22 NORTHERN MAGAZINE Lara, who currently lives in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and works as a choir director, expressed gratitude to the Northern State University music department faculty, acknowledging the exceptional education she received and the significant impact her teachers had on her career as a performer and educator. Since graduating, Lara has advanced her education by earning a master’s degree in vocal performance from the University of Minnesota Duluth in 2017. Her notable achievements include being a scholarship recipient of the Chicago Summer Opera, a SBC Voice Area Invitational finalist, and an Opera Steamboat Young Artist. Lara has also been recognized in Marquis Who’s Who in America as a choir director and opera singer. She has been dedicated to building choir programs from the ground up in the Milwaukee area. Lara advises current students to pursue their passions, acknowledging that the road may not be easy but emphasizing that the journey ultimately shapes and facilitates growth. LARA BRINK Milwaukee, WI Bachelor of Music Education, 2015 Where Are They Now? Michael, who currently resides in Homer, Alaska, has transitioned from a distinguished education career to life as a self-employed artist. He expressed appreciation for his education at Northern State University, which launched his teaching journey in Bullhead, South Dakota, before leading him to a transformative career in rural Alaska. Following his 1970 graduation, Michael dedicated himself to teaching multi-grade classrooms in remote Alaskan villages, working with Yupik Eskimo students, and later advancing to principal positions in communities such as Quinhagak and Nunapitchuk. His notable achievements include successful leadership roles in both Bureau of Indian Affairs and state-operated schools, culminating in his work with Head Start programs across multiple villages. Since retiring from education, Michael has earned recognition in the arts, becoming a signature member of the Alaska Watercolor Society, with his work featured in local galleries. His passion for the arts extends to music, having performed with the community choir at prestigious venues including Carnegie Hall and throughout Italy. He encourages current students to remain open to unexpected opportunities, as his own journey led him from the plains of South Dakota to the enriching cultural landscape of Alaska. MICHAEL MURRAY Homer, AK Bachelor of Science in Art Education, Minor in Industrial Arts, 1970 The NSU Foundation “Where Are They Now” summer series celebrates the inspiring journeys of our alumni. From climbing the corporate ladder to discovering new horizons to charting their own course, we want to highlight the diverse accomplishments of our NSU community. We encourage all alumni to share their stories with us, as their experiences are invaluable in illustrating the wide range of successes and passions within our network of alumni, donors and friends. Learn more and submit your “Where Are They Now” story at northernstatefoundation.com.
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