Meet Shaun Lohman, an outdoor recreation leadership and management major with a wildlife conservation law and policing minor from Holland, Michigan. We asked Shaun a few questions about his NMU experience so far:
Why did you decide to come to NMU?
Shaun: I wanted to go to college far from home. After visiting NMU, I was amazed by the natural geography of the area and knew I wanted to attend. The affordable in-state tuition helped me make the decision too.
What's an example of a cool, interesting or helpful thing that you have done as a part of your major?
Shaun: One of the coolest things that I have done for a class in my major was go ice climbing at Pictured Rocks.
What are you involved in within the university as well as outside of campus?
Shaun: I’m on the NMU Ultimate Frisbee club team. I’ve worked for the Michigan DNR at Holland State Park for three summers. I recently completed my internship at Aquatic Plant Management where I got to dive in lakes around Wisconsin and remove Eurasian watermilfoil.
Outside of school, what do you enjoy?
Shaun: When not in school, I enjoy the same thing that I go to school for: being outside. Rollerblading, being in the water, camping, and traveling are my jam.
What does “be Northern” mean to you?
Shaun: I think “be Northern” means that you immerse yourself in the opportunities that are around NMU, particularly the outdoor ones.
What are your plans after graduation?
Shaun: After graduation I plan on doing a thru hike of the Appalachian Trail. I want to buy a camper van and travel. There are many different careers that I am interested in, including: conservation officer, park ranger, wild land firefighter, and commercial diver.
Further comments about your NMU experience:
Shaun: I’m glad that I chose NMU; the programs, opportunities, and nature of this university are incomparable to any other in the Midwest.
Advice for current students?
Shaun: Think about your major; is it something that you actually want as a career? If you’re unsure, check out the list of majors that NMU offers; the earlier you switch, the better. Get out of your comfort zone. Participate in class. Join clubs that interest you. While attending, get a job either on campus or around Marquette that you enjoy.
Shaun: I’m Shaun and I’m from Holland, MI. A few years back I visited NMU and was amazed by the awesome facilities and outdoor opportunities that this university offers. I initially planned on earning a biology degree but soon realized that I was not cut out for the sciences. After some pondering I decided that Outdoor Recreation Leadership & Management seemed like the major that fits me the best and I switched; this is probably the best decision that I have ever made.
I’ve been on the Ultimate Frisbee club team at NMU since freshman year and it has been a blast practicing and traveling to tournaments with the team. I had the chance to pursue and get paid for my hobby of underwater diving during my internship with Aquatic Plant Management where I was diving in lakes around Wisconsin to remove invasive species. Whatever career I choose to take after graduation in November, it will for sure be outdoors!
