JUNE - Dr. Natalie Bartnik
c/o 2007 - "COMMUNITY"
APRIL - Matthew Federico
c/o 2001 - "REWARDING"
MARCH - Michael Williams
c/o 1990 - "BOND"
FEBRUARY - Peter Bartels
c/o 1987 - "COMPETITIVE"
January - Robi Stuart
c/o 2017 - "PREPARED"

December - Elizabeth (Irish) Marshall
c/o 2008 - "FOUNDATIONAL"
October - Nicole Buckingham
c/o 2015 - "COMPETITIVE"
September - Matthew Kelly
c/o 2000 - "OPPORTUNITY"
August - Erica Decker
c/o 2011 - "WELL-ROUNDED"
April - Megan Sullivan
c/o 2011 - "EMBRACING"
March - Michelle (Fulsher) Mitchell
c/o 1994 - "MEMORABLE"
January - Michael Bujold
c/o 2005 - "VALUES"

December - Ben Schuller
c/o 2009 - "INSPIRING"
October - Danielle (Kamm) Carter
c/o 2003 - "ENRICHING'
September - Jay Mohan
c/o 2005 - "REWARDING"
August - Jen (Thieme) Kehres
c/o 2003

Nouvel is continually proud of the impact our alumni make after they graduate. It is our honor to spotlight those alumni who truly represent our Nouvel Strong culture of believing, learning and succeeding. Our Alumni Spotlights feature outstanding alumni succeeding in their careers and showng pride in their Panther heritage.

Nominate your fellow Panthers for the Alumni Spotlight. Send an email to kbreasbois@nouvelcatholic.org or fill out an Alumni Spotlight Nomination form.

Alex Joynt graduated from Nouvel Catholic Central High School in 2015 and comes from a long line of Catholic school graduates, including brothers, Bradley (NCC, ’11) and Christopher (NCC, ’13), her parents, Sean (Bishop Foley) and Sue (SSPP, ’83) and her grandparents (Holy Rosary). Alex was no stranger to high achievement during her time at Nouvel, making the Dean’s List, being crowned Homecoming Queen (2014) and taking home the Girls Basketball State Championship title along with her fellow Lady Panthers. Alex went on to attend Grand Valley State University where she obtained her Bachelor of Science Degree in Hospitality Tourism Management in 2018. She is currently working as an Executive Personal Assistant at MassMutual Great Lakes in Southfield, MI. Alex enjoys giving back to her community and those in need as an avid blood donor and volunteer for Habitat for Humanity.

Alex uses the word “TENACIOUS” to describe her experience at Nouvel. “I learned this word from Coach “K” and it stuck with me ever since. Throughout my years at Nouvel, I always had to keep a tenacious mindset, both in sports and academics. The guidance from staff and teachers, and being around so any of my peers with the same mindset, really prepared me for college and the demands of work.
During her years in college, Alex was able to travel and work internationally, which gave her the opportunity to experience different cultures. “I’ve held many different positions in the hospitality industry and have learned how to work well with many types of people and the importance of patience, all while relying on my faith in God in any situation. I feel the combination of all these helped me become a successful career woman.”

Alex enjoys living and working in the Detroit area and participating in all it has to offer. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, traveling, working out, running and learning sign language.

Natalie Bartnik graduated from Nouvel Catholic Central High School in 2007. As class president, she was very involved in leadership and stewardship, governing the Nouvel student body and serving the community. In 2011, Natalie earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Loyola University Chicago and went on to complete a Master’s degree in Public Health from the University of Michigan in 2013. Upon completing her master’s degree, Natalie focused her talents on research while working for the University of Michigan investigating the psychosocial aspects of genomic testing in medicine. Three years later, she expanded her clinical knowledge by applying to medical school. After four more years of education, Natalie became a doctor of Osteopathic medicine graduating from Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine in May of 2020. Beginning July 1, 2020, she will begin her residency in Neurology at the University of Kansas School of Medicine where she will be reunited with her husband, Jonathan, a PGY2 Emergency Medicine resident. Natalie is grateful to have the love and support of her parents, family and friends.  She is particularly proud to have her sister, Catherine Bartnik (NCCHS, 2004) as a strong female mentor and someone she greatly looks up to.
 
“COMMUNITY” is the word that Natalie chose to describe her experience at Nouvel. “In my opinion, it takes a village to accomplish a goal. Without a doubt, I would not be the person that I am today without the help, love and support of family, friends, peers, colleagues, mentors, faith and community members. Beyond a strong educational foundation, my experience at Nouvel provided me with a sense of community. The values of teamwork and community service were instilled in me through the mentorship and guidance of teachers, staff, coaches and students at Nouvel. As a student body, we were a family working together to help each other thrive. Even today, it brings me great joy to see the accomplishments of my fellow peers as we continue to advance in our lives.”

Matthew graduated from Nouvel Catholic Central High School in 2001. Matthew earned his Bachelors of Professional Accountancy from Saginaw Valley State University and his Masters of Divinity from the University of St. Mary of the Lake in Mundelein, IL.
 
Matthew has made a full circle since leaving Nouvel and has returned, this year, as the High School Campus Chaplain. He also serves as Parochial Vicar at Christ the Good Shepherd and St. John Paul II parishes in Saginaw.

Matthew describes his Nouvel experience as “REWARDING” stating “the Catholic education that I received at both St Stephen’s and Nouvel laid a foundation for the successes in my life.” Matthew expressed his excitement with returning to Nouvel to serve as Chaplain. “I would never have imagined, when I was a student, that I would one day be a priest, serving the Diocese, let alone serving as Chaplain at my alma mater.” We’re blessed to have you, Fr. Matt!

Peter Bartels graduated from Nouvel Catholic Central in 1987. He went on to graduate with his Bachelors in Internal Relations from Michigan State University in 1991, obtained his teaching certificate from Saginaw Valley State University in 1993 and later received his Masters from Ashland University in 2012. Pete was also a recipient of the James Madison Fellowship in 2011, which provides support to graduate study that focuses on our Constitution and the relevance to practices & policies of democratic government.

Pete is extremely involved in the Nouvel and his local community. He coaches Varsity Cross Country and the NCCHS Quiz Bowl Team, as well as advises Law Day and NCCHS Honor Guard. He is a member of the Freeland-Saginaw Area Runners Club, Saint Gerard Society and participates in the annual March for Life gathering in Washington D.C.

Pete and his wife, Kathy, along with their four children, Matthew (NCC ’17), Joseph (NCC ’19), Samuel (Gr. 10) and Grace (Gr. 3) are members of Holy Spirit Catholic Parish in Freeland.

Pete chose “COMPETITIVE” to describe his Nouvel experience. "At Nouvel, we have an expectation that we go into everything, whether it be a game in class or a game on the field, with a competitive demeanor," explains Pete. "Kids enjoy playing, competing and winning, but the difference here at Nouvel is that our kids maintain good sportsmanship from beginning to end. Whether it be our coaches, teachers or parents, they all teach not only a winning attitude but a positive one and expect it in everything we do."

Robi Stuart graduated from Nouvel Catholic Central in 2017. He is currently a junior neuroscience major at Central Michigan University. In addition to carrying a 3.88 grade point average, Robi serves as a defensive tackle on the CMU football team.

While attending CMU, Robi has already achieved several academic awards including being named to the Dean’s List and President’s List. He recently earned the “All MAC Football Third Team” and “MAC Distinguished Scholar Athlete” awards. When he is not in the classroom or on the football field, he enjoys spending time with his teammates, serving the community at events like CMU Football Family Fest and Kid’s Clinic.

Robi chose the word “PREPARED” to describe his experience at Nouvel. “Nouvel Catholic Central definitely prepares their students academically and mentally, to not only take on the challenge of college, life and their future, but to thrive and succeed at achieving their dreams.”

Elizabeth (Irish) Marshall is a Nouvel Catholic Central Class of 2008 graduate. Elizabeth earned her Bachelor of Science degree in 2012 from the University of Michigan where she graduated with high distinction. She then attended the University of Michigan Medical School where she received her Doctor of Medicine degree in 2016, as well as completed a family medicine residency in 2019. During her residency, Elizabeth received multiple research awards and was elected Chief Resident during her last year of residency. Elizabeth is a Family Medicine Physician at Ascension St. Mary’s in Frankenmuth and is a member of the Saginaw County Medical Society.

Elizabeth and her husband, Eric, have an eight-month old son, Thaddeus and live in Saginaw. Their move back to Saginaw was very intentional as they both wanted to see the growth in Saginaw and in the Catholic community for years to come. The Marshall’s are parishioners at Holy Spirit.

“FOUNDATIONAL” is the word that Elizabeth used to describe her experience at Nouvel. "Nouvel truly laid a foundation for me in all aspects of my life during exceptionally formative years. I grew in my faith and spirituality significantly during my high school years and truly find joy and wholeness in our Catholic faith. A strong foundation was laid for my future academic pursuits - the rigor and expectations I was poised to face at Nouvel was truly unparalleled. Nouvel also laid a foundation for what it means to be part of a community and part of something bigger than yourself. I will forever be grateful for the sacrifices my parents made to send me to Nouvel. I've been blessed beyond belief from the foundation my years at Nouvel set for me."
 

Nicole Buckingham is a Nouvel Catholic Central Class of 2015 graduate. She went on to study at Lawrence Technological University and graduated this past spring with summa cum laude (3.98) honors and a major in bio-medical engineering. Additionally, Nicole received the 2019 bio-medical engineering department’s academic excellence award.
 
While pursuing her undergrad, Nicole was a part of the women’s basketball team, receiving first-team, All-American honors. Her jersey (#34) was selected nationally among 89 other 2018-2019 standout players and will be displayed at the National Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame as part of their annual ring of honor.
 
Nicole is currently working as a project engineer with Henry Ford Health System in West Bloomfield. She chose the word "COMPETITIVE" to represent her experience at Nouvel. "I often describe my Nouvel experience as competitive, in both academics and athletics. I remember my coaches scheduling games against bigger schools on purpose, ensuring the most competitive schedule possible to prepare us for the tournament games. I also remember the school-wide standard for excellence in the classroom that pushed me to keep up with my studies and not let myself fall behind. Being in this competitive atmosphere really prepared me for life in college and beyond. As an alumna, I am happy to see this competitive spirit is still a part of the Nouvel experience today."