Nominate someone

Nominations for Outstanding Alumni are invited each January. A committee of alumni representatives reviews the nominations in March, making a final recommendation to the NMC President in April. The recipient is officially introduced at NMC's commencement ceremony in May.

Contact Sonia Clem for details:
(231) 995-1030
sclem@nmc.edu

Outstanding Alumni

This honorary award was established in 1988 to recognize NMC alumni who are noteworthy for their:

continued donation of time, talent, resources and enthusiasm on behalf of the college;
significant professional achievements;
exemplary leadership in community and professional activities.

2010 Honoree

Ross Biederman

Biederman attended NMC in 1958-59 and went on to graduate from Michigan State University. The son of NMC founder the late Les Biederman, he has carried on his family’s commitment to the college by supporting projects through the Biederman Foundation, including scholarships in nursing, maritime and business.

Under Ross Biederman’s leadership as President and General Manager, Midwestern Broadcasting Co., the company his father founded, has expanded to ten radio stations. In 2007 he received a lifetime achievement award from the Michigan Association of Broadcasting.

In 2001, Biederman developed Radio Centre, a mixed-use development in downtown Traverse City that is home to flagship station WTCM. The development made construction of the adjacent Hardy parking deck possible, and in 2002 Biederman was recognized with the Lyle DeYoung Downtown Recognition Award.

His many community involvements include serving on Traverse City’s Downtown Development Authority, the Munson Healthcare Foundation, and chairing the joint Traverse City-Garfield Township Recreational Authority board

Susie Janis

Janis attended NMC in 1965-67 and then went on to earn a Communications Certificate of Completion from Michigan State. Coincidentally, she worked in Traverse City radio as well, before starting her family.

In addition to her family Janis has dedicated her life to being a full-time volunteer. She led the membership and development program at the Dennos Museum for three years, exceeding membership goals. She served on the NMC Foundation Board for six years. Three as chair occurred during the final phase of fundraising for the Museum, whose capital campaign goal was also exceeded.

Her many community involvements include the Grand Traverse Community Living Center, Child & Family Services and Traverse City Chamber. She has served as a gubernatorial appointee on three statewide bodies, and in 1997 won the State of Michigan Volunteer of the Year award.

Previous Outstanding Alumni

2009: Verna Bartnick (1960s), Bruce Byl (class of 1979), Tim Dunn (class of 1992)
2008: Todd McMillen (class of 1985)
2007: John Robert Williams (class of 1976)
2006: James DeLapa (class of 1956)
2005: Larry Inman (class of 1974)
2004: Jean M. Rokos (class of 1975)
2003: Jason Allen (class of 1983)
2002: Maurie Dennis (class of 1965)
2001: Student Government Association Presidents
2000: John Pelizzari (class of 1975)
1999: Walter J. Hooper (class of 1968)
1998: James Clancy (class of 1955)
1997: Richard Benedict (class of 1984)
1996: Lloyd V. Hackley (class of 1964)
1993: John & Gloria Lyon (class of 1979)
1991: Alexander Galligan (class of 1953)
1990: David & Sally Viskochil (class of 1964)
1989: Morris Thomas (class of 1964)
1988: Charles Kesner (class of 1959)