What We’re Doing
We aim to gather and unite alumni to create positive change for Northland during a troubled period of its existence. We hope to do this by providing information about what’s happening at Northland, by providing space for alumni to gather and share stories online, provide an alternative fundraising venue that is controlled by alumni, and by mobilizing alumni to donate for Northland’s future.
Why We’re Doing It
As a group of alumni, we are extremely disappointed in how little information about this fundraiser and potential closure has been shared by official channels. Leadership at Northland has not been clear or specific about the ongoing efforts to ensure Northland’s future, primarily organized by faculty, students, and other community members. Our goal is to share updates, create an online space to connect and share stories, set up a fundraising platform separate from the Board of Trustees, and encourage donations for Northland’s future.
We are taking this initiative because we feel there is an urgent need for communication and the space for this discussion currently doesn’t exist.
Who We Are
On March 18, a community small-groups session was held on campus at Northland College. During this session a small group of alumni, students, staff, and faculty gathered to discuss the role alumni can play during Northland College’s crisis period – and beyond. From this group of passionate people the goals and strategies of Northland Forever coalesced.
You can find more details about the people involved below. While we may not be the most polished group, we pledge to provide transparent and honest answers to your inquiries to the best of our abilities.
Brontë Gross
Class of ’17
I graduated from Northland in 2017. Now I own my own sailing business and teach sailing courses with Northland, making sure that students are able to connect with this area as deeply as I did.
Sarah Szymaniak
Class of ’17
I live in Ashland, Wisconsin and own and operate a sailing business. I graduated with a degree in Outdoor Education. I credit Northland for instilling a sense of place, community, and wonder in my life, and I enjoy making a living by sharing my love of the area!
Paige Crenshaw
Class of ’19
Paige ’19 works for the City and studied sustainable community development. She credits her Northland education for teaching her everything she knows about loving her community. Despite trying to move away, she keeps coming back to this tiny town on the big lake, drawn by her love for the Cheq Bay!
Kaelin Hall
Class of ’20
I graduated from Northland in 2020 with a degree in geology and currently work for the Forest Service out of Washburn, WI. As a transfer student who didn’t find success at my first college, Northland was a dream come true! I’m grateful to be a part of this effort to connect our community far and wide! Wherever you are, whatever your connection to Northland is, we can all be a part of helping the magic we experienced there continue into the future.
Sam Adair
Class of ’21
I am proud to be a true Northland baby! I grew up in Ashland and followed in my parents footsteps steps by graduating from Northland. I now work seasonally for Hurricane Island Outward Bound School based on Wheeler Bay, Maine. I recently got my Captains license and am continuing my life long dream of being an outdoor educator. Being an alumni of Northland is deeper than being a former student to me, this institution and this community have been in my life since before I can remember.
Alaina Lenz
Class of ’24
I’m a current student studying Sustainable Policy & Economics and current Don Chase Alumni Relations Intern. I love Northland! I love people who love Northland (that’s you)! Let’s share our love of Northland together!
Sara Beadle
Class of ’20
I studied Sustainable Community Development, Art, and Outdoor Education during my years at Northland. Now I live in Ashland WI, and work as an potter and gallery manager in Bayfield, WI.
Cole Schinstock
Class of ’19
Cole lives in Ashland and is a librarian at the local library. Cole studied outdoor education and is extremely grateful for the human and natural connections that he made in his time at Northland.
Alec Malenfant
Class of ‘17
Alec graduated with a dual degree in Outdoor Education and Art, and a minor in Environmental Studies. Now he’s the director of a sailing school as well manager and facilities technician at the Bayfield Rec Center! Alec credits Northland with his appreciation of wind and the greater community!