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NMU Alumni Award Recipients Honored
9/24/2026
The four recipients of Northern Michigan University's 2026 Alumni Awards were recently honored with a luncheon during this year's Homecoming celebrations. Gary R. Bertoline, Jenna Zdunek, Maureen McFadden and John M. Madigan were honored.
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.
Gary R. Bertoline '74 BS Distinguished Alumni Award
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.'"
Jenna Zdunek '04 BS Alumni Achievement Award
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.
Maureen McFadden '16 BS, Outstanding Young Alumni
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 Alumni Service Awaed
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.
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 alumni@nmu.edu.