Centralight, Central Michigan University Alumni Magazine, Winter 2024

AMAZING ALUMNI

On the cover

Each winter on campus, CMU’s iconic maroon and gold can’t help but reveal itself underneath a fluffy layer of white snow.

8

75th anniversary of Finch Fieldhouse

Take a stroll down memory lane as our iconic Finch Fieldhouse turns 75.

18 Big Picture

12 Foundational donors

All over campus and beyond, exciting things happen at CMU because of foundational support.

Photo by Adam Sparkes

Perhaps this throwback photo of Bob and Cindy Davies with CMU students could serve as inspiration for your own family photo for the holiday card next year.

Executive Editor and Executive

Director of Alumni Relations

Marcie Otteman, ’87

Editor

Betsy Miner-Swartz, ’86

Managing Editor

Robin Miner-Swartz

Visual Media Director

Amy White

Graphic Designer

Erin Rivard, ’07, MBA ’16

Photographer

Steve Jessmore, ’81

Adam Sparkes

Writers

Ari Harris

Aaron Mills

Kelly Belcher

Sarah Buckley

Symantha Dattilo

Luke Theis

Terri Finch Hamilton, ’86

Amber Ogden

Eric Baerren, ’93

Jason Fielder

Andy Sneddon

Robin Miner-Swartz

Research Associate

Bryan Whitledge, M.A. ’19

Editorial Assistant

Alison Foster

Vice President for Advancement

Jennifer Cotter, ’01

Vice President for University Communications and Chief Marketing Officer

John Veilleux

For advertising information

Call Cindy Jacobs, ’93 (800) 358-6903

Send

Carlin

of address

Honoring CMU’s best and brightest

Inspiring alumni and CMU supporters get the well-deserved spotlight this season

Marcie Otteman, ’87, Executive Director of Alumni Relations

My alumni team is in the midst of one of our favorite times of year — award season!

In this issue, you’ll learn about our National Alumni Award winners and our celebrated 10 Within 10 class. You’ll hear about people who are making an impact as close as the Mount Pleasant area and as far away as California. You’ll meet recent graduates who are changing lives and their communities. We also get to meet the inductees for this year’s Marcy Weston Athletic Hall of Fame and the CMU Media Hall of Fame.

What connects all these alumni? They have made a difference in the world, they have shown outstanding dedication to the communities they serve, and they have made significant contributions of their time, talent or financial resources to help advance and bring positive recognition to Central Michigan University.

Their stories and experiences always inspire me. It makes me so proud to see so many wonderful alumni who continue to take their experiences at CMU and embed them in their daily lives. They bring recognition and pride to CMU. They enhance the reputation of our wonderful institution. They live our brand every day.

Please join me in congratulating them on their achievements and thanking them for making our world a better place.

Fire Up Forever,

Corrections:

Due to an editing error, a word was missing in the first sentence of the third paragraph of “From tragedy to triumph” on Page 31 of the Fall 2024 issue of Centralight. The sentence should read: The nonprofit was born out of a tragedy.

The story “That Championship Season” in the Fall 2024 issue of Centralight incorrectly identified the location of the Pioneer Bowl game in 1974. It was played in Wichita Falls, Texas.

The online version of the magazine has been updated. We apologize for the errors.

Stay FIRED UP

Connect with CMU alumni at upcoming Alumni Association events across the country! Find the complete schedule of in-person and virtual opportunities here: go.cmualum.com/alumni-events

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Central Michigan University – Alumni

Neil MacKinnon named CMU’s 16th president

Trustees unanimously voted to select the

BY ARI HARRIS

next university leader

The Central Michigan University Board of Trustees voted unanimously to appoint Neil MacKinnon, Ph.D., as the university’s 16th president. His service began Nov. 1.

President MacKinnon recently served as provost at Augusta University in Augusta, Georgia, where he also held appointments in the Department of Health Management, Economics and Policy; the Department of Population Health Science; and the Graduate School. He has more than 25 years of experience in higher education, with increasing leadership and administrative roles throughout his tenure.

CMU Board of Trustees Chair Todd J. Regis said the board had been looking for a visionary, ambitious and decisive leader whose vision and values aligned with those of the institution.

“Neil MacKinnon was an engaged candidate who spent numerous hours researching CMU’s past and present, and he offered thoughts on our future, including increased enrollment and dynamic classrooms that educate for the future careers students want to pursue,” Regis said. “His vision aligns with our vision statement, and I know he will take the core values of CMU and incorporate them as part of his daily work for CMU.”

Foster collaboration, drive excellence

Vice Chair Denise Williams Mallett, who chaired the presidential search advisory committee, said committee members and trustees were impressed by the wealth of experience in higher education leadership MacKinnon will bring to CMU — including experience with medical schools and health care programs.

Williams Mallett also noted MacKinnon’s ability to connect with people on multiple levels.

“We wanted someone who could foster collaboration across all generations and backgrounds while being forward-thinking about the challenges and opportunities that higher education faces today,” she said. “Dr. MacKinnon is deeply aligned with CMU’s mission to nurture an inclusive community, drive academic excellence, and foster personal growth. He has a clear understanding of how essential it is to support students from diverse backgrounds and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to succeed.”

MacKinnon said he was drawn to CMU by its very strong, public commitment to student success and leadership.

“CMU’s mission statement is very different from those at most universities,” he said. “CMU said it will define its success by the success of its students and graduates, and by its impact on the communities it serves — that’s a powerful commitment. Coupled with the Leadership Standards, it says a lot about the community here at CMU.”

Focused on strategic goals and priorities for CMU

MacKinnon held an expanded provost’s position at Augusta, overseeing not only academic operations, libraries and the research enterprise, but also student success and belonging programs, enrollment, strategic planning and more. During his three-and-a-half-year tenure in the position, the university saw significant increases in enrollment and research funding, as well as growth in its student success initiatives. He said his role there positioned him well to serve as CMU’s next president.

“In many ways, our institutions are very alike in terms of some of the opportunities and challenges we face,” MacKinnon said.

“Part of the decision was knowing that I had something of value to offer to CMU, knowing that I could help with the goals and priorities established in CMU’s strategic plan.”

MacKinnon earned his doctoral degree in the philosophy of pharmacy health care administration from the University of Florida, Gainesville. He also holds a master’s degree in hospital pharmacy from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, and a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy from Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.

He and his wife, Leanne MacKinnon, and their dog, Bentley, moved to the Mount Pleasant area in the fall. Their three daughters, Breagh, Ashlynn and Kaylee, are enrolled at the University of Georgia.

Learn more about President MacKinnon at https://go.cmualum.com/meetmackinnon

President Neil MacKinnon and his wife, Leanne (center right), and their three daughters, Kaylee (from left), Breagh and Ashlynn.

Photo credit: Merritt Tulowitzky

CMU TODAY

Central

Michigan ranked among nation’s

best by U.S. News & World Report

University listed for excellence in seven categories; College of Medicine among 2024 Best Graduate Schools for medicine

BY AARON MILLS AND KELLY BELCHER

Central Michigan University ranks for excellence in the top 10% of all four-year colleges and universities in the United States in the U.S. News & World Report 2025 Best Colleges rankings.

CMU appears in seven categories, including:

• Overall rank for national universities.

• Overall rank for top public schools.

• Undergraduate engineering with no doctoral program.

• Undergraduate psychology program.

• Undergraduate business program.

• Top performers on social mobility among national universities.

• Undergraduate computer science.

CMU ranks 145th among top public universities and 259th overall. The undergraduate engineering with no doctoral program garnered CMU’s highest ranking for 2025, with the program tied for third-best in the state and 78th-best in the nation.

The rankings come on the heels of the CMU College of Medicine earning recognition for its commitment to serving rural,

underserved areas from U.S. News and World Report earlier this year. Out of roughly 160 ranked medical schools, CMU’s College of Medicine was ranked in the following categories with significant correlation to its mission:

• No. 43: Serving rural areas.

• No. 67: Most graduates practicing in health professional shortage areas.

• No. 52: Most graduates in primary care.

“This recognition is a testament to the caliber of CMU’s medical education programs and its graduates,” said Dr. George Kikano, dean of the College of Medicine and executive vice president for health affairs.

“It is also confirmation that we are remaining true to our mission and making the impact we set out to achieve,” he said.

“We opened the College of Medicine with the specific goal of increasing access to quality health care in rural and underserved communities, and we continue to seek new ways to better serve patients throughout Michigan.”

The College of Medicine receives nearly 8,000 applications each year and sustains 75-80% enrollment from Michigan applicants. Consistently, 60-75% of graduates are choosing to practice primary care and nearly half of each class has continued their residency training in the state. •

CMU TODAY

Virtual field trips earn CMU Museum top honors

Award recognizes field experts and educators from around the world

BY SARAH BUCKLEY

The Museum of Cultural and Natural History has received a 2023-24 Pinnacle Award from the Center for Interactive Learning and Collaboration (CILC) for creating live virtual field trips that have high educational value, actively involve learners, and are professionally delivered.

The CILC is a leader in distance learning. The award recognizes field experts and educators from museums, zoos, aquariums, National Parks, Hall of Fames, science, and historical and cultural centers from around the world. Winners are determined by evaluations received

Nationally ranked Alternative Breaks program is expanding

After a first-ever experience in Grand Canyon National Park, community partnerships grow

BY SYMANTHA DATTILO

CMU’s nationally ranked Alternative Breaks program is expanding its reach by nearly doubling in size.

With additional community nonprofit partners, CMU students will have even more opportunities to engage in meaningful service projects across the country in states such as Texas, North Carolina and Maine.

In the 2023-24 academic year, more than 300 students participated in Alternative Breaks experiences locally and nationally, including a new partnership with Grand Canyon National Park, where students worked on sustainability and conservation efforts.

from educators and activity coordinators who participate in the live virtual field trips.

The CMU Museum has hosted virtual field trips by students from numerous disciplines at CMU. Available sessions

The service opportunity marked a significant milestone for the program, providing students with a hands-on experience addressing critical environmental challenges.

Looking ahead, the program has its sights set on Alaska, where students will engage in educational and service opportunities focused on the experiences of people with disabilities in higher education. This new initiative will offer unique insight into disability education, further expanding the diverse social issues CMU students can explore through Alternative Breaks. It will also be the first time the program has traveled to Alaska.

include backyard birding, women in STEM, Rangoli (an ancient Indian art form that involves creating patterns and designs on the floor or walls using various materials and colors), recess and the one-room schoolhouse, the secret life of rocks and minerals, and life of a college student.

Ron Bloomfield, interim director of the CMU Museum, said the university’s distance learning programs via CILC allow the university to reach audiences on both the national and international level.

“Our programming not only enables museum studies students to gain familiarity with technology and experience engaging audiences in a virtual setting, but also helps to spread awareness of Central Michigan University.” •

By continuing to expand the program’s network of community partners — and its ongoing commitment to civic engagement and social responsibility — CMU is offering students a wider variety of service experiences, addressing issues such as hunger, leadership through education and coastal restoration.

CMU graduate student Anupama Singh presents a virtual program on New Year Traditions in India to high school students.

PHOTO BY DAN GAKEN

More than 300 CMU students participated in Alternative Breaks experiences in the 2023-24 academic year.

Central introduces new esports scholarships

Empowering the next generation of gamers with Varsity Premiere and Academy scholarships

BY LUKE THEIS

CMU is launching its first-ever esports scholarships, underscoring the institution’s dedication to advancing the growing field of esports and gaming. These scholarships aim to recognize and support outstanding student gamers

who excel in their chosen esports titles and contribute to the CMU community.

CMU’s esports program offers two distinctive scholarships:

• Varsity Premiere Scholarship: A partial, one-year scholarship provides $1,000 to students who exhibit exceptional skill and competitive experience in Rocket League.

• Varsity Academy Scholarship: A partial, one-year scholarship, focusing on League of Legends, Overwatch 2, Super Smash Bros and Valorant. These scholarships

esports program aims to support students’ academic and competitive aspirations.

CBA adapts to meet employer needs

Five things to know about college’s commitment to preparing students

Class offerings within CMU’s College of Business Administration are responding to meet the needs of today’s employers, including a focus on data usage, presentation prowess and teamwork.

“When talking with employers and alumni about what they are looking for in young professionals, we saw opportunities in two areas: social skills and data analysis,” said CBA Associate Dean Misty Bennett.

“The question then became, ‘How do we integrate both?’ ”

Here are five ways the college is equipping students with the most in-demand skills:

1. Core course integration results in real-world application

CBA’s three core classes are taken simultaneously and, despite the unique subject of each, they all use one central data set. This collective approach helps students understand how data-driven decisions impact various aspects of a business.

2. Spreadsheets course enhances data utilization

As data analytics becomes increasingly vital in the workplace, CBA has modified a core course to focus on this skill.

BUS 321: Spreadsheet-Based Data Analysis for Business teaches students how to interpret and present data to stakeholders — just as they might in the real world.

range from $100 to $300 and are awarded based on in-game performance and previous competitive experience. Beyond individual scholarships, CMU’s esports program is dedicated to fostering a vibrant gaming community on campus. The Central Michigan Gaming Club provides a platform for students to connect, compete and collaborate. This club structure supports various gaming communities and encourages students to form their own clubs, enhancing the sense of belonging and teamwork.

The goal of CMU’s esports program is to build a comprehensive gaming and esports ecosystem that supports students’ academic and competitive aspirations, helping students excel both in-game and in life.

CMU invites prospective students, parents, and gaming enthusiasts to learn more about the program and the exciting opportunities it offers. For more information about the esports scholarships and the program, contact the esports program directly at esports@cmich.edu. •

3. Emphasis on speaking and presenting refines skills, builds confidence

Many of the CBA courses have done away with traditional final exams in replacement of final presentations. The shift allows students to gain repetition and confidence in presenting in front of a group of people.

4. Compounding one-credit skills courses amplify learning

Starting freshman year, students take one-credit courses focused on in-demand skills to prepare them for academic, professional and personal success.

5. Career management course sets students up for success

The final one-credit course covers practical tips to thrive the real world.

“This class is truly about what students need to know about the real world,” said Denise McBride, business information systems faculty member and course educator. •

CMU’s

Old faithful FINCH

Campus anchor for athletics and more celebrates 75 years in 2025

If Finch Fieldhouse was a married couple or a monarch, we’d be preparing for its diamond jubilee. Starting life as the home to CMU Athletics when it opened in 1951, Finch has seen myriad uses through the decades, hosting sporting events and concerts, academic events (the dreaded-butnecessary drop/add process), and even serving as the temporary home for the Clarke Historical Library during its remodeling era.

On March 22, 2025, the iconic building will celebrate its 75th anniversary. Learn more about the big celebration here: https://go. cmualum.com/finch75.

With the help of our friends at the Clarke, we dug into the archives for this visual stroll down memory lane, revisiting Finch through the decades. Enjoy!

Beyond basketball, student-athletes participated in an array of sports to stretch their limits.

Apologies to those experiencing the stress of navigating registration and the drop-and-add process in Finch. Today’s students have no idea what previous generations endured just to set themselves up for the new semester!

If you could dream it up, you could probably do it at Finch. The indoor and outdoor space have hosted a range of activities including class registration, track meets, a climbing wall and even the Student Creative and Research Endeavors Exhibition showcasing the innovative research and creative work of undergrad and graduate students (top right).

In addition to athletes, Finch has hosted an impressive roster of musicians through the years. Concerts have included (clockwise from upper left) Louis Armstrong, Stevie Wonder, Neil Diamond, the annual Night in Louisiana music and dance event, Dionne Warwick, and the Temptations.

Fired up, GIVING BACK

Foundation support fuels causes of all kinds across CMU

BY TERRI FINCH HAMILTON, ’86

All over campus and beyond, exciting things happen at CMU because foundations give money — from stocking the Student Food Pantry with cereal and spaghetti sauce to funding athletics, teacher education, entrepreneurship and the Women and Children’s Center.

Some are small family foundations started by passionate alumni targeting favorite causes. Others are big corporations with missions to boost their communities and attack social problems.

Here’s a tale of two foundations making big things happen at CMU.

Eye on impact

Corporate, foundation partners are key source of CMU support

When a foundation donates money to CMU, there’s often a fired-up alum behind the scenes, encouraging the connection.

“The most successful philanthropic relationships involve alumni on board,” said Dana M. Gingrich Doman, director of corporate and foundation relations advancement at CMU.

“Alumni are our internal champions, raising the flag for us,” she said. “They give us inside insight when we talk to funders. It’s so important to have our alumni out there advocating for us.”

Corporate and foundation partners are a key source of support for CMU, funding everything from soup for the student food pantry to high-tech augmented reality software that helps future teachers practice classroom skills in real time.

Over the past five years, nearly 100 corporate and foundation donors have supported the university with gifts of $25,000 or more, with hundreds more supporting causes, too.

In those years, CMU has received $24,219,573 in philanthropic support from corporations and foundations. Gifts have supported every college on campus, funding athletics to early childhood education to entrepreneurship to the Women and Children’s Center.

Corporations and foundations that give to CMU don’t always have alumni connections, Doman said.

“Sometimes it’s a passion project that inspires them to give,” she said. “Maybe they see we have a nursing program now and they see the nursing shortage as an important problem to solve.”

When these funders get involved with CMU, they do more than just write checks, Doman said.

“These partnerships are multifaceted,” she said. “They can also serve as valuable thought partners as we seek to provide a well-rounded education for our students, equipping them with the skills they need to thrive as professionals.”

It’s a problem-solving partnership, she said.

“We work together to identify problems in the marketplace and how philanthropy can help solve them. It might be through a scholarship, a certificate program, new courses. It’s a very reciprocal relationship,” Doman said. “We have lots of conversations about the kind of impact they want to have.”

Corporate and foundation funders often want to help underserved populations, she said, from encouraging minority populations to go into STEM fields to getting more physicians and teachers into rural communities struggling with shortages.

“What excites funders is seeing the impact of their giving 10 steps down the road,” Doman said. “What will it look like after we graduate our first 60 nurses and place them in underserved areas? What impact will that have? It’s going to pay off.”

Doman said they see funders investing in areas they know matter.

“Regardless of where they direct their gift, it will benefit the economy and the health of our communities as our students disperse across Michigan and the country making exponential impact.”

Helping teach the teachers

Harrison Foundation supports causes impacting aspiring and current educators

Eli Vincent knows how to make a working model of a lung with balloons, straws and paper cups, and he’s pretty sure his future middle school science students will love it.

Vincent, a CMU senior who will student teach next fall, attended a national science teacher conference in Denver last March and came back with the model lung trick, a kit to make a water molecule model, and a head bursting full of exciting ideas for his future science classroom.

“It was such a great event,” said Vincent, who happily soaked up advice from veteran science teachers and scooped up loads of free lesson plans. “Oh, and everybody there gets one free specimen in a jar. I got a shark pup.”

Iris and Thomas Harrison would have loved all this.

CMU grads and longtime teachers who loved their work, the Harrisons established a foundation that generously gives to causes at CMU that impact aspiring and current teachers — including sending Vincent and other education majors to the annual science teacher conference that energized him so much.

Thomas Harrison, ’62, and his wife, Iris Harrison, ’65, met at CMU, married and launched rewarding teaching careers in Macomb County that spanned decades. Married for 51 years, Iris taught at Warren Consolidated Schools and Tom

taught math at East Detroit High School. They started the Harrison Foundation in 2014, with aspiring teachers at CMU as their top funding priority. The foundation has given nearly $195,000 to CMU.

The couple asked their longtime accountant, Mark Zurek, ’80, to run the foundation after their deaths. He’s been honored to do so since 2016.

“They both loved their time on campus,” said Zurek, who lives and works in Troy. “They were concerned that teachers were getting short shrift, when they’re such an important part of society. They wanted to give to young teachers and help them with their education.

“They were extremely nice people.”

When the Harrisons passed away within two months of each other in 2016, former students left touching messages on their funeral home website about the couple’s kindness, patience, wit and generosity. Several said Tom Harrison inspired them to become teachers.

Their foundation funds several exciting education-related efforts at CMU, including a scholarship for aspiring teachers; student attendance at professional conferences for science and math teachers; unique and energizing professional development opportunities for current teachers; innovative software that allows students to practice their teaching skills in a virtual classroom; and the development of an exciting new lab in the Education and Human Services Building where students will use virtual reality and augmented reality tools to hone their skills.

The innovative lab wouldn’t be possible without this outside funding, said Julie

Cunningham, director of the Center for Excellence in STEM Education at CMU, which receives much of the Harrison Foundation funding. And most students can’t afford the costly trips to national conferences.

She’s excited about the virtual reality/ augmented reality lab, which will be available to not just education students, but other departments, too.

“If you want to compete in the job market, you have to have these experiences,” Cunningham said. “Whether you’re in education or in the supply chain field or in medicine or engineering — there are so many applications. It will be so meaningful to have this cutting-edge lab and to show it to prospective students coming through and say, ‘You’ll be able to use this.’”

Megan Moreno, director of development/ advancement at CMU, helps Zurek match CMU needs with Harrison Foundation funds.

“I think about who the Harrisons were as people and the things they cared about and look for projects and programs that align with their philanthropic interests,” Moreno said, “including helping the university be at the forefront of using new tools that help teachers be the best they can be. The Harrisons have made so many things possible.”

“It makes me happy to give back to CMU through them,” Zurek said. “I enjoyed my time there, too.

“They’d be very happy to see this going on and on, continuing to help young teachers,” Zurek said. “It will continue for a lot of years.”

‘Somebody like you’

DTE Energy Foundation helps CMU’s InSciTE program support diversity in science, technology

Emily Guiles is learning collaboration and problem-solving skills in a classroom packed with diversity, surrounded by science-loving women, students of color and some who are LGTBQ+. She fits in, and she loves it.

Guiles, a Milford sophomore, is part of CMU’s Integration of Science, Technology and Engineering (InSciTE) program, where students earn a certificate designed to boost the 21st-century transferable skills employers crave, from collaboration to time management to real-world problem solving.

InSciTE students explore STEM challenges in a space that highlights diversity, encouraging women, students of color and LGBTQ+ students to consider

science and technology fields, where diversity is often lacking.

“That focus was really appealing to me, as a woman, and as a queer woman,” said Guiles, a biology major who plans a career in research. “When people can talk openly about themselves and about their differences, from cultural to disability differences, it’s easier to accept them as a whole person. This open space allows creative problem solving to flow — more than any other space I’ve ever been in.”

Bonus: her accomplished professors represent the same kind of diversity, so she has impressive, supportive role models on her side.

“It’s nice to see an example of somebody like you successful in this field,” Guiles said. “It gives me extra confidence that I can accomplish things when I see somebody like me already doing it.”

Guiles experiences all this because the DTE Energy Foundation believed in the innovative INSciTE program and gave the crucial start-up money to get it going.

“The DTE Foundation was our partner on the ground,” said Dana M. Gingrich Doman, director of corporate and foundation relations advancement at CMU. “They trusted us to develop a program that will have results. These

are the students who will be engineers someday, leading innovation.”

Students need the crucial skills INSciTE provides, said Robert Richard, president and chief operating officer for DTE Gas, DTE Energy’s natural gas utility. He loves the collaboration between the DTE Foundation and the university.

“Those team-building skills and multitasking skills — what I call business life skills — will help so many students succeed in their future careers,” Richard said. “What DTE gets is a great contact with a school where a lot of students stay in Michigan, and that’s good for our company. We want people who are ready to hit the ground running.”

The DTE Energy Foundation has given $147,731 to CMU over the years for a variety of programs, but the INSciTE program “is such a great match for us,” said Paty Hinojosa, senior strategist at the Detroit-based foundation.

“This program was really inspiring to us, not just because it’s supporting underserved students, but it’s building on 21st-century skills,” Hinojosa said.

“It’s important to help prepare students in these fields because one day they’ll be working for businesses that support our community,” she said. “When we have a strong community, that benefits all of us.”

Students in CMU’s Integration of Science, Technology and Engineering (InSciTE) program earn a certificate designed to boost 21st-century job skiils.

Emily Guiles

picture

During his tenure as CMU’s 15th president, Bob Davies and his wife, Cindy (center), posed with students around the seal for their holiday card photo.

PHOTO CREDIT: ADAM SPARKES

As you spend time with family and friends this season, reflect on how important they are to you and how vital you are to them. The people and causes in our lives represent an investment of our hopes, dreams, and aspirations. We simply would not be the same without them.

Now is the time to plan your legacy. Write your will or update the one you have and celebrate knowing you have taken care of everyone and everything most important to you.

Jeremy Mishler Deputy Chief

of Advancement & Campaign Strategies (989) 774-1593 mishl1jj@cmich edu

Joe

Halewicz Exec Director

of Principal/Planned Gifts & Regional Development (989) 774-3646

halew1jk@cmich edu

MEDIA MATTERS

New class of hall of fame inductees have storied careers

The 2024 class of CMU’s Media Hall of Fame features five alumni and one retired faculty member who have distinguished themselves in their professions.

The annual awards program now includes alumni of the Broadcast and Cinematic Arts, Integrated Public Relations and Communications programs. We’re pleased to honor and celebrate the 2024 inductees:

Tom Caylor 1980, Journalism (Broadcast and Cinematic Arts)

Tom Caylor spent 40 years in newspaper reporting, public relations and fundraising, including 26 years at nationally renowned Delta College in Michigan. At Delta, he led communications projects and the college’s public broadcasting operations for TV and radio. For his outstanding contributions, Caylor was given the Willie E. Thompson Outstanding Service Award, the college’s highest honor awarded to an administrative/ professional staff member.

Eduardo (Ed) Fernandez 1984, Broadcast and Cinematic Arts

Ed Fernandez spent 40 years building an award-winning career as a broadcast executive in Michigan, Georgia and Illinois. Fernandez’s professional leadership involvement includes membership in the Michigan Association of Broadcasters and the Illinois Broadcasters Association Board. Most notably, he was named as the Robert R. McCormick/Tribune Foundation Fellowship Recipient through the National Association of Broadcasters.

Peter B. Orlik

Retired faculty, founder and professor emeritus of

the CMU Department of Broadcast and Cinematic Arts

Peter “Pete” Orlik was a mass communications instructor at Wayne State University in Detroit for three years before joining the CMU faculty in 1969. He was hired by then Academic Vice President Wilbur Moore to establish a self-standing broadcasting program. He worked to create the Broadcast and Cinematic Arts (BCA) label and new degree programs to encompass both existing radio and television courses and new film offerings. Under Orlik’s strong leadership and vision, BCA grew from a Theatre Arts sub-area to a separate area within Speech and Dramatic Arts, to an independent department and, ultimately, a comprehensive school. Along the way, he also taught a number of BCA courses, with a major focus on broadcast copywriting and broadcast criticism. He was inducted into the Michigan Broadcasting Hall of Fame in 2003.

Rich Robinson 1979-1984, Journalism (Broadcast and Cinematic Arts)

Rich Robinson studied journalism at CMU for five years and gained experience as a student reporter at CM LIFE. In the mid-1980s he migrated to Hollywood and built a high-profile and distinguished 20-year career as a journalist, publicist and Emmy-winning television producer. Robinson worked with many music superstars, including the Rolling Stones, Janet Jackson and Quincy Jones. As producer, he created more than 1,200 celebrity segments for Comedy Central’s quirky talk show “Turn Ben Stein On,” Fox TV’s “Good Day LA” and other programs.

producer, digital director, assistant news director and news director. She currently serves as communications director for the Huron Valley School District, where she uses her skills to showcase the district’s achievements and innovations. Roethler has received multiple Emmy Awards, Broadcast Excellence Awards from the Michigan Association of Broadcasters, Associated Press awards and was recently inducted into the National Academy of Television and Arts Society Silver Circle.

Susan Rozman Delia (Posthumous), 1982, Broadcast and Cinematic Arts

Susan Rozman Delia was a natural-born leader and became an honor student at CMU. Among her many activities she produced and directed for News Central, MHTV Sports and worked at WCMU-TV. In 1987, she joined ESPN, where she rose quickly to the top, being named vice president of affiliate sales and marketing, making her the first woman to achieve the rank at the network. Sadly, just as her career was skyrocketing, 37-year-old Rozman Delia succumbed to cancer in 1998. At the time of her death, she was vice president of ESPN. In 2003, alumni and friends established the Susan Rozman Delia Memorial Scholarship, which has provided support for students pursuing careers in electronic media for 20 years.

Read the winners’ full bios here: https://go.cmualum.com/ mediahof2024.

Barbara Roethler 1993, Broadcast and Cinematic Arts

Barbara Roethler has spent her career as a reporter,

OUTSTANDING CMU ATHLETES, COACH HONORED

Marcy Weston Athletics Hall of Fame welcomes 2024 inductees

BY ANDY SNEDDON

A Super Bowl winner and former No. 1 NFL Draft pick and one of the nation’s most highly respected wrestling coaches headline an outstanding 2024 class of Central Michigan University Marcy Weston Athletics Hall of Fame inductees.

“We are extremely proud and honored to introduce these great athletes into our hall of fame,” said Amy Folan, Zyzelewski Family Associate Vice President/Director of Athletics. “Each inductee had a fantastic collegiate career at Central Michigan, not only as athletes, but as students as well. This group represents the best of all CMU Chippewa athletes.”

Tom Borrelli

Wrestling (coach), 1991-2024

Tom Borrelli led CMU to 30 Mid-American Conference championships during his tenure, including both regular season and tournament titles. He earned MAC Coach of the Year 15 times, guiding the CMU Chippewas to a 368-179 dual-meet record, including 154-36 in MAC duals. Borrelli coached one national champion, 45 All-Americans and numerous other top athletes. He was named National Coach of the Year in 1998 and earned the Bob Bubb Coaching Excellence Award in 2004.

Sarah Dame

Gymnastics, 2000-03

Sarah Dame was a standout in gymnastics, winning the MAC all-around title in 2001 and earning All-MAC honors twice. In 2003, she became one of only six CMU gymnasts to qualify for the NCAA national championships. Dame helped lead the CMU Chippewas to three MAC titles and their best-ever NCAA regional finish. She played a pivotal role in CMU’s first regular season championship in 2003 and led them to three NCAA regional appearances.

Eric Fisher

Football, 2009-12

Eric Fisher became the only Mid-American Conference player to be drafted No. 1 overall in the NFL, going to the Kansas City Chiefs in 2013.

A standout lineman, Fisher was a 2012 All-American and two-time All-MAC honoree. He helped CMU win the 2012 Little Caesars Pizza Bowl and went on to a successful 10-season NFL career, winning Super Bowl LIV with the Chiefs. Fisher made two Pro Bowls and played in 132 NFL games, starting in 128 of them.

Chad Pleiness

Men’s basketball, baseball, 1999-2002

Chad Pleiness excelled in both baseball and basketball at CMU. As a pitcher, he earned All-MAC First Team and All-Mideast Region honors in 2002, leading all NCAA Division I pitchers in strikeouts per inning. He was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays and finished his career with 185 strikeouts in 175 innings. In basketball, Pleiness helped CMU to the 2001 MAC championship and ranks second in CMU history for career free throw percentage (.830).

Kaitlyn Schultz

Volleyball, 2008-11

Kaitlyn Schultz was CMU’s first four-time All-MAC honoree in volleyball, earning first-team recognition in 2008, 2010 and 2011. She was named the 2008 MAC Freshman of the Year and led the CMU Chippewas to their first MAC Tournament championship in 2011. Schultz was also named the 2011 MAC Tournament MVP. She holds CMU’s all-time record for career hitting percentage (.366) and remains in the program’s top 10 for kills, blocks and points.

Ryan Watson

Men’s track and field/cross country, 1998-2000

Ryan Watson earned All-America honors in 1998 after placing 33rd at the NCAA Cross Country Championships, leading CMU to a 20th-place finish. He also led CMU to the 1999 MAC cross country title and was a two-time First Team All-MAC honoree. In 2000, Watson won the 5,000-meter and 10,000-meter runs at the MAC Outdoor Track & Field Championships, earning the Most Outstanding Performer Award.

Visit the Marcy Weston Athletics Hall of Fame online to see past years’ inductees: https://go.cmualum.com/athleticshof2024

Honoring the FIRED UP PURPOSE

Annual National Alumni Awards celebrate dedication to CMU

BY ROBIN MINER-SWARTZ

The National Alumni Awards are the highest honors the CMU Alumni Association presents. These awards are given to those who have made significant achievements professionally and within their communities. Award recipients are nominated annually and selected by alumni, faculty and friends of the university for their strong connection and affinity for Central Michigan University.

The CMU Alumni Association is extremely proud to recognize the 2024 National Alumni Award winners:

Distinguished Alumni Award:

Melinda Coffin, ’04, MBA ’13

This award recognizes alumni who achieve professional excellence and make meaningful contributions to CMU.

Melinda Coffin is the first member of the Saginaw Chippewa Tribe to hold the

position of CEO of Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort. In 2024, she was recognized by Imagine This with the award for Native American Woman of the Year for her leadership, innovation and commitment to her community. She is deeply involved in her community, serving on the board of directors for several organizations. Her spirit name is “Makoons Kwe,” meaning “Little Bear Woman,” reflecting her role as a healer and protector of her tribe.

Dick Enberg CMU Alumni Commitment Award:

Michael R. Murray, ’75, and Pamela Wasko Murray, ’77, M.A. ’83

This award is named after legendary sports broadcaster and alumni Dick Enberg, ’57. Throughout his career, Enberg gave endlessly of his time, talents and treasure, building an endowment that would do for thousands of others what CMU had done for him — and a quarter million other alumni.

Michael R. Murray and Pamela Wasko Murray have a deep commitment to CMU that harkens back to their days as students, becoming annual donors in 1977. The couple support the Chippewa Champions Center, created two student awards, and provided the seed funding for the Football Championship Endowment. Mike and Pam have mentored dozens of students through the College of Business Administration’s

Dialogue Days, and they’ve stayed in touch with many of them, following their careers and continuing to offer guidance. They hope their philanthropy will inspire others to share their time, talent and treasure with CMU.

Corporate Partner Award: MyMichigan Health

This award is presented to corporations or foundations demonstrating generosity to CMU through significant leadership giving, dedicated service, and assistance to students and faculty through programs, grants, recruitment activities, employee engagement and research opportunities.

MyMichigan Health has shown its support for Central Michigan University in myriad ways including serving as CMU Athletics’ exclusive sports medicine provider, providing significant CMU sports sponsorship support, sponsoring a suite through CMU Athletics and providing practical experiences in their clinics for CMU medical and health professions students. This award recognizes MyMichigan Health’s commitment to caring for the Mount Pleasant community.

Student Life

Dedication and Service Award:

Spencer Long, ’08, ’10

The Division of Student Affairs honors an outstanding alumnus or alumna who served as a student leader or student employee during their time on the Mount Pleasant campus. The recipient is distinguished for their contributions while on campus and their postgraduation commitment.

Spencer Long was a dedicated student leader during his time at CMU, and he continues that commitment to students today. His leadership development journey at CMU started from day one with Leadership Safari, and he quickly ascended within the ranks of the organization. Many of the main components of Safari to this day are the result of Spencer’s work as a student. In 2008, Spencer earned the Constellation Award from CMU’s Office of Student Life, honoring the leadership experience and impact of students at the university.

Honorary Alumni Award: Audrey

ZavodskyFraser

This award is the highest honor bestowed upon loyal friends of CMU who are not alumni. It recognizes individuals who make meaningful contributions and show

dedication to CMU through their efforts or financial resources.

Audrey Zavodsky-Fraser and her late husband, Richard Zavodsky, ‘76, have been loyal supporters of CMU Athletics for years — not only through their financial support but through their active engagement with CMU coaches and players. Although not an alumna herself, Audrey is outspoken about the connection and sense of community she feels with CMU. She says she has always felt a part of CMU and notes that CMU is special because of the sense of community and the way student-athletes and coaches care for each other.

Alumni Service Recognition Award: Sam Prater, ’07

This award is bestowed upon alumni of CMU who show compassion for addressing critical social, economic and environmental needs throughout our society on a local, state, national or international level.

Sam Prater is the founder of Los Angeles Room & Board, a nonprofit focused on ending homelessness and hunger for L.A. County’s community college students. Sam’s 12 years as a university administrator ignited his compassion for homeless students. As a former high school dropout who went onto community college and is now a doctoral degree candidate, Sam believes in the power of higher education to transform

lives and to provide boundless opportunity and that education and homelessness are matters of economic and social justice.

Future Alumni Leader Award:

Aaliyah Howard, ’25

This award recognizes outstanding CMU juniors or seniors who have demonstrated commitment to forging ongoing connections with the university community for students and alumni through academic achievement and co-curricular involvement.

Aaliyah Howard has been and continues to be a force of positivity and determination on CMU’s campus. From the beginning of her Central journey, she has been an important contributor to making CMU a more welcoming, inclusive and engaged campus. She is a Leader Advancement Scholar, a facilitator for the Institute of Transformative Dialogue and the president for Black Girls Rock. Throughout her time as a CMU student, Aaliyah has helped students fulfill their goals while she works on her own aspirations.

Please join us in congratulating the Central Michigan University 2024 National Alumni Award winners!

To see all previous award winners, visit https://go.cmualum.com/ previousalumniawards

Meet this YEAR’S CLASS:

Sabrina Bierstetel, Class of 2016, College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences

As an assistant professor of psychology at Franciscan University in Steubenville, Ohio, Sabrina’s research focuses on understanding the interplay among psychological and social processes within interpersonal relationships and their health and well-being consequences across the lifespan. Sabrina is passionate about working with students, and she has received awards for her effectiveness in teaching and mentorship.

Sabrina not only completed her Ph.D. in five years immediately following her four-year education at CMU, but she also obtained a tenure-track assistant professorship during the final year of her Ph.D. program. She completed and defended her dissertation during the

COVID-19 pandemic and began working as an assistant professor in the summer of 2021.

Throughout her career, Sabrina has conducted numerous novel research projects that have been disseminated at national and international conferences and published in high-impact peerreviewed journals, and she has received international recognition and grant awards for her work. Her published research was recognized recently with the Best Article Award from the International Association for Relationships Research.

In addition to her undergraduate degree in psychology from CMU where she was

Starting off strong

10 Within 10 awards recognize honorable CMU alumni in the first chapter of their professional lives

BY ROBIN MINER-SWARTZ

CMU prepares graduates for a lifetime of success, starting with their first decade after commencement. The 10 Within 10 alumni awards program recognizes exceptional achievements within a decade of graduation. This year’s honorees achieved success quickly in their fields, which include education, entertainment, law, the media and more.

The Alumni Association is honored to recognize these recipients as the 11th class of 10 within 10. The honorees were selected from more than 60 nominations.

a Centralis Scholar in the honors program, Sabrina holds a master’s and a doctorate in social-personality psychology, both from Wayne State University. She continues to share her experiences at CMU with others and credits Central with aiding in her professional development during her formative undergraduate years.

Monica Bradburn, Class of 2018, College of Arts and Media

As an MLB live content creator and NHL live social contributor based in Detroit, Monica photographs the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Red Wings and their opponents.

In addition to her work, she’s gained a huge social media audience where she shares videos highlighting her on-the-job adventures. She has more than 100,000 followers on Instagram and more than 700,000 followers on TikTok.

While earning her bachelor’s degree in photojournalism, Monica studied many styles of photography working for CM Life, CMU Communications and during a summer internship in Alaska. But it was while working for CMU Athletics that she determined sports photography was the path she wanted to pursue.

After spending a season as an intern for the Arizona Diamondbacks, she was recommended to the MLB; 2024 marks her fifth year with the league, and she just completed her third season with the NHL.

Through her career, she has captured many historical moments including Miguel Cabrera’s final season with the Detroit Tigers, the 2023 World Series between the Texas Rangers and the Arizona Diamondbacks, and she has traveled to 10 of the 30 Major League ballparks.

She continues to showcase the education she received from Central Michigan’s photojournalism program through her social media platforms. It is her hope to inspire the next generation of female sports photographers.

Tyler Bradley, Class of 2015, College of Arts and Media

As a creative entertainment producer for Disney

Live Entertainment and Walt Disney Imagineering, Tyler is a prominent team leader in the development of new live entertainment technologies. She leads the Live Entertainment Advanced Development Program, producing a range of projects focused on envisioning and actively shaping the future of live entertainment for Disney’s parks, resorts and cruise lines.

Tyler is also a published poet and spokenword artist. Her work has been published in various poetry anthologies, and her debut poetry collection, “Phrasing Freely,” was published in December by Alegria Publishing. She has performed her award-winning spoken-word pieces nationally and internationally, including in Rome, Dublin, Sydney, Barcelona, London and Paris.

She is a host of the Los Angeles Poet Society’s “Voices of Color” Instagram Live show, dedicated to amplifying Black and Brown voices and writers. And she was one of 10 artists selected to participate in the “Please Take a Step Back” Creative Challenge produced by the brand VeeFriends and Snoop Dogg’s Death Row Records.

While earning her bachelor’s degree in theater, dance and business administration, Tyler produced an original theatrical dance production, “HUMANITY,” and toured the show beyond CMU’s campus. Since graduating, she has returned to Central to choreograph a dance for the 2021 University Theatre Dance Company’s spring concert, and she has been a featured guest speaker on campus.

Erica Francis, Class of 2015, College of Arts and Media

As a news anchor and reporter for FOX 2 News in Detroit, Erica co-anchors the news from 4-6 a.m. weekday mornings and reports on a broad range of stories across metro Detroit.

Erica earned the Michigan Association of Broadcasters Mark of Excellence Award from the Society of Professional Journalists, and she recently won two regional Emmy Awards for her writing

and reporting. While working for the ABC affiliate in Nashville, Erica earned an Edward R. Murrow award for coanchoring breaking news coverage.

Community involvement is one of the most important aspects of being an on-air personality, and Erica takes her role seriously, volunteering at the New Day Foundation — which helps families fighting cancer — among several other organizations throughout the region, and New Hope, which supports grieving children. She also has helped host or present at a number of charity events.

While earning her bachelor’s degree in broadcast and cinematic arts, Erica was an anchor for News Central 34, and she appeared on the Jumbotron for the Morning Minute while working as a reporter for CMU Athletics. She is a proud promoter of CMU and is always quick to share where she honed her reporting skills.

Charles Mahone II, Class of 2016 and 2018, College of Arts and Media

As an associate at Sidley Austin LLP in Chicago, Chuck is a corporate attorney whose practice focuses on representing buyers and sellers in complex strategic transactions including mergers, acquisitions and private equity transactions. His work has included deals eclipsing $4 billion.

From the moment Chuck arrived at his firm, he has focused on helping law students in Chicago and back home in Michigan gain the tools and knowledge necessary to access firms such as Sidley Austin or comparable opportunities. He is also involved in mentoring programs that aim to support minority law students or minority students interested in joining the legal profession.

Chuck often leverages his legal skills to help people. This includes engaging in pro bono work with minority-owned businesses by helping them navigate the intricacies related to corporate compliance and becoming investor ready. He has also worked with refugees fleeing dangerous situations in their home countries, including petitioning for asylum as well as helping them eventually sponsor remaining family members.

Chuck earned his bachelor’s degree in communication and political science and his master’s degree in higher education administration from CMU and his juris doctorate from the University of Michigan. From the moment he finished his undergrad degree, he has spent countless hours mentoring students at Central. He was the young alumni speaker for the new student convocation in 2016 and, most recently, he has assisted students navigating the process of applying to law schools.

Kylee Miller, Class of 2016, College of Science and Engineering

As an Emmy awardwinning certified Broadcast Meteorologist for CBS News Detroit, Kylee became the first female and second-ever meteorologist to earn the Certified Digital Meteorologist Seal of Approval from the American Meteorological Society. Kylee has been a Certified Broadcast Meteorologist by the AMS since 2019.

Kylee has worked as a meteorologist in Lansing, Flint/Saginaw, Denver, South Carolina, Detroit and filled in at CBS Chicago. She also has been a National Meteorologist at WeatherNation and had a live weather report during a flood event

on the Weather Channel. She delivers her forecasts on CBS Detroit’s noon and 4 p.m. newscasts each weekday.

Kylee helped start CBS News Detroit’s weather department as the station launched in January 2023. While working in South Carolina, Kylee won a regional Emmy Award for tornado aftermath coverage and was nominated for an Emmy for her deadly flooding aftermath coverage. She also teaches meteorology courses at Eastern Michigan University.

With Kylee’s platform, she goes to schools to talk about the weather and her background to get younger children — especially girls — interested in science fields, and she always talks about her experience at CMU.

While working toward her bachelor’s degree in meteorology, Kylee was part of the News Central 34 team. She learned what it took to be a broadcast meteorologist, attended conferences, and even had the opportunity to work in the meteorology field while still attending CMU. She goes to many CMU alumni events and has helped mentor students who are interested in meteorology.

Leah Moskovitz, Class of 2017 and 2020, College of Business Administration

As the village clerk for Elk Rapids, Leah provides efficient, friendly public service to the village’s residents, business owners and visitors. The village is located about 30 miles northeast of Traverse City. Leah is passionate about the communities she serves. While she is still fairly new in her role as village clerk, she has held a number of jobs that have grown her hospitality and business acumen and responsibilities. She began

her career as an intern at Walt Disney World Parks and Resorts before becoming the front office supervisor at The Inn at St. Johns in Plymouth, Michigan. She was the guest services manager for The Homestead Resort in Glen Arbor and the workgroups and housing supervisor for Cherry Republic. Her move to the public service sector reflects her passion for creating access to affordable and attainable housing.

Most recently, she was the home repair manager for the Northwest Community Action Agency in Traverse City, an organization serving 10 counties in northwest lower Michigan, dedicated to strengthening communities through helping individuals and families achieve greater economic security.

Leah earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration and hospitality services administration and her Master of Business Administration from CMU, and she is working toward a doctorate in business administration from Northwood University.

James Nuse, Class of 2015, College of Education and Human Services

As the director of special education for Ionia Public Schools, Jimmy leads, supervises and coordinates special education programming for more than 500 students and administers the county program for students with emotional impairments. Jimmy also serves McNeese State University as an assistant professor within their applied behavior analysis (ABA) program. Prior to joining the faculty at McNeese, Jimmy has worked as adjunct faculty for various universities, including CMU, instructing pre-service and in-service teachers on ABA, assessment, research and autism.

Jimmy has served in positions of increasing responsibility within the field of special education, starting as a special education substitute paraprofessional, working as a self-contained teacher of students with emotional impairment, and working as an intervention consultant and an intervention specialist. He has been the director of special education at two school districts — all in less than 10 years since earning his undergraduate degree.

He is also working on grant-related partnerships with CMU as part of the Michigan Department of Education’s Grow Your Own initiative to help educate and certify special education teachers in districts with a need for teachers of students with disabilities.

Jimmy holds a bachelor’s degree in special education and elementary education from CMU, a master’s degree in special education with a concentration in ABA from Oakland University, an education specialist certificate from Wayne State University and a Ph.D. in special education from the University of Northern Colorado. He is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA-D) at the doctoral level.

Matt Tuftedal, Class of 2017, College of Science and Engineering

As an atmospheric measurement science specialist at the Argonne National Laboratory in Illinois, Matt is the facility manager for Argonne’s ATMOS site, which houses up to 60 instruments measuring temperature, wind, rain, radiation, and the interaction between greenhouse gasses and the Earth’s surface.

In just two years under Matt’s management of the Argonne Testbed for Multiscale Observation Science (ATMOS),

a nearly 20-acre site was overhauled to become a top-class facility within the Department of Energy. Matt has also initiated the planning phases of a new building at ATMOS to provide space for students to learn the tools and instruments that climate scientists work with today.

Additionally, Matt has made an impact in his role as a team leader of the laboratory’s Community Research on Climate and Urban Science (CROCUS) project. CROCUS creates and uses weather instruments to gather data in urban environments, which will help answer questions about our warming climate. Matt’s work with CROCUS helps underserved communities in the Chicagoland area be more climate resilient and helps build stronger, more weather-ready neighborhoods. He has opened doors for students by helping teach them about building and operating their own weather stations and by also explaining how the work they are doing through CROCUS will directly impact their generation.

Matt holds an associate degree from Kalamazoo Valley Community College, a bachelor’s degree in meteorology from CMU and a master’s degree in atmospheric sciences from the University of North Dakota. He has mentored students from around the world — including from CMU — providing them hands-on experience with weather instrumentation.

Reginald Woods, Class of 2017, College of Health Professions

Reginald recently accepted a new role as a senior-level sales account manager at TopGolf in Auburn Hills, handling event sales efforts with the company.

Prior to joining the TopGolf team, Reginald was the Detroit Pistons’ premium seating executive, driving new business for the team by developing innovative strategies to add value for fans and the organization, grossing $3 million in revenue in four years. Before working for the Pistons, Reginald was the manager of premium sales for the NHL’s Pittsburgh Penguins, renewing more than $1.2 million in sales in his first year.

He is a member of the Detroit Economic Club, the National Society of Black Sports Professionals and a chapter adviser for Sigma Chi Fraternity. Reginald supports his community by mentoring Sigma Chi and CMU undergraduates, and he has been a mentor through The Clubhouse, a national sports management mentoring program.

While earning his bachelor’s degree in sports management from Central, Reginald was a student manager for the varsity baseball team, and his first post-college internship was with the MLB’s Washington Nationals and their AA affiliate, the Harrisburg Senators. He always makes himself available to mentor and advise CMU students, speak to classes, and take calls from students seeking career advice.

ALUMNI NEWS

Central Michigan University Alumni Association Board of Directors

President

Scott Nadeau, ’89, Dexter, Michigan

Vice president

Erica (Lagos) Romac, ’13, Carmel, Indiana

Past president

Kandra (Kerridge) Robbins, ’90, Jena, Louisiana

Directors

Brooke Adams, ’11, Detroit, Michigan

Kevin Bautista-Mancilla, ’22, Ferndale, Michigan

Lester Booker Jr., ’08, MSA ’10, Canton, Michigan

Lisa (Laitinen) Bottomley, ’97, Kentwood, Michigan

Chris Cantrell, ’99, Mount Pleasant, Michigan

Catherine (Bomber) Claes, ’90, Gladstone, Michigan

Melissa DeJesus, ’01, M.A. ’09, Dexter, Michigan

Elizabeth Dilg, ’22, Mount Pleasant, Michigan

Megan Doyle, ’03, Chicago, Illinois

Jonathan Eadie, ’93, Grosse Pointe Park, Michigan

Kelly Eldracher, ’11, Plymouth, Michigan

Norma Eppinger, ’91, Lansing, Michigan

Matthew Franklin, ’04, Grand Blanc, Michigan

Griffith Gatewood, ’14, Grand Rapids, Michigan

Chris Gautz, ’04, Adrian, Michigan

Jonathan Glenn, ’06, M.A. ’11, Alma, Michigan

Spencer Haworth, ’12, MPA ‘22 Kalamazoo, Michigan

Sean Hickey, ’88, M.A. ’90, Traverse City, Michigan

LaMarcus Howard, ’09, M.A. ’12, Flint, Michigan

Bret Hyble, ’82, M.A. ’86, Mount Pleasant, Michigan

J.J. Lewis, ’06, Howell, Michigan

Jennifer Peacock, ’18, Ann Arbor, Michigan

Karenia Randle, ’08, MSA ’13, Lansing, Michigan

Nathan Tallman, ’07, M.A. ’09, Macomb, Michigan

Abby M. (Hagland) Watteny, ’02, Berkley, Michigan

For a full listing including emeritus board members please see go.cmualum.com/ alumni-board

Central Michigan University Board of Trustees

Todd J. Anson, ’77

Regine Beauboeuf

Sharon Heath, ’96

Isaiah M. Oliver, ’07

Edward J. Plawecki Jr., ’75

Michael A. Sandler

Todd Regis

Denise Williams Mallett

For a full listing of Board of Trustees meeting schedules please see https://www.cmich.edu/bot/Pages/default.aspx

‘I’ve always been a helper’

CMU alumna establishes endowment fund for Fashion Merchandising and Design students

BY JASON FIELDER

MaryAnn Tucker-Moore spent over 30 years as a schoolteacher, but her latest role as a “professional volunteer” has led to notoriety and recognition across the region she calls home.

The Mackinaw City resident was highlighted as one of Northern Express magazine’s most fascinating people of 2024.

Tucker-Moore, ’69, gained the title of “professional volunteer” through giving her time to groups including the Mackinaw Woman’s Club, Mackinaw Area Historical Society, Mackinaw City Area Arts Council, Wawatam Area Senior Citizens and the Great Lakes Lighthouse Keepers Association (GLLKA).

“I’ve always been a helper,” she said. “If I see a need, I’m willing to help.”

Investing in her passion

In addition to helping others, TuckerMoore is also passionate about designing clothes and sewing. Over the past decade, she has made many trips to campus to attend the annual CMU Threads Fashion show. The show is a student-run production that provides a platform for aspiring apparel designers and those seeking experience in aspects of fashion production. At a recent Threads event, Tucker-Moore noticed there was a need.

Tucker-Moore is establishing the MaryAnn TuckerMoore Fashion Innovation Fund in the CMU College of Education and Human Services, providing fashion and merchandising design students with the newest equipment and technology available in their field.

“I’m very impressed with what they are learning these days,” she said. “They will have opportunities that I never had. It pleases me to help them be at the forefront of the fashion industry.”

Since 2015, Dr. Ian Mull, CMU Professor of Fashion, Interior Design and Merchandising, has served as the adviser for the Threads Fashion Show. Mull says Tucker-Moore’s gift will create a lasting impact.

“Like most other industries, the fashion industry has witnessed a massive transformation with the advancement of newer technologies and innovations,” Mull said.

“I could see that it was an expense to put on and the money doesn’t come out of the students’ pockets, so I decided to help,” she said.

“It is crucial that our students embrace, understand and utilize the myriad applications technology can provide them with in the workplace to better position themselves in a fastpaced and competitive environment. The endowment from MaryAnn Tucker-Moore will help our department provide the necessary equipment, resources and skills to be the next generation of fashion leaders.”

Tucker-Moore also is a member of the CMU Legacy Society — a group of generous alumni and friends who establish estate gifts that will transcend generations to foster and strengthen CMU’s tradition of providing quality education and inspiring excellence and innovation.

For more information on the CMU Legacy Society, visit https://go.cmualum.com/ legacysociety.

Volunteering with the Mackinaw Area Historical Society.

Tucker-Moore volunteers with the Great Lakes Lighthouse Keepers Association.

ALUMNI NEWS

CMU Alumni Board welcomes six new members

Connecting with fellow grads is key in supporting the Central community

BY JASON FIELDER

The CMU Alumni Board of Directors has appointed six new members to its ranks:

Chris Cantrell, ‘99, director of internet technology and geographic information systems for Midland County. He lives in Mount Pleasant.

Kelly Eldracher, ‘11, vice president of operations at Domino’s Pizza. She lives in Plymouth.

Griffith Gatewood, ‘13, senior vice president of corporate insurance at Alera Group, Inc. He lives in Grand Rapids.

Generals talk leadership with InSciTE students

Fourth annual event gives military officers a chance to give back

BY ERIC BAERREN

Major Gen. Darren Werner, ’89, came to CMU from a small, rural town in Michigan’s Thumb in 1985 to prepare for a military career as part of its ROTC program.

After receiving his commission in 1989, he joined an Army full of people from every part of the diverse nation he defended.

Throughout his career — which took him to places like Iraq, Afghanistan and Korea — he observed the strength that diverse viewpoints bring to problem-solving.

“I watched how diversity in thought has

Kevin Bautista-Mancilla, ‘22, human resources manager for Marriott International, working at the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center. He lives in Ferndale.

Jen Peacock, ‘18, policy director at the Michigan Center for Youth Justice. She lives in Ann Arbor.

Karenia Randle, ‘08, ‘13 M.S.A., government policy advisor for Dykema. She lives in Lansing.

The alumni board represents the interests of all CMU alumni by providing meaningful opportunities and connections for maintaining involvement with and commitment to the university.

“It’s been a lifelong goal of mine to give back to CMU in some form or fashion,” Randle said. “I felt the best decision to do so was to become a CMU Alumni Board member.”

“I am Fired Up to welcome these new members to the Alumni Association Board of Directors!” said Scott Nadeau, ’89, alumni board president. “I have no doubt our new members will help expand our reach and help ignite a ‘Fired Up Forever’ affinity in all our alumni.”

“We’re thrilled to welcome a new group of alumni to our board,” said Marcie Otteman, deputy chief of alumni relations and constituent engagement. “These individuals have consistently contributed to Central long before becoming part of the alumni board, and we’re thankful for their continued dedication to supporting CMU.”

The Alumni Association Board of Directors fills board vacancies by appointment, seeking those dedicated to serving and engaging with alumni, and who have a track record of volunteering for CMU or in their community. The number of vacant seats each year varies based on returning board members and expiring terms. •

made the military better,” he said.

Werner maintained ties to CMU during his career, which ultimately took him to Detroit, and he said he frequently reflected on the strong connection between the Army and the university.

Then, a few years ago, he was talking to David Ford, dean of the College of Science and Engineering. Ford told him about a new STEM initiative at CMU that brought people of diverse backgrounds together to solve problems.

The certificate program is called InSciTE — encompassing the integration of science, technology and engineering. Werner said he fell in love with the program immediately.

“I love the design of the program,” he said. One key takeaway from his military career is that getting different perspectives is critical to solving problems.

“That’s exactly the perfect way to go,” he said.

Werner met with CMU’s InSciTE students for lunch during this year’s General Officer/ Flag Officer alumni event in September.

“A networking event with flag officers offers students a unique and invaluable opportunity,” said Wiline Pangle, InSciTE’s director. “Not only do they gain insights from top-tier leaders and deepen their understanding of strategic leadership, but they also get to practice making professional connections in a low-stakes environment.”

This is the fourth year of the General Officer/Flag Officer alumni event. It started as a way to recognize highranking military officers who are university alumni during a home football game. It’s evolved to provide those officers an opportunity to give back to CMU’s students. •

Global Campus alum helps students forge their future

Manufacturing Day event showcased STEM careers for Detroit youth

BY AMBER OGDEN

More than 200 Detroit Public School students poured into LM Manufacturing’s 300,000-square-foot facility in Southwest Detroit for the third annual Manufacturing Day in October.

The event offered a hands-on opportunity to explore STEM fields and uncover diverse career paths, from engineering to marketing, providing a glimpse into the dynamic world of manufacturing.

Detroit native Sylvester L. Hester, ’16, president and CEO of LM Manufacturing, gave the students a warm welcome.

“I was able to go from a young person just like yourself … to owning this facility right here today,” Hester said.

Hester said he faced numerous challenges growing up in a city and time

Honors for CMU Chippewas

that was not kind to people of color. Still, he persevered through hard work and formed strong community connections.

One influential figure was the late William “Bill” Pickard, a respected entrepreneur and philanthropist who, among many other accomplishments, was chair and founder of Global Auto Alliance Manufacturing and Supply Chain Management.

During Hester’s senior year in college,

The Flint & Genesee Group announced its 2024 class of 40 Under 40, an exceptional group of young professionals who are driving positive change across the region. Among the 40 honorees are three CMU alumni: Amir Elias-George Abu-Aita, ’11, an attorney at the Abu-Aita Law Firm, PLLC in Grand Blanc; Emily Doerr, ’07, director of the City of Flint’s Business and Community Services; and Ted Grossnickle, ’10, director of corporate engagement and events for Special Olympics of Michigan.

David Wilson, ‘98, became the first Black alumnus of the Citadel to become a three-star lieutenant general. It is the second-highest rank that can be earned in the U.S. Army, and the promotion must be approved by Congress. He earned his master’s degree from CMU’s Global Campus. Wilson also earned are a Bronze Star, awarded for meritorious service or for combat actions, and the Legion of Merit, bestowed for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements.

Pickard took Hester under his wing and provided invaluable mentorship.

Pickard’s enduring legacy lies in Hester’s emphasis on imparting the wisdom of generational wealth, ensuring that his influence will continue to shape the future.

This story originally appeared in the Michigan Chronicle. Read it at https://go.cmualum.com/ detroitmanufacturingday •

Sharon Martin, ’89, has been named vice president for marketing and communications at Clemson University. She will serve as a member of the president’s executive leadership team and develop and implement integrated communications and marketing strategies to build and protect the Clemson University brand. Martin comes from West Virginia University where she’s spent the past 11 years.

Amanda Novak, ‘05, is among six recipients of the 2024 Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) Director’s Award, the department’s highest employee honor for outstanding service. Novak was honored in the professional, specialist category for her work to ensure accountability for construction activities in environmentally sensitive areas by coordinating the development of a new approval process for project staging and dealing with excess material on MDOT right of way.

Nancy Brown, ‘85, CEO of the American Heart Association, has been recognized as one of the most influential leaders in health care. She was named to two prestigious lists as a top leader both nationally and globally: Forbes 50 over 50 and The NonProfit Times Power and Influence Top 50. •

Amir Elias-George Abu-Aita

Emily Doerr

Ted Grossnickle

Sylvester L. Hester, ’16 (center), with students at Manufacturing Day in Detroit. Photo courtesy of Marquise D. Burns/Michigan Chronicle.

PRESIDENT FAREWELL

Forever grateful for your support and FOREVER FIRED UP!

Our work over the years positioned

Central Michigan for success

Years ago, I had the joy of working with and becoming close friends with David Burdette as vice presidents at a university in Pennsylvania. David went on to serve as a vice president at Central Michigan University from 2008 to 2015.

In December of 2017, after joining my team at Murray State University, he said, “Bob, you will move on to another presidency. I hope it will be CMU. You would be an ideal fit.”

Sadly, within three weeks of that conversation, David passed away. Little did I know then that I would serve as the 15th president of CMU beginning Sept. 1, 2018.

CMU possesses so many strengths — a rich and deep core of faculty, an unbelievably committed staff, and students who know the meaning of hard work and dedication. And of course, the most loyal alumni one could imagine.

With these strengths, together we built upon the successes of my predecessors, increasing CMU’s reputation throughout the state and region, exceeding a fundraising campaign goal of $105 million, launching new academic programs and increasing many measures of student success.

Our time together has had its challenges. About a year and a half into my presidency, the world plunged into the COVID-19 pandemic. Our campus navigated the health crisis together, making tough decisions and offering to support one another. Other universities still ask how we were able to handle it so successfully.

Another tremendous challenge has been turning around a decade-long enrollment decline. After years of hard work and adoption of new strategies in admissions and marketing, this marks the third year our freshmen and transfer

classes have grown — proof again that this strong university community can overcome anything. Commencement is always a special time for me. I have loved every single celebration of our graduates. However, May of 2023 holds a special place in my heart: I was able to hand my daughter her CMU undergraduate diploma. I had the great fortune to do it again just a year later as she earned her master’s degree.

I feel lucky that David Burdette pointed me in CMU’s direction. This university has given me so many positive memories. More memories lay ahead in my new role as a CMU faculty member. I am excited for my next chapter in the classroom, interacting with our outstanding students.

The success of CMU’s 16th president, Neil MacKinnon, will be our success as an institution. I am proud to support President MacKinnon as he rises to lead this wonderful university. His tremendous leadership will continue to build on the success we have worked toward together, and I wish him all the best.

Finally, I offer a heartfelt thank you to you, our loyal alumni supporters. You generously step up time after time with your money, time and knowledge to support CMU students and programs. Your spirit of giving has truly made a positive impact, and I expect it will for generations to come.

Cindy, Katie and I are forever grateful, we will be Fired Up forever!

Be well and Fire Up Chips!

Bob Davies, Ph.D. President, Central Michigan University

President Bob Davies

In Memory

Margaret (Nielsen) Krebs, ’42, Howard City, Mich. , died Sep. 19, 2024, age 100.

Rosa (Miller) Coughlin, ’44, Davison, Mich. , died Sep. 4, 2024, age 101.

Winifred (Labian) Saeger, ’50, Frankenmuth, Mich. , died Jul. 10, 2024, age 94.

Luise (Nietiedt) Sanford, ’50, Grand Rapids, Mich. , died Jul. 12, 2024, age 94.

Daniel Welch, ’51, Rochester, Mich. , died Aug. 1, 2024, age 96.

Mary (Judd) Grathwohl, ’52, Notre Dame, Ind. , died Jul. 31, 2024, age 93.

James Lynch, ’52, Brighton, Mich. , died Jul. 26, 2024, age 96.

Jacqueline (Watt) Boettcher, ’54, Midland, Mich. , died Jul. 15, 2024, age 92.

Betty (Proctor) Sohacki, ’53, Sparta, Ky. , died Sep. 22, 2024, age 91.

John Lynch, ’54, Chelsea, Mich. , died Jul. 5, 2024, age 96.

Louis Dulac, ’55, ’68 MA, Lake Ann, Mich. , died Jan. 4, 2023, age 90.

Theodore Asch, ’56, Midland, Mich. , died Jul. 8, 2024, age 91.

Gary Murphy, ’57, Birmingham, Mich. , died Aug. 3, 2024, age 89.

John Reetz, ’57, Orlando, Fla. , died Sep. 6, 2024, age 88.

June (Mowry) Valdivielso, ’57, Vienna, Va. , died Sep. 15, 2024, age 87.

Donald Weichert, ’57, Algonac, Mich. , died Feb. 22, 2024, age 88.

Frank Meyer, ’58, Appleton, Wis. , died Jul. 14, 2024, age 92.

Betty (Rakosi) Perkins, ’58, Coldwater, Mich. , died Oct. 3, 2024, age 87.

Ruth Sowle, ’58, ’63 MA, Linden, Mich. , died Sep. 28, 2024, age 88.

Donald Hare, ’59, ’70 MA, Saginaw, Mich. , died Aug. 14, 2024, age 88.

Richard Hunt, ’59, Montague, Mich. , died Oct. 10, 2024, age 87.

Ronald Matheison, ’59, Battle Creek, Mich. , died Sep. 1, 2024, age 87.

Kenneth Wahl, ’59, Greenback, Tenn. , died May 19, 2024, age 91.

Gary Lutes, ’60, Mount Pleasant, Mich. , died Jul. 14, 2024, age 86.

Donald Palmer, ’60, Muskegon, Mich. , died Sep. 5, 2024, age 86.

Elinore (Schmidt) Peters, ’60, Santa Clara, Calif. , died Aug. 28, 2024, age 85.

Mary (Kiander) Castle, ’61, Ketchikan, Alaska, died May 29, 2024, age 84.

Amanda (Hicks) Lawton, ’61, East Lansing, Mich. , died Aug. 23, 2024, age 84.

David Myers, ’61, ’65 MA, ’74 MA, Weidman, Mich. , died Sep. 5, 2024, age 87.

Kaye (Haskin) Wightman, ’61, Richmond, Mich. , died Jul. 20, 2024, age 85.

William Schweitzer, ’62, Lexington, Ky. , died Sep. 17, 2024, age 84.

J. Richard Beach, ’63 MA, Naples, Fla. , died Aug. 21, 2024, age 83.

Larry Chambers, ’63, ’70 MA, Linwood, Mich. , died Sep. 18, 2024, age 86.

William Magill, ’63, ’69 MA, Gladwin, Mich. , died Sep. 12, 2024, age 82.

Hugh Riley, ’63, ’65 MA, Remus, Mich. , died Sep. 13, 2024, age 90.

Daniel Stenberg, ’63, ’66 MA, Buchanan, Mich. , died Aug. 30, 2024, age 83.

Joyce (Hooper) Walkup, ’63, Deckerville, Mich. , died Aug. 27, 2024, age 81.

William Bedford, ’64, ’69 MA, Whitehall, Mich. , died Jul. 13, 2024, age 83.

Cecilia (Simpkins) Clark, ’64, Hale, Mich. , died Jul. 21, 2024, age 83.

Lawrence Olliffe, ’64, Petoskey, Mich. , died Jul. 15, 2024, age 83.

Albert Quick, ’64 MA, Traverse City, Mich. , died Aug. 20, 2024, age 85.

Gary Strieter, ’64, ’66 MA, Pittsburgh, Pa. , died Jul. 25, 2024, age 81.

Robert Knapp, ’65 MA, Ann Arbor, Mich. , died Sep. 13, 2024, age 86.

Jerry Timm, ’65, ’69 MA, Hubbard Lake, Mich. , died Aug. 7, 2024, age 81.

Bob Tunnell, ’65, Waterford Township, Mich. , died Jun. 5, 2023, age 79.

Tolbert Carter, ’66, Lansing, Mich. , died Aug. 30, 2024, age 80.

Marilyn (Dining) Haskins, ’66, Saginaw, Mich. , died Sep. 28, 2024, age 87.

Douglas Japinga, ’67 MA, Holland, Mich. , died Aug. 21, 2024, age 85.

Lois Johnson, ’67, Gladstone, Mich. , died Sep. 21, 2024, age 79.

John Rochow, ’67, Horton, Mich. , died Sep. 27, 2024, age 85.

Lois (Walkley) Rydahl, ’67 MA, Mount Pleasant, Mich. , died Sep. 13, 2024, age 94.

Ralph Steward, ’67, ’68 MM, Fenton, Mich. , died Sep. 11, 2024, age 86.

Brian Helmer, ’68, Canyon Lake, Calif. , died Aug. 8, 2024, age 79.

Karen (Fegan) Mielock, ’68, ’72 MA, Fishers, Ind. , died Sep. 22, 2024, age 77.

Sylvia Mulka, ’68, ’76 MA, Tucson, Ariz. , died Jul. 7, 2024, age 79.

Valerie (Leverton) Becker, ’69 MA, Naples, Fla. , died Aug. 3, 2024, age 87.

Paul Dell, ’69, ’78 MA, Saginaw, Mich. , died Apr. 14, 2024, age 80.

Mary (Olinger) Hughey, ’69, ’74 MA, Elsie, Mich. , died Aug. 14, 2024, age 77.

Raymond Marlatt, ’69, Atlanta, Mich. , died Jul. 16, 2024, age 84.

Sandra (Hautala) Maxim, ’69, Haslett, Mich. , died Aug. 7, 2024, age 77.

Darryl McCallum, ’69, ’73 MA, Evart, Mich. , died Sep. 20, 2024, age 78.

Linda (Bonjour) McNier, ’69, Saginaw, Mich. , died Jul. 10, 2024, age 76.

Melanie (Roberts) RobertsYount, ’69, Naples, Fla. , died Sep. 22, 2024, age 79.

Sallyann Sanford, ’69, Hersey, Mich. , died Aug. 8, 2024, age 76.

PHOTO

John Shaffer, ’69, Steubenville, Ohio, died Jul. 8, 2024, age 81.

Richard Stokes, ’69 MA, Holt, Mich. , died Jul. 13, 2024, age 86.

Miriam (Meulemans) Terry, ’69, Hilton Head Island, S.C., died Jul. 29, 2024, age 76.

Patricia (McPherson) Anspaugh, ’70 MA, Bay City, Mich. , died Mar. 7, 2023, age 80.

Dale Hinton, ’70, ’76 MA, Higgins Lake, Mich. , died Aug. 16, 2024, age 83.

Terrence Kozlowski, ’70, Plymouth, Mich. , died Jul. 8, 2024, age 77.

Suzanne (Burman) Lino, ’70, Medina, Ohio, died Jul. 24, 2024, age 76.

Michael Moerlins, ’70, Alma, Mich. , died Jul. 16, 2024, age 75.

E. Calvin Schneider, ’70 MBA, Midland, Mich. , died Sep. 18, 2024, age 81.

Gary Szalka, ’70, The Villages, Fla. , died Aug. 28, 2024, age 77.

Ruth (Wissmueller) Windle, BS Music, BSEd, ’70, Brooklyn, Mich. , died Jul. 21, 2024, age 80.

Susan (Jordan) Borm, ’71, Greenville, S.C., died Sep. 13, 2024, age 75.

Alan Carmany, ’71, Ashley, Mich. , died Jul. 22, 2024, age 74.

David Comtois, 71, Saint Augustine, Fla. , died Jul. 20, 2024, age 88.

Karen (Eggleston) Ivan, ’71, Lakeview, Mich. , died Oct. 3, 2024, age 75.

Rex Nixon, ’71, Hephzibah, Ga. , died Apr. 11, 2024, age 75.

Carol (Susterka) Peterson, ’71, Manistique, Mich. , died Aug. 24, 2024, age 76.

E. Michael (Seidel) Seidel, ’71 MBA, Clayton, Calif. , died Jul. 28, 2024, age 84.

Mike Cooper, ’72, ’77 MA, Bay City, Mich. , died Sep. 12, 2024, age 77.

Benjamin D’Ambrosio, ’72, Youngstown, N.Y. , died Jul. 31, 2024, age 90.

Frederick Sponseller, ’72 MA, Laurel, Del. , died Sep. 20, 2024, age 77.

James Tripp, ’72 MA, Ashtabula, Ohio, died Jul. 1, 2024, age 79.

Douglas Wilson, ’72, Grayling, Mich. , died Aug. 10, 2024, age 74.

Ardella Aldrich, ’73, Alanson, Mich. , died Aug. 24, 2024, age 73.

Sally (Wilson) Berry, ’73 MA, North Port , Fla. , died Sep. 21, 2024, age 86.

George Eyerman, ’73 MA, Carmel Valley, Calif. , died Jul. 1, 2024, age 79.

Irwin Goldstein, ’73 MA, Las Vegas, Nev. , died Sep. 21, 2024, age 78.

Anthony Ihander, ’73, Daggett, Mich. , died Jul. 13, 2024, age 72.

Judith (Wilcox) Leach, ’73, Loudon, Tenn. , died Sep. 1, 2024, age 73.

Daniel McGuire, ’73, Mount Pleasant, Mich. , died Aug. 26, 2024, age 74.

Daniel Randall, ’73 MA, Midland, Mich. , died Aug. 3, 2024, age 73.

Suzanne (McCauley) Rekuc, ’73, Troy , Mich. , died Sep. 3, 2024, age 73.

John Schaefer, ’73, Pigeon, Mich. , died Aug. 26, 2024, age 71.

Donald Smith, ’73, Ada, Mich. , died Jul. 1, 2024, age 78.

John Tucker, ’73 MA, Utica, Mich. , died Jul. 12, 2024, age 82.

Larry Boyd, ’74, ’81 MS, Traverse City, Mich. , died Jul. 10, 2024, age 72.

Michael Duncan, ’74, Roanoke, Va. , died Aug. 23, 2024, age 72.

Fred Fogh, ’74 MA, Clearwater, Fla. , died Mar. 12, 2023, age 89.

Andrew Harris, ’74, Wilmington, Del. , died Mar. 1, 2023, age 71.

Lawrence Heltsley, ’74, Farmington Hills, Mich. , died Sep. 8, 2024, age 73.

Henry Loo, ’74 MA, Honolulu, Hawaii, died Apr. 10, 2024, age 88.

Linda Manning, ’74, Alpena, Mich. , died Jan. 9, 2023, age 71.

Charles Pease, ’74, Trout Creek, Mich. , died Jun. 30, 2023, age 72.

William Rawlinson, ’74 MA, Fairfield, Calif. , died Jul. 20, 2024, age 92.

Steven Richards, ’74, Chapel Hill, N.C. , died Sep. 9, 2024, age 72.

Ray VanHorn, ’74 MA, Haines City, Fla. , died Jul. 18, 2024, age 79.

Ollie Irvin, ’75, Sturgis, Mich. , died Sep. 27, 2024, age 72.

Daniel Kik, ’75, Plainwell, Mich. , died Aug. 2, 2024, age 70.

Harry Black, ’76 MA, Birmingham, Mich. , died Aug. 1, 2024, age 90.

Patricia Long, ’76, Mount Pleasant, Mich. , died Oct. 3, 2024, age 72.

Philip Matthews, ’76, West Branch, Mich. , died Aug. 19, 2024, age 72.

Marlene (Spencer) Taylor, ’76 MA, Albuquerque, N. M. , died Jul. 27, 2024, age 83.

Inocencio Delacruz, ’77 MA, Kennedale, Texas, died Sep. 6, 2024, age 89.

Alfonzo King, ’77 MA, Knightdale, N.C. , died Jul. 2, 2024, age 91.

Opzerine (Nero) Madison, ’77 MA, Overland Park, Kans. , died Jul. 5, 2024, age 81.

Jane Sanderson, ’77, ’86 MA, Oscoda, Mich. , died Aug. 27, 2024, age 69.

Glen Sheffer, ’77, Charlevoix, Mich. , died Jul. 5, 2024, age 70.

Larry Soczek, ’77 MA, Cheboygan, Mich. , died Sep. 10, 2024, age 75.

Rose (Sadler) Swartz, ’77 MBE, East Lansing, Mich. , died Aug. 11, 2024, age 84.

Carol (Rusak) Clute, ’78, Clare, Mich. , died Jun. 25, 2024, age 69.

Timothy Dietzel, ’78, Saginaw, Mich. , died Jul. 17, 2024, age 70.

John Finnerty, ’78 MA, Fairfax, Va. , died Aug. 11, 2024, age 85.

Daniel Kohn, ’78 MA, Corpus Christi, Texas, died Aug. 24, 2024, age 81.

Gary Middleton, ’78 MA, Murfreesboro, Tenn. , died Sep. 3, 2024, age 78.

David Parker, ’78 MA, Hamilton, Ind. , died Jul. 6, 2024, age 83.

Frederick Copeland, ’79 MA, Charlottesville, Va. , died Sep. 13, 2024, age 86.

Marie (Martin) Gordon, ’79, Royal Oak, Mich. , died May 12, 2024, age 66.

Joseph Kaufman, ’79, Sheboygan, Wis. , died Jan. 7, 2024, age 66.

John Raterman, ’79 MA, Circleville, Ohio, died Sep. 25, 2024, age 89.

Margaret (VanSickle) Lyon, ’80 MA, Berlin, N. J. , died Jul. 12, 2024, age 84.

Douglas Weiland, ’80 MSA, Grand Blanc, Mich. , died Aug. 3, 2024, age 74.

Judith (Cook) Fife, ’81, ’85 MA, Carson City, Mich. , died Sep. 14, 2024, age 81.

Patricia (Foster) Renne, ’81, Blanchard, Mich. , died Sep. 7, 2024, age 64.

Mary Wojcik, ’81, ’88 MS, Saint Ignace, Mich. , died Jul. 15, 2024, age 65.

Timothy Donnelly, ’82 MA, Davenport, Iowa, died Jul. 8, 2024, age 74.

Durwood Hargett, ’82 MA, Madison, Ala. , died Jul. 10, 2024, age 81.

Thomas Jeffery, ’82 MA, Frederic, Mich. , died Jul. 28, 2024, age 74.

In Memory

Thomas Marcopulos, ’82, Tucson, Ariz. , died Jul. 16, 2024, age 65.

Christina (Irwin) Krupka, ’83, East Lansing, Mich. , died Jul. 29, 2024, age 63.

Pamela (Plumb) Moorman, ’83, Grand Blanc, Mich. , died Jul. 18, 2024, age 64.

Tod Goslin, ’84, Lapeer, Mich. , died Aug. 31, 2024, age 63.

Kenneth Johnson, ’84 MA, Muskegon, Mich. , died Aug. 4, 2024, age 75.

Licerio Butacan, ’85 MA, Jacksonville, Fla. , died Jul. 31, 2024, age 81.

Jim (Hitpas) Hitpas, ’85, Mount Pleasant, Mich. , died Jul. 17, 2024, age 67.

Christine Hokenson, ’85, Marquette, Mich. , died Jul. 10, 2024, age 60.

Kathryn (Taylor) Shoemaker, ’85, ’95 MA, Lake Isabella, Mich. , died Aug. 22, 2024, age 79.

Charles Wilkie, ’85, Tucson, Ariz. , died Aug. 29, 2024, age 61.

John Drysdale, ’86 MSA, Shawnee Mission, Kans. , died Jul. 12, 2024, age 82.

Robert Feldscher, ’86, San Ramon, Calif. , died Jul. 22, 2024, age 60.

Michael Jamula, ’86, Macomb, Mich. , died Aug. 30, 2024, age 77.

James Martina, ’86, Riverview, Mich. , died Aug. 28, 2024, age 60.

Arthur Stefanski, ’86 MA, Saint Clair Shores, Mich. , died Aug. 20, 2024, age 80.

Therese (Pikur) Szabo, ’86, Cadillac, Mich. , died Aug. 6, 2024, age 69.

Alan Johnson, ’87, Scottsdale, Ariz. , died Jul. 3, 2024, age 58.

Carl Takacs, ’87, Melvin, Mich. , died Jul. 24, 2024, age 59.

Homer Dickens, ’88 MSA, Huntsville, Ala. , died Sep. 12, 2024, age 85.

Vicki (Frederiksen) Frederiksen, ’88, Stephenson, Mich. , died Sep. 3, 2024, age 66.

Lorin Nemrava, ’88, Battle Creek, Mich. , died Aug. 26, 2024, age 58.

Todd Scharich, ’88, Bay City, Mich. , died Aug. 1, 2024, age 63.

James Bowman, ’89, ’92 MSA, Rochester, Mich. , died Aug. 20, 2024, age 76.

Donald Bracy, ’89 MA, Little Rock, Ark. , died Sep. 7, 2024, age 81.

William Craig, ’89, Brutus, Mich. , died Sep. 30, 2024, age 70.

Donna (Czerwinski) Mercer, ’90 MA, Essexville, Mich. , died May 4, 2024, age 75.

Alvin Picotte ’90, Sault Sainte Marie, Mich. , died Sep. 5, 2024, age 83.

Maryregina (Nolan) Puk, ’91 MSA, Rockaway, N. J. , died Jun. 18, 2024, age 72.

James Larimer, ’92, Washington, Mich. , died Jul. 22, 2024, age 83.

Bernadine (Perry) Lasher, ’92 MA, Lake, Mich. , died Oct. 1, 2024, age 80.

Rebecca (Carnes) Sanders, ’92 MSA, Lancaster, S.C. , died Jul. 31, 2024, age 67.

Dominic Roberts, ’93, ’95 MSA, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, died Jul. 23, 2024, age 54.

Claudio Vacas, ’93 MSA, Traverse City, Mich. , died Jul. 2, 2024, age 80.

Raymond Behnke, ’94, Emmett, Mich. , died Aug. 27, 2024, age 76.

Edward Casey, ’94 MSA, Centreville, Va. , died Jul. 10, 2024, age 56.

Scott Long, ’94, Utica, Mich. , died Jul. 15, 2024, age 53.

James Rogowski, ’94 MSA, Sylvania, Ohio, died Jul. 8, 2024, age 81.

Pamela Hall, ’95, Midland, Mich. , died Feb. 16, 2024, age 57.

Diana (Kennedy) Jones, ’95, Greenville, Mich. , died Aug. 1, 2024, age 84.

Neal Landeen, ’96 MSA, Sioux Falls, S. D. , died Jul. 1, 2024, age 65.

Linda (Beaker) Osterland, ’96, East China, Mich. , died Aug. 14, 2024, age 76.

Martha Baldosser, ’97 MSA, Urbana, Ohio, died Jul. 5, 2024, age 74.

Linda Beltran, ’97 MSA, Swannanoa, N.C. , died Sep. 10, 2024, age 79.

Perry Reniker, ’98 MSA, Georgetown, Texas, died Aug. 28, 2024, age 65.

Wendy (Ingersoll) Julien, ’99, Merrill, Mich. , died Sep. 13, 2024, age 58.

Cortney (Munger) Nowak, ’00, ’06 MA, Dewitt, Mich. , died Jul. 23, 2024, age 47.

Cathy Rozanski, ’00 MA, Waterford Township, Mich. , died Aug. 7, 2024, age 63.

Nicole Bills, ’01, Charlotte, N.C. , died Aug. 18, 2024, age 46.

Frank Johnson, ’02 MSA, Laurel, Md. , died Jun. 29, 2024, age 62.

Keith O’Laughlin, ’02, ’06 MA, Saginaw, Mich. , died Jul. 8, 2024, age 45.

Mark Camarena, ’03 MSA, Vine Grove, Ky. , died Aug. 25, 2024, age 56.

Robert Williams, ’03 MA, Burkeville, Va. , died Aug. 19, 2024, age 71.

Tecla (Collins) Fisher, ’04, Lansing, Mich. , died Jul. 27, 2024, age 63.

Brandon France, ’05, Utica, Mich. , died Aug. 30, 2024, age 41.

Carla Fountaine, ’09 MSA, Galloway, Ohio, died Jul. 26, 2024, age 43.

Thomas Castiglione, ’11 MSA, Manchester, Mich. , died Aug. 9, 2024, age 37.

Jennifer Albrecht, ’12, Ludington, Mich. , died Sep. 25, 2024, age 34.

Kyle Wheeldon, ’17, ’20 MS, Rapid City, S. D. , died Aug. 7, 2024, age 37.

Megan Satre, ’20, Temecula, Calif. , died Jul. 15, 2024, age 31.

Abiola Alaka, ’21 MD, Ann Arbor, Mich. , died Sep. 19, 2024, age 32.

Lucas Disbro, ’22, Grand Rapids, Mich. , died Jul. 1, 2024, age 24.

Joel Engles, ’22 MHA, Georgetown, Ky. , died Sep. 7, 2024, age 37.

Alumni Faculty/Staff

Sharon (Stangle) Tilmann, ’68, ’82 MA, ’96 MPA, Mount Pleasant, Mich. , died Jul. 5, 2024, age 77.

Joseph Myslivec, ’78, ’79 MA, ’83 MBA, Mount Pleasant, Mich. , died Jul. 22, 2024, age 69.

Tanya Fox, ’81, ’02 MA, Coleman, Mich. , died Sep. 12, 2024, age 65.

Faculty/Staff

Christine Bailey, Burton, Mich. , died Sep. 25, 2024, age 69.

Fred DuBois, Mount Pleasant, Mich. , died Aug. 23, 2024, age 76.

Robert Hoffman, Mount Pleasant, Mich. , died Aug. 17,2024, age 89.

Barbara McIntyre, Cheboygan, Mich. , died July 31, 2024, age 72.

Bruce Pape, Port Angeles, Wash. , died Jul. 21, 2024, age 84.

Elliott Parker, Mount Pleasant, Mich. , died Sep. 27, 2024, age 84.

Melvyn Remus, Vancouver, Wash. , died Aug. 3, 2024, age 92.

Mary Stange, Helena, Mont. , died Jul. 6, 2024, age 74.

$1,405,673 dollars

awarded 1,018 Students

$46,768.38 Dollars

503 Donors