Navy veteran Marie Bonenfant hired in student accounts

Finlandia University has hired Marie Bonenfant to the position of Coordinator of Student Accounts. Bonenfant is from Lake Linden, a Navy veteran and Finlandia alumnus. She started at Finlandia on Monday.

“When I came here as a student it was the first thing I did as a civilian,” Bonenfant said. “It felt like home then, and coming here now it once again feels like I’m coming home.”

Marie Bonenfant – navy veteran

Bonenfant spent a year and a half at sea aboard the U.S.S. Nimitz. That included visits to Guam, Hawaii, Japan and Korea. She also spent time with the VFA 215 attachment. In total she spent four years in the Navy. It was an experience she’ll use in her new role with FinnU.

“I’m excited to work with people coming into Finlandia who served because I know what they’re going through,” Bonenfant said.

History with Finlandia

She is a 2013 graduate of Finlandia University’s Suomi College of Arts & Sciences, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a minor in criminal justice. Since graduation she’s worked in the non-profit sector, including time at Dial Help and Child and Family Services.

“We’re all happy to welcome Marie to our team,” Director of Student Financial Services Sandra Turnquist said. “She brings a lot of positive energy and excitement.”

A goodbye to long-time employee Lisa Tracey

Bonenfant took over the position from longtime Student Accounts Director Lisa Tracey, who resigned earlier this month to take a new job.

“We all appreciate the work that Lisa did at Finlandia,” Turnquist said. “She was an invaluable member of our team for a long time, and I think I speak for the entire FinnU community when I say she will be missed.”

Marie Bonenfant can be reached by phone at (906) 487-7210, e-mail at marie.bonenfant@finlandia.edu or in Office 615 in the Jutila Center.