MARQUETTE –Arabella Olson of Negaunee has been named the Northern Michigan University Department of Music 2020-21 outstanding graduating senior. She is graduating Saturday with a bachelor s degree in music, specializing in trombone.

While at NMU, Olson participated in several musical ensembles, including Jazz Band, Jazz Combo, Orchestra, Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, Brass Quintet and Marching Band. She was selected for the 2019 UPStarts music festival and won first place in the 2018 NMU Music Scholarship Competition.

Olson has been accepted for graduate school at the University of Michigan, where she intends to pursue a master s degree in trombone performance. She plans to spend time outdoors during her last summer in the Upper Peninsula.

Also, Erik Flinn of Marquette has been named the Northern Michigan University Department of Mathematics and Computer Science 2020-21 outstanding graduating graduate student. He was part of the inaugural class of NMU’s new Master of Science in Mathematics program, and will earn his degree Saturday.

Flinn completed his bachelor s degree in mathematics at NMU. He has studied the subjects of topology, advanced linear algebra, analysis, geometry, logic and abstract algebra.

Under the supervision of Professor Daniel Rowe, he completed a thesis in the area of nonassociative algebra, studying questions concerning isotopies and parastrophes of quasigroups and loops in both the finite and continuous settings. Flinn has given seminar talks on his research and taught pre-calculus for four semesters. He will continue to study mathematics at the doctoral level.

NMU’s virtual commencement will be held at 10 a.m. EST Saturday. Bryan Terrell Clark, a Broadway performer who played George Washington in the award-winning musical “Hamilton,” will be the keynote speaker. Learn more about commencement and access a link to watch it live at www.nmu.edu/commencement.