NMU Alumni Award Recipients Honored

The four recipients of Northern Michigan University's 2026 Alumni Awards were recently honored with a luncheon during this year's Homecoming celebrations.

Dr. Gary R. Bertoline '74 BS of West Lafayette, Ind., received the Distinguished Alumni award. Jenna Zdunek '04 BS of Marquette, Mich., received the Alumni Achievement award. Maureen McFadden '16 BS of Marquette, Mich., received the Outstanding Young Alumni award. John M. Madigan '82 BS of Munising, Mich., received the Alumni Service award.

Award recipients, who can be nominated by anyone but are selected by NMU alumni, are honored for significant achievements in their fields, substantial contributions to society and for demonstrating exceptional leadership and civic qualities.

Dr. Gary R. Bertoline '74 BS

Bertoline, founding dean of the Purdue Polytechnic Institute, has earned national recognition for transforming engineering and technology education through innovative, competency-based learning models. A leader in STEM education, he has shaped workforce development through his work with national organizations, authored widely used textbooks, and expanded access to engineering education through initiatives such as Purdue Polytechnic High Schools. His visionary leadership and global impact have influenced engineering education for decades.

Despite his impressive career achievements, Bertoline told the luncheon attendees during his acceptance speech that he initially had no interest in attending college, even arguing with his father about his desire to enter the workforce immediately following high school graduation.

He was a shy kid, he said, who disliked education and wanted nothing more to do with sitting in a classroom. But, he promised his father he'd try his hand at college for one semester at NMU, and it only took one day to change his mind.

"The first day I was on campus, in Gries Hall, a history professor came in and talked to all the incoming freshmen on that floor," Bertoline said. "Something hit me and I said, 'I want to do what he does.'"

So set off the trajectory of Bertoline's nationally recognized career as a leader in STEM education.

"Northern gave me confidence. I had great professors, great experiences and that's what's good about higher education" Bertoline said. "I became who I was, and am, because of my experiences at Northern Michigan University - and that is still going on today."

Bertoline cited a portion of the university's mission statement as particularly relevant for his own Northern experience: "to realize the potential of all its students."

"That brings chills to me when I read that line," he said. "You are still doing the right thing. You're still [making], I'm sure, reluctant, remarkable kids able to thrive. I was lucky enough to be one of them, and I thank you so much."

Jenna Zdunek '04 BS

Zdunek has demonstrated exceptional professional achievement and leadership through her transformative work as CEO of the David and Thu Brulé YMCA of Marquette County. A longtime YMCA professional, Zdunek has dedicated more than two decades to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.

Stepping into leadership during a period of financial crisis, she successfully guided the organization through Chapter 11 bankruptcy, eliminated $7 million in debt and restored long-term financial stability. Through strategic planning, transparent stakeholder engagement, and effective board development, she rebuilt community trust and positioned the YMCA as a sustainable and thriving cornerstone of the region. Her leadership also expanded critical programs serving youth, families, seniors, and individuals with health challenges, ensuring broad and lasting community impact.

Zdunek spoke in her acceptance speech about the power of mentorship and the necessity of having people to lean on in difficult times.

"Northern gave me so much more than a degree - it really shaped the person I am. It gave me resilience, lifelong relationships and a foundation of values that has carried me throughout my career," Zdunek said. "Just as we often say, the YMCA is more than a gym, Northern was more than a university. It shaped who I am, giving me people that believed in me and it prepared me for a life of service."

Zdunek said people often tell her that she "saved the YMCA" and while she is proud of the role she played in pulling the institution out of bankruptcy, she emphasized that she didn't do it alone, citing a host of people who helped along the way.

"All of the board, staff, volunteers, the donors, our community partners and my family - they all have carried the YMCA mission forward with me," she said. "I've learned that leadership isn't about having all the answers. It's about the courage to keep moving forward when the path isn't clear. And having the right people beside you.

"So if I can leave you with one thought today, it's this - take a chance on someone," she added. "Encourage them, mentor them, open a door for them. You never know how one opportunity or one moment or belief can change the course of someone's life. I know, because a lot of people did that for me … When we believe in people, we can change lives."

Maureen McFadden '16 BS

McFadden has distinguished herself as an innovative and compassionate leader in senior services, community wellness and civic engagement throughout Michigan's Upper Peninsula. A graduate of NMU's Management of Health and Fitness program with a minor in Dance, she began her career as a Health and Recreation Specialist with the Superior Alliance for Independent Living before advancing to her current role as Senior Services Manager for the City of Marquette.

In this capacity, McFadden has transformed and expanded services for older adults across Marquette County by developing innovative programming, securing critical funding, fostering regional and national partnerships and enhancing access to essential supports that promote independence, health and quality of life. Her visionary leadership and commitment to excellence were recognized in 2025 when she received the Michigan Association of Senior Centers Director of the Year Award. Committed to developing future leaders, McFadden has worked closely with Northern to create meaningful internship and experiential learning opportunities for students pursuing careers in Health, Wellness, Social Work and Outdoor Recreation Management.

Hailing from Alaska, McFadden said Northern provided her with "more than an education."

"Northern became a permanent home for me, a place that provided stability, resources, opportunity and people who helped me move forward. I was the student who used student support services in the disability office. I was the student who was in the financial aid office year after year, becoming best friends with those staff members, who helped me along the way," she said. "That experience is something I carry into the work I do every day because I believe investing in people is one of the greatest returns on investments that us, our agencies and our businesses can do. It gave me opportunities and most importantly, it gave me people who believed in me. Now that I have that privilege and the responsibility, it is up to us to try to do something for others."

John M. Madigan '82 BS

Madigan has demonstrated exceptional dedication to community service and regional development throughout his career, making a lasting impact across Munising, Alger County and Michigan's Upper Peninsula. A community-minded leader, he has served on numerous influential boards and commissions, including multiple gubernatorial appointments to the Michigan Natural Resources Commission and Michigan Travel Commission. His local leadership spans organizations such as the treasurer of the Munising Memorial Hospital Board of Trustees, Alger County Hanley Airfield Committee and the Pictured Rocks Interpretive Center, reflecting decades of commitment to strengthening both community infrastructure and quality of life.

Madigan's visionary leadership has also transformed the region's tourism economy. As the founder of Yoopers Ride Free, hosted by Pictured Rocks Cruises, over 15,000 free cruises have been provided to Upper Peninsula residents. These cruises have provided an opportunity for those participating to enjoy the beauty of the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. His efforts to elevate the national profile of the area-including coordinating a Good Morning America broadcast from Pictured Rocks and other initiatives-helped drive tourism from approximately 400,000 visitors annually to approximately one million, fueling economic growth and new business development. Through his advocacy, entrepreneurship, and lifelong dedication to the Upper Peninsula, Madigan exemplifies the spirit of the Alumni Service Award and the enduring impact of NMU.

Madigan said after his graduation in 1982, he left the Upper Peninsula, not because he wanted to, but because there weren't job opportunities available to him. His career ultimately took him around the country, from Illinois to Virginia to California to Alabama and finally, back to Munising, Mich.

"Looking back over that career, I've got four bullet points that changed me," Madigan said - family, education, mentorship and luck.

Speaking briefly on each of those points, Madigan ultimately told the group gathered in honor of each of the alumni award recipients that the best indication of living a successful life is creating a solid foundation from which to draw.

"You can have the luck, but if you don't have the foundation, I don't know how far you get," he said.

For more information on the NMU Alumni Awards criteria and to nominate a fellow alumnus/a, visit nmu.edu/alumni/awards. NMU Alumni Relations can be contacted at [email protected].