Campus News
2011 College Hall of Fame Honorees By Sister Jean Milhaupt, O.P., Ph.D., ’45
Sister M. Bertrand LaLonde, O.P., Ph.D. †
A scholar of French language, literature, and civilization, Sister M. Bertrand LaLonde taught two generations of students at Aquinas. Born in Essexville, Mich., she entered the Grand Rapids Dominican Congregation at age 16 and was soon teaching in elementary schools. Through summer study at Notre Dame, she received an M.A., then went abroad for doctoral work at the Paris Sorbonne and universities of Madrid and Fribourg. She received her Ph.D. summa cum laude and was awarded the Medal for the French Language by the French Academy for her thesis on Maurice Barres, academician, novelist, and member of the Chamber of Deputies. In 1935, Sister Bertrand was appointed to Catholic Junior College as directress of studies and teacher of French. She was a long-time chair of the department of French and Spanish, served on faculty committees, and was a member of national academic associations and the American Society of Friends of France. Many of her students became French teachers, and her course in French civilization prepared many for travel in Paris and throughout France. After 30 years of teaching, Sister Bertrand retired. She died after 86 years of religious life and three months short of her 100th birthday.
Anthony J. Brink ’43
A man of many talents, Anthony Brink was active as a musician and leader in extracurricular activities while an Aquinas undergraduate. Graduating in the College’s second class, he went on to gain an M.F.A. in drama from the Catholic University of America and an M.A. from Michigan State University. From 1948 to l957, he taught Latin and speech at Aquinas. As one of a minority of lay teachers on the faculty, he devoted much time to student groups. He assisted in Glee Club, directing, and even performing, in some dramatic productions, which enlivened the College atmosphere. Brink left teaching to move to Florida, where he operated a music school. He then returned to Michigan, earned an M.A. in guidance and counseling from Michigan State University, and taught Latin and Greek at St. Paul Seminary in Saginaw. He also was coordinator for the Aquinas Lansing Extension Center and taught as a senior lecturer 6 Campus News | Fall 2011 | aquinas.edu
of communication arts. He was a devoted member of the Alumni Association, of which he became president in 1948, and one of the first Golden Saints. In the Lansing Diocese, he was program director for renewal through Vatican II and received the Alleluia Award for 34 years of liturgical service at St. Therese Parish. He was inducted into Saginaw Catholic Schools Hall of Fame.
Michael R. Williams, Ph.D.
Lifelong learner, educator and community organizer, Michael Williams holds a B.S. from Regis College, B.S.M.E. and M.S.M.E. from Marquette University, Ph.L. from St. Louis University, and Ph.D. from University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee. During the civil rights, era he taught in Milwaukee’s inner-city schools and co-founded a school that later became the state’s first charter school. With his wife, Mary Alice, he was active in community service. In 1974, he joined the Aquinas faculty to teach education, philosophy, mathematics, and interdisciplinary courses. In addition to teaching, Williams chaired the boards of the Eastown Community Association and the citywide Council of Neighborhood Associations. He also worked with community groups for civic improvement. At Aquinas, he served as faculty development director and conducted national workshops on the topic. With Mayor George Heartwell, he developed the community leadership major, which prepares students for leadership in non-profit organizations. In 2004, he accepted the position of dean of the school of education until he retired in 2006. He remained an adjunct professor and in 2010, resumed directorship of the community leadership major. He has published three books on community organizing and education and co-authored Eastown.
To Nominate for Hall of Fame A form for nomination to the Aquinas College Hall of Fame is available at aquinas.edu/heritage/halloffame.html Nominations not used when received will be kept on file for future consideration.