Jacklyn Lenten

MARQUETTE — Jacklyn Lenten of Negaunee has been named the Northern Michigan University Earth, Environmental and Geographical Sciences 2020-21 outstanding graduating senior. She is graduating Saturday with an environmental science degree with a concentration is in natural resources.

Lenten will attain a self-designed EEGS cluster minor in environmental justice and advocacy. For two years, Lenten has served as a co-leader of the NMU Conservation Crew, and she is an active member of Gamma Theta Upsilon International Geographical Honor Society.

As a field technician for the Outdoor Learning Area, Lenten helped transform the GeoPark into a garden.

She was the first Upper Peninsula native to be named a John A. Muter Scholar, and she took part in Michigan State University Extension’s Lake and Stream Leaders Institute.

Josie Mazzone

Josie Mazzone of Marquette has been named the Northern Michigan University School of Health and Human Performance 2020-21 outstanding graduating graduate student.

She will receive her master’s degree Saturday with a 4.0 grade-point average.

As a teaching assistant, Mazzone has been responsible for helping tp create and deliver content for exercise physiology and biomechanics labs. She also instructs sessions for Move UP, a community exercise program, and senior swim, a water aerobics course for senior citizens.

Mazzone received the Excellence in Education grant in 2020 to help fund her thesis project of analyzing the effects of utilizing therapy dogs during exercise for sedentary adults. She will be continuing her education in the fall of 2021 to pursue a doctoral degree in anatomy and physiology. She aspires to pursue a teaching career in a college or university setting.

David Robinson

David Robinson of Marquette has been named one of two Northern Michigan University English Department 2020-21 outstanding graduating graduate students.

On Saturday, he will receive a master’s degree in English literature with a concentration in contemporary African-American literature.

Robinson plans to pursue a teaching position at a high school or college to gain more teaching experience before pursuing a doctoral degree in literature.

During his studies at Northern, he was awarded the King-Chavez Future Faculty Fellowship to further his investigation into the complexities of mixed-raced individuals in 20th and 21st century literature.

He also planned to give presentation at the 2020 MELUS conference, but the COVID-19 pandemic delayed this event.

Robinson served as a student representative on the Master of Arts committee, where he discussed the structure of the MA program.

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 renowned musical “Hamilton,” will be the keynote speaker.

Learn more about commencement and access a link to watch it live at www.nmu.edu/commencement.