10 Within 10 Recognition
Jonathon Breithaupt '16
2025 10 Within 10: Jonathon Breithaupt
2016, College of Education and Human Services
Bachelor of Applied Arts, Outdoor and Environmental Recreation
As executive director of the Walloon Lake Association and Conservancy with the U.S. Forest Service, Jon has dedicated his career to protecting natural resources. His passion for conservation was sparked during his time at CMU, where he studied outdoor and environmental recreation. That foundation launched him into a career that has included fighting wildfires in the Missouri Ozarks, building trails in Arizona’s Sonoran Desert, and restoring remote fire lookout stations in Oregon’s Cascade Mountains.
Now back in Michigan, Jon leads conservation initiatives to protect more than 30 miles of shoreline and over 2,300 acres of land. He believes deeply in relationship-building, whether with coworkers, community members, or students following in his path.
Jon credits the Recreation, Parks and Leisure Services faculty at CMU for shaping his journey, and he continues to support the next generation of RPL students both in person and virtually. He encourages students to get off campus and explore — advice he once followed while biking through snow to class and winding down with friends on Main Street. “Magic can happen here,” he says. “Don’t be afraid to try new things outside your comfort zone.”
In addition to his Bachelor of Applied Arts in parks and outdoor recreation administration, Jon holds a master's in natural resources stewardship and forest sciences from Colorado State University.
We asked our 10 Within 10 honorees to reflect on their time at Central, share some wisdom with current students, and talk about what it means to them to be a CMU Chippewa.
What has been your coolest moment since graduation? Since graduating from CMU’s RPL program with a major concentration in outdoor and environmental recreation, I’ve fought wildfires in the Missouri Ozarks, built trails in the Arizona Sonoran Desert, and led an effort to reopen a remote fire lookout rental in Oregon’s Cascade Mountain range. None of this would have been possible without the formative experience I had at CMU.
What is your fondest memory of CMU? There’s too many to name, but I’ll say that riding my fat tire bike to class in Finch Fieldhouse in 12 inches of new snow while ending my night with a trip to the bars of Main Street was an experience that stands out!
Do you have any advice for students coming to CMU? Get involved in your community and with registered student organizations that interest you. There are many nonprofits, businesses and government agencies in Mount Pleasant that can benefit from the skills of rising college students. Many of them will host volunteers or part-time interns. Explore the region off campus. Go hiking at Deerfield Nature Park or Bundy Hill Preserve, paddle the upper reaches of the Chippewa River, or find a bike to explore the many miles of paved trails in the city of Mount Pleasant’s park system.
What advice would you give to new graduates? Venture out. Each year you age, it becomes just a little bit harder to make that move across the country or to study abroad. Over time, things like mortgages, partners, children, family commitments and jobs can lock you into certain areas. When you’re fresh out of college, you should go see the world and grow your professional skillset and network while learning more about yourself and the planet you live on.
What has your work life taught you? I’ve dedicated my career to the conservation of natural resources. However, the relationships we have with people are fundamental to success in the workplace, no matter the field. Take time to get to know your coworkers and what motivates them. Leave jobs on good terms. Positive references are incredibly important for your future endeavors. Don’t burn any bridges along the way.
Why should CMU Chippewas dedicate their time and give back to the university? If you’re reading this, chances are you care about CMU in one way or another. The truth is that CMU simply doesn’t get the required public funding it needs to flourish. Your financial contribution to the university, service on a scholarship application review committee, or time spent speaking to current students matters much more than you realize. Give back after you’re away for a while.
What has being involved with CMU after graduation meant to you? It’s been a pleasure to give back and share lessons I’ve learned along the way in my decade since graduating from CMU. With a recent move back to Michigan from out west, I’m looking forward to supporting current RPL students on campus and through a virtual setting. I know I valued hearing the success stories of young professionals who graduated from CMU. I can’t wait to continue my role in supporting rising CMU Chippewas to help set them up for success in their professional endeavors.
What connections have you made through CMU? To be succinct, I’m still working in the nonprofit land conservation sphere today, which is how I started my conservation career 11 years ago as a teenager at CMU. Serving as a volunteer and then as a paid employee in my career field while attending CMU provided the foundation for my career. Magic can happen here. Don’t be afraid to take risks and try new things outside your comfort zone.
What people or experiences at CMU helped you succeed? Current RPL professors Bob Dvorak, Rob Schumacker and Jordan Bruursema are rock stars. The vibe in Finch Fieldhouse is something special. Take a walk through that place with someone in the know — even if you’re not an RPL major or minor! You’ll thank me later.
What does being a CMU Chippewa mean to you? CMU is a special place. You get the benefits of a large public university in a relatively small and rural region of Michigan. Take advantage of the opportunities here — attend Division 1 sporting events, explore the local natural environment and volunteer in the community. It just may impact the rest of your life. It certainly did for me. Fire Up Forever!
