SVSU names Fredericks-Follet-Roethke Graduate Fellow

September 24, 2025

SVSU names Fredericks-Follet-Roethke Graduate Fellow

SVSU names Fredericks-Follet-Roethke Graduate Fellow

Saginaw Valley State University has selected Aubrey C. North, an arts administrator and oral historian, as the 2025-26 Fredericks-Follett-Roethke Graduate Fellow in the Arts and Humanities.

The fellowship, administered by SVSU's College of Arts & Behavioral Sciences, provides recent graduates with the opportunity to pursue significant creative or research projects in collaboration with SVSU faculty and partners.

During her fellowship, North will research and produce a documentary film on the life and work of renowned sculptor Marshall M. Fredericks, whose work is housed in the Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum on SVSU's campus.

"This fellowship seemed like a great way to blend my undergraduate and graduate work experiences while strengthening my résumé, so I decided to apply," North said.

Carlos Ramet, associate dean of the College of Arts & Behavioral Sciences, said North stood out during the selection process. "We think she is well positioned to examine the Fredericks Archives, conduct interviews and complete a documentary to be used for educational purposes by the Marshall Fredericks Sculpture Museum. We were especially impressed by her placing this project at the intersection of public art and public history by blending archival research with oral history," he said.

North underscored the urgency of her project, citing the potential loss of key information about Fredericks. "As a mid- to late-20th century artist, Fredericks falls into the fortunate category of public figures who still have individuals alive today who worked with, supported and knew him. Many of these individuals are seniors, meaning direct information regarding Fredericks' life and work are at significant risk of loss."

She added that she hopes the short film will connect individuals across SVSU and the global community to Fredericks' works and life. As part of the fellowship, North will also guest lecture in classes at SVSU and present a public lecture on her research and film she is developing.

The fellowship is a stepping stone toward North's long-term goals. "I hope to begin my career in the public history field, whether that be in museums and archives, nonprofits or the government. At the end of the day, I want to continue making history, culture and the arts engaging, inclusive and accessible by whatever means I am able," North said.

North holds a Master of Arts in arts administration from the University of Michigan-Flint and a Bachelor of Arts in history and anthropology from Alma College. She has worked at the Michigan History Center, Alma College and the University of Michigan-Flint, gaining experience in exhibit research, archival projects, oral history coordination and public history programming.

For more information about the Fredericks-Follett-Roethke Graduate Fellowship or the Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum, visit marshallfredericks.org/ffr/.