AFRICAN AMERICAN ALUMNI CHAPTER MAKES CONNECTIONS SVSU’s African American Alumni Chapter was established in early 2011. Since then, co-chairs Sam Tilmon, 2010, B.B.A.; 2012, M.B.A., and LaDonna Young, 2009, B.A.; 2012, M.A.S., have organized several events on campus and around the state. Late last summer, the chapter held a reception in Detroit, inviting southeast Michigan alumni to reconnect. AAAC Co-Chair Billy Dexter, 1984, B.A., made the trip from Chicago to welcome the group. The chapter also participated in homecoming activities, including an afterglow reception. At a November 2012 “meet-and-greet,” 15 alumni met with more than 50 students to discuss mentoring and making connections. AAAC supporters helped fund scholarships for several SVSU students to participate in a trip to Pentecost University College in Ghana, Africa, in January. The trip was co-led by Joseph Ofori-Dankwa, Harvey Randall Wickes Endowed Chair in International Business, and Mamie Thorns, special assistant to the president for diversity programs. SVSU and PUC are developing several collaborative initiatives that will include faculty and students.
Laura Yockey, 1991, M.B.A., was named the commercial lending senior vice president, senior lender for Chemical Bank of Midland, Saginaw and Clare. Trevor Opelewski, 1992, B.S., was featured in an article in the Bay City Times that highlighted his work and involvement with healthcare. Sheilda D. Braddock, 1992, B.S.W., was named CEO of the LaMarr Woodley Foundation, Saginaw. Brad Sullivan, 1994, B.S., was hired at Disability Network of Mid-Michigan, Midland. Catherine Gatewood, 1995, B.A., was a guest writer for the book, Even the Janitor Is White.
AAAC Chair Billy Dexter and co-chairs LaDonna Young and Sam Tilmon.
José Mena, 1995, B.S.W., was featured in an article on October 5, 2012, in the Valley Morning Star, Rio Grande, Texas. Tamie Grunow, 1996, B.A., 1998, M.Ed., was hired at Ferris State University as associate vice president of human resources. Benjamin Guile, 1997, B.A., was appointed chief of police of the Vassar Police Department. Jennifer Turner, 1997, B.A., was named CEO of the Canyon Resort Corporation, Peach Springs, Ariz. Laura Ebel, 1998, B.B.A., was promoted to partner with Andrews Hooper & Pavlik PLC, Saginaw.
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Michael Peck, 1998, M.Ed., was named the head basketball coach of the Idaho Stampede, an NBA Development League team affiliated with the Portland Trailblazers. Collene Lamonte, 1999, B.S., was elected to represent the 91st district in the Michigan House of Representatives.
2000S
Kevin Moore, 2001, B.A., 2007, M.Ed., was recently hired as the assistant principal of Swan Valley High School. Amanda Schafer, 2001, B.A., is now board certified by the American Board for Professional Psychology.