Employees Honored at Luncheon NMU faculty and staff were recognized at an April 20 luncheon for reaching retirement or various years-of-service milestones. Awards were also presented for excellence in service, distinguished team service, and effective use of technology by staff.
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Recipients of the Excellence in Service Award, pictured with NMU President Les Wong, were (front from left): Della Cheney (Clinical Sciences) for playing an essential role in assisting both the Practical Nursing and Clinical Lab Sciences department; Lindsay Sparks (Housing and Residence Life) for providing redevelopment of her department’s student leader development program—Live-Learn-Lead, a five-part leadership training program; Linda Hares (Academic Affairs) for her role as a problem-solver on campus, with her vast knowledge of university policies and practices and as someone who is willing to provide assistance to those who need it; (back row from left) Andrew Smentkowski (Research and Sponsored Projects) his guidance and hard work at getting 71 grants submitted in 2008-2009, increasing the amount of external funding and his implementing of the new Grants and Research Office; Paula Supanich (Plant Operations) for keeping the campus grounds presentable and functioning and going the extra mile to improve campus, such as creating the flower garden outside of the Gries entryway; Dean Schmeltzer (Grounds/Plant Operations) for his dedication while working as a mechanic at NMU for 19 years, and his responsibility for the maintenance and repair of all university-owned vehicle and equipment; and Lynne Gerhardt (Teacher Education Student Services) for developing easy-to-use program plans for the multitude of programs offered and explaining individual plan requirements to faculty and students.
Karl Mulder (AdIT) and Theresa Nease (President’s Office) received the TLC Staff Award for effective use of technology. They implemented the Electronic Board Book, which saves money on paperwork and provides a secure, interactive and efficient way for the NMU Board of Trustees to access meeting materials. 
The organizing committee (some members pictured at right) was recognized for successfully hosting two world-class speed skating events at the Berry Events Center and bringing a significant amount of positive international exposure to NMU. Members were (by department): Carl Bammert, Christopher Busch, David Klumb, Christine Lake, Richard Schwemin, Bret Zorza (Intercollegiate Athletics/Recreational Sports), David Donovan, David Lucas (Physics), Michael Fields, Michael Kaurala, Susan Tollefson, Tony Tollefson (U.S. Olympic Education Center), Kimberly Hegmegee, Shelley Russell (Communications and Performance Studies), Michael Lakenen, Patrick Lakenen, Eric Smith (Learning Resources Division), Jeffrey Mincheff (Public Safety and Police Services), Cindy Paavola, Anne Stark (Communications and Marketing), Kerri Schuiling (School of Nursing), and NMU students Ian Astle, Kate Annala, Alice Gustafson, Summer Kanniainen-Hadden, Jennifer Henry, Andrea Hitt, Jacquelyn Lange, Han Lee, Marc Olson, Marlie Shelton and Brandon Westman. 
The Golf Course team (some members pictured left) was charged with converting the Chocolay Downs golf course into an NMU entity ready for its first season of operation within 110 days. Members were (by department): Arthur Gischia, Todd Miilu, Carrie Rabitaille (Auxiliary Services), Thomas Helgren, Janet Paquette-Christensen (University Center), Jerome Anderson (AdIT/Technical Services), Brian Larson (AdIT/Consulting and Support Services), Wayne Gibbs (Golf Course), Sandra Haavisto (Controller's Office), Lorraine Hillock (Conference and Catering Services) and Eric Johnson (Communications and Marketing).
