NMU. 1401 Presque Isle Avenue, Marquette, MI 49855, e-mail to [email protected], or send via NMU’s WWW page: www.nmu.edu/alumni.

WINTER 2005 31 NORTHERN PERSPECTIVE The laws of complacency By MARC BRINGMAN ’78 MA

I remember while serving in the Just as fish discover water last, so it is U.S. Air Force (K.I. Sawyer AFB), with humans and complacency. we lost a giant B-52 just a few miles Denial is the most significant south of Marquette. Perhaps some problem with complacency. It grows of the older alumni and residents of out of the impression that we are the Upper Peninsula will recall that infallible; things have gone so well for day. The accident investigation so long that we let our guard down. found no mechanical problems, and We become so sure of ourselves, we all of us protested any thought of don’t even prepare for trouble. pilot error. We knew the crew mem- To properly combat complacen- bers. They were good, very good. In cy, one must plan for it. Put Marc Bringman and his grandson, Dante, fact, this crew was designated as the processes and procedures in place discussing the flight characteristics of Superman. Marc is an author and free- best in the Wing. They had logged that force you to “see and avoid.” lance business management consultant countless flying hours, all were I’ve learned a few things about com- in north Texas. instructors, and some had even sur- placency and compiled the follow- vived many flights over Hanoi. ing rules. I’ll borrow from a familiar Surely, such talented and highly title and call them, “The Immutable skilled people couldn’t make such a Laws of Complacency:” fatal mistake. But they did. • Complacency is governed by Many times, there is a correla- natural law. tion between experience and mis- • Complacency is a by-product takes, meaning, the better you are at of success. your job, the more likely it is that • Complacency occurs when you will get complacent. you least expect it. One dictionary defines “com- • Complacency can result in a placent” as “contented to a fault.” positive reading of negative Complacency is an unintended and signals. natural—albeit unfortunate—prod- NORTHERN PERSPECTIVE is a guest column uct of success. It happens to the •Crisis management is not the open to all alumni, friends, faculty, and most experienced people, and it is solution to complacency. current students of Northern Michigan University. We welcome your personal essays, not limited to certain professions or • The better you are at what anecdotes, opinion pieces, short-short fiction you do, the more likely it or fiction excerpts, poetry, or images. Not all skill sets. When pilots make a mis- submissions will make it into the magazine, take, they are at work, just like you will happen to you. and Horizons will not return submissions without a self-addressed, stamped envelope. and me. Do not deny the existence of Text may be edited for space and clarity. If Complacency is a natural human complacency in your life. It can and you would like to make a submission to Northern Perspective, send it by e-mail to flaw. It is not limited just to individu- probably will happen to you, but [email protected], through the Horizons als; complacency occurs in teams, with awareness (first step), accept- Web site at www.nmu.edu/horizons, or by mail to Editor, Horizons, Northern Michigan businesses and, yes, even nations. To ance, and preparation, complacency University, 1401 Presque Isle Avenue, understand complacency, one must can be challenged and the effects can Marquette, Michigan 49855. Photographs should have a resolution of at least 300 dpi. accept it as an integral part of oneself. be substantially lessened. I

32 HORIZONS

I have so many wonderful memories of NMU. I remember when I walked across the stage at graduation, a thousand things flashed through my mind. Every professor who had helped me along the way, every friend I had made, every test I had taken, the many “all nighters” I had pulled. They all led up to this moment. I was so proud to walk across the stage with all my friends and know that even though I was leaving Marquette, I could call Northern home for the rest of my life! I joined the Alumni Association because it allows me to stay in touch with friends from near and far. And since I graduated so recently, it allows me never to lose touch in the first place. Events like Wildcat Night Across the Country give everyone in the area a reason to come togeth- er. And the second I get my weekly edition of “What’s New, NMU?” my phone starts ringing. Without my participation in the Alumni Association, many of the activities and updates I get about Northern couldn’t exist. I am so thank- ful for all that NMU has given me. This is just my small way of giving something back. Jennifer Giangrasse ’03 BS. Member of the NMU Alumni Association since 2003. Of course I’m a member. Are you? Consider joining the NMU Alumni Association today. www.nmu.edu/alumni 1-877-GRAD NMU [email protected]

Photograph of Jennifer Giangrasse by Kim Marsh ’80 BS.

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Midland MI Horizons Permit No. 135 Communications Office Northern Michigan University 1401 Presque Isle Avenue Marquette, MI 49855