Centralight, Central Michigan University Alumni Magazine, Winter 2023

Centralight CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY | ALUMNI MAGAZINE

Alumni support that’s

INTERCONNECTED CMU grads are helping current students, young alumni and entire communities in ways that draw meaning from their Central days

WINTER 2023

Centralight WINTER 2023

Features On the cover

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Meaningful Gifts

Meet the generous women who give back to their communities in meaningful ways, fueled by the spirit of CMU. (Pictured: Renee and Bob Parsons are longtime supporters of the Make-a-Wish Arizona Wish Ball through their foundation.)

18 Sidewalks peek through the snow as winter settles in on the Mount Pleasant campus.

This light dusting is nothing compared to some blizzards in years past, though. See Page 40 for a look back at some whopper snowfalls throughout CMU’s history.

Big Picture

PHOTO BY LANCE GASCHO

CMU Department of Theatre got spooky in October with a staging of “The Birds,” based on the classic Daphne du Maurier short story.

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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

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Athletics Hall of Fame

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Media Hall of Fame

Graphic Designer Erin Rivard, ’07, MBA ’16 Photographer Lance Gascho, ’22 Adam Sparkes Writers

Eric Baerren, ’93 Kelly Belcher Ryan Colores Terri Finch Hamilton, ’83 Ellie Heron Christopher Kennard Robin Miner-Swartz Research Associate Bryan Whitledge, ’19 M.A. Editorial Assistant Alison Foster Interim Vice President for Advancement Jennifer Cotter, ’01

Central Michigan Athletics inducted five former studentathletes and one team into the Marcy Weston CMU Athletics Hall of Fame as its Class of 2023.

The Journalism Hall of Fame has grown to include graduates of the Broadcasting and Cinematic Arts, Integrative Public Relations and Communications programs.

Departments

Vice President for University Communications and Chief Marketing Officer John Veilleux For advertising information Call Cindy Jacobs, ’93 (800) 358-6903

Stay connected

5 CMU Today CMU students and faculty have played a pivotal role in recovery efforts of an endangered bird.

28 10 Within 10

26 National Alumni Awards

40 Do You Remember

32 Alumni News 36 In Memory

Send change of address information to: Alumni Relations Carlin Alumni House Central Michigan University Mount Pleasant, MI 48859 Phone: (800) 358-6903 Fax: (989) 774-7159

Email: alumni@cmich.edu Web: cmich.edu/alumni/Centralight Centralight is published three times each year by the Central Michigan University Office of Alumni Relations. It is printed by Rogers Printing, Ravenna, MI and entered at the Mount Pleasant Post Office under nonprofit mailing. CMU, an AA/EO institution, provides equal opportunity to all persons, including minorities, females, veterans and individuals with disabilities (see cmich.edu/ocrie). Copies of Centralight are distributed to alumni and friends of the university who are paid Gold Members or donors to CMU. A virtual edition of the magazine is available free online at alumni.cmich.edu/centralight. UComm 11321–24,000+ (11/23)

Centralight Winter Winter‘23 ‘23 Centralight

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YOUR GOLDEN

OPPORTUNITY Become a Gold Member, and receive over 60,000 benefits

CMU, an AA/EO institution, strongly and actively strives to increase diversity and provide equal opportunity for all individuals, irrespective of gender identity or sexual orientation and including but not limited to minorities, females, veterans and individuals with disabilities. 10129 (5/21)

www.cmich.edu/alumni

CMU’s impact reaches all corners of our state — and beyond Award winners inspire others and bring honor to our university I’ve been thinking recently about impact and how, over the years, I have had the chance to connect with so many people who have made such a lasting impression on me. Our annual Alumni Awards celebration is one of my favorite events for this very reason. This year, we celebrated the 10th class of our 10 within 10 alumni awards. The program recognizes young alumni who Marcie Otteman, ’87, bring honor to Central Michigan Executive Director of University through work in their Alumni Relations careers or communities. Nominees must have graduated within the past 10 years and be 35 or younger. I know you’ll enjoy reading about all our young recipients along with our national award winners — including a distinguished leader in industry who gives back to students through real-life experiences, a volunteer who has raised tens of thousands for scholarships, a family who works behind the scenes to make life better for so many, and an honorary alumna who has made CMU her own.

Speaking of great stories, the feature story on women making their own impact near and far shows how commitment and drive can literally make the difference.

Impact. You’ll see how this action plays out across the stories in this issue. So many alumni are making their communities and world a better place, changing the lives of those they touch forever. I hope it inspires you to think of your impact and how you can make someone’s life a bit brighter or happier.

Wishing you joy and peace this holiday season.

Fire Up Forever,

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: https://cmich.ly/3aVgowW

Get SOCIAL Follow our activities and updates on your favorite social channels: FACEBOOK facebook.com/cmualum X @cmualumni INSTAGRAM @cmichalumni YOUTUBE youtube.com/user/cmichalumni

P.S. Save the date! On March 23, CMU’s annual Scholarship and Endowment Celebration will recognize the contributions of donors and the accomplishments of student scholarship recipients. More to come on this special event in the new year.

LINKEDIN Central Michigan University – Alumni

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We all play a role in CMU student success Giving creates a legacy that lives on for generations to come Every day, I think about the things that make Central Michigan University a special place to be.

From the quality, scope and value of the education we offer, to the sense of community and belonging at CMU, there is much to be proud of. It is important to remember we all play a part in keeping our university exceptional and ensuring our students are successful.

PRESIDENT DAVIES:

Think back to your time at CMU. Who provided the support you relied on to succeed? For our President Bob Davies current and future students, you could be that person. Your support could help them earn a degree and find a successful career after college.

@cmichprez

Now more than ever, giving to CMU scholarships and student support funds truly impacts the lives of our students. There are several ways to affect the course of a CMU student’s college journey in a positive and tangible way. The Students First General Scholarship Fund offers financial support to students in the broadest way, providing help when and where it is needed most. The Finish Up Chips scholarship helps students at risk of dropping out for financial reasons stay on the path to commencement day. And, when unexpected circumstances impact a student’s ability to pay for college, the Student Emergency Fund provides a safety net. Gifts to this fund allow hard-working students to stay in school through difficult circumstances.

blogs.cmich.edu/cmichprez

The transition to college can be especially challenging to navigate for students who are the first in their family to attend. For these brave legacy-makers, the Ignite Scholarship for First-Generation Students provides support and encouragement.

Together, we can demonstrate how much we care about CMU students.

When we give, we not only support the needs of CMU students, but we also create a culture of success at CMU and establish a legacy that will live on through the lives we touch.

Be well and Fire Up Chips!

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

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Ways to connect with

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BLOG

CMU TODAY as 134 chicks from 85 nests.

Derek Hartline, a CMU graduate student and a conservation officer with the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians, has been actively involved in monitoring seven nests on High Island in the Beaver Island Archipelago.

Record-breaking year for the restoration of the endangered piping plover CMU students, faculty play crucial role in bird recovery efforts

BY ERIC BAERREN It’s been a banner year for the piping plover, an endangered bird species that has been the focus of extensive, multiagency conservation efforts, and CMU students and faculty have played a pivotal role in these endeavors.

Across the Great Lakes, 2023 saw the highest number of breeding pairs since 1984, with 80 pairs resulting in as many

Professor receives 2023 International Impact Award Chappaz honored for global engagement in groundbreaking trace element research

BY ELLIE HERON Anthony Chappaz, Ph.D., director of the SpeciationTraces-AnalysisRadioisotopes lab (STARLAB) and a professor in the department of Earth and atmospheric sciences, has been honored with CMU’s 2023 International Impact Award.

According to Hartline, High Island emerged as an unprecedented “hot spot” this year, with a marked increase in nests compared to previous years.

Six of the nests Hartline monitored produced potentially 19 viable chicks, 17 of which have already developed flying feathers. Hartline also noted that certain unfortunate instances required intervention, such as relocating unattended eggs to a facility in Pellston due to adult fatalities. These eggs later hatched, and the chicks were successfully released into the wild.

Nancy Seefelt, a longtime CMU biology faculty member, visited High Island in May and has spent more than two decades monitoring plovers in the archipelago.

She praised CMU’s infrastructure,

With 12 years at CMU, Chappaz has pioneered an integrative approach to studying trace elements — substances that exist in minuscule concentrations but have wide-ranging impacts on ecosystems and can even reveal Earth’s history.

Chappaz employs a unique strategy — molecular geochemistry, which merges geology, physics and chemistry — to examine trace elements. This multidisciplinary approach has earned him collaborations with global research labs and also provides his students and postdocs with international networking opportunities.

Chappaz encourages his students to think globally. “Open your mind and

including the CMU Biological Station on Beaver Island, for aiding the conservation effort. The station’s boats have been instrumental in monitoring the plovers in the region.

Seefelt worked closely with Benjamin VanDyke, M.S. ’23, who studied the impact of vegetation management on plover recovery for his thesis. Both researchers emphasized the bird’s remarkable ability to adapt to harsh environments, with their natural camouflage aiding in their survival.

The recovery effort also involved the use of nest enclosures to protect the plovers from predators, though Hartline’s team later removed them to prevent falcon predation. Both wild and facility-raised chicks have been banded for future tracking as they begin their southward winter migration.

This year’s record-breaking numbers reflect the effectiveness of concerted conservation efforts and underscore CMU’s crucial role in the preservation of this endangered species. •

realize that there is a whole world besides your university and your state,” he said.

The professor aims to elevate STARLAB into an international hub for trace element research, attracting scientists globally for collaborative projects. The initiative aligns with his commitment to forming meaningful connections.

“My students tend to be from Michigan,” he said, “but we have a big world, and you have to see it. It’s amazing.”

The award is a recognition of Chappaz’s far-reaching impact, not just in his specialized field but also in fostering international academic relationships. •

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CMU TODAY

Tupac Holmes (left) talks to Tatiana Mason during IMPACT, one of two leadership programs that take place on Central Michigan University’s campus the week before classes begin.

IMPACT that lasts a lifetime Leadership events set the stage for student success at Central

BY ERIC BAERREN Transitioning from Chicago to a smaller community at CMU in 2021, Tupac Holmes faced the dual challenges of culture shock and pandemic-induced isolation.

His participation in CMU’s pre-semester programs — IMPACT and Leadership Safari — paved the way for his academic and personal success.

IMPACT aims to connect multicultural first-year and transfer students with mentors for a smoother integration into campus life. Holmes’ mentor not only

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helped him navigate academic terrain but also introduced him to faculty experts in various fields, such as real estate, that aligned with his broader interests.

Holmes later reciprocated the mentorship by returning to IMPACT in 2022, this time as a core student staff member, tailoring his mentoring to individual needs. Some students may want active involvement on campus, while others might simply appreciate periodic check-ins.

Leadership Safari, another pre-semester initiative at CMU, focuses on building community and leadership skills. With activities designed to push students beyond their comfort zones, Holmes said

the program helped him “find his voice as a leader.”

Holmes’ future plans include generating multiple streams of income, with a keen interest in real estate. Faculty guidance has helped him explore ways to earn income passively while working in his chosen field of cybersecurity.

Both programs have equipped Holmes to make a lasting impact not just on campus, but in the broader world beyond CMU. “Everyone’s a resource,” Holmes said, highlighting the invaluable network and skills he gained through IMPACT and Leadership Safari. •

CMU student health services earns prestigious AAAHC accreditation

CMU secures SAMHSA grant to enhance campus mental health services

Landmark achievement signifies outstanding service and exceptional care by university clinic

Multidepartmental effort aims to fill gaps and facilitate access to resources for all

BY KELLY BELCHER

Melissa Hutchinson, executive director of counseling services at CMU’s Counseling Center, has collaborated with staff from CMED’s Rural Health Equity Institute to secure a pivotal grant focused on suicide prevention and mental health support. The Garrett Lee Smith Suicide Prevention Infrastructure Grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is a three-year award totaling $102,000.

Central Michigan University’s Student and Behavioral Health Services has received accreditation from the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC), joining more than 6,600 accredited ambulatory health care organizations nationwide. This milestone reflects CMU’s unwavering commitment to delivering top-notch services, adhering to stringent quality, safety and patient satisfaction standards.

Achieving AAAHC accreditation was a year-long collaborative effort involving clinic leadership, staff and various university departments. The process included comprehensive evaluations against national health care benchmarks and best practices. AAAHC conducted thorough on-site inspections to verify compliance with the highest industry standards.

This funding comes at a crucial time, given the increasing focus on mental health in college settings.

During the fall semester, Student Affairs conducted the Healthy Minds Study, a comprehensive survey tailored specifically for the higher education environment. This study aimed to gather essential data on student mental health and the utilization of services on campus. The findings from the study will serve as the backbone for developing data-driven policy decisions, spotlighting the areas of greatest student need.

The grant aims to identify gaps in existing mental health services on campus and streamline the coordination of these crucial resources. The objective is to encourage students to seek help more readily while increasing accessibility to mental health services for all.

Key enhancements that helped clinch the accreditation were improvements in infection and quality control, as well as the implementation of a peer review process for health care providers.

“This accreditation verifies the hard work, dedication, and outcome-driven focus of our entire team, aimed at delivering high-quality health care for our students every day,” said Drew Curry, director of clinical support services.

The accreditation is CMU’s first in student health and highlights the exceptional health care services available to the university community.

“This national accreditation is a testament to our comprehensive commitment to excellence, extending beyond academics and research to the well-being of our students and community,” said Dr. George Kikano, VP of Health Affairs and Dean of the College of Medicine. •

This effort is a cross-departmental collaboration involving the CMED, Counseling Center/Student Affairs, and the Office for Institutional Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, among other partners. It’s a holistic approach to mental health, bringing in various stakeholders to ensure the campus environment is conducive to student well-being.

Hutchinson emphasized the collaborative nature of the grant. “This is about joining hands across departments to enhance our support systems and improve the overall mental health infrastructure on campus.”

The grant is expected to have a transformative impact on CMU’s approach to mental health, aligning with the university’s broader commitment to fostering an environment that is supportive and inclusive for all. •

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Meaningful

GIFTS

Alumnae share stories of heart-driven philanthropy

BY TERRI FINCH HAMILTON, ’83

What moves us to give?

Four women give us a glimpse.

A philanthropist tells how her “service heart” started at CMU. A mother and daughter, regulars at NASCAR super speedways, carry on a mission fueled by memories and legacy.

A devoted daughter continues the giving spirit of her CMU grad dad, bringing promise and opportunity to a “blink and you’ll miss it” Michigan town.

Who gives? We do. Here’s why. >

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CMU alumna turned Pixie lessons into a philanthropic empire When Renee Parsons, ’91, was a teen, she worked at The Pixie restaurant in Mount Pleasant, where generations of hungry CMU students have grabbed a classic coney dog or bitty burgers.

Her family owned the place, and it’s where Parsons first learned the importance of showing up on time in a clean uniform and treating people well. And that cleaning coney pans, she said, “is not pleasant.”

Today, Parsons is a leader in business and high-end golf fashion, and co-founder with her husband, Bob Parsons, of The Bob and Renee Parsons Foundation, that over the past 11 years has given away $284 million.

So, it’s probably been a while since she grabbed a coney dog at The Pixie, right?

Nope. It was just last June, when she was in town for her nephew’s high school graduation party.

“The next day we said, ‘We’re going to The Pixie,’ ” Parsons said. She laughed. “Cleaning out those pans didn’t ruin them for me.”

Parsons designs high-end golf apparel as the president and executive creative director of PXG Apparel and, with her husband, owns and oversees the exclusive Scottsdale National Golf Club in Arizona.

She talks fondly about “gathering tidbits” of experience along her career journey.

A little bit here behind the counter at The Pixie, a little bit there at her CMU hospitality internships at Florida resorts.

A tidbit working at her dad’s Mount Pleasant Comfort Inn hotel. A bit more as lead concierge at a Ritz Carlton hotel.

She gathered a lot of tidbits, becoming an expert along the way in how to treat people.

At the core is what Parsons calls the “service heart.” She learned it at CMU, she said — the art of making people feel welcome, comfortable, happy, special, valued.

“That was woven through everything else we learned whether your guests are at the parks department or the Ritz Carlton,” Parsons said from her home in Arizona. “You never lose sight of that.”

Parsons grew up in Mount Pleasant. Her parents, Barton LaBelle, ’64, and Marilyn Sassaman, both attended CMU. Central’s

hospitality program was the perfect fit for her career plan to work in the hotel industry, including two comprehensive 30-week internships that immersed her in every aspect of the business.

“I got such great, hands-on experience there,” she said.

She continued her hotel career in Chicago and then Scottsdale, where she met Bob Parsons, founder of GoDaddy, the website domain registrar, and golf equipment company PXG (Parsons Xtreme Golf.) They married in 2009 and started collaborating in business and philanthropy.

populations often overlooked by mainstream philanthropy.

“We were going for the underdog,” Parsons said. “We wanted to give where we could make a difference, move the needle, instead of giving to organizations that already get millions of dollars.”

They fund a multitude of diverse programs — from helping military families to single mothers, youth mental health initiatives to babies suffering from opioid exposure.

They were equal opportunity, she said, even when everybody in their Arizona community wasn’t.

“When we started, some private foundations wouldn’t offer services to undocumented people,” Parsons said.

“They’re already here, trying to work, trying to provide for their families.

We have to take care of them.”

Why women should tee up Parsons wants to see more women on the golf course, and not just so they’ll buy her fashionable golf skirts.

“If you’re not there, you’re not getting those business opportunities that happen on the golf course or during drinks at the clubhouse after,” she said. “You’re missing out.”

PXG provides equipment and support to the CMU women’s and men’s golf teams equally, Parsons said, adding women’s college teams are often neglected by sponsors.

She wants young women to thrive.

Her fashion inspiration goes back to — you guessed it — tidbits she gathered.

“My mom was pretty fashionable,” she said. “Yes, it was Mount Pleasant, but she had catalogs delivered to our house from Bonwit Teller and Saks Fifth Avenue.”

At 7, Parsons would flip through the pages.

“I’d imagine wearing that little dress and jacket in a big city,” she said. Then she sketched her own designs.

“I never thought it was anything I could do with my life,” she said. That’s not lost on her now.

“Follow your dreams,” she said.

Moving the needle When the Parsons started their foundation 11 years ago, their mission was to support vulnerable and underserved

Their foundation only awards funds to organizations that serve everyone. Now, she said, “the other foundations follow suit.”

Her interest in giving didn’t come out of nowhere. There were, of course, tidbits.

Growing up, she watched her dad serve as mayor, “donating his time and brain power.”

Her mom volunteered at the American Red Cross and American Cancer Society.

“As a kid, you soak it in,” she said.

As a member of the Zeta Tau Alpha sorority at CMU, she helped with service projects that bolstered her service heart.

Back when Parsons worked at The Pixie, she was the owner’s kid. Her first boss, the restaurant manager, was a woman who was tough, she said, but fair.

“My dad told the manager not to treat me any differently,” Parsons said. “And she didn’t.”

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Legacy fuels CMU alumni family’s

NASCAR DREAMS Beard Motorsports Team keeps patriarch’s tradition alive When Linda and Amie Beard talk about race day at the famous Daytona or Talladega speedways, you can almost hear the rumbling NASCAR engines and smell the burned rubber.

You’d expect a high level of excitement from owners of a NASCAR team. But this mother and daughter behind Beard Motorsports are carrying on a beloved family tradition after losing their

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husband and father, Mark Beard Sr., in 2021.

It’s extra personal.

Along with their son and brother, Mark Jr., they’re a whole family of CMU grads, carrying on two family businesses, guided by the memory and example of the family’s stock car-driving patriarch.

Linda graduated in 1973; daughter Amie in 2003; son Mark Jr. in 2006. Husband and dad Mark Sr. attended Central but left to work full time with his dad at Beard

Oil, a third-generation Mount Pleasant fuel distribution company that works with infrastructure construction.

“I don’t make a big deal about the fact that we’re women-owned,” Linda said.

“We just go to the track and do our normal thing. It’s a male-dominated sport, no doubt. We’re there to do our best. That’s how you earn respect.”

Beard Motorsports has always been the little guy on the big tracks, a small-team operation in the No. 62 Chevrolet

Camaro competing against the bigger teams of the NASCAR Cup Series.

“All of us being alumni, we still have a lot of pride in Central,” Linda said.

You get to walk right with them and get their autographs.”

The Beards have a shop in North Carolina, where almost every NASCAR team is based. But they’re based in Mount Pleasant. It’s home.

Linda met Mark when she was roommates with his sister at the Delta Zeta sorority house.

It’s exciting stuff.

The Beards grab their CMU gear and head to football games. Linda is on the board of the local Humane Animal Treatment Society and is a trustee for Art Reach of Mid-Michigan. The family gives to community causes, from veteran needs and local athletics to school districts and CMU.

“On one of our first dates, we went to the racetrack where he was racing,” Linda recalled.

After decades of devotion to the highoctane sport, Mark founded Beard Motorsports NASCAR Cup Team in 2017.

Linda, meanwhile, loved her 30-year career in education, as an elementary school teacher, librarian and assistant principal. But she was always involved in both of Mark’s beloved businesses.

Their two kids, Amie and Mark Jr., were happily on board, too, working at the Beard family businesses and traveling in the family motor home to races.

“It was Mark’s dream to go to a higher level of racing, and we went along for the ride,” Linda said. “We realized we loved it, too.”

Then, Mark Sr. was gone at age 72, leaving a lot still to do. An oil distribution company to grow. A NASCAR team to manage.

His family carries on, the Beard passion for racing cars very much alive.

When the Beards head for famous speedways, they love bringing newcomers to the sport along.

“If you just watch racing on TV, you don’t get the real excitement,” Linda said.

“When you’re down in the garage and you see what goes on, it’s really fun.”

“It’s probably the closest you’ll get to professional athletes,” Amie said.

“There’s Kyle Bush. There’s Kyle Larson.

There’s Richard Petty, a legend in racing.

“It’s fun, and we love doing it,” Linda said. “But we’re there to be competitive and to win.”

In the 25 races Beard Motorsports has run since 2017, their record includes one top five and five top 10 finishes.

Today, while Amie helps manage Beard Motorsports, she’s also CEO of Beard Oil, co-owner with her brother, Mark Jr., who’s also vice president of the race team. Her 51% share means Beard Oil is a certified women-owned business.

She doesn’t take that lightly.

“All the careers I’ve ever had have been male dominated,” Amie said. “I’ve had to be tough. I’ve had to be more vocal, but also listen. You have to show your strengths and that you can do the job as well as anybody else.”

She’s a mentor to girls, hiring them for summer jobs at Beard Oil, encouraging them to learn, work hard and grow.

Along the way, her dad still guides her.

“My dad was my critic and my cheerleader,” Amie said. “He’s always been the voice in the back of my head.

“We miss him a lot,” she said. “This racing helps keep him alive for us.”

She loves how her dad kept alive a memento of his CMU spirit.

“My dad had an old 1950 Mercury that his grandpa gave him, and that’s what he drove to school at Central,” Amie said. “When he had it refurbished, he left his CMU parking sticker on it.

He didn’t want to lose that. That’s how nostalgic we are.” >

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Kim Patrick (left) and Col. Harold Patrick

From Mancelona to CMU and

BACK AGAIN Alum’s impact lives on through scholarship and a Michigan small town’s big dreams Sometimes, a town is an important character in a story, and that’s what’s about to happen here.

Mancelona, Michigan, is a town of about 1,357 people at last count.

“It’s a very small town you pass through on 131 as you’re driving from Kalkaska to Petoskey,” said Gretchen Heegeman, ’22, who graduated 14

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from Mancelona High School. “It’s a ‘blink and you’ll miss it’ kind of town. But we’re a close community. Everybody knows each other.” (Don’t blink — you’ll see her again later.)

The late Col. Harold L. Patrick, ’57, was born in Mancelona, in a tiny red house, in 1935.

He loved Mancelona. But he wanted to continue his education, so he went to CMU, joined the ROTC, and went on to an impressive military career and life, jumping out of airplanes, traveling to five continents, serving around the world in the U.S. Army’s Signal Corp, and raising three kids who adored him. He holds a spot in the CMU ROTC Hall of Fame.

Col. Patrick was an athlete and an Army guy, but he also joined the literary society at CMU and loved poetry. In his final years, he could still recite poems he memorized in elementary school about Paul Revere’s ride and Ulysses.

His CMU education, paid for in part with a teaching scholarship, launched him from Mancelona to explore the world. He wanted opportunities for others from Mancelona, too.

So, in 2006 he started the Colonel Harold L. Patrick Endowed Scholarship, open to any four-year student with a 3.0 gradepoint average, but with a preference for students from his beloved Mancelona.

He never told his three kids about the scholarship, but that didn’t surprise them, said his daughter, Kim Patrick. He never wanted credit for doing good things, she said. He just did them.

“Dad came from a small town where there weren’t a lot of opportunities,” Patrick said. “He wanted to pay it back and pay it forward. Mancelona and CMU were always in dad’s heart.”

“Our dad was a great role model who always did the right thing,” said Patrick, a consultant to the military who lives in Arlington Virginia, just a few miles from the Arlington National Cemetery where her dad was laid to rest in 2020, with the highest military honors.

And now, in hers.

Col. Patrick revered education, she said. His first job was teaching chemistry at Mancelona High School before he joined the Army.

He always donated to local students who knocked on his front door collecting for causes. He’d ask for a sticker from their sports team or band, then stick it on his glass storm door.

“Over time, the door was covered in stickers,” Patrick said.

The scholarship, she said, is a perfect legacy of her dad’s kind generosity, his belief in the power of education, and love of his hometown.

Heegeman (the “don’t blink” alum from earlier) received the scholarship for four years, following the dream she’s had since seventh grade to be a school band director.

“There’s a family, community aspect to band that I love,” she said. “You’re all brought together by the love of performing and the special purpose of making beautiful, magical music.”

Patrick and her brothers, Mark and Steve, continue to financially support their dad’s CMU scholarship.

“It just felt right,” Patrick said.

“Central helped shape who my dad was. It set him on the fast track to success.”

As they got to know Heegeman through her charming, heartfelt letters, they donated to her band program at Mancelona Schools, too.

“She’s a star,” Patrick said. “Gretchen wrote us pages and pages of letters. She was like our pen pal.”

Heegeman is touching hundreds and hundreds of kids, Patrick said. “My dad is influencing them through her. He lives on.” She had to pause for a minute, emotional.

“Look, we’re still talking about him,” she said. “He’s still here.” •

The scholarship paid for the private lessons required of CMU music majors, as well as materials she needed to make her own oboe reeds.

She wrote long thank-you letters to Col. Patrick, and later his kids, sharing news about her classes and photos of her in the Chippewa Marching Band. They kept every letter.

A month before Heegeman’s CMU graduation, the Mancelona school superintendent called her. They needed a band director.

Was she interested?

“It felt like stepping into comfortable old shoes,” Heegeman said. “Now, I’ve come full circle. Scholarships help us achieve our dreams.”

There’s something poetic about this scholarship tale, full of giving, gratitude, music, and the love of a small town filled with potential.

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Central Michigan University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (www.hlcommission.org), a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. CMU, an AA/EO institution, strongly and actively strives to increase diversity and provide equal opportunity for all individuals, irrespective of gender identity or sexual orientation and including but not limited to minorities, females, veterans and individuals with disabilities (see http://www.cmich.edu/ocrie). Ucomm 11220 10/23

Chloe Price (seated) and Percy Ziolkowski share the stage in a fall production of “The Birds,” Conor McPherson’s play based on the Daphne du Maurier short story. The show was directed by Jody Price.

PHOTO CREDIT: LANCE GASCHO

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Planned Giving Ad THIS SEASON! CELEBRATE YOUR LEGACY 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.

Need help getting started?

Visit our website, cmich.giftlegacy.com to request our FREE Estate Planning Guide or contact us to learn more.

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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 Senior Director of Gift Planning Central Michigan University Carlin Alumni House (989) 774-1593 mishl1jj@cmich.edu

Central Michigan University

Professional Development Upskill, Reskill, Retool From certificate programs to Continuing Education Units (CEU), CMU Professional Development is your solution to prepare for a new career or advance within your current role.

Six Sigma (yellow and green belt) Cyber Security State Continuing Education Clock Hours (SCECHs) Medical Billing and Coding Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) Implicit Bias Training*

Contact Information Professional Development Phone: 989-774-3718 Email: pd@cmich.edu Website: online.cmich.edu/pd

*Meets LARA requirements for licensure

CMU, an AA/EO institution, strongly and actively strives to increase diversity and provide equal opportunity for all individuals, irrespective of gender identity or sexual orientation and including but not limited to minorities, females, veterans and individuals with disabilities.

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Connectivity and Affordability.

Competitive rates available to CMU Alumni for AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon Wireless products and services. connect.cmich.edu 989-774-3087 connect@cmich.edu 22

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2023 CMU ATHLETICS HALL OF FAME CLASS features an impressive roster Honorees exemplify excellence on and off the field at Central Michigan

BY RYAN COLORES AND CHRISTOPHER KENNARD Central Michigan Athletics inducted five former student-athletes and one team into the Marcy Weston CMU Athletics Hall of Fame as its Class of 2023.

“We are extremely proud and honored to introduce these great Chippewa athletes into our hall of fame,” said Zyzelewski Family Associate Vice President and Director of Athletics Amy Folan. “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.”

Ben Bennett

Wrestling, 2009-13, Rockford, Michigan The only four-time All-American in Central Michigan history, Bennett placed fourth at the NCAA Championships at 184 pounds in 2013, was sixth at 174 pounds in 2010, placed eighth at 174 pounds in 2011, and was sixth at 184 in 2012. He was one of only three CMU Chippewa wrestlers to earn four MAC individual titles (2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013).

Bennett became the fourth freshman in program history to earn All-America honors and was named the MAC Wrestler of the Year in 2012. He earned the MAC Freshman of the Year Award in 2010 and accumulated a career .834 winning percentage, which ranks No. 4 in program history.

He finished his career with 121 victories, which ranks No. 6 in program history, including a .939 winning percentage during his senior year (31-2), which ranks second in CMU wrestling history.

Bailey Brandon Women’s soccer, 2009-12, Livonia, Michigan

Brandon was named the MAC Defensive Player of the Year in 2012 and the MAC Freshman of the Year in 2009. She was a four-time All-MAC selection, earning three first team honors and one second team honor. She was also a three-time Great Lakes All-Region selection, earning first team honors in 2009, second team in 2012 and third team in 2010.

Brandon led CMU to three NCAA tournament appearances (2009, 2010 and 2012) and back-to-back MAC regular season and tournament titles in 2009 and 2010. She was named to the MAC AllTournament team in both 2009 and 2012, and she led CMU to the program’s lone NCAA tournament victory — a 1-0 defeat of Purdue in 2009.

Over her four-year, 89-game career, Brandon scored three goals with 11 assists for 20 points. She was a three-time All-Academic MAC Honoree (2010, 2011, 2012) and earned the Dick Enberg Scholar-Athlete of the Year award in 2012.

Brandon was the MAC’s nominee for the NCAA Woman of the Year award and she was selected as a national finalist for the Lowe’s Senior Class Award in 2012.

Leslie Grimes-Phelan Softball, 1989-92, Mount Clemens, Michigan

Grimes-Phelan played catcher and during her career was a two-time All-MAC honoree, named to the All-Region First Team in 1992. She was named to the Central Michigan Silver Anniversary Team, served as team captain, was a four-year letterwinner

and a member of the 1991 MAC championship team.

She spent five seasons as an assistant coach and was a part of three championship teams at CMU. She ranks second on the single-season record list for runs batted in (44 in 1991) and No. 8 all-time in a career (96).

Grimes-Phelan started the softball program at Western Kentucky and served as head coach there for five seasons (2000-04). She coached 17 all-conference players including the Sun Belt Freshman of the Year, a first team All-South Player, and a first team Academic All-American, guiding the Hilltoppers to a conference runner-up finish in 2002.

Liesel Toth

Women’s soccer, 2008-11, Victor, N.Y. Toth was named the MAC Defensive Player of the Year in 2011 and was a three-time Great Lakes All-Region Team selection, earning first team honors in 2011 and second team in both 2009 and 2010. She was a four-time All-MAC selection, earning first team honors in 2009, 2010 and 2011 and second team recognition in 2008.

She was named to the MAC All-Freshman team in 2008 and selected to the MAC All-Tournament team in 2009. Toth led CMU to MAC regular season and tournament titles in 2009 and 2010, both firsts in program history.

Toth helped CMU to two straight NCAA Tournament appearances (2009 and 2010) and started every game of her career (87).

In 2011, she led a backline that allowed just seven goals during the regular season, breaking the previous MAC record of 12.

In her four-year, 87-game career, she scored eight goals with seven assists for 23 points. She also earned Academic > Centralight Winter ‘23

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All-MAC honors three times (2009, 2010, 2011), was named to the NSCAA Scholar All-America third team in 2011, and she helped the program post the nation’s best grade-point average in each of her four seasons.

Frank Zombo

Football, 2006-09, Sterling Heights, Michigan

Zombo played nine seasons in the NFL — three with the Green Bay Packers and six with the Kansas City Chiefs. He won a Super Bowl in 2011 with Green Bay, while recording a sack and five tackles in the game. He finished his NFL career with 196 tackles, 12.5 sacks and 15.0 tackles-for-loss.

As a defensive lineman, Zombo earned First Team All-MAC honors in 2008 and 2009, helping CMU win three MAC Championships, a pair of bowl victories and four bowl game appearances.

He posted nine sacks in 2008, which ranks fifth in CMU single-season history, and he ranks third all-time in CMU history in sacks (25.5) and sixth all-time in tackles-for-loss (39). In his four-year, 55-game career, he totaled 181 tackles (79 solo), 39.0 tackles for loss for 193 yards, 25.5 sacks for 165 yards, forced two fumbles and recovered four fumbles.

1983-84 Women’s Basketball Team Led by head coach Laura Golden, the CMU Chippewas compiled a 27-3 record, which marks the best winning percentage in program history (.900).

The team won the MAC regular season and conference tournament

championships and qualified for the NCAA tournament as a No. 7 seed, matching up against No. 2 Alabama.

The team began the season with a 1-2 record then proceeded to win 26 consecutive games including an 18-0 conference record, registering the only undefeated conference season in program history. They defeated teams including Michigan, Purdue, Minnesota and Notre Dame, and 20 of those 27 wins were by a margin of double digits, including 13 of 14 home wins.

A quartet of Hall of Famers — Sylvia Odum, Jody Beerman, LaTanga Cox and Betsy Yonkman — led the team. The balance of the roster comprised starters Denise Tower and Kathy Labarge along with junior Chris Magnant, sophomore Trisha Phillips, and freshmen Sophia Chapman, Tammy Figg, Elaine Loch and Amy Welch.

The team’s .900 winning percentage ranked No. 4 in the country, and it was ranked No. 8 in the nation with a +16.4 scoring margin. •

CMU MEDIA HALL OF FAME

inducts six members in new expanded era Five alumni and one former professor honored for their work in journalism, broadcasting and cinema arts CMU’s College of Arts and Media has broadened its longtime Journalism Hall of Fame to include graduates of the Broadcasting and Cinematic Arts, Integrative Public Relations and Communications programs.

The new Media Hall of Fame honored five graduates and one former professor for their decades of work in newspapers, television, public relations and higher education at an inaugural ceremony in November.

The inductees include:

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Kristina Hajjar, ’80, Journalism Kristina has served Los Angeles County for 31 years as director of communications for two major departments, including its worldrenowned Fire Department of “Emergency” and “Baywatch” television fame, and also its Public Social Services Department, the nation’s largest, serving 10 million residents. She is credited by her peers and superiors as leading the county’s public messaging in numerous times of crisis. As communications

director of the Public Social Services Department, Hajjar also is editor of the department’s digital newsletter. Her award-winning communications work has been cited by multiple trade organizations. Prior to joining Los Angeles County, Hajjar worked for 10 years as a Los Angeles-area publicist in the entertainment and health care industries and worked with many celebrities. She recently opened her own consulting firm, Hajjar Communications, from her home base in Los Angeles.

Brett Holey, ’82, Broadcasting and Cinematic Arts After graduating from CMU, Brett went to work for ABC Sports covering the Indy 500. He was with ABC for 13 years and helped create “This Week with David Brinkley” and “World News Now.” In 1997, Holey joined NBC as director of NBC Nightly News.

In his years on the broadcast, it was the most-watched newscast in America for all but a handful of weeks. He has managed several revamps of the broadcast including moving to high definition, online and other digital platforms. He directs the majority of the network’s breaking news coverage as well as NBC’s presidential election year coverage. Over the course of his career, Holey has collected 13 Emmys, numerous Edward R. Murrow and Columbia duPont awards, and many other accolades including several for graphic and scenic design. He received CMU’s Distinguished Alumni Award in 2001 and was commencement speaker in 2010.

Dave LewAllen, ’79, Journalism Dave retired in April after 35 years at WXYZ-TV (Channel 7) in Detroit, where he had been the longest-tenured TV news personality in the market. He previously covered sports for WJBK-TV (Channel 2), CKLW radio (800 AM) in Windsor, Ontario, and WJR (760 AM) in Detroit.

At WXYZ, Dave started as a sports reporter and then became a weekend sports anchor and host of the top-rated “Sports Update” show for 14 years.

In 2004, Dave moved over to the news desk and anchored weekend and nightly newscasts, as well as hosting numerous special broadcasts.

Dave won four Emmys, including for coverage of a Detroit firestorm in 2010 and the 2021 mass shooting at Oxford High School. In 2012, he was named a Silver Circle recipient by the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences’ Michigan chapter for his service in the broadcast industry.

Joe Misiewicz, BCA faculty Joe was a member of the Broadcasting and Cinematic Arts faculty from 1976 to 1985. He was a sergeant in the Army Reserve and was trained as a photographer and journalist at a Defense Information School in Indianapolis. One key military assignment was covering the Watergate trial for three weeks for the National Armed Services Radio Network.

He also recorded music programs to ship to Vietnam as a DJ for two years with “Good Morning Vietnam.” Joe’s career has included being a radio host, a newspaper publisher, the general manager of a public television station, and decades teaching broadcasting at CMU as well as other universities including Ball State, from which he retired in 2012. Joe then spent three years as president and CEO for the Indiana Broadcasters Association, lobbying on press rights and media access issues for the state’s broadcast television stations.

Steve Morse, ’76, Journalism (posthumous)

Leanne Smith, ’83, Journalism Leanne has spent three decades in community journalism, working for many years as a sports and education reporter in Jackson, Washtenaw and Livingston counties. Leanne left journalism for five years to work in public relations as a media content analyst at FleishmanHillard. She returned to the Jackson Citizen Patriot in 2000 as a general assignment reporter, then transferred to the Ann Arbor News in 2003 as a reporter for the newspaper’s Livingston County publication. In 2018, Leanne was promoted to an editor position within MLive, and earlier this year, she became MLive’s senior editor for east Michigan news, overseeing editors and reporters and news production in Jackson, Ann Arbor, Flint, Saginaw and Bay City. Leanne has served on the CMU Student Media Board that oversees Central Michigan Life and has also been a longtime volunteer judge in the annual MLive/Jackson Citizen Patriot Spelling Bee. •

Steve was a newsroom leader for multiple newspapers in Michigan, Florida and Kentucky throughout a career that spanned more than 40 years. Steve spent the first 18 years of his career at the Battle Creek Enquirer, where he started as a sports writer before being promoted to sports editor. He went on to become the Enquirer’s news editor, metro editor and special sections/project editor. Steve held other roles at a variety of newsrooms including Booth Newspapers the Jackson Citizen Patriot and Ann Arbor News, the Lakeland (Florida) Ledger and the Tampa Bay Tribune before moving to Louisville, Kentucky, to be a page editor for multiple Gannett newspapers until his death in 2020. At CMU, Steve was a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity and a student leader at Central Michigan Life, serving as the student newspaper’s editor-inchief during his senior year.

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Celebrating

EXCELLENCE AND AFFINITY

National Alumni Awards recognize trailblazers in business, philanthropy and service

BY ROBIN MINER-SWARTZ

The National Alumni Awards are the highest honors presented by the CMU Alumni Association. These awards are given to those who have made significant achievements professionally and within their communities.

The CMU Alumni Association is extremely proud to recognize the following people for the 2023 National Alumni Awards:

Distinguished Alumni Award: Robert “Bob” Oros, ’90 The Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes alumni who achieve professional excellence and make meaningful contributions to CMU. As the chairman and CEO of Hightower Advisors in Chicago, Robert “Bob” Oros uses his bachelor’s degree in business administration and finance from CMU to help recruit, retain and support financial advisers.

He is active in the community, particularly in the areas of mental health and financial literacy and education. Bob chairs the board of the Mental Health Association of Greater Chicago and is a board member of EEqual, providing advocacy and support to students experiencing homelessness.

Dick Enberg Alumni Commitment Award: The McGuirk Family This award is named after legendary sports broadcaster and alumni Dick Enberg, Class of 1957. Throughout his career, Enberg gave endlessly of his time, talents and treasure, 26

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building an endowment that would do for thousands of others what CMU had done for him — and a quarter million other alumni.

The McGuirk family — through the efforts of Jim McGuirk as well as Leroy and Ginger McGuirk — has a generational tradition of supporting CMU. Lifelong Mount Pleasant resident Jim McGuirk built the city’s largest provider of student housing, and with a lead gift in his family’s name, the university’s basketball facility was renamed McGuirk Arena in 2010.

Dan Stoudt puts his MBA from CMU to work as senior vice president at First Community Bank in Traverse City.

He works with a wide range of clients for any commercial banking needs, from manufacturing and medical to real estate investment and hospitality.

Dan was one of the founders of CMU’s Grand Traverse Scholarship Golf Outing. The annual golf event, marking its 35th year this past summer, has awarded more than 140 students with over $313,000 in CMU scholarships.

Jim along with his niece Sandy Dean and nephews Rick and Chuck McGuirk have proudly continued that legacy of philanthropy.

Future Alumni Leader Award: Tyler Zimmerman, ’24

Rick McGuirk and his wife, Julie, are proud 1995 CMU graduates, and just 10 years after graduating, Rick joined CMU’s Advancement Board and served on the national campaign steering committee for the Fired Up for Excellence campaign.

Chuck McGuirk shares his knowledge of contracting and construction — as well as in-kind gifts — for projects focused on athletics and improving the fan experience. And Sandy, Rick and Chuck oversee the family’s gifts of land and funding to benefit athletics, the ROTC and the United Apartments McGuirk Family Scholarship, established in 2018 to benefit CMU students. In addition, the McGuirk Family of Companies has sponsored several registered student organizations and community events hosted by CMU.

The Future Alumni Leader 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.

Honorary Alumni Award: Vicki Loss Lautzenheiser The Honorary Alumni Award is the highest honor bestowed upon loyal friends of CMU who are not alumni. This award recognizes individuals who make meaningful contributions and show dedication to CMU through their efforts or financial resources.

Tyler Zimmerman is a Leadership Advancement Scholar and a Maroon & Gold Scholarship recipient working toward a degree in environmental health and safety with a minor in leadership, graduating in December 2024.

Throughout his time at CMU, Tyler has been active in the campus community. He is currently the president of the Student Government Association, a senator on the Academic Senate, chaplain for the Phi Delta Theta fraternity, former president of the Refugee Outreach Collective, and has been a member of the Leadership Safari core staff and served as a Leadership Safari Guide.

Please join us in congratulating the Central Michigan University 2023 National Alumni Award winners! To see all previous award winners, visit go.cmualum.com/previousalumniawards. •

For more than 30 years, Vicki Loss Lautzenheiser has treated CMU as her adopted alma mater.

In 2020, she and her husband, Dennis, gave the university a $100,000 gift for the Chippewa Champions Center, and the fueling station there was named in their honor. Vicki was instrumental in this philanthropic decision.

Additionally, she and Dennis established a scholarship at Northwest High School in honor of their two sons. The graduating senior must attend CMU or Western Michigan University (their younger son’s alma mater). To date, all recipients have chosen to attend CMU.

Alumni Service Recognition Award: Daniel Stoudt, ’70 The Alumni Service Recognition 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.

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10 Within 10 recognizes outstanding CMU alumni Program celebrates its 10th class of graduates with 2023 honors 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 government relations, sports, engineering, marketing, law and more.

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

Meet this

YEAR’S CLASS: Megan Blue, ’13, College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences As director of government relations for Corewell Health, Megan is a registered lobbyist advocating at the local, state and federal levels for the system’s 22 hospitals across the state. Her passion for helping others drives Megan to use her knowledge of government policies and her strong ability to build relationships to implement groundbreaking change, particularly related to health care access, behavioral health, and training the next generation of health care practitioners.

Throughout her career, Megan has worked as a legislative assistant and director at the state Capitol. She was the first communications and program associate for The Women’s Initiatives for Gender Justice in The Hague, The Netherlands, assisting returning child 28

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soldiers from conflict and advocating for their rights at the International Criminal Court. Megan is also a graduate of the Michigan Political Leadership Program and serves as an auxiliary member for the Michigan Women’s Commission.

Megan holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from CMU and master’s degree in international relations and diplomacy from Leiden University in the Netherlands. She exudes love for her alma mater and has hired and mentored numerous interns through the early days of their careers; many of those people still work at the Michigan State Capitol to this day.

Stefanie Gray, ’13, College of Education and Human Services Stefanie is the experience design business operations and communications manager for Ford Motor Company. Now a member of Ford’s

NextGen employee resource group, she spent the past two years as a leadership team member sitting for the NextGen Changemakers Award and communications team. She was recently chosen for Ford’s Thirty Under 30, an eight-month philanthropic leadership course for employees to learn design thinking techniques while working with a Detroit-based nonprofit.

Following graduation from CMU, Stefanie spent the first eight years of her career working for the Ford Fund, the philanthropic arm of Ford, which has invested more than $2.2 billion into communities around the world.

She took an active role in the Ford Fund working as a program manager for Ford Driving Skills for Life and on the communications team.

She mentors current and prospective students, interns and recent graduates, including connecting students with internship opportunities with Ford Motor Company and the Ford Fund, and she’s passionate about opening the door for other CMU alumni.

Jamar Hardy, ’18, ’21, College of Health Professions

Technologies’ Women’s Entrepreneur Network to educate women-owned small and medium-sized businesses on the latest AI technology and how to leverage it in their work.

As the first-ever Unified Champion City Schools coordinator for Special Olympics Michigan (SOMI), Jamar manages 100 Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) schools and one private school. He works with teachers, administrators and students to create inclusive atmospheres within schools and communities.

Amy participated in and won the Microsoft Hackathon in 2017, leading the first-ever eSports activation for Special Olympics for Microsoft. Amy’s Hackathon earned a financial award, and eSports was permanently integrated into Special Olympics with the partnership still thriving today. This resulted in Seattle hosting the first-ever Special Olympics eSports tournament in 2018 and a new product launch — the Xbox Adaptive Controller.

Jamar is driven by his personal experience on how to create inclusive learning environments for all students who go to school in an underserved school district. He created the first Unified high school basketball league in DPSCD history. Unified Basketball was part of the DPSCD Public School League Championships for the first time ever in the history of the tournament (since 1904).

Jamar is looked up to as a mentor by the students in DPSCD and has earned the trust of the staff, creating more opportunities for students with and without disabilities to come together to form friendships and shine when they support each other. He has turned DPSCD and SOMI into national leaders.

As a former student-athlete Jamar stays in touch with CMU’s track and field program, and he did his master’s research on creating sustainable sporting events throughout a pandemic in 2021.

Amy Hinchey, ’13, College of Health Professions As the senior product marketing manager on the Windows marketing team at Microsoft, Amy works in the artificial intelligence space, helping create the future and vision of AI for Windows and Microsoft.

In May, she was invited to give a keynote presentation for TechTalks hosted by Dell

Amy moved to Seattle in 2014 where she worked with a group of like-minded people to start Seattle Fashion Week — a nonprofit focused on bringing together the fashion community.

In 2019, Amy hosted the first Seattle CMU alumni gathering in over 10 years. She’s also hosted virtual events during the pandemic with CMU alumni in Seattle to stay connected. In 2022, Amy produced and directed a flash mob fashion show across three iconic locations in Seattle, bringing together more than 100 aspiring and talented fashion professionals.

Troy Lyons, ’15, College of Science and Engineering As an aerospace engineer at the NASA Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, Troy fulfills multiple roles. Much of his work is computational, where he simulates the mechanical properties of various systems and materials. This includes fluid structure interaction simulations of the Orion crew module in the ocean, and plastic deformation of metals and composites under ballistic impact and energy absorption applications. He additionally conducts environmental shock testing to verify that hardware is sufficiently strong to survive rocket stage separation during launch.

During his time at CMU, Troy double majored in physics and mathematics, he was engaged in experiential learning and research, received the Dean’s Award for

Outstanding Undergraduate Research and the Johnson Scholarship, and published a peer-reviewed paper. He went on to earn his Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from Ohio State where he worked to apply concepts from solid mechanics to foreign object damage in jet engines. That project was in collaboration with the Federal Aviation Administration and motivated by safety concerns related to the increase in unmanned aerial vehicles/drones in our airspace that will occur in the future.

Troy continues to engage with career advising and mentoring to help current CMU students and recent alumni.

Vincent Parker, ’18, College of Science and Engineering As the owner and CEO of Parker Management Group, Vincent has used his collection of companies to help revitalize Detroit and create equity and opportunity in construction management. Vincent owns and operates Parker-Jones Junk Removal, Parker-Jones Landscaping, PMG Investment Group and BCMP Development Group.

Vincent works to make a continuous impact throughout metro Detroit by improving neighborhoods, turning vacant properties into beautiful homes, and creating a better community and happier residents. His companies create opportunities for people interested in learning skilled trades and helping to rebuild the city — particularly for those from marginalized backgrounds — and he mentors aspiring entrepreneurs interested in building their own businesses.

He has hosted a networking event on CMU’s downtown Detroit campus, and he offers discounts on projects and services to CMU alumni.

Vincent credits Gearup, CMU’s multicultural and diversity office, and Pathways with helping him polish his professionalism — something he says he still gets compliments on to this day. >

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Stephanie Trexler, ’13, College of Business Administration As the owner and financial planner at Golden Goose Wealth Planning, Stephanie has created a business model to help busy women and their families build wealth and plan for retirement to make financial planning advice available to those who typically don’t fit into most other business models.

She created and has chaired the Student Success Summit, a virtual conference for aspiring financial planning students across the country. Over the past three years, more than 700 students and university professors have attended the event to learn from leading financial planning speakers across the profession.

She has raised and awarded over $10,000 to students pursuing a career in financial planning. In addition, she also created a mentorship program through the FPA of Michigan for aspiring planners, pairing students with mentors and providing them with resources.

Stephanie serves on CMU’s personal financial planning alumni board. She is the founder of the Once Upon a Room Grand Rapids chapter, a nonprofit organization that decorates hospital rooms for pediatric patients experiencing a long-term stay at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital and Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Center. Stephanie also serves as the alumnae relations adviser for her sorority, Alpha Chi Omega.

Marisa Vinsky, ’16, College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences As an associate attorney at Chartier & Nyamfukudza PLC, a criminal defense law firm, Marisa represents a broad array of clients on matters ranging from misdemeanors to felonies to expungement. Her firm is a top-tier criminal defense law firm working on cases with national notoriety and supporting a robust pro bono practice exonerating people who were wrongly convicted.

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Marisa has earned several awards for her work, including being named to Michigan Lawyers Weekly’s Up & Coming Lawyers list and Ingham County Bar Association’s Top 5 Under 35. She has volunteered at four expungement fairs after the Clean Slate Act passed in 2021, providing opportunities for members of the community who could not afford an attorney to get advice and prepare to get their convictions set aside.

During her time at Central, Marisa was a leader in multiple spaces across campus, including serving as the president of the pre-law fraternity Phi Alpha Delta, leading research as a Centralis Scholar, and serving the community as the Legal Clinic director for the Student Government Association.

Marisa has returned to CMU to speak to the members of Phi Alpha Delta, sharing her experiences in law school, as well as helpful tips for the students. She also has done informal mentoring of students who were interested in going to law school in the future.

Emily Wahls, ’14, College of Science and Engineering As chief meteorologist at FOX 32 in Chicago, Emily keeps the country’s third-largest TV market informed about everything from sunny weekend forecasts to impending severe weather.

She stepped into the top role before turning 30, and she is among a select group of women — just 8% of the field — who are chief meteorologists.

Before heading to Chicago, Emily worked as a meteorologist for the CBS affiliate in Lansing, then as chief meteorologist for Lansing’s NBC affiliate. While in Lansing, she was named Best Local TV News Personality by readers of the Lansing City Pulse, and she earned recognition for hosting the “Your Great Lakes Forecast” podcast. She was also featured on the Emmy-winning kids’ science show “Curious Crew,” produced

by WKAR and carried on PBS stations across the country.

Emily makes herself available to advise current students on how to succeed in the broadcast industry. She is a role

model for young women in CMU’s meteorology program, showing them just how far they can go.

Dana Whyte, ’18, College of Arts and Media As the communications manager and spokesperson for Michigan State University’s Department of Police and Public Safety, Dana manages the department’s website and social media pages, serves as the spokesperson for media interviews, and is in charge of internal communications, including developing and distributing a monthly employee newsletter.

She is the first civilian public information officer for the department and the first full-time communications manager and spokesperson. Within her first year at MSU DPPS, she launched the department’s first rebranding initiative, redeveloped the website, and has worked to implement a strategic communications plan for the department.

Dana started her career as a television news reporter, working in Grand Rapids and Lansing, covering historic events such as the coronavirus pandemic, the Black Lives Matter movement, and the 2020 presidential election.

When Dana isn’t working, she’s an instructor at The Barre Code East Lansing, a fitness studio focused on self-love and women’s empowerment.

She leads classes that help women prioritize their health and to give back to themselves through fitness.

Dana also gives back to CMU by mentoring current undergraduate students in the fields of broadcasting and communications. She helps them with their resumes, prepping for job interviews, and offers general career advice. •

Alesia Younes-Cooper, ’12 » Where she is today: Richmond, Virginia. » What she does: Sexual assault prevention and response policy and compliance program specialist in the U.S. Marine Corps behavioral programs division.

» What’s happening in your life today that

They’ve come

A LONG WAY This year marks a decade of honoring 10 Within 10 alumni classes. We asked the previous years’ honorees to update us on what they have accomplished since we last spoke. Here’s what three of them had to say:

you didn’t expect when you were named one of the 10 within 10? I did not think I would be working at the headquarters level of an enterprise supporting two incredibly important programs — combat stress and sexual assault.

» When you think of CMU today, what word comes to mind? Proud.

Nicholas Cozzi, M.D. ’18 » Where he is today: Chicago, Illinois. » What he does: EMS medical director and emergency medicine physician at Rush University Medical Center.

» What’s happening in your life today that

you didn’t expect when you were named one of the 10 within 10? I have a passion in teaching CPR and StopTheBleed to vulnerable communities on the west side of Chicago focusing on the Hispanic and African American communities.

» When you think of CMU today, what word comes to mind? Thrive.

Matt Franklin, ’04 » Where he is today: Flint, Michigan. » What he does: Evening anchor, ABC 12 News Flint/Saginaw/Bay City.

» What’s happening in your life today that

you didn’t expect when you were named one of the 10 within 10? Winning my first Emmy for a special series I co-hosted and co-produced called “The Path Forward.”

It was an in-depth and raw look at issues of race in mid-Michigan following the death of George Floyd in 2020. A few months later, I was selected to join the CMU’s Alumni Board. I felt this was my chance to give back to an institution that has given so much to me.

» When you think of CMU today, what word comes to mind? Pride.

Read about many more of the past 10 Within 10 honorees at go.cmualum.com/previous10within10.

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ALUMNI NEWS Central Michigan University Alumni Association Board of Directors President Scott Nadeau, ’89, Dexter, Michigan Vice president Erica Romac, ’13, Carmel, Indiana Past president Kandra (Kerridge) Robbins, ’90, Jena, Louisiana Directors Brooke Adams, ’11, Detroit, Michigan Lester Booker Jr., ’08, MSA ’10, Canton, Michigan Lisa (Laitinen) Bottomley, ’97, Kentwood, Michigan

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

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

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

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

Spencer Haworth, ’12, Kalamazoo, Michigan

Elizabeth Dilg, ’22, Mount Pleasant, Michigan

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

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

Megan Doyle, ’03, Chicago, Illinois

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

Jonathan Eadie, ’93, Grosse Pointe Park, Michigan

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

Norma Eppinger, ’91, Lansing, Michigan

J.J. Lewis, ’06, Simi Valley, California

Matthew Franklin, ’04, Grand Blanc, Michigan

John Reineke, ’09, Oxford, Ohio

Chris Gautz, ’04, Adrian, Michigan

Richard Studley, ’93 MSA, Grand Ledge, Michigan

For a full listing including emeritus board members please see https://www. cmich.edu/officesdepartments/alumnirelations/about/alumniassociation-board-ofdirectors

Central Michigan University Board of Trustees Todd J. Anson, ’77

Sharon Heath, ’96

Edward J. Plawecki Jr., ’75

Todd Regis

Regine Beauboeuf

Isaiah M. Oliver, ’07

Michael A. Sandler

Denise Williams Mallett

For a full listing of Board of Trustees meeting schedules please see https://www.cmich.edu/about/university-leadership/ board-of-trustees/about/members

32

Centralight Winter ‘23

Longtime House clerk reflects on 44 years at the Michigan State Capitol Gary Randall: ‘I have been truly blessed’ In a career spanning 44 years at the Capitol, retired House Clerk Gary Randall, M.A. ’72, has been a significant presence.

Serving with nearly 1,000 legislators and 14 speakers of the House, Randall’s commitment to public service remains unparalleled.

Starting as an elected member of the Michigan House of Representatives in 1978, he spent 18 noteworthy years before transitioning. Opting not to run in 1996, he was elected House clerk.

Across his tenure, regardless of which party held sway, he became an essential pillar of the institution.

“After 44 years ... I still have difficulty comprehending that. I have been truly blessed,” he said.

His bipartisan stance was appreciated by all, with former House Speaker Jason Wentworth (R-Farwell) citing Randall’s mentorship as instrumental. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who served in the House from 2001-06, hailed Randall as “the best of public service,” admiring his integrity and fair approach.

PHOTO CREDIT GREG DOMAGALSKI/MICHIGAN STATE CAPITOL COLLECTION

Gary Randall (center) poses with House Sessions staff in 2022.

Randall’s influence wasn’t confined to political halls. Over the years, he played a pivotal role in the preservation and maintenance of Michigan’s historic Capitol. From being an initial member of Friends of the Capitol to chairing the Capitol Commission, his dedication ensured the building’s grandeur for generations.

Randall was appointed to the Robert Griffin Endowed Chair in American Government at CMU, and from 2013-17, he taught two evening classes: campaigns and elections and development of public policy.

“That was a gratifying experience,” he said. “It gave me an opportunity to talk about my firsthand experience as a legislator and a clerk. To talk about that in the classroom brought the whole thing to life for students.”

Justin Easter, ’17, took Randall’s classes and is now on the House committee clerks staff.

“It was probably the best class I ever had because we were able to get different points of view,” Easter said. “I remember more things about that class than any other class at CMU. Clerk Randall was very hands-on. He really wanted us to learn.”

PHOTO CREDIT SHANNON SCHULTZ/ MICHIGAN STATE CAPITOL COLLECTION

Randall speaks at the 2022 Heritage Hall dedication.

working at Randall’s Old Mill Pet and Farm Center, co-owned with his son Clif.

His home, shared with his wife, Brenda, sits on 80 acres in Gratiot County, bustling with horses, chickens, cattle and over 120 beehives.

Randall cherishes time with family, especially his kids and grandkids.

And though he admits he’ll miss the Lansing scene, he eagerly anticipates the next chapter.

“You don’t spend 44 years doing something then just walk away without some feeling of loss, but I am looking forward to it,” Randall said.

Printed with permission.

A more extensive version of this story was written by Andi Brancato, ’79, and ran in 2022 a few weeks before Randall’s retirement. The original story was edited

by Gongwer News Service staff with additional reporting by Gongwer’s Zach Gorchow. Read the full original piece at go.cmualum.com/clerkrandall. •

As he steps into retirement, slowing down is not on Randall’s agenda. A passionate collector, Randall owns Model Ts, antique tractors, steam engines and rare steam whistles. He looks forward to Centralight Winter ‘23

33

ALUMNI NEWS Photo courtesy of Lonnie Huhman, The Sun Times News

Alumna’s boutique opens in downtown Dexter Grace Proper emphasizes finding love and warmth in everyday life Grace Proper, a store focused on slow living and connection, opened this summer in downtown Dexter, Michigan.

tangible items to help bring the love and warmth of life into the everyday of their customers whether at home or on the go.

“For a lot of us, those moments are more common than not and it’s easy to forget that we’re only human,” she said.

“We are here to help provide the tools to connect with others and yourself,” Jackson said. “We are excited to engage with our community and help them find grace for themselves and others.”

As for “proper,” Jackson draws from an experience she had traveling internationally as a child.

Jackson said in taking a leap to pursue her passion, she hopes to bring some joy to her favorite community. She and her husband, Dan, and their three children have lived in Dexter for six years.

The name of the store has a two-part story.

Jackson said “grace” is the most obvious word for what she needed to give herself as a young mom and business professional, but it is also what others needed from her in their imperfect moments.

“The first time I traveled out of the country I was 10 and went to London.

I found it absolutely fascinating that what they call London Proper is roughly one square mile,” she said. “All of the history and influence that could come out of such a small space — it’s the type of positive impact I hope to have one my own community.”

Printed with permission. The full version of this story, written by Lonnie Huhman, originally appeared in The Sun Times News: go.cmualum.com/breanajackson.•

The boutique, owned and operated by Breana Jackson, ’13, aims to utilize

Gov. Whitmer names three CMU Chippewas to workgroups on the Growing Michigan Together Council

protecting our natural resources,” Whitmer said. “These members represent a range of professions, communities and perspectives — all of which are essential to developing a comprehensive strategy for growth.”

The Growing Michigan Together Council announced selections for its key workgroups. The council will utilize four workgroups, each with a specific focus area: infrastructure; jobs, talent and economy; Pre-k-12 education; and higher education.

Four CMU alumni were among those named to the workgroups:

Members of the workgroups were chosen based on a variety of criteria, including past and present professional experiences, volunteerism, and philanthropic involvement.

Pre-K-12: Scott Koenigsknecht, ’93, superintendent of the Clinton County Regional Educational Service Agency.

“The diverse workgroup members of the Growing Michigan Together Council will be instrumental in our effort to grow our economy and population while 34

Centralight Winter ‘23

Infrastructure and Place: Lottie Ferguson, ’19, vice president of development and donor services, Community Foundation of Greater Flint.

Higher ed: James Sawyer IV, ’89, president of Macomb Community College; and Ryan Fewins-Bliss, ’02, M.A. ’04, executive director of Michigan College Access Network. •

Lottie Ferguson

Scott Koenigsknecht

James Sawyer IV

Ryan Fewins-Bliss

Honors for CMU Chippewas Glenn McIntosh, ’87, and Peter Provenzano Jr., ’07, were named by Crain’s Detroit Business as 2023 Notable Leaders in Glenn McIntosh Higher Ed. McIntosh created a 30-person council to grow diversity, equity and inclusion programming on Oakland University’s Peter Provenzano campus and helped Jr. attract more underrepresented minority students and faculty members. He also guides OU’s goal of becoming a leading LGBT+ friendly campus. Provenzano helped stabilize enrollment at Oakland Community College during the pandemic with a new planning process and an increase in online classes. Completion rates at OCC increased 23% in the past three years, and Provenzano continues working to double the number of students who graduate.

Laura Stowell, ’84, was promoted to director of fiscal services for the city of Midland. She joined the city as the controller in March and brings 38 years of experience, mostly in governmental accounting.

Melissa Gentile, M.A. ’05, was named assistant coach of the softball program at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. Gentile, affectionately known as “Skeeter,” spent the past four years as director of events for THE Spring Games, LLC, the world’s

largest college softball event held annually in Florida and featuring more than 500 Division I, II, III, NAIA and junior college teams.

David R. McGhee, MSA ’07, is the new CEO of The Steve Fund, the nation’s leading nonprofit supporting the mental health and well-being of young people of color.

McGhee had been chief strategy and program officer for the Schultz Family Foundation, the family philanthropy of Howard and Sheri Kersch Schultz. He also previous served as vice president of organizational excellence and impact at the Skillman Foundation in Detroit.

Sarah Coen, MSA ’99, has been appointed chief growth officer for Liaison International, an educational technology company that helps higher education campuses identify, recruit and enroll best-fit students with improved outreach, applications and enrollment processes.

Liaison helps more than 40,000 undergraduate, graduate and post-bac programs across more than 1,200 campuses achieve their recruitment, admissions, enrollment and student success goals.

Edward L. Bledsoe II, ’13, was named CEO for the North American business unit of the LNS Group.

Bledsoe has been with LNS North America as COO since May 2022, during which time he has applied his more than 30 years of manufacturing experience to providing leadership for innovation and growth throughout the company.

Jeffrey Collier, Ed.D. ’21, superintendent of the Saginaw Intermediate School District, was named the 2024 Michigan Superintendent of the Year by the Michigan Association of Superintendents and Administrators (MASA). He is the first ISD recipient in the award’s history. He is now in the running for the national honor which will be announced in February.

LaKisha C. Brooks, MSA ’13, MA ’19, recently contributed a chapter on diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging to the new volume of the Association for Talent Development’s Organization Development Handbook.

The book is a tactical, hands-on resource for those in learning and development looking to make that first step into organization development or those who are a one-person office doing both.

Retired CMU biology faculty members Gil Starks and Roy Burlington collaborated with Joanna Reinking, ’90, MA ’96, on the new book “Faith Johnston: Selected Columns, Poetry & Prose.” The book is a biographical retrospective of Johnston, noted Isabella County resident and CMU faculty member. Johnston (1902-1998) graduated from Central Normal School in 1923 and taught in CMU’s biology department for 46 years. She also wrote historical columns for the Daily Times News of Mount Pleasant (now the Morning Sun) for almost 30 years.

Copies of the book are for sale in the CMU Bookstore. •

Centralight Winter ‘23

35

In Memory Frances M. (White) MacKey, ’48, Dillon, Colo., died Aug. 11, 2023, age 95

Dorothy “Dottie” (Pratt) Haviland, ’47, Aumsville, Ore., died Nov. 15, 2022, age 96

Ruby N. (Hodges) Cain, ’48, Kalamazoo, Mich., died Aug. 28, 2023, age 93

Harold E. Perry, ’49, Ann Arbor, Mich., died June 17, 2023, age 98 Vera J. (Lint) Shann, ’49, Sparta, Wis., died May 28, 2023, age 97 Grace A. (Ensign) Green, Elsie, Mich., died Aug. 13, 2023, age 93 Barbara L. (Hewitt) Laursen, ’50, Appleton, Wis., died Apr. 17, 2023, age 94

Cristina (Moreno) Manker, ’50, Kingwood, Texas, died June 1, 2023, age 95 Dorothy L. (Wright) Haramis, ’51, Williamsburg, Va., died May 17, 2023, age 94

William E. Harrigan, ’51, Trappe, Md., died Aug. 10, 2023, age 94 Ruby L. Meis, ’52, Ypsilanti, Mich., died June 29, 2023, age 93 Dottie J. (Eddy) Theunissen, ’52, Mount Pleasant, Mich., died Aug. 3, 2023, age 92

Robert H. VanTol, ’63, ’89 MSA, Saginaw, Mich., died Aug. 13,

Rodney A. Simanskey, ’68, ’69 MBA, Au Gres, Mich., died Aug. 17,

Linda C. Bennett-Jaskulski, ’64, Holland, Mich., died Oct. 13, 2023,

James A. Madill, ’58, Frederic, Mich., died Aug. 1, 2023, age 87 Lawrence P. McKelvey, ’58, Lathrup Village, Mich., died

age 81

Joyce A. (Ford) Callahan, ’69, Saginaw, Mich., died Apr. 19, 2023,

Felix J. Bosco, ’64, ’67 MA, Bay City, Mich., died Sept. 18, 2023,

Robert J. Fleming, ’69, ’70 MBA, Marquette, Mich., died Aug. 12,

Sept. 28, 2023, age 86

Aug. 6, 2023, age 89

Walter F. Rieman, ’58, ’65 MA, Reed City, Mich., died Oct. 2, 2023, age 87

Fredric L. Guenther, ’59, Fredericksburg, Texas, died Oct. 7, 2023, age 86 Elwood W. Smith, ’59, Ballwin, Mo., died Oct. 10, 2023, age 85 Marilynn S. Wendt , ’62, ’64 MA, Waterford, Mich., died Aug. 30, 2023, age 83

Lewis W. Lash, ’55, Fort Lauderdale, Fla., died May 21, 2023, age 89

Jack W. Sears, ’56, Bay City, Mich., died Aug. 8, 2023, age 91 Seth C. Cotton, ’57, White Cloud, Mich., died Jul 25, 2023, age 91 Gerry (Johnson) David, ’57, Potterville, Mich., died Aug. 29, 2023, age 88

Darwin A. Diehm, ’57, Ruskin, Fla., died Sept. 8, 2023, age 88 I. Glenn Hignite, ’57, Auburn, Mich., died Aug. 20, 2023, age 87 Hazel J. Wrigglesworth, ’57, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, Philippines, died Oct. 2, 2023, age 96

Thomas J. Brown, ’58, ’65 MA, Linwood, Mich., died July 21, 2023, age 87

Mary (Andary) Crockett, ’58, Cedarville, Mich., died Oct. 12, 2023, age 89

Centralight Winter ‘23

Arlene K. (Downer) Patterson, ’64, Grand Rapids, Mich., died

Aug. 26, 2023, age 83

Charles B. Allen, ’65 MBA, Columbus, Ga., died Aug. 16, 2023,

age 81

age 91

Paul C. Heusted, ’65, ’67 MA, Atlas, Mich., died Sept. 22, 2023, age 80

Kenneth D. Louchart, ’65, Grayling, Mich., died July 19, 2023, age 85

Elizabeth (Reid) Zipp, ’65, Brutus, Mich., died Oct. 4, 2023, age 80

Jon C. Alden, ’66, ’69 MS, Bancroft, Mich., died June 30,

Joan (Fleischmann) Hall, ’60, Saginaw, Mich., died Aug. 28,

James L. Banks, ’66, Lake Odessa, Mich., died May 18, 2023,

Robert W. Hirschenberger, ’60, ’68 MA, Traverse City, Mich., died

Gary R. Bohas, ’66, Howell, Mich., died Aug. 9, 2023, age 80 Judy A. (Reibitz) Carr, ’66, Lansing, Mich., died Aug. 2, 2023,

Nancy J. Wild, ’54, Phoenix, Ariz., died Apr. 25, 2023, age 91 C. Robert Garrett, ’55, ’61 MA, Ludington, Mich., died Aug. 7,

age 88

Patsy A. (Langdon) Geeting, ’69 MA, Saginaw, Mich., died Oct. 5,

Jack E. Anderson, ’60, Kalamazoo, Mich., died July 27,

2023, age 95

Gladys M. (Cotter) Jurado, Midland, Mich., died June 11, 2023,

2023, age 76

Sept. 28, 2023, age 81

July 22, 2023, age 85

Aug. 19, 2023, age 89

Jack R. MacDonald, ’60, Coleman, Mich., died May 10, 2023, age 85

John Kenn, ’61, ’63 MA, Sault Sainte Marie, Mich., died Aug. 10, 2023, age 84

2023, age 78 age 80

age 80

Glenn F. Foldie, ’66, Kawkawlin, Mich., died Sept. 1, 2023, age 79 Arnold R. Oseland, ’66, Grand Blanc, Mich., died Sept. 16, 2023,

Roland R. Kohl, ’61, Flagstaff, Ariz., died June 1, 2023, age 91 Donald D. Leonard, ’61, Saginaw, Mich., died Aug. 2, 2023, age 89 Dianne K. (Yuill) McNamara, ’61, Gaylord, Mich., died May 2, 2023,

age 80

Sharon L. (Lipps) Sanders, ’61, Denver, Colo., died Aug. 14, 2023,

Deanna R. (Kazuk) Ritchie, ’67, Royal Oak, Mich., died Sept. 29,

age 83

2023, age 78

James W. Briley, ’62, Lecanto, Fla., died Sept. 7, 2023, age 83 Janet L. (Palmitier) Wujek, ’62, Waukesha, Wis., died Oct. 3, 2023,

Barbara K. Christensen, ’68, Harrison, Mich., died Aug. 10, 2023, age 80

age 88

age 83

Paul J Deni, ’63, Lawrenceville, Ga., died Oct. 2, 2023, age 84 William R. Johnston, ’63, Apex, N.C., died Sept. 16, 2023, age 81 Ralph L. Soffredine, ’63, Traverse City, Mich., died May 29, 2023, age 86

age 75

Keith Gignac, ’64, Matthews, N.C., died Aug. 23, 2023, age 81 Marilyn K. (Cederstrom) Klippert, ’64, Bay City, Mich., died

G. Ronald Vaughan, ’58,Cadillac, Mich., died Sept. 26, 2023, age 87 Marcile E. (Smith) Cunningham, ’59, ’73 MA, Saginaw, Mich., died

2023, age 88

2023, age 82

age 82

Sept. 20, 2023, age 84

Ann K. (Gibbs) Discher, ’54, Battle Creek, Mich., died Aug. 10,

2023, age 91

2023, age 82

Rena A. (McFadyen) Thomas, ’58, Oakland, Mich., died Aug. 10,

2023, age 85

2023, age 90

36

Robert E. Diment, ’58, Grayling, Mich., died Sept. 5, 2023, age 87 Karl J. Killman, ’58, ’61 MA, Grand Rapids, Mich., died

Annette (Stage) Casparis, ’67, Providence, R.I., died Sept. 8, 2023, age 81

Shirley (Witzke) Krause, ’67 Seaford, Va., died Sept. 6, 2023, age 80

Archie H. Kliewer, ’68 MA, Sparta, Mich., died Sept. 1, 2023, age 101

Robert C. Knapp, ’68, Oakland, Calif., died Sept. 17, 2023, age 77

Marilyn L. (Rykse) Nichols, ’68, ’69 MA, Fort Myers, Fla., died July 16, 2023, age 93

2023, age 88

Richard J. Napoletano, ’69, ’70 MA, The Villages, Fla., died Bruce H. Swing, ’69 MBA, Venice, Fla., died July 3, 2023, Terry D. Walker, ’69, Tucson, Ariz., died July 7, 2023, age 75 Connie L. (Balzer) Arthur, ’70, ’77 MA, Coleman, Mich., died Oct. 10, 2023, age 75

Dennis A. Hanson, ’70, Cedar, Mich., died Sept. 22, 2023, age 76 Virginia A. (Pope) Johnson, ’ 70, Greenville, Mich., died Sept. 21, 2023, age 76

Suzanne M. (Gannon) Max, ’70, Escanaba, Mich., died May 22, 2023, age 75

Mary G. (Obey) Maxson, ’70, Bay City, Mich., died Sept. 23, 2023, age 78

Mary K. (Carpenter) Prudden, ’70, Midland, Mich., died July 13, 2023, age 88

July 31, 2023, age 75

Wilbert C. Weaver, ’70 MBA, Plano, Texas, died July 9, 2023, age 88 Wallace S. Balcerzak, ’71 MA , Hugo, Minn., died Aug. 15, 2023, age 76

Sue A. (Marsh) Banks, ’72, ’77 MA, Big Rapids, Mich.,

Caroline C. (Hanson) Mertz, ’73 MA, Saginaw, Mich., died

Harriet L. (Ford) King, ’75 MA, Midland, Mich., died Sept. 13,

Joseph R. Benzie, Jr., ’72, ’74 MA,

Claude S. Deen Jr., ’74 MA, Flagler Beach, Fla., died Aug. 31,

Debra L. (Dornbos) Mellema, ’75, Muskegon, Mich., died Apr. 27,

Kay L. (Reichenbach) Cluley, ’72, Midland, Mich., died Aug. 16, 2023,

Michael D. Doran, ’74, ’96 MA, Ithaca, Mich., died July 20, 2023,

Jo Ann (Robins) Pelkki, ’75 MA, Saginaw, Mich., died July 24, 2023,

James M. Eickholt , ’72 MA, ’81 MA, Saginaw, Mich. , died Apr. 29,

James P. Fair, ’74, Acme, Mich.,

Judy K. (Pulver) Scheel, ’75, Okemos, Mich., died Aug. 28,

Clarence E. Kedde , ’72, Wayland, Mich., died Sept. 30,

Alice A. Murphy, ’74, Morrisville, Mo., died July 15, 2023, age 82 M. Josine Schafer, ’74 MA, Mount Pleasant, Mich.,

died Sept. 17, 2023, age 73

East Lansing, Mich., died Sept. 14, 2023, age 72 age 88

Jennifer M. (Joliat) Dale, ’71, Birmingham, Mich., died Aug. 26,

2023, age 76

Lawrence J. Mavis, ’71, New Baltimore, Mich., died Sept. 2,

2023, age 76

2023, age 74 2023, age 74

Ronald G. Novak, ’71 MBA, Grandville, Mich., died Aug. 8, 2023, age 80

Barbara J. (Vertin) Paredes , ’71, Auburn, Mich., died Sept. 16, 2023, age 76

Muriel H. (Hallgren) Pekrul, ’71, ’79 MA, Athens, Ala., died July 26, 2023, age 90

Linda S. (Eastman) Seder, ’71 Whittemore, Mich., died Sept. 22, 2023, age 74

Kathy M. (Hummel) Thelen, ’71, Lansing, Mich., died Sept. 7, 2023, age 73

Michael J. Tillotson, ’71, Owosso, Mich., died Aug. 31, 2023, age 81 Linda A. (Olman) Witt, ’71, Traverse City, Mich., died Aug. 27, 2023, age 74

Michael Larmee, ’72, Livonia, Mich., died Sept. 21, 2023, age 73 Cindy A. (Bishop) McCoy, ’72, Surfside Beach, S.C., died July 30, 2023, age 72

Kathleen E. (Kirsch) McDonnell, ’72, Waterford, Mich., died Sept.

28, 2023, age 73

Harlow J. Minkin, ’72, Palm Harbor, Fla., died July 30, 2023, age 81

David L. Rooks, ’72, ’77 MA, Cadillac, Mich., died Sept. 17, 2023, age 82

Thomas E. Eilar, ’73, Whitehall, Mich., died Apr. 24, 2023, age 74 Charles A. Horn, ’73, ’78 MA, Clermont, Fla., died May 9, 2023, age 72

Richard W. Kolinske, ’73, Petoskey, Mich., died Aug. 24, 2023, age 73

Sept. 3, 2023, age 96 2023, age 83 age 71

died Aug. 31, 2023, age 71

2023, age 78

2023, age 69 age 90

2023, age 70

Joseph J. Spedowski, ’75 MA, Big Rapids, Mich., died June 15, 2023, age 76

Wade J. Spangler, ’74 MA, Greensboro, N.C., died Sept. 30,

James R. Wachob, ’75 MA, Penn Yan, N.Y., died July 16, 2023, age 90 Sally L. Wallace, ’75, Fairfax, Va.,

Nena L. (Adkins) Strong, ’74, Mishawaka, Ind., died Aug. 12,

Kathleen M. (Sweeney) Cregeur, ’76, Bad Axe, Mich.,

Charles E. Brown, ’75, ’83 MA, Essexville, Mich., died Apr. 20,

Theodore R. Lueder, ’76, Mount Pleasant, Mich., died Oct. 5, 2023,

Richard B. Dart, ’75, ’91 MA, Lansing, Mich., died Aug. 31, 2023,

Thomas G. Martin, ’76 MA, Santa Maria, Calif., died Sept. 21,

James A. Eggleston, ’75, Stanton, Mich., died July 16, 2023,

Warren J. Nugent, ’76, ’79 MA, Mount Pleasant, Mich., died

Richard O. Fanjoy, ’75 MA, West Lafayette, Ind., died Oct. 1, 2023,

John W. Rogers, ’76 MA, Choctaw, Okla., died May 11, 2023,

Christopher D. Ingram, ’75, Grand Rapids, Mich., died Aug. 4,

Robert A. Sharperson, ’76 MA, Annandale, Va., died Aug. 7, 2023,

died Jul 31, 2023, age 91 2023, age 85 2023, age 71

2023, age 70 age 69 age 72

age 80

2023, age 70

died Sept. 20, 2023, age 70 died Aug. 11, 2023, age 67 age 71

2023, age 80

July 5, 2023, age 69 age 75

age 86

PHOTO BY LANCE GASCHO

Charles E. Roth, ’70, Stevensville, Mich., died Aug. 27, 2023, age 76 Susan M. (Reynolds) Vogel, ’70, ’74 MA, Eaton Rapids, Mich., died

Centralight Winter ‘23

37

In Memory William E. Ashe, ’77 MA, Myrtle Beach, S.C., died Sept. 7, 2023,

Douglas W. White, ’79 MA, Austin, Texas, died Aug. 12, 2023,

Kenneth E. Nelson , ’82 MBA, Midland, Mich., died Aug. 20,

Joan K. (Przygocki) Bouza, ’88 MBA, East Tawas, Mich.,

Mauricette G. (Bernardet) Bernardet-Case, ’77, ’83 MA, Mount Pleasant, Mich., died

Richard K. Austin, ’80 MA, Atlanta, Ga., died Sept. 1, 2023,

Blanche L. Proul, ’82 MA, Anaconda, Mont., died Sept. 21,

Nicholas T. Stabile, ’88, Macomb, Mich., died Oct. 6, 2023,

Robert E. Campbell, ’77 MA, Greenwood, S.C., died July 28,

Scott P. Baldwin, ’80, Ferndale, Mich., died Apr. 13, 2023, age 66 William J. Caldwell, ’80 MA, Grosse Ile, Mich., died Aug. 3,

Robert W. Scott, ’82 MA, Troy, Ohio, died May 30, 2023, age 83 Eva J. (Vickers) Sieber, ’82 MA, Lewis Center, Ohio, died Sept. 17,

Michael L. DeLano, ’89, Grand Rapids, Mich. died Sept. 19, 2023,

Debra S. (Deryder) Coller, ’80, Bellevue, Mich., died Apr. 27, 2023,

Dolores (Riesmeyer) Vaughn, ’82 MA, Tucson, Ariz., died Oct. 3,

2023, age 76

Helen M. Eisele, ’80 MA, Llan, Texas, died July 21, 2023, age 84 Richard W. Johnson, ’80 MA, Middletown, Del., died July 24,

Richard L. McConahy, ’83 MA, Carrollton, Ga., died Apr. 29, 2023,

2023, age 71

Ronald K. Kilbride, ’80 MA, Grosse Pointe Woods, Mich., died

2023, age 61

James A. Skahan, ’80 MA, Columbus, Kans., died July 17,

died Sept. 18, 2023, age 79

Teddy G. Tilma, ’80 MA, San Antonio, Texas, died July 19, 2023, age 79 Robert D. Warren, ’80 MA, Belleville, Mich., died Sept. 7, 2023,

2023, age 83

Joseph J. Angsten, ’81 MA, Manassas, Va., died Aug. 8, 2023,

Aug. 10, 2023, age 73

Thomas E. Brickley, ’81, Grandville, Mich., died Aug. 20,

2023, age 69

Thomas R. Burns, ’81 MA, Smyrna, Del., died Oct. 8, 2023,

2023, age 69

Donald W. Johnston, ’81 MPA, Saginaw, Mich., died June 15,

Aug. 14, 2023, age 60

Mark G. Ohlrich, ’81, Dearborn Heights, Mich., died July 31, 2023,

age 67

David A. Zellmer, ’81 MA, Garner, N.C., died Aug. 3, 2023, age 74 Frank Gancarz, ’82 MA, Morehead City, N.C., died Aug. 22,

age 81

age 76

Oct. 5, 2023, age 87 2023, age 76

Arthur Darien, ’77 MA, San Antonio, Texas, died June 19, 2023, age 83 Sara L. (McKibbin) Ham, ’77 MA, Big Rapids, Mich., died Aug. 10, 2023, age 85

Tori L. (Alger) Inglis, ’77, Charlevoix, Mich., died Aug. 30, 2023, age 66

David L. Justus, ’77 MA, Commerce Township, Mich., died July 19, 2023, age 77

Dennis M. Pelon, ’77 MA, Haslett, Mich., died Sept. 13, 2023, age 70

Mary L. (Singer) Platner, ’77 MA, Saint Germain, Wis., died July 12, 2023, age 91

Thomas E. Silva, ’77 MA, Fairfax, Va., died Aug. 27, 2023, age 80 Donald O. Brook, ’78 MA, Georgetown, S.C., died Aug. 27, 2023, age 76

Rhea J. (Bell) Carey, ’78, Cadillac, Mich., died Jul 21, 2023, age 85

Leroy C. Daniels, ’78 MA, Pickerington, Ohio, died Sept. 28, 2023, age 87

Rose Marie (Roznowski) Hensley, ’78 MA, Fort Wayne, Ind., died June 7, 2023, age 73 Thomas J. Mahler, ’78 MA, Millsboro, Del., died Jul 16, 2023, age 79

Susan K. (Lemaire) McDonnell, ’78, Bark River, Mich., died Oct. 2, 2023, age 67

William L. Rice, ’78 MA, Stephens City, Va., died Sept. 1, 2023, age 84

Jill M. (Beachy) Champagne, ’79, Elkton, Mich., died Sept. 5, 2023, age 65

Joan M. Knepp, ’79 MA, Nappanee, Ind., died May 8, 2023, age 87

Kathlyn C. (Schroeder) Mertz, ’79 MA, De Pere, Wis., died Sept. 18, 2023, age 76

William D. Rodgers, ’79 MA, Haymarket, Va., died July 8, 2023, age 86

Russell K. Schulz, ’79 MA, Doylestown, Pa., died Sept. 4, 2023, age 89

age 83

age 90

2023, age 82 age 67

2023, age 85

Sept. 21, 2023, age 75 2023, age 94

age 80 age 81

2023, age 64 age 72

2023, age 91 age 64

2023, age 85

Harold J. Gregorich, ’82 MA, Tucson, Ariz., died Sept. 4, 2023, age 83

Adell F. Harvey, ’82 MA, Marlborough, Mass., died Oct. 1, 2023, age 79

Edward W. Knight, ’82 Auburn Hills, Mich., died Sept. 22, 2023, age 78

Richard J. Meyer, ’82 MA, Arnold, Md., died June 20, 2023, age 81

Deanna J. (Raese) Mooney, ’82, Palisades Park, N.J., died July 25, 2023, age 63

2023, age 73

2023, age 95

2023, age 74

2023, age 83

Centralight Winter ‘23

age 69 age 59

David L. Hamilton, ’89 MSA, Springfield, Mo., died Aug. 3, Timothy H. Kinlaw, ’89 MSA, Elizabethtown, N.C., died Sept. 18,

John A. Yurgens, ’83, ’89 MSA, Fort Gratiot, Mich., died Aug. 3,

Robert S. Myren, ’89, Okemos, Mich., died Apr. 7, 2023, age 56 Kent A. Parfitt, ’89 Mount Pleasant, Mich., died June 7,

Wiletta M. (Potrude) Dobberteen, ’84, Cadillac, Mich.,

Isaly (Butters) Szetela, ’89, Novi, Mich., died Oct. 12, 2023,

David J. Grahek, ’84 MA, Breckenridge, Mich., died Sept. 4,

Carolyn R. (Kurtenbach) Wirtanen, ’89 MA, Liberty, Mo., died Apr. 27, 2023, age 72 Christine M. (Mester) Burns , ’90, ’06 MSA, Spring Lake, Mich.,

age 74

Edward M. Jentz, ’84 MA, Charles City, Va., died July 3, 2023, age 88

Maureen A. (Shelton) McGuire, ’84 MA, Denver, Colo., died Steven J. Thornton, ’84, Port Huron, Mich., died Sept. 6, John L. Carpenter, ’85 MA, Silverdale, Wash., died June 10, Jeffrey T. Daugherty, ’85, ’88 MA, Muskegon, Mich., died Charin H. Davenport, ’85, Grand Rapids, Mich., died Jan. 17, 2023, Russell L. Pierce, ’85 MA, Falls Church, Va., died Aug. 18, 2023, Peter J. Squindo, ’85 MA, South River, N.J., died Aug. 10, 2023, age 86

Mary C. (Laughlin) Gorup, ’86 MA, Phoenix, Ariz., died Jan. 3, 2023, age 71

Patricia P. Hall, ’86 MA, Highland Park, Mich., died Aug. 1, 2023, age 87

Thomas W. Hopp, ’86 MA, Shelby Township, Mich., died Aug. 1, 2023, age 83

Calvin L. Kellam, ’86 MA, Madison, N.C., died Sept. 15, 2023, age 67

Robert S. Pietryka, ’86, Clinton Township, Mich., died July 25, 2023, age 59

Elaine G. (Hauser) Lakin, ’87 MSA, Dublin, Ohio, died Sept. 20, 2023, age 84

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died June 25, 2023, age 60

2023, age 70 age 56

died Sept. 27, 2023, age 54

John R. Keenoy, ’90, Shelbyville, Mich., died Sept. 22, 2023, age 56 Mark D. McCrackin, ’90, Grand Ledge, Mich., died Oct. 2, 2023, age 55

Thomas J. Pollack, ’90 MSA, Harper Woods, Mich., died

Aug. 10, 2023, age 68

Larry D. Ruggley, ’90 MSA, Butler, Ky., died Sept. 3, 2023, age 71

Kathaleen L. (Miller) Clapp, ’91, Corunna, Mich., died Sept. 28, 2023, age 55

Mark E. Miller, ’91, Mount Pleasant, Mich., died Aug. 17, 2023, age 63

Marion H. (Williams) Moccio, ’91 MA, Holt, Mich., died Sept. 10, 2023, age 70

R.J. Swift, ’91 MSA, Saint Petersburg, Fla., died July 16, 2023, age 74

Mary J. (DeMouy) Poulter, ’92 MSA, Buckingham, Va., died Aug. 6, 2023, age 72

Oakley F. Sirrine, ’92, Midland, Mich., died Aug. 27, 2023, age 66 Martin J. Skelcy, ’92, Rockford, Ill., died Aug. 31, 2023, age 55 Hugh P. Barber, ’93 MSA, Springfield, Ohio, died July 28, 2023, age 87

Christine F. (Hancock) DeBoer, ’93, McBain, Mich., died Oct. 9, 2023, age 74

Thomas E. Drerup, ’93 MSA, Miamisburg, Ohio, died Sept. 16, 2023, age 73

PHOTO BY LANCE GASCHO

Joanne L. Schultz, ’93 MAH, Walled Lake, Mich., died Aug. 22,

Sean C. Pollion, ’03 MSA, Petoskey, Mich., died Aug. 12,

Barbara L. Bradley, ’94 MA, Williamston, Mich., died Apr. 20,

Carrie E. Bock, ’04 MSA, Bloomfield Hills, Mich., died

Thomas F. Pung, ’94, ’96 MA, Warren, Mich., died Sept. 23,

Jillian M. (Trombley) Smalley, ’04, Mount Pleasant, Mich., died

Julie C. (Penzien) Walters, ’94, Macomb, Mich., died Oct. 10,

Lawrence E. Watkins, ’04 MA, Flint, Mich., died Oct. 3, 2023,

Gary W. Buchanan , ’95 MSA, Sackville, Neb., died July 25, 2023,

Patricia A. Peters, ’06, Mount Pleasant, Mich., died July 24,

John L. Grande, ’95 MSA, New Baltimore, Mich., died

Ida M. (Baker) Terry, ’08 MSA, Detroit, Mich., died Aug. 24, 2023,

April L. Petersen, ’95, Gowen, Mich., died Oct. 5, 2023, age 51 Catheryn P. Windelborn, ’95, ’03 MM, Monroe, Mich., died

Andrew C. Hargett, ’09, Chicago, Ill., died Aug. 25, 2023,

Dianne L. (Rooth) Butterworth, ’96 MSA, Colorado Springs, Colo., died Sept. 25, 2023, age 82 Kathleen Kinney, ’96 MSA, Troy, Mich., died Apr. 2, 2023, age 76 Roderick K. Land, ‘96 MSA, Pineville, N.C., died Oct. 4, 2023,

age 40

2023, age 76

2023, age 52 2023, age 52 age 75

Sept. 30, 2023, age 68

Sept. 30, 2023, age 54

age 83

Wayne D. Milroy, ’96 MA, Cobourg, ON, died Jul 7, 2023, age 74

Shelley A. Gurvey, ’97 MSA, Winnipeg, MB, died Aug. 13, 2023, age 71

2023, age 56

Sept. 18, 2023, age 42 Apr. 27, 2023, age 42 age 69

2023, age 77 age 72

age 37

Jason C. Veenhuis, ’09, Palm Harbor, Fla., died June 21, 2023, Emily T. Perry, ’10 MA, Copperas Cove, Texas, died Aug. 30, 2023, age 45

Heidi J. (Fenton) Tunison, ’11, Grand Rapids, Mich., died Oct. 11, 2023, age 35

Nicholas P. Kastros, ’12, Saginaw, Mich., died July 17, 2023, age 33

Shani J. Penn, ’13 MSA, Detroit, Mich., died Aug. 15, 2023, age 46 Shannon M. Martin, ’16 PhD, Spartanburg, S.C., died July 20,

Aldwin T. Halvorson, ’97 MSA, Inver Grove Heights, Minn.,

2023, age 37

Michael J. Snyder, ’97, Colorado Springs, Colo., died July 10, 2023,

Sept. 19, 2023, age 31

died Apr. 18, 2023, age 87 age 50

Barry S. Echols, ’98 MSA, Vass, N.C., died Oct. 9, 2023, age 72 Janine A. Frank, ’98, Baldwin, Mich., died Sept. 10, 2023, age 59 Jeannine L. (Milbourn) Gonzales , ’98, Lantana, Fla., died Aug. 23, 2023, age 59

Steven R. Loveday, ’00, Clinton Township, Mich., died Aug. 19, 2023, age 45

Connie R. (Sheets) Palmer, ’00 MSA, Mount Pleasant, Mich., died July 16, 2023, age 69

Martha S. (Santos) Batts, ’01, Essexville, Mich., died Sept. 7, 2023, age 64

Ana M. Calvo, ’01, Miami, Fla., died July 10, 2023, age 47

James M. Vetter, ’01 MSA, Bismarck, N.D., died Oct. 13, 2023,

Chelsey A. (Janose) Shirley, ’19 MSA, Caledonia, Mich., died Te’Aira M. Carter, ’ 22, Macomb, Mich., died July 30, 2023, age 24 Nicholas A. Cebulski, ’23, Lake City, Mich., died Oct. 7, 2023,

PHOTO BY LANCE GASCHO

2023, age 80

age 22

FACULTY/STAFF Eugene R. Bushey, Hastings, Mich., died May 30, 2023, age 98 Peter H. Fries, Mount Pleasant, Mich., died June 10, 2023, age 85 Charlene Hubbell, Mount Pleasant, Mich., died April 17, 2023, age 75

Peter J. Moutsatson, Mount Pleasant, Mich., died May 1, 2023, age 81

Michael J. Papa, ’82, Mount Pleasant, Mich., died Aug. 24, 2023, age 65

age 58

Donna M. Keyes, ’03 Caro, Mich., died Sept. 5, 2023, age 63

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Serious

SNOW DAYS Who doesn’t love a good snow day?

1978: Skiing across campus

2014: Major snow removal

Throughout CMU’s history, classes have been canceled only about a dozen times for enough snow accumulation to grind things to a halt. However, no snow day was more epic than the blizzard of 1978, shutting down campus for two days in late January.

CM Life reported 24 inches of snow dumped on campus during a 24-hour period.

The storm posed a number of problems for CMU Food Services. Canceled food deliveries, along with staff shortages, made it challenging to serve the 40% increase in students who stayed in the residence halls for the weekend.

1978: Digging out cars

2016: Weathering the weather

The IM department sponsored a disco that drew around 1,600 students, and a snow sculpture contest was a hit, with first place going to a group of Trout Hall residents who built a “Wizard of Oz” snow scene.

According to CM Life, many students braved the elements to hit up the bars — those which were open — upon hearing the news of canceled classes Thursday through Saturday. Some even strapped on their cross-country skis to head over to Tom’s Foolery, the only bar open in downtown Mount Pleasant that first night.

1978: Moving mountains of snow

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Centralight Winter ‘23

2016: Launching a weather balloon

CMU hired three outside contractors to assist with snow removal, hauling the piles to the south end of campus.

We drive with pride

YOU CAN TOO

Order your CMU license plate today! go.cmualum.com/plate CMU, an AA/EO institution, strongly and actively strives to increase diversity and provide equal opportunity for all individuals, irrespective of gender identity or sexual orientation and including but not limited to minorities, females, veterans and individuals with disabilities. 10130 (5/21)

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NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID MOUNT PLEASANT, MI PERMIT NO. 93

Centralight

Carlin Alumni House Central Michigan University Mount Pleasant, MI 48859

CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY

Your dollars

MAKE CHANGE STUDENT EMERGENCY FUND

$1,308,451

dollars have been awarded

1,068

Students awarded dollars

$75,778 Dollars raised since July 1, 2023

750 Life is full of twists and turns — events that can threaten a student’s college education. At CMU, our Student Emergency Fund is there when our CMU Chippewas need a boost, often allowing them to stay in school ignite.cmich.edu/sef through difficult circumstances.

Donors since July 1, 2023

In her final year at CMU, Jennifer Peacock was thrilled to have been accepted into graduate school and receive a fellowship. When her financial situation changed and she was unable to afford her last semester of tuition, the promising future felt unattainable.

Without the Student Emergency Fund, she would have lost her post-grad plans. With support from donors, she was able to graduate from CMU and start her career.

Jennifer Peacock, ’18 Cultural and Global Studies

CMU, an AA/EO institution, strongly and actively strives to increase diversity and provide equal opportunity for all individuals, irrespective of gender identity or sexual orientation and including but not limited to minorities, females, veterans and individuals with disabilities. UComm 10902 (11/23)