Three alumni were named the 2019 winners of Northwestern Michigan College’s Outstanding Alumni award at commencement ceremonies May 4.

Terry Beia, 1983 - Petroleum Engineering Technology. In 1998 Beia made his first real estate investment in downtown Traverse City. In the two decades since the investment, he’s been an active booster and backer of downtown. 

Frank Dituri, 1979 - Parks and Recreation Management and Biology. A highlight of Dituri’s career in both private and public sectors is serving as chairman of the Boardman River Dams Implementation Team, tasked with the restoration of Traverse City’s Boardman River. 

Dr. Marie Socha, 1983 - Pre-med studies. After earning both a master’s and PhD., Socha went on to a career in public health as an epidemiologist, serving agencies from the Centers for Disease Control to the Department of Homeland Security. 

Established in 1988, Outstanding Alumni award recipients are chosen for significant professional achievements and/or exemplary leadership in the local or global community. Applications for the 2020 Outstanding Alumni award will be sought in January.