Volume 77 • Number 1 • Spring 2008
centralightCentral Michigan University Alumni Magazine
Off-campus degrees help professionals excel
Remembering President Plachta – CMU President 1992-2000 You already Belong. NowBE GOLD. You’re already one of 160,000 members of the CMU Alumni Association. Now show your university loyalty and pride. Join the association’s 2,200 Gold Members. Gold Membership dues support CMU’s alumni programs and students while also giving you:
• Discounts on car rental and hotel rates
• Special prices at the CMU Bookstore and SBX
• Discounts on sporting goods
• Many more benefits
Join us. Find out how at www.cmualum.com CMU Gold Member
CMU is an AA/EO institution (see www.cmich.edu/aaeo). centralight Volume 77 • Number 1 • Spring 2008
On the cover Volume 77 • Number 1 • Spring 2008
centralightCentral Michigan University Alumni Magazine Executive Editor and Executive 10 CMU worldwide Director of Alumni Relations Anywhere there are offices Mary Lu Yardley, ’90 MSA ’92 (and even places where there aren’t) you’ll find CMU Editor grads – many of whom have Barbara Sutherland Chovanec earned their degrees through CMU Off-Campus Programs. Photographers Meet five alumni here. Robert Barclay Peggy Brisbane Off-campus degrees Cover illustration help professionals excel Writers by David Stairs, Tracy Burton, ’02 art professor Remembering President Plachta – CMU President 1992-2000 Cynthia Drake Scott Rex
Graphic designer Sydnee MacKay, ’98
Communications committee Kevin Campbell, ’74 MA ’76 Raymond Jones, ’73 MA ’80 Darcy Orlik, ’92 MSA ’95 Shirley Posk, ’60 6 8 22
Vice President of Development and Alumni Relations Features Michael Leto 6 Remembering President Plachta For advertising information CMU’s 11th president, Leonard Plachta, left a legacy of leadership and warmth. Call Cindy Jacobs, ’93 (800) 358-6903 8 Guiding professionals Meet Michigan Professor of the Year Norma Bailey.
18 The power of perseverance Follow Deborah Shear’s path from CMU to a top medical research institution.
22 Standing up for the invisible Meet Juan Salazar, who earned a degree against all odds and now aids those who need help. Departments 2 Letters Stay connected 3 Take Five Send change of address information to: Educating leaders with a new minor; student art at the Alumni Relations Capitol; and other university briefs. Carlin Alumni House Central Michigan University 5 From the President Mount Pleasant, MI 48859 Phone: (800) 358-6903 26 Sports Fax: (989) 774-7159 Meet star wrestler Wynn Michalak and his athletics E-mail: [email protected] alumni parents. Web: www.cmualum.com 30 In Support Centralight is published four times each year by Denison family supports Native American studies; the Central Michigan University Office of Alumni Relations. It is printed by Village Press Inc., Traverse endowment guides future political leaders; and more. City, and entered at the Traverse City Post Office under nonprofit mailing. CMU (an AA/EO institution) 32 Maroon and Gold strongly and actively strives to increase diversity Your alumni association source. within its community (see www.cmich.edu/aaeo). CMU provides individuals with disabilities 1 reasonable accommodations to participate in the 35 Alumni in Action activities, programs, and services announced in this publication. Individuals with disabilities requiring an 38 In Memoriam accommodation to participate in a program should call the event sponsor. 40 I Am Central
PRM 7821 – 28,400 (2/08) centralight Spring 2008 Letters Letters Remembering Story captured an Embers tradition The Embers’ last night
Editor: Editor:
I was sad to see The Embers has closed. Thank you for your story on The Embers’ closing. It was a wonderful tribute to Our family had a tradition for our eighth my father and brother who for so many birthday. Besides getting a two-wheeled years have worked to bring “real dining” Schwinn bike, we were treated to a dinner to Mount Pleasant. You did a wonderful at The Embers. I lived in Midland, so it job of expressing the last night of The was special dressing up, driving to Mount Embers. Of course we were all there The Embers will remain Pleasant with only my parents (everyone to say goodbye, as it has been more else stayed home with a babysitter) and of a second home to us than just the in our memories eating at our first fancy restaurant. place my dad works. There have been many stories written about The Embers Editor: I am sure my brother couldn’t have this past nine months. I believe you cared less about going out to eat when I was saddened when the Winter 2007 captured the real feeling of the place it came his turn, but my older sister and edition arrived to see that The Embers and how it was to say goodbye. I both loved it. We attended Central had closed! My wife Cherie, ’91, and I when we got older and would eat at The were married in Bay City on Sept. 29, Amy Tuma Madsen, ’81 MS ’93 Embers for other special occasions. 1990, and moved our wedding party Mount Pleasant, Michigan to The Embers for the reception and I am glad you were able to get the pork dinner. Indeed we all thoroughly enjoyed chop recipe, but is there any hope the famous one-pound pork chop! of getting the recipe for the pea and peanut salad? I always loved that and Unfortunately, we never made it back have never been able to duplicate it. to The Embers after that, however this is one memory that stays in Jean Melching, ’74 the banks forever. Thank you Tuma Wausau, Wisconsin family for being a cornerstone in Mount Pleasant for so many years. Sorry Jean, the peas and peanuts recipe will stay a Tuma family secret. Matthew D. Siel, ’91 But for those of you who missed the Holland, Michigan pork chop recipe, it’s online at:
www.alumni.cmich.edu/ Thanks for fun event centralight/fiftyyears.html. Editor:
Just wanted to send a quick note to thank you for all the fun and hospitality we enjoyed at the CMU vs. Purdue tailgate party – our first alumni event since we graduated way back in 1984 and 1985. This event was all the more special as it was also Family Day at Write to Centralight:Mail letters to: Purdue University where our middle son, Centralight wants to hear from you! Centralight Letters Jonathan, is a freshman in the School We welcome all letters from readers. Public Relations and Marketing of Technology. Thanks again, and we Tell us your thoughts about Centralight West Hall look forward to our next alumni event. articles or about CMU in general. Central Michigan University Mike, ’85, and Susan (Boldt) Mount Pleasant, MI 48859 Spagnuolo, ’84 Be sure to sign your letter with your full 2 Columbus, Indiana name and also include graduation year and Letters also may be sent by degree, address, and daytime phone number. fax to (989) 774-1098 or by Letters may be edited for space and clarity. e-mail to [email protected].
centralight Spring Spring 2008 2008 Take Five
Not so dull
CMU’s 3 Dull Guys definitely doesn’t live up to its moniker.
The sketch comedy show produced by CMU students was named the country’s Best Comedy during the College Broadcasters Inc. national conference Educating leaders in Washington, D.C. More than 400 entries were submitted for judging CMU continues to lead the way in various competition categories. with one of its newest programs – the leadership minor. Recent grad Mike Greiner, ’07, produced the show based on the The minor is the first of its kind at a CMU improvisational troupe of the public university in Michigan, and to follow and work toward a goal of same name. The group includes it now has more than 200 students creating and articulating a personal junior Cameron Dodge-White and participating, all with varying educational leadership mission statement.” seniors Greg Ott and Matt Hays, who backgrounds and career aspirations. perform regularly on campus. • Buschlen says he believes that the minor “What the leadership minor does is may be a popular choice due to CMU’s focus on the student and their success,” focus on creating strong student leaders. says Eric Buschlen, a faculty member Rao wins district award in the recreation, parks, and leisure “I really think that leadership is the services administration department. “It backbone of this university, and students Seven years of visionary offers a strong road map for students are finding that vision,” he says. • leadership landed CMU President Michael Rao in the spotlight this winter.
Capitol art Focusing on SAP Rao received the Council for The art of two CMU students is CMU has revolutionized its Master of Advancement and brightening the hallways of the Michigan Business Administration program, giving Support of Education’s House and Senate buildings as part of the working professionals the opportunity 2007 District V Student Arts in the Legislature exhibition. to continue their careers while learning Chief Executive Shown here is the work of senior Nichole software that is used by 85 percent Leadership Award at Lockman, who says her piece represents of all Fortune 1000 companies. the district’s annual “the way people see motion and color in conference in Chicago. dreams.” It’s on display in the Anderson The new online MBA program is the only online program that has a House Office Building. Junior Michelle “Receiving this award from CASE was management information systems Snay’s work is on exhibit in the Billie not only a surprise but also a tremendous concentration with an emphasis in SAP. S. Farnum Senate Office Building. • honor,” says Rao. “Credit for this SAP enterprise resource planning achievement is really the university’s. software provides the capability to My faculty and staff colleagues, manage financial, asset, and cost students, alumni, and other supporters accounting; production operations have been willing to make forward- and materials; personnel; plants; thinking decisions and take calculated and archived documents. risks that have helped CMU become the university that I always knew it “We have been offering a wide array of should be recognized for being.” SAP classes for the past eight years, but extending SAP into an MBA program Rao was cited for his dedication to is a natural and exciting evolution,” building alliances with corporate and says D. Michael Fields, dean of the community partners; lobbying legislators College of Business Administration. for more equitable higher education “Our new online MBA program allows funding; initiating new degree programs us to offer our expertise to a larger that correspond to Michigan’s needs; market of working professionals.” expanding opportunities for scholarships, volunteerism, undergraduate and Get information at graduate research, and study abroad; 3 www.cel.cmich.edu/onlinemba. • and promoting fundraising activities. •
centralight Spring 2008 One day our students may help find cures for Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, and Alzheimer’s. That day might be tomorrow.
Dr. Justin Oh-Lee, psychology professor Laura Tackett, psychology senior
Central Michigan University is nationally recognized as the 10th most productive research university in the country of schools with 15 or fewer doctoral programs, according to a 2007 Academic Analytics report. Our research involves professors and students working side by side to improve the lives of people around the world.
This is Central.
www.thisiscentral.net CMU is an AA/EO institution (see www.cmich.edu/aaeo). (see institution AA/EO an is CMU From the President
Meeting our responsibilities through CMU 2010
By Michael Rao, CMU president pursuing environmental responsibility and sustainability in our operations. The CMU community continues to follow its CMU 2010 vision toward “Going green” has helped CMU save national-caliber achievements that will millions of dollars. The use of woodchips benefit the region and state. This shared as a renewable fuel source saves vision helps focus our excellent team $2 million annually in costs. Fixtures of faculty and staff to meet the varied have been modified to use less water. responsibilities of a large public university Cleaning products used on campus are with an increasing focus on the needs of environmentally compatible. Meanwhile, our people. While our team is achieving on-campus recycling has doubled to 38 many nationally significant goals, noted tons of materials per month. In addition, below are a few recent priorities to all new buildings and major renovations improve our main campus climate. will follow the U.S. Green Building Council guidelines and earn LEED certification. Creating a safe, Sustainability is an important way of comfortable environment thinking that affects ways the university A major responsibility related to the first makes purchases. A Sustainability tells us that understanding and embracing priority of teaching and learning is to Advisory Committee will study and differences helps to achieve civility and ensure the safety and functionality of address issues like energy conservation, honesty. We recognize our obligation CMU’s physical learning environment local buying practices, and CMU’s as a public university and as individuals on campus, which includes residence carbon footprint to ensure that the to welcome all of the people who make halls. Our primary investment always university is ecologically sound, socially up the human race. We strive to achieve will be in academic programs. The just, and economically viable. this CMU 2010 priority by promoting university also needs to connect with the our message of respect for everyone. on-campus living and learning needs of Exploring a possible new generations of students and their Our world seems to face a great parents if it hopes to continue attracting medical school at CMU challenge in determining how people motivated and well-prepared applicants. To help fulfill its responsibility to improve will live together without harming or the quality of life in Michigan – particularly intimidating each other. While there is When weighing the merits of one central and northern Michigan – CMU a regrettable human tendency for some university over another, students and has moved into the second phase of to harm others based on differences, their parents consider factors like planning for a new medical school there is also a human ability to rise residence hall amenities and technology to address growing health care and above this by using our intellect to capabilities alongside traditional economic development needs. A medical understand the differences that concerns like safety and academic school would expand the university’s ultimately will help us succeed together. support services. Computer access, current rural health care mission and help varied and nutritious dining choices, address the growing national shortage of The university community is well functional furniture, and a well-maintained physicians while strengthening the quality prepared to engage in important campus attract the interest of prospects of health care available to our region. In discussions regarding diversity in the with strong academic preparation. addition, a medical school could increase curriculum, diversity education for clinical research on diabetes and related employees, and opportunities to engage Though these are important factors of illnesses that affect residents of the and educate our local communities. student life, safety programs continue to region, particularly Native Americans. These discussions are aimed toward be a critical priority. Steps are being taken helping us all enjoy more fulfilling lives to improve emergency communication Current activities involve engaging a as humans with vital differences. measures on campus, including senior executive from the Association installing emergency notification of American Medical Colleges together Earning your continued support telephones in each classroom. with academic faculty to develop a vision for a CMU medical education program. As its community of support grows Striving for with greater-than-ever involvement of alumni and partners, the university environmental responsibility Promoting diversity continues to expand its reach to improve 5 Another of the university’s responsibilities CMU decided long ago that diversity is an the quality of human lives. Thank is to the people of Michigan. One of the important part of the learning experience you for your interest, involvement, ways in which we are addressing CMU because it is fundamentally important to investment, and voice of support for your 2010’s fifth priority – integrity – is by the educated human experience. Wisdom university and its important mission. •
centralight Spring 2008 CENTRALIM CHIGAN UNIVERSITY Remembering
President PlachtaBy Barbara Sutherland Chovanec Photos by Robert Barclay and Peggy Brisbane
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centralight Spring 2008 MU President Emeritus “They had tried for accreditation by the other programs that benefit the health Leonard Plachta, who American Assembly of Collegiate Schools care needs of rural, aging populations. C of Business in the 1970s but didn’t In early 1999, he helped secure led the university from 1992 get it,” Kintzele says. In response, the legislative approval for the planning of through 2000, is remembered business school hired faculty, changed CMU’s Health Professions Building. as a determined leader who the curriculum, upgraded facilities and equipment, and applied for accreditation Kintzele says some of Plachta’s treated everyone with respect. in 1981 – just to be turned down again. defining personal characteristics were loyalty and respect. He died January 22 at Central But Plachta wouldn’t accept the Michigan Community Hospital denial. As dean he led the school “He was a loyal person, beyond what in Mount Pleasant at age 78. through an appeals process that you would normally think of as loyal to your family or an organization,” Kintzele Plachta, who came to CMU in 1971 resulted in accreditation. says. “He was really focused on the as a visiting professor of accounting “We had to decide whether to let it go or individual he was speaking with and before joining the faculty in 1972, pursue it,” Kintzele says. “He pursued it. was loyal in that way. He wasn’t thinking served as assistant dean and dean of That really started to put him on the map ahead to what he had to do next. the College of Business Administration in terms of effective leadership. That’s prior to assuming the presidency. an important part of his legacy at CMU.” “And he always treated people with Plachta was interim president from respect,” he says. “It didn’t matter January 1992 until October 1, 1993, “President Emeritus Plachta’s focused who you were or, in some cases, when the board of trustees granted efforts when he was president set the how you treated him. He would him the permanent position, which he stage for us to come in and take the never be disrespectful to anyone.” held until July 2000. Plachta returned university to the next level nationally,” to CMU’s faculty from 2001 to 2002 Rao says. “He led initiatives to improve Plachta also had a strong sense before retiring from the university. programs both on and off campus of integrity. and oversaw many upgrades to Shortly after his presidency ended, “When he explained things to different CMU’s physical learning environment. Plachta and his wife, Louise, were people or different audiences, you heard He also dealt with significant fiscal honored by CMU’s Board of Trustees the same thing from him,” Kintzele says. issues and established efficiencies with the naming of Plachta Auditorium “He told you the facts of the situation. that benefit the university today.” in Warriner Hall. They also received He didn’t just tell you what you wanted the university’s Distinguished During Plachta’s presidency, he led to hear. This built respect for him.” Service Award, the highest non- fundraising efforts to build CMU’s “President Emeritus Plachta is greatly academic honor bestowed by the Applied Business Studies Complex. respected, fondly remembered, and university, and were honored on In addition, he was president when dearly missed by the CMU community,” “Plachta Day” November 11, 2000. CMU became the first Michigan Rao says. “His passing serves as a university to license a charter school. “Leonard and Louise warmly welcomed reminder that we all get only so much Monica, Miguel, and me when we arrived Plachta initiated one of the first time to live, so we should live the years and showed immediate support for us,” leadership scholar programs in the we have as Leonard did – by giving says CMU President Michael Rao. “From country featuring scholarships and a four- to and caring about each other.” the time that we arrived, it became year educational protocol designed to A funeral mass took place January 25 at obvious that Leonard dedicated himself help students develop ethical leadership Sacred Heart Parish in Mount Pleasant, in an exceptional way to the advancement skills they can apply in their professions. of Central Michigan University.” and a memorial celebration took place Among Plachta’s other achievements was on campus February 10 in Plachta Philip Kintzele, chairman of the School of expansion of the university’s off-campus Auditorium. Memorial contributions may Accounting, remembers meeting Plachta programs unit. New initiatives included be made to the Sacred Heart Academy on a cold, icy St. Patrick’s Day evening educational programs linked to the Foundation, CMU Development, or the in 1980 when Kintzele drove to CMU revitalization of Detroit, increased use of Isabella Community Soup Kitchen. • from Ohio to interview for a faculty job. technology supporting distance learning, and the development of the nation’s first Plachta was acting dean at that time Plachta Memorial Fund bachelor’s degree in vehicle design. and was the first person from CMU A special fund has been established for those whom Kintzele met. As two accountants, In addition, Plachta oversaw significant who wish to make a contribution in memory they had an immediate bond. They upgrading of classrooms and facilities, of President Emeritus Leonard Plachta. became colleagues and friends and including new music and science The Leonard E. Plachta Auditorium Fund remained close until Plachta’s death. buildings, new and renovated athletic has been created to recognize Dr. Plachta’s facilities, and the renovation and Kintzele says part of Plachta’s legacy is love for the auditorium. Those who would 7 expansion of the Charles V. Park Library. his persistence in gaining accreditation like to make a contribution should mail gifts to the Plachta Auditorium Fund, Carlin in the early 1980s for CMU’s College He also was an advocate for adding Alumni House, Central Michigan University, of Business Administration – what and enhancing physical therapy, CSB 105, Mount Pleasant, MI 48859. • was then the School of Business. physician assistant, audiology, and
centralight Spring 2008 Guiding professionals
Michigan Professor of the Year: “I teach well because it’s the right thing to do.”
By Barbara Sutherland Chovanec It’s 4 p.m. Monday afternoon, and teachers. “Now is the time to start Professionalism is a key value Bailey chipper 60-something Norma Bailey developing that professional attitude.” stresses to all her students enrolled bounces around her classroom, in the middle level teaching program. greeting students as they get She asks them to revise their papers, But she doesn’t have to remind them settled in for a three-hour class. this time paying close attention often – she beams when talking to grammar and punctuation. about the quality of her students. A few minutes later Bailey is all business, talking about professionalism “It’s OK that this isn’t easy for you, “All of these kids have made a decision while returning papers she knows but it would be wrong if you didn’t to add the middle level minor as a could have been better. take it seriously and make an effort third minor on top of their major and to be a professional,” she says. minor and on top of their elementary or “I think in many ways you’re still “It’s critical that you have good secondary education program. They’re thinking of yourselves as students and communication skills for you to be the wonderful young people,” she says. not professionals,” she tells the future excellent teacher you want to be.” “Think about their commitment.”
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centralight Spring 2008 Bailey’s students describe her as warm, Bailey taught middle school students welcoming, tough, and inspiring. for 20 years in Plainwell, Michigan. She planned on teaching high school math, “Even though I come into this class but she was offered a middle school job really tired, I always feel like I’ve learned and took it – and then fell in love with the something,” says Katherine Heiss of middle school age group. In 1996 Bailey Clinton Township. “She treats us as came to CMU to inspire others about people instead of just students.” teaching this special age of students.
“On the first day of class, she had “They’re not children. They’re not jaded everybody’s name down pat,” says like some high schoolers. They’re able to Aaron Shelle of Lansing. “I felt like be communicated with, and yet they’re I had walked into a community.” incredibly spontaneous,” Bailey says. “I know how obnoxious they can be. They Shelle commutes every day, juggling can be incredibly bad when not taught responsibilities of marriage and a well. But when people teach them well, new baby, so it’s important that his they’re incredible. They’ll laugh, they’ll classes are worth the effort. cry, they’re real, and I love that realness. “She walks the walk, not just gives “Then add to that, it is the most crucial lip service,” he says. “Every time I time in the schooling experience. leave the class I’m re-energized.” It is the time when they’re making an unconscious decision about, ‘Is Building a community learning important? Am I a learner?’ Peggy Bris b ane Peggy Bailey was named 2007 Michigan “So our job is to capture them with Professor of the Year by the engaging, meaningful curriculum Carnegie Foundation for the that’s important. If you think about the Advancement of Teaching. She’s information age, why would kids have to “You can’t see teaching as just in your proud of the honor, though a little memorize the presidents of the United classroom,” Bailey says. “For me it’s embarrassed by all the attention. States? They can go to a computer and beyond that, because I’m trying to help have it in 15 seconds. So their attitude my students find all aspects of what “I just want to teach,” Bailey says. “I is, ‘Don’t give me that garbage – get it means to be a professional. So part don’t do this for the recognition. I teach me important stuff.’ So they want to of it is professional development. well because it’s the right thing to do. talk about cloning or why people are treated unjustly in our society. If we “I need to train and prepare people “I tell my students, ‘When you teach tap that, it’s absolutely phenomenal.” who are willing to be leaders, because a lesson, nobody’s going to be sitting that’s what professionals do, too. there grading it every day. You’ve got to They don’t just teach well in their own say to yourself: Did this work, didn’t it Positive teaching classroom, they go beyond that. I’m work, and what might I do differently?’” Wearing her signature tennis shoes preparing the future leaders of middle Bailey talks to her students about with a pen tucked behind her right level education. In their 30s and 40s, what to expect in the classroom, and ear, Bailey is quick to share a laugh they’re going to be the ones.” she models teaching techniques and or word of encouragement with her Bailey gives star pins to her students at styles she wants the students to use students. She seems to be always the end of their middle level program. when they’re middle school teachers. up – always positive. She describes herself as an optimistic visionary. “One of the things they hear from me Every class period begins with what throughout the whole program is, ‘Our Bailey calls “Good news, bad news, “I’ve been blessed with a lot of energy,” vision is like the stars, we may never any news” – an adult version of show- she says. “I have kind of a natural reach them, but they guide us in our and-tell for the students to talk about optimism about life. It’s a gift. journey.’ Well, I want them to have that anything going on in their lives. She vision of why they’re teaching, so the says this is important for her students “I am passionate about teaching. I pin is a lasting reminder to hold onto to know each other as colleagues. think it’s the most important work that we do, after parenting, and I want that vision,” Bailey says. “Because “We’re all in this together,” she my students to feel the same way. it’s not easy out there to hold onto says. “We’re all learners. There’s no And if I’m not up, they can’t be up.” your vision in education. What we competition in my classroom. It’s have always done tends to drive us. about, ‘Let’s help each other become Outside of class, she takes students “But I know that things can happen. I the best teachers possible, because to conferences for professional know there are places that are changing that’s what we all want.’ So you have development. And she helped them form a group for future middle school and can make it better for kids.” to have them caring about each 9 other before they can do that.” teachers: the Collegiate Middle Level Association at CMU. The 50-member And Bailey is influencing the future, group meets every other week to guiding one classroom at a time. • discuss professional teaching issues.
centralight Spring 2008 Peggy Bris b ane Peggy CMU worldwide By Barbara Sutherland Chovanec
CMU began offering off-campus programs more than 35 years ago and quickly became a leader in the new concept of off-campus classes for adult learners.
Now off-campus and nontraditional programming is the fastest growing segment in higher education in the United States, and CMU’s programs are still going strong. The university has 28 centers in metro Detroit, Atlanta, and Washington, D.C., 23 centers on U.S. military bases, and international programs in Canada and Mexico.
Travel the world and you’ll find CMU alumni everywhere – due in large part to off-campus programs.
“The Central Michigan experience and the Central Michigan product is shared with colleagues around the world with people from all walks of life, and we should all be proud of that,” says Merodie Hancock, vice president and executive director of CMU Off-Campus Programs. “They’re part of an alumni population that’s worldwide.”
On these pages meet five of the thousands of alumni who haven’t taken one class on the Mount Pleasant campus but are proud to call CMU their alma mater.
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centralight Spring 2008 CMU worldwide Building on experience Renée Walker, ’00, already had a wealth of professional experience behind her when she decided to get her bachelor’s degree.
“It’s a daunting thing to go back to school,” she says. “It’s a real commitment. But I realized that without an education, at some point it would be a deficit for me.
“If you’re getting good opportunities, you might not think it’s important to get a degree, but I see it more as part of my tool kit now – building upon the practical experience I already had.”
Walker manages corporate public relations for Kelly Services Inc., a global human resources company that has offices in 37 countries and provides employment to 750,000 people globally.
She leads her three-person team in handling public relations, media relations, R o b ert Barclay displays, the opening of Comerica Park, Renée Walker stands among the flags at and reputation management for the Thanksgiving Day parades, Detroit Red Kelly Services Inc. in Troy that represent the Americas region, including the United Wings celebratory parades and rallies, 37 countries in which Kelly has locations. States, Canada, Mexico, and Puerto Rico. and foreign and domestic dignitary visits. “The staffing industry is very dynamic. Walker took a leave from the mayor’s The world of work is constantly office to serve as political director for evolving, so we have a very unique the Clinton/Gore ’96 Michigan General story to tell,” Walker says. Committee, for which she developed “As a communicator, it’s been a and implemented an urban media “It’s a daunting thing to great experience to relay a positive strategy, supervised media relations, message that our company helps and facilitated strategic campaign go back to school. It’s a people find employment and at the operations. She also served as a member real commitment. But I same time helps employers grow.” of the 2000 Democratic National Convention Site Advisory Committee. realized that without an Walker has worked for Kelly Services education, at some point it for nearly six years, beginning in Walker’s mentor in the mayor’s would be a deficit for me. the government affairs area where office encouraged her to pursue her she provided legislative regulatory education, for which she is grateful. Renée Walker advocacy and managed Kelly’s political She earned a bachelor’s degree in Bachelor’s degree in action committee. She moved to organizational administration. organizational administration, 2000 corporate public relations in 2004. “CMU helped me take what I knew Metro Detroit centers When Walker attended CMU, she and expand it,” she says. “The was working for Detroit Mayor Dennis professors were able to bring real-world Archer during his two terms in office. experiences. If you’re a nontraditional student, you really want to know that As assistant to the mayor and then the knowledge you’re getting is from executive assistant, she was the center someone who’s been there and done it. point of contact for major city events, such as the Grand Prix, fireworks “My degree became a foundation for 11 me. It opened up a lot of avenues.” •
centralight Spring 2008 Encouraging the best Everyone entering Lora Villarreal’s “I chose CMU because I had heard it “I enjoy the interaction with all types building at Affiliated Computer Services was pretty hard, but you came out with a of people from all ethnic backgrounds. Inc. sees a sign reading, “Excellence.” respectable credential,” Villarreal says. Every day I learn something. With such a diverse group of employees that we Villarreal, MSA ’91, hung the sign “I had a great experience. The professors have, we’re constantly changing. Change when she took over the human really wanted you to succeed, but is opportunity – it’s excitement.” resources department for the business none of them let us slack off. I was process and information technology working, too, so in my free time I was When she’s in her office in Texas, outsourcing company based in either doing papers or doing research. Villarreal monitors world events to Dallas. Villarreal is executive vice I had no social life. But I knew there keep abreast of what news might be president and chief people officer. would be a really good end result.” happening where ACS offices are located. She and her staff stand ready to assist “I try to teach our people to strive for Villarreal says her accounting and their employees around the world.
excellence for their own self-satisfaction,” statistics education have helped her R o b ert Barclay she says. “This doesn’t mean perfection. in the business world, and the critical Villarreal says one of the biggest But I tell people when they leave work to thinking, writing, and presentation skills challenges her human resources ask themselves, ‘Was this an A, B, C, or have been essential to her success. department faces is what she calls “the a failure day?’ and then think about what war for talent” – competing with other they can do to make the next day better. “My CMU education gave me the companies for top-notch employees. knowledge base I needed,” she says. “All “My role is to make every single one of those things I use every day at work.” “We’re all fighting for the best of my people a success.” and the brightest,” she says. ACS promotes itself as an Villarreal encourages that success by, entrepreneurial, upbeat, fast-paced Thanks to Villarreal’s sign, the among other things, promoting education. company. It has locations in Europe, excellent employees know Asia, Latin America, Canada, Mexico, they’re wanted at ACS. • “When you don’t have a degree, that’s the Philippines, Fiji, and Ghana. always a cop out when you’re looking for a new position,” she says. Villarreal often meets with clients and “We’re all fighting for the the board of directors. And she travels best and the brightest.” Villarreal was living in Omaha, around the world to meet with ACS staff. Nebraska, when she decided to Lora Villarreal pursue her master’s degree from “I’m on the road quite a bit visiting our CMU. Her husband was in the military people,” she says. “I go in a room, I sit Master of Science in stationed at Offutt Air Force Base. down with the employees, and I say, Administration, 1991 ‘What’s on your mind? What’s good, Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska what’s bad, what’s indifferent?’
Off-campus programs: both rigorous and warm Strong academics and nonstop student service. Students find off-campus and online courses It’s part of CMU’s personal touch. These are two qualities that make academically rigorous, for which Hancock says Nationwide, the business of off-campus CMU’s off-campus programs she’s proud. education programs is growing in numbers and shine, according to Merodie “We will not apologize for difficult programs,” she competitiveness. And now the university that was a Hancock, vice president and says. “We won’t compete with other institutions by pioneer in off-campus programs must remain open executive director. making an easier program.” to change. She says students, who are And the nonstop student service begins even Some recent programs of growth for CMU include a mainly working professionals, before a student is enrolled, when staff members new SAP certification program; an undergraduate are pleased to find relevant painstakingly match students with the programs to transfer program that works with community courses that they’re able to fit their needs. colleges around the state; online charter schools; apply immediately in their jobs. and a vehicle design program. “We do a tremendous amount of education on the Off-campus faculty are a mix of front end,” Hancock says. “It’s really about getting Hancock says the faculty and staff are always academicians who present a theoretical approach the right students in the right programs.” looking at what could be done differently or better. and practitioners whose strengths are real-world 12 experience. Academic advisors have students write their “The pace of change in adult education is huge educational goals on postcards before their right now,” she says. “It’s a very dynamic mix, “It’s not necessarily the cheapest model, but we first class. Then CMU mails the postcards to the and you just have to stay in touch with it. We’re really believe in what we’re doing,” Hancock says. students after they’ve taken a few classes as a just not allowed to sit around and rest. We’re reminder to keep their goals in sight. very nimble.” •
centralight Spring 2008 Mike Morris is shown here with an M1A1 120 mm U.S. Army Main Battletank (left) and a Stryker NBC Reconnaissance Vehicle. R o b ert Barclay ‘Building the right stuff’ When Mike Morris travels for his job, General Dynamics has production plants for three areas: the College of handling or participating in reviews at and engineering prototype facilities Communication and Fine Arts, the the plants and solving the problems of throughout the United States and in College of Business Administration, the day, he often jumps onto a tank, Canada. The company also conducts and off-campus programs. ship, submarine, or jet to check out or supports operations in Australia, his company’s products firsthand. Egypt, Iraq, Germany, Qatar, Saudi And the Morrises attend CMU football Arabia, Afghanistan, South Korea, games – not only for the football, Morris, ’80 MSA ’93, is senior director of Kuwait, Morocco, and New Zealand. but they also bring grills, food, and production support for General Dynamics all the supplies for a major tailgating Land Systems based in Sterling Heights, a Morris and his staff handle production spread. They set up in the student division of General Dynamics Corporation. support activities such as product section and feed the masses. assurance, operations engineering, The company manufactures and manufacturing planning, facilities, “Even though I didn’t have the services land and amphibious vehicles, process development, and research. campus life, you can go to off- mostly for the military. campus programs and still be part Morris enrolled at CMU when he worked of the community,” Morris says. “We build weapons systems that provide for Chrysler Corp. and earned a bachelor’s a benefit to our country, to our soldiers, degree in industrial management. He says his eight-year tailgating and to our safety,” Morris says. “You hope tradition provides fall-season fun and you don’t have to use them, but when It was the beginning of his relationship one way for his family to continue the we do, we’re building the right stuff.” with CMU that he continued with a Master connection with their alma mater. of Science in Administration degree. “When I’m at the grill I’m having “The MSA helped in terms of management the time of my life,” he says. • skills and working in groups,” Morris “The pace of change in says. “I learned the finer details related adult education is huge to business and project management.” “Even though I didn’t right now. It’s a very have the campus life, Though both his degrees are from off- dynamic mix, and you just campus programs, Morris feels a strong you can go to off-campus have to stay in touch with connection to the CMU community programs and still be it. We’re just not allowed and Mount Pleasant campus. part of the community.” to sit around and rest. His wife, Laurie, is a big CMU fan. Their Mike Morris We’re very nimble.” daughter, Jamie, got her bachelor’s Bachelor’s degree in degree in 2002 on campus and an MSA Merodie Hancock, in 2006 through off-campus programs. industrial management, 1980 vice president and executive director, And their son, Scott, earned his Master of Science in CMU Off-Campus Programs bachelor’s degree in 2007 on campus. Administration, 1993 13 Mike and Laurie established the Metro Detroit centers Morris Family Endowed Scholarship that provides scholarship money
centralight Spring 2008 “I did a lot of looking around, and CMU was a perfect match because I had so many different options.” Brenda Lawrence Bachelor’s degree in community development, 2005 Metro Detroit centers R o b ert Barclay Mayor extraordinaire Come spring, you’ll likely find Southfield “I did a lot of looking around, and CMU Lawrence counts among her Mayor Brenda Lawrence walking with her was a perfect match because I had so accomplishments more active constituents at dawn in her beloved city. many different options,” she says. community involvement and an enhancement of the city’s image Lawrence, ’05, exercises and talks with “It was a long journey. But if CMU through a curb-appeal program. the people of Southfield three mornings can meet my needs, it can pretty a week in order to do two things at much meet anyone’s needs.” “We have a cleaner city and stronger once: promote a healthy community and community groups where people listen to the people who elected her. To support her public service interests, take ownership of the city, and Lawrence earned a degree in community we’re proud of it,” she says. By necessity, Lawrence has learned development with a concentration to be great at multitasking. in public administration. And as much as Lawrence promotes business development, she also focuses In addition to her mayoral position, she She began her community involvement on preserving green space in the city. has a full-time job as human resources in the public schools when her children manager of training and development were young. “Because we are a vibrant community, for the post office in Detroit, serving the we are inundated with requests for training needs of 13,000 employees. “After my kids graduated, I still wanted development or redevelopment,” she And she earned her bachelor’s degree to be involved in the community, so says. “We have to strike a balance from CMU while working both jobs. I ran for city council,” she says. between development and protecting the environment. This is a huge challenge. “I’m a person who, once I set my “I love public service. I like the fact that I goals, I don’t allow excuses, and I can make a difference through policies, “The development might be don’t allow failure,” Lawrence says. programs, and services. And I like having good, but we have to weigh the my thumb on the pulse of the city. impact on our green space.” She took her CMU classes at each of the metro Detroit centers in whatever “Southfield is a great city. We are one If it could, her favorite walking format she could squeeze them in – of the largest business addresses, not park would thank her. • on weekends, compressed weeklong only in Oakland County but also in the classes, one day a week, and online. state. We have a strong community and a strong business community.” Library from afar
CMU’s Off-Campus Library Services serves Then the document delivery area of OCLS scans the Peters says CMU is considered a leader the needs of 7,000 students who need library chosen articles and e-mails them out. nationwide in providing off-campus services for courses they’re taking online or at library services. off-campus locations. Through recent surveys, students and faculty have requested more e-books and streaming videos – “This type of information delivery is getting to The library staff provides research assistance by two collection areas where OCLS is expanding. be more and more of what libraries are getting phone, e-mail, or through online chat sessions into,” Peters says. “CMU has been a leader for a Peters said e-books especially are handy for students who often are busy professionals long time. We actually have an entire department because they’re accessible anywhere, and and welcome the help. devoted to serving our off-campus students and they’re electronically searchable. 14 faculty. It’s exciting to be on the front end of “We’ll do the search for them and give them a • tailored list of articles and citations to choose “It’s really a perfect technology for off-campus where libraries are going.” from,” says Tim Peters, director of OCLS. “They’ll folks,” he says. “It provides immediate access, get the citations and abstracts to choose what and it ends the shuttling back and forth of articles they want.” printed books.”
centralight Spring 2008 Supporting the troops Richard Severson, MSA ’91, works “It was a great place to get the public But even through the danger and tirelessly to make sure Marines administration background,” he says. demanding work, Severson says in Al Anbar Province, Iraq, get his job is personally rewarding. good food, water, and shelter. “Central’s known as a quality institution, and when you have the opportunity that I “Each day you know you’re doing He’s deputy for support to the did in the Washington, D.C., area, with the something to help,” he says. “That Marines for KBR, a global engineering, quality of the faculty there, it really bodes sure goes a long way.” • construction, and services company well for the quality of the institution.” headquartered in Houston, Texas. Severson says his public administration “Each day you know Severson and his colleagues provide degree has helped him with the kinds you’re doing something base life support in Iraq, such as of assignments and jobs he prefers – housing, food, water purification, sewage those that benefit the community. to help,” he says. “That management, and power generation. sure goes a long way.” There’s not much infrastructure available After retirement from the Army he was where they’re located, so they use large airport manager for Menominee and Delta Richard Severson generators for electricity and water counties, Michigan. He also bought the Master of Science in purification machines for potable water. Park Ridge Inn in Spaulding. Then when Administration, 1991 the KBR job came along, it was a way “If we can make the Marines’ jobs Severson could serve the United States. Fort Meade, Maryland just a touch easier by giving them a good meal and a good place to rest, “Especially after September 11, it was then maybe that just takes a little bit a way I thought I could contribute,” he of the load off when they’re out doing says. “Being able to serve my country their dangerous missions,” he says. again and being able to help Marines and solders get what they need to Maj. Severson retired from the U.S. Army do their job is important to me.” Go online in 1995 following a parachuting accident. Visit the “alumni services” section of the He served 18 years, and the last five were Severson spent a year in Baghdad as off-campus programs Web site for a wealth of spent in Panama as director of logistics director of logistics for the Middle East valuable information for off-campus alumni. for Special Operations Command - South. and Central Asia before moving into his current role – a job that involves The “career services” section offers career Severson finished his MSA in public a very real risk of injury or death. and leadership resources through CMU Off-Campus Career Services. These include administration through CMU when “There is a level of danger every day,” workshops, newsletters, and coaching he was in Panama, but he took offered through C3 Career. most of his classes while stationed he says. “There are incoming mortars. A at Fort Meade, Maryland. contractor died 75 yards away from me. Also online are mid-career job postings available to CMU grads through Experience 15 Severson says Fort Meade’s proximity “A third of the total war effort in Iraq is Alumni, as well as connection to CMU’s to Washington, D.C., meant the contractor support to the military. My eRecruiting Network. professors often worked for or were company has lost of bunch of people.” Find these services and more at retired from government service. cmuoffcampus.com. •
centralight Spring 2008 N a t h a n R a nd le , h is w CMU Off-Campus Programs ife V n Jr. enus, and son, Natha
“I went back to complete Right nearby. my bachelor’s degree because I felt I needed it for future growth, Right for you. especially for companies that are downsizing.” Nathan Randle
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Central Michigan University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. CMU is an AA/EO institution (see www.cmich.edu/aaeo). [email protected] 23245a 1/08 M i ch ae l an d Jam Off-Campus ie Morris “I got my master’s degree at degree programs CMU Off-Campus Programs, and my dad did too.” Jamie Morris s "ACHELOR OF !PPLIED !RTS DEGREE WITH A -AJOR IN !DMINISTRATION All MSA degree concentrations are also s "ACHELOR OF 3CIENCE DEGREE WITH A -AJOR IN !DMINISTRATION available as graduate certificate s "ACHELOR OF 3CIENCE DEGREE WITH A -AJOR IN programs. With just 5 or 6 courses you Information Technology can upgrade your skills and your resume. s "ACHELOR OF 3CIENCE DEGREE WITH A -AJOR IN 6EHICLE Engineering Design Technology s "ACHELOR OF 3CIENCE DEGREE WITH AN /PTION IN s -ASTER OF 3CIENCE IN !DMINISTRATION IN CONCENTRATIONS Community Development Acquisitions Administration s "ACHELOR OF 3CIENCE IN %DUCATION DEGREE %LEMENTARY General Administration Provisional Certification Health Services Administration (UMAN 2ESOURCES !DMINISTRATION s -ASTER OF !RTS DEGREE IN %DUCATION International Administration )NFORMATION 2ESOURCE -ANAGEMENT s -ASTER OF !RTS DEGREE IN %DUCATIONAL 4ECHNOLOGY Leadership s -ASTER OF !RTS DEGREE IN (UMANITIES Public Administration s -ASTER OF !RTS DEGREE IN 2EADING AND ,ITERACY + Vehicle Design and Manufacturing Administration s -ASTER OF !RTS DEGREE IN 3CHOOL 0RINCIPALSHIP s -ASTER OF !RTS DEGREE IN 3PORT !DMINISTRATION Degrees available entirely online: s -ASTER OF 0UBLIC !DMINISTRATION s -ASTER OF !RTS DEGREE IN %DUCATIONAL ,EADERSHIP WITH AN emphasis in Charter Schools s -ASTER OF "USINESS !DMINISTRATION WITH AN 3!0 EMPHASIS s -ASTER OF "USINESS !DMINISTRATION FOR THE 6ALUE The all new online Graduate Certificate Driven Organization in SAP is the fast track to SAP certification. s -ASTER OF 3CIENCE IN .UTRITION AND $IETETICS This nine month program will give you a s $OCTOR OF (EALTH !DMINISTRATION solid foundation in SAP, the world’s leading enterprise system, and includes a two-week SAP Academy that can lead to SAP certification.
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Central Michigan University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. CMU is an AA/EO institution (see www.cmich.edu/aaeo). www.cmuoffcampus.com [email protected] 23245b 1/08 The power of
perseveranceBy Tracy Burton, ’02
ever, never, never Today, Shear works at Walter Reed give up.” Army Institute of Research, the largest “N Department of Defense research institute Sir Winston Churchill’s famous quote worldwide, where she studies ways is inscribed on the cover page of to treat and prevent traumatic brain Deborah Shear’s dissertation and injury, or TBI, and ultimately improve served as her mantra for completing the quality of life for troops involved her doctoral studies at CMU. in the war in Iraq and Afghanistan.
“No matter what obstacles you might About 1.4 million people sustain a TBI face, you should never give up on every year in the United States, according your dreams,” says Shear, ’96 MS ’99 to the Brain Injury Association of America. Ph.D. ’07, now a research scientist Thousands of service members have at Walter Reed Army Institute of suffered some form of traumatic brain injury, which has been labeled as one 18 Research in Washington, D.C. “I also wanted to show my kids the value of of the most prominent injuries of war. perseverance and a good education.”
centralight Spring 2008 Shear researches traumatic brain injury research, at this time in our nation’s For Dunbar, it was a privilege to using a model designed to reproduce history, than here at Walter Reed. It watch Shear grow from someone who the effects of a bullet or piece of is both an honor and a privilege.” started out as an animal caretaker shrapnel twisting its way into the brain in his lab to one of his top Ph.D. at different angles and velocities. She Outside Shear’s office reads “Dr. Deborah students and now one of the nation’s studies ways to protect the brain from Shear.” She laughs and says she is still leading neuroscientists for developing injury, as well as treatment strategies getting used to being called “doctor.” treatments for traumatic brain injury. aimed at repairing the injured brain. An unconventional start “I am very proud of Deb’s In the lab, you can only recognize accomplishments, and considering Shear by her blue-green eyes. She Shear was 30 and raising three children the obstacles she has overcome to has a natural excitement about her on her own when she first decided achieve such a high level of success, as she dresses in her paper-thin to study psychology at CMU. it is a wonderful testament to hard lab suit, her voice slightly muffled work and perseverance,” Dunbar through a mask covering her mouth. The university became her second home says. “To be an important part of for the next 15 years. After finishing her such personal transformations is “This is where our work begins,” she bachelor’s degree, she went on to earn a by far the most rewarding aspect says, while walking briskly toward the master’s degree and completed a Ph.D. of being a university professor.” Penetrating Ballistic Brain Injury device in experimental psychology last summer. that produces the effects associated Shear’s story is one in which students, with a penetrating brain injury, including As a CMU student, Shear had and particularly nontraditional students, hemorrhage, pressure, disturbances, extraordinary success. During her first should take to heart, Dunbar says. and cognitive and motor abnormalities. year as a graduate student, she co- authored two scientific papers and a “When things get you down, and when “We take a very mission-oriented, book chapter with CMU psychology the obstacles seem insurmountable, collaborative approach to our work professor Gary Dunbar. Since then, she you need to dig deep down inside and here, and my own personal goal is to has published numerous peer-reviewed convince yourself that if you really want to contribute in any way that I can,” Shear papers and received national and prevail, you have to believe in yourself and explains. “The ultimate goal of our work international recognition for her work. make a concerted and focused effort to is to help develop safe and effective achieve your dream,” he says. “Deb Shear therapeutic strategies that can be As a graduate student she won a was able to do that, and I think there are used to improve functional outcome in highly competitive three-year National many others who could learn from her.” soldiers injured on the battlefield.” Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship – the first one ever awarded Shear is quick to give credit back, The sprawling building itself is pristine, at CMU. During the last few years of her claiming that she would not have with windows that cast natural light doctoral studies, she worked full time achieved this level of success without throughout the wide hallways and into as a research scientist, running her own the wisdom, dedication, and guidance this entity that prides itself on more laboratory at the Field Neurosciences she received from Dunbar, whom she than 100 years of service to the U.S. Institute, affiliated with St. Mary’s of describes as the “epitome of what a military and the world in developing Michigan Medical Center in Saginaw. mentor should be.” She also credits the cutting-edge technologies, life-saving psychology department faculty at CMU. vaccines, medicine, and more. “The number one reason why I’m here “They welcomed me back with open
T racy Burton at Walter Reed today is the education American flags hang prominently. and experience that I received at Central arms when it was time to complete my World-renowned scientists, physicians, Michigan University,” Shear says. “It Ph.D. It was truly just like coming home.” and other staff are pleasant and exchange is professors like Dr. Gary Dunbar who friendly hellos as they pass by. Many are believe in their students and inspire Perhaps they all shared a similar in Army uniform, a poignant reminder of them to make a difference in this world belief. Or five simple words: the importance of the institute’s mission. that make CMU a great university.” never, never, never give up. •
Shear has been researching traumatic brain injuries for the past eight years, but working at Walter Reed has brought it to a whole new level.
“Every day that I walk through the doors here I am struck with a feeling of humble patriotism,” she says. “You feel a very deep sense of pride at the military history held within these walls, and at the same time, you feel an even deeper sense of humility and gratitude for the men and women serving our country. 19 Deborah Shear credits “I truly can’t think of any place I much of her success would rather be doing this type of to her mentor and
professor Gary Dunbar. R o b ert Barclay
centralight Spring 2008 1
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Some people turn their heads and walk quickly when they see a homeless person or someone with a disability.
Not Juan Salazar. He invites them into his office and tries his best to help them through a system that often makes people feel helpless, like the odds are stacked against them.
Salazar, ’78, knows how it feels to be invisible. He spent a lot of his life feeling that way. And then he found his calling.
Juan Salazar, ’78, is a public benefits advocate for Legal Aid of West Michigan. Last year, he received the Grand Rapids Bar Association’s Liberty Bell Award for his contribution to the cause of justice. R o b ert Barclay Standing upBy Cynthia for J. Drake the invisible
Weslaco, Texas – New Salem, Michigan – September 1960 June 1967
First-grader Juan Salazar sits in a Juan is now 13 years old, the oldest of small classroom in South Texas, nine children in his family. His father and seven miles from the Mexican border. uncle are heading north for the summer, His teacher is speaking, but he and Juan climbs into the back of a pickup doesn’t know what she’s saying. truck for the long trip to Michigan.
If he speaks up in the only language he In New Salem, he works alongside knows – the language his parents and all the other migrant workers at the all his classmates’ parents speak – he DeBruyn Produce Company. He lies about will be punished. There’s a rule here in his age for the privilege of sweating segregated Weslaco – no Spanish in the through long, back-breaking days of hallway, no Spanish in the classrooms. washing, packaging, and loading carrots, celery, and onions for transport. Juan’s friend Maurilio Arellano’s first Despite going to school in fear of impression of Juan was that “he the teacher’s wooden paddle, young Juan learns what it is like to feel sure was not shy about expressing Juan is fluent in English within a few invisible – “thousands of people [migrant his views on issues, even if it meant months. Neighbors start coming to workers] came to Michigan and it seemed strongly disagreeing with someone. his house, knocking on his door. like no one knew we were here,” he says. I came to understand that he was an assertive, proud, and confident “I have this legal document …” they tell Some kids will keep working alongside person who was not afraid to speak Juan’s parents. But they can’t read what their families into the school year, his mind, and that part of his passion it says. So his father calls him over, and but not Juan. for those in need is rooted in his family Juan starts translating court summons values and his belief in fairness.” and mortgage statements before he is “My parents were people who believed old enough to know what a mortgage is. education was the key to a better Juan and his compadres hang out at The life,” he says. So Juan continues his Cabin bar for pool games and heated The neighbors give a bag of onions education through high school in Texas, political discussions, fueled by 25- or whatever they have to thank with his eyes always set on college. cent beers. They join COPA – Chicanos the Salazar family. Organized for Progress and Action. A guidance counselor tries to derail By the end of sixth grade, Juan’s school Juan, telling him point-blank: “Your “These are good memories,” says holds a graduation for the “brown people don’t go to college.” Arellano. “As a Chicano community kids.” This seems to be the end of the at CMU, we were trying to blaze trails line for him, the farthest his teachers “I had no use for him,” he says. where very few roads existed for expect him to go in his education. And he moved on. farm workers. Some of us dropped out; yet there were many others But Juan has other plans. Mount Pleasant, Michigan – who went on to have great success. August 1973 Among our ranks are doctors, lawyers, teachers, and public administrators.” CMU offers a scholarship to migrants, and Juan feels drawn to the rural beauty Juan’s activism takes hold at CMU. He of a town he’s never seen, so he makes marches on behalf of farm workers another trip north – this time for an and thrives from the intellectual experience unlike any other in his life. stimulation of his classes.
At CMU he studies secondary “I met a lot of interesting professors,” he education and meets other Mexican says. “I had a sociology professor I really American students who share a lot liked. I remember him saying that people in common with him. are all the same – the only difference is 23 that they’re either an ‘innie’ or an ‘outie.’”
centralight Spring 2008 In 1973, not all faculty members Security and are disabled, blind, or at embrace diversity. least 65 years old with limited income.
An earth science professor repeatedly The clients Juan sees all have been calls him “John Salazar” during roll denied benefits and are hoping for call, even after Juan corrects him. a last chance at what may make the difference between having a roof over After the third time, Juan starts to take their heads and living on the streets. to his feet in the lecture hall. His fellow The work gets harder, and the number classmates warn him to take it easy – of cases grows in direct proportion they don’t want him to draw attention. to the plummeting economy and a decrease in job opportunities. “I stood up and I said, ‘Excuse me, professor. My name is Juan Salazar. I am One day a single mother comes to named after my paternal grandfather, Juan for help. Her 8-year-old son and I am proud of my name,’” he says. has cystic fibrosis and is diagnosed as “failure to thrive” by doctors. There is a big tree on campus near Rose Arena. In late August when he The mother has mounting medical bills arrives at CMU the first time, the tree is and spends most of her time taking There are 11,000 Supplemental Security Income totally green. Over the school year, Juan care of her son’s health, including cases pending in West Michigan, leaving some watches in amazement and sadness as supplementing his food with special people no other option than living on the streets. all the leaves fall off in the late fall – he protein just so he can maintain his weight. has never seen leaves falling off a tree like that, and it seems like death to “Somebody thought they could save him. But in the spring, before he leaves the government some money by “It’s frustrating because poverty and to go home for the summer he sees taking him off disability,” Juan says. racism and unfairness persist, and we that the tree is starting to bud again. see people who are victims of it day in He takes the case before a judge, who and day out,” says Leslie Curry, litigation “Every year I would visit that tree,” rules in favor of the woman and her child. director at Legal Aid of Western Michigan, he says. “It was like my life.” who has worked with Juan for 25 years. “You change the world one client at a time. For that individual who made it Grand Rapids, Michigan – “There is a tremendous amount of to our office, we made a difference,” people seeking SSI,” Juan says. “When June 1978 he says. the economy changes, people have no other recourse. It weighs heavy, Just like he did when he was in grade But there are many others who but I can’t speed up the system. We school translating legal documents for don’t find their way to Juan. neighbors, Juan gets drawn into helping have electronic filing now to make people who are invisible to the system. things faster, but when you assume Grand Rapids, Michigan – that everyone is poor and some people Following graduation, Juan spends December 2007 are illiterate, how are they going to fill time working for Michigan Migrant out a 20-page application online?” Legal Assistance and then moves on A man stands by a traffic light near an to Legal Aid of Western Michigan, a overpass on Pearl Street in downtown Still, Juan is successful in 90 percent of nonprofit organization responding to Grand Rapids holding a sign that says, his cases. He ensures that his clients the call for equal access to the court “Homeless veteran. God bless you.” have medical records and documentation for everyone, including the poor. that shows proof of their disability. Light snow falls on a line of cars When they are approved for SSI, they’ll “I decided that helping those less idling at a red light while the man receive about $600 a month, in addition fortunate in the community was not walks past, glancing tentatively at to Medicaid and food stamps. a bad thing to do,” he says. “I found each driver until one rolls her window my calling here, my mission.” down and hands him a few dollars. “Some judges are skeptical. My job is to make believers out of them,” he says. “I For several decades, Juan tirelessly There are 11,000 SSI cases pending am a good advocate in that I don’t give works as a public benefits advocate in the West Michigan Social Security up. I am persistent, and I don’t give up.” to help clients who have no access Administration office, waiting to be to legal representation for housing handled by just six administrative judges. issues, landlord/tenant disputes, Those cases take two to two and a half years before a hearing is scheduled divorces, domestic violence, disability By the way, we checked in on Juan’s before an administrative law judge. assistance, and credit problems. tree a few days ago. It’s still standing Juan begins to specialize in Supplemental In the meantime, some people proud underneath a thick blanket 24 Security Income, benefits that are offered wait with few options left. of snow. • to people who are not eligible for Social
centralight Spring 2008 Grand parents Three days of fun – a lifetimeU of memories Give your grandchildren a gift that they will cherish. Come build memories and share in an adventure of discovery at CMU.
Grandparents University is a summer camp that brings grandparents and their grandkids together for three days of fun on the campus of CMU. This experience includes hands- on educational sessions conducted by faculty members along with other fun activities for grandparents and children ages 8 to 12.
Eat and sleep in the residence halls, attend special classes together throughout the campus, and experience many highlights of the CMU campus during Grandparents U.
The date of this exciting event has been set for June 18-20, 2008. Look for more information to come from the Office of Alumni Relations! Sports R o b ert Barclay
FamilyBy Scotttradition Rex Senior Wynn Michalak is one of the Since he began wrestling at age 5, Wynn “When I was growing up we always most accomplished wrestlers in the Michalak has been the most talented came here for football games and other history of CMU. athlete virtually every time he has taken events,” he says. “My family has always the mat. And he didn’t have to look been really involved with Central, and During his first three seasons, he won beyond his own parents for role models. it’s been a big part of our lives.” a trio of Mid-American Conference Wynn’s mother, Karen (Karner) Michalak, The Michalaks’ history at CMU dates titles, twice was named MAC Wrestler and his father, Al Michalak, were standout to 1974, when Karen enrolled at CMU of the Year, and twice earned All- athletes at CMU during the 1970s. Karen following a decorated athletic career America honors. He will conclude his has gone into the record books as one of at Bay City Handy High School. collegiate career this spring ranking the most exceptional athletes in school among the school’s all-time leaders in history; the three-sport standout was “One thing that really sticks out to me is that you always felt like you were an victories and pins. the first woman inducted into the CMU Athletic Hall of Fame and is a member important part of the campus,” Karen of the Mid-American Conference Hall of says. “It was a homey feeling. One of the Fame. Al was a key member of CMU’s reasons why I enjoyed it so much was track and field program as a thrower. that you were not just another person.”
“I was 4 years old when my mom In an era when freshmen were not was inducted into the hall of fame,” eligible to compete, Karen earned the Wynn says. “I remember going to the maximum three varsity letters in each of banquet, so from an early age I was the three sports in which she competed aware of what she did here. And I knew – field hockey, basketball, and track and my dad was a good athlete as well.” field. Arguably her best sport was field hockey, in which she was selected to CMU has been a part of Wynn’s life the United States national team in 1978. since childhood. With the family She averaged double figures in scoring in residing in Al’s hometown of Caro, basketball and once held school records 26 Michigan, the Michalaks have been in the 400-meter hurdles and high jump. frequent visitors to campus for as long as Wynn can remember.
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Her exploits earned her induction “They never tried to sway me toward “It’s nice to have my parents at all my into the CMU Athletic Hall of Fame CMU. It was more about finding a school matches,” he says. “They are always in 1988 and the Mid-American that fit with what I wanted to do.” there for me whether it’s something in Conference Hall of Fame in 1992. school, wrestling, or something socially But everyone in the family benefited that I need some help with. We’re a “It was probably one of the biggest when Wynn chose CMU. Al and Karen pretty close family, and I know they want highlights of my life,” Karen says of her have had the opportunity to closely what is best for my brother and me.” induction into the CMU Hall of Fame. “I follow his collegiate career while also never expected it. Just to be nominated, supporting their youngest son, 17-year- As he nears graduation, Wynn is about I thought, was really something. To be old Kellen, an aspiring hockey player. to follow in his parents’ footsteps the first woman to be inducted was in another area of life. Both Karen important to me because I think it laid “We’ve tried to follow Wynn all over and Al are teachers, and Wynn is the foundation for other women to follow. during his career,” Al says. “We’re pursing a secondary education I have always treasured that honor.” fortunate that with our jobs we have degree with a double major in been able to follow him as much as mathematics and physical education. While Karen was piecing together we have. It’s something that has been one of the finest overall athletics a very important part of our lives.” “I know that I like working with kids, careers in the history of CMU, Al was and seeing the life that my parents had leaving his mark on the Chippewas’ Wynn appreciates the support. and how they were able to always be track and field program. there for my brother and me made me feel that education was the best way to Al began his collegiate career at Olivet go,” Wynn says. “My goal is to make the Karen (Karner) Michalak College with plans to play football. He life of my future family as good as my worked a factory job for a semester parents made it for my brother and me.”
R o b ert Barclay before deciding to enroll at CMU and compete in track and field. Al, whose Karen and Al may not have influenced career overlapped with that of 1978 Wynn’s selection of CMU, but their NCAA national indoor champion shot constant support has helped him putter Bruno Pauletto, was a point write another winning chapter in the scorer at both the MAC Outdoor Michalak family legacy at CMU. • Championships and MAC Indoor Family tradition Championships during his career. Al Michalak “It was just a fun time, and I got to meet a lot of different people,” says Al of his collegiate career. “Just to be able to be a part of the team and travel everywhere with the team was a big deal to me. We competed at events where I had the opportunity to throw against world-class throwers, and those
are some special memories for me.”
hoto p ile f U M C
CMU file photo When it came time for Wynn to select a college, Karen and Al were careful not to let their feelings for their alma mater play a role in his decision.
“It was completely his idea, but we were really excited when he chose CMU,” Al says. “We went on quite a few visits, but he was really impressed with Coach Borrelli. We tried to stay out of his decision completely.”
Wynn received scholarship offers to compete in both football and wrestling at the collegiate level, and he carefully weighed all of his options before ultimately reaching the same conclusion his parents did 30 years before: that CMU was the right school for him. 27 “They definitely let me make my own decision on a school and decide where I felt I would be the happiest,” Wynn says. Wynn Michalak Peggy Brisbane
centralight Spring 2008 Sports Deromedi enters College Football Hall of Fame Former CMU head football coach and Two individuals who played director of athletics Herb Deromedi joined in the MAC have been the College Football Hall of Fame this enshrined in South Bend: winter, honored by the National Football Toledo defensive tackle Mel Foundation during an awards dinner at Long (1969-71) and Miami The Waldorf-Astoria in New York City. linebacker Bob Babich (1966- 68). Other coaches in the “When I found out I was going to be hall who had served as head inducted, I was very humbled by the coaches in the MAC include honor because of what the game of Woody Hayes (Miami, 1949- football has meant to me and because 50), Ara Parseghian (Miami, I was recognized alongside people 1951-55), Bo Schembechler that have represented the game as (Miami 1963-68), Don coaches,” Deromedi says. “It’s an Nehlen (Bowling Green, honor that I will always treasure.” 1968-76), and Don James (Kent State, 1971-74). Joining Deromedi in the Class of 2007 inductees were Joe Paterno, current Deromedi (110-55-10 overall) and longtime Penn State coach, and is the winningest coach 12 former players, including Doug in both CMU and MAC Flutie, Boston College quarterback, history. His 90 MAC wins CMU’s Herb Deromedi (right) with Vince Dooley, Ahmad Rashad, Oregon running also are a conference record. hall of famer from the University of Georgia. back and wide receiver, and Dave He guided the Chippewas to Brown, Michigan defensive back. three MAC titles during his Two of the most significant wins in 16-year tenure and was twice named Deromedi learned of his induction school history came with Deromedi MAC Coach of the Year. When he left in a most unlikely way. He and his on the sideline. He oversaw CMU’s CMU’s sideline, Deromedi ranked 15th wife, Marilyn, had planned a visit to 20-3 win at No. 18 Michigan State in nationally among active coaches in Washington, D.C., and Marilyn had 1991, then returned to East Lansing terms of winning percentage (.657). ordered a new pair of walking shoes and led the Chippewas to a 24-20 for the trip. When a package arrived Deromedi joined Roy Kramer’s staff at win over the Spartans in 1992. at his house, Deromedi opened it, CMU as an assistant in 1967. He was A total of 71 Chippewas earned All- expecting to see the shoes his wife promoted to defensive coordinator MAC first team honors under Deromedi, had purchased. Instead, he found a in 1969, a position he held when the including future NFL players Curtis football, sent by the National Football Chippewas won the NCAA Division Adams, Ray Bentley, Jim Bowman, Foundation, congratulating him on II national championship in 1974. his pending enshrinement into the Brock Gutierrez, Gary Hogeboom, College Football Hall of Fame. He succeeded Kramer as head coach in Robert Jackson, and Scott Rehberg. 1978, becoming the 16th head football Deromedi has served on the NCAA “I was extremely taken aback by it coach in school history. Deromedi served Football Rules Committee (chair in 2003), because I wasn’t expecting to see as head coach at CMU from 1978-93, the Michigan Chapter of the National anything like that,” Deromedi says. leading the Chippewas to MAC titles in Football Foundation, the NCAA Division “When Marilyn got home and I shared 1979, 1980, and 1990. He was named I Strategic Planning Cabinet, and the it with her, it was a very emotional MAC Coach of the Year in 1980 and NCAA Football Issues Committee. moment, and one that I will never forget.” 1990 and is the only coach to win a MAC title in three different decades. The College Football Hall of Fame He is a member of the Royal Oak High School Hall of Fame, the numbers just more than 800 members, “I thought that we did a great job as a CMU Athletic Hall of Fame, and the and only 173 coaches are currently coaching staff of teaching players what Michigan Sports Hall of Fame. enshrined. Deromedi is the first we wanted to have done, and our players representative of CMU to be elected performed what we wanted to have done Deromedi’s 12 years as director of to the College Football Hall of Fame on the field,” Deromedi says about his athletics at CMU were highlighted and the second head coach to be teams. “I felt that when people watched by an extensive upgrade of CMU’s recognized primarily for his work in 28 us play, they saw a team that was well- athletics facilities. CMU won a total the Mid-American Conference (Doyt schooled and was disciplined and a team of 34 MAC championships during Perry, Bowling Green, 1955-64). that was tough. We took pride in saying his tenure and claimed the MAC that we were a tough football team.” Institutional Academic Achievement Award eight times in a nine-year span. •
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A banner season R o b ert Barclay By Scott Rex Ford Field in downtown Detroit is starting to feel like a second home for the CMU football program and its fans.
For the second consecutive season, the maroon and gold descended on Detroit and laid claim to the Mid-American Conference championship trophy. Sophomore quarterback Dan LeFevour was named the MAC Championship Game’s Most Valuable Player after passing for 185 yards and a touchdown and running for 170 yards and two scores in the Chippewas’ 35-10 win over Miami University. The victory secured back-to-back conference titles for CMU for the first time since 1979-80.
CMU returned to Detroit to represent the conference against Big Ten Conference
foe Purdue University in the Motor Bris b ane Peggy City Bowl Dec. 26. LeFevour, whose Texas, 2005) as the only major college victory. Overall, he is the ninth coach to six total touchdowns (four passing, quarterbacks to pass for at least guide his team to an outright MAC title two rushing) tied a record for any bowl 3,000 yards and rush for at least 1,000 in the conference’s 61-year history. game, led a second-half rally that saw yards in the same season. Antonio CMU tie the game at 48-48 with 1:09 Brown was named the conference’s The Chippewas claimed a total of 10 remaining. Purdue’s Chris Summers freshman of the year after catching a All-MAC selections and six Academic converted a 40-yard field goal on the school-record 102 passes for 1,003 All-MAC honorees. It marked the game’s final play to lift the Boilermakers yards. Brown also was selected to five second consecutive season in which to a 51-48 victory in front of a Motor different Freshman All-America teams. CMU boasted the highest total of City Bowl record crowd of 60,624. both all-conference and academic Head coach Butch Jones also joined all-conference selections. • 29 LeFevour left his mark on the school, exclusive company, becoming just the conference, and national record books. second first-year head coach to lead The MAC Offensive Player of the Year his team to a MAC Championship game joined Vince Young (University of
centralight Spring 2008 In Support
Building project moves forward
William S. Ballenger III Cathie and Bob Janson Dr. William P. Browne Jansons’ pledge provides fundraising momentum Capitol internship endowment More than four decades have passed since Bob Janson taught his first class, but he remembers exactly to guide future political leaders how he felt during that first year in the classroom. Program honors former and offer guidance and financial Perhaps it’s because his enthusiasm for instructors Ballenger support to these students. It is my serving as an educator has never changed. hope that this endowment will be and Browne an organized process of applying “I remember telling one of my colleagues that first for and gaining opportunities to Two political leaders who have year, ‘I love this job so much, I’d do it for nothing.’ I felt work in Michigan government.” influenced hundreds of former that same way right up until I retired,” says Janson, CMU political science students ’62, who began his career teaching in the Lakeview St. Ballenger, editor of Inside Michigan also will have an effect on Clair Shores School District and eventually retired in Politics, served as the Robert and future students through an 1997 as superintendent of the Mount Pleasant Public Marjorie Griffin Endowed Chair endowment in their names. School District. “I definitely would do it all over again.” in American Government at CMU from 2003-2007. He is a former The William S. Ballenger III and Janson’s wife, Cathie, ’63, also is a longtime state representative and senator, Dr. William P. Browne Capitol educator who shares his passion for education. She director of the State of Department Internship Program Endowment invested her career in teaching at the elementary of Licensing and Regulation, will benefit students and political and middle school levels in the Lakeview St. and a former state racing science majors in CMU’s Clair Shores and St. Louis public school districts. commissioner. He also served College of Humanities and She also taught classes in reading at CMU. as deputy assistant secretary of Social and Behavioral Sciences the U.S. Department of Health, beginning in the fall of 2008. The Jansons’ collective interests in education Education and Welfare in President and unwavering commitment to their alma mater The endowment will place students Gerald R. Ford’s administration. inspired them to make a $50,000 pledge to name in 15-week internship programs one of the Reading Clinic classrooms in the new Browne taught political science within the Michigan Senate Education Building at CMU. The Reading Clinic was at CMU for more than 30 and House of Representatives. of particular interest to them because of Cathie’s years and was instrumental in Students will have first-hand deep interest in the importance of the teaching establishing both the master interaction with current public of reading, which is a fundamental to learning. of public administration and policy issues in state and federal internship programs within government and opportunities to “Our undergraduate degrees prepared us well for our CMU’s Department of Political learn how policy is molded through careers in public education,” Bob Janson says. “Our gift Science. Browne passed away in public opinion, political leadership, is given to thank CMU and also to help support CMU in 2005 after a 12-year battle with interest group advocacy, its mission to prepare future public school educators.” chronic myelogenous leukemia. legislative and executive branch The new technology-rich Education Building processes, and media coverage. The William S. Ballenger III and will consolidate CMU’s education-related Dr. William P. Browne Capitol “Many students in the seminars programs and increase collaboration for Internship Program Endowment that I taught showed interest in research, classes, and special projects. was designed to continue the internship opportunities in Lansing, internship program that Browne but did not know how to go about “Cathie and I are enthused by what the college helped to establish. Students applying for and securing one,” wants to do with this building to continue providing who will be awarded the says Ballenger. “It was hit or miss excellent training for public school teachers,” internships through the newly as to whether they would even 30 says Janson, who is chairing the Education established endowment will be able to obtain a position, and Building Steering Committee. “The future is receive a stipend for transportation I realized that there was nothing going to depend on strong public education, and other expenses. • and anything CMU can do to enhance teacher established at CMU to encourage training we are pleased to be able to support.” •
centralight Spring 2008 In Support
11th annual Opus gala goes international
CMU’s alumni and friends will travel the world – no passport required – at this year’s Opus gala event. ro b ert arclay Olga and Rollie Denison Scheduled for the evening of April 12 in CMU’s Music Building, Opus XI, Family endowment supports themed “Taste the World of Music,” will feature a cocktail hour with international Native American studies at CMU hors d’oeuvres and a catered dinner of international fare from local chefs, Denison gift benefits way to bring both of these passions into a collage concert by CMU School of entire community one very positive program benefiting Music students, and French desserts students and our entire community.” by Robaire’s Bakery of Mount Pleasant. A $500,000 endowment in honor of the late CMU alumni Rollie and Olga Endowment will fund Tickets for the event, a CMU School Denison will help to enhance CMU’s visiting scholars of Music fundraiser, cost $125 per Native American studies program. person. To order, call 800-358-6903. To create greater awareness for the For more information about Opus XI, The gift from their children, Spencer need for endowed faculty, the university visit www.mus.cmich.edu/opus.htm. and Daniel Denison and Diane Dahnke, also announced that the Faculty CMU supporter Barry Playford, store will support an endowed professorship Endowment Matching Program will manager of Mount Pleasant’s Meijer, in CMU’s College of Humanities and match the income from the family’s is serving as Opus XI chairman. Opus Social and Behavioral Sciences. gift dollar-for-dollar. Each year the X Co-Chairpersons Sam and Trudy endowment will bring in a scholar from “We hope that this will be a catalyst Staples are honorary co-chairs. • another institution to teach courses for both the local Saginaw Chippewa and participate in related activities in community and the university order to strengthen core offerings in community to get involved,” Dan Native American studies at CMU. Denison says. “Native American studies should be an area of interest, research, “The visiting professor’s ideas are and excellence at CMU so as to attract intended to inform, inspire, and Opus XI more Native American students and challenge our understanding of Saturday, April 12, 2008 to ensure that all students graduate Native American issues,” Leto says. CMU Music Building knowing more about the Saginaw Mount Pleasant, Michigan Chippewa Indian Tribe than just that Also known for their love of native art, it’s the name of the football team. This the Denisons collected hundreds of contribution also is a way to honor and tribal pieces that were donated to aste preserve some of our parents’ legacy, CMU’s Clarke Historical Library. the world of and for us it’s a way to stay connected.” “The Saginaw Chippewa Indian The endowment will help to further Tribe of Michigan recognizes the 11thmusic Annual Celebration of the understanding of the historical Denisons’ gift to CMU in honor TCentral Michigan University’s experiences, cultural traditions, of their parents, and it is with School of Music and Bell Tower Society innovations, and political status of great respect that Rollie and Olga indigenous people in the United States Denison are remembered for their and Canada. Courses will discuss contributions to the community,” Cash Bar – 6 p.m. Native American ways of living, says Joseph V. Sowmick, public Dinner – 7 p.m. understanding the world, organizing Student Collage Concert – 8:30 p.m. relations director for the Saginaw Dancing – 9:30 p.m. societies, and the effect of invasion Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan. Tickets – $125 per person and colonization on American Indians. “This endowment fund will not only Black tie optional strengthen cultural awareness, but “The Denisons were longtime friends also will lend support to the Native 31 and supporters of both CMU and the American studies offered at CMU. The individual members and culture of Tribe is supportive of the Denisons’ the local Tribe,” says Mike Leto, vice generous gift that will benefit not only president of development and alumni CMU but the community as a whole.” • relations at CMU. “This endowment is a
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Nontraditional? Not so much Alumni events Webster’s dictionary When I meet alumni, I can truly For details on any of these events, defines tradition relate to both the traditional and call (800) 358-6903 or go to as the handing nontraditional experience. Yes, it www.cmualum.com. down of customs, was fun to be on campus, living in practices, doctrines, the dorms, belonging to a sorority, March etc. Therefore, the attending dances and football games, 25 Managing Your Career and U, Troy Center. “traditional” college and I have great memories. And I also 27 through April 6 students would have the same kinds of memories International Film Festival, campus. most likely be fresh as the students who took some By Mary Lu Yardley, out of high school, time out and returned to college April ’90 MSA ’92 continuing their while working and raising a family. 2 Detroit alumni gathering, Champps. Executive director education. That was of alumni relations my experience coming I remember clearly that I was much 4 Latino Alumni Chapter meeting, to CMU as a freshman from Alma High more focused later in life than when I Aldacos Restaurant, Lansing. School. Then I decided to leave college was a freshman – I guess that won’t 10 RPLSA alumni event, Canton. after two years, and the next time I was surprise anyone. I studied, took exams, a student was many years later. In the had weekend classes, participated 12 Opus XI, Music Building, campus. classroom on campus, sitting in the front in professional development, and 16 Posters at the Capitol. row (where we nontraditionalists sit), I made new friends. There seemed discovered that I wasn’t so uncommon. to be more quality and personal 17 Flint social hour, Mario’s. enrichment in the classroom. In fact, being a nontraditional student 19 and 20 has become quite common today. Need a degree or an advanced Volunteer Chapter – I am not saying it has become a degree for promotion, job security, Be My Neighbor Day, Mount Pleasant. custom, but I do believe it is a common or just a sense of accomplishment? practice and a model to our peers and I encourage any of you to take a May children to complete our education. class, enroll in a graduate program, 8 Alumni reception at Atlanta or if you know someone who hasn’t Off-Campus Programs center. One of my most rewarding experiences completed a degree, encourage was completing my undergraduate them to do so. Maybe you just 15 Flint social hour, Mario’s. degree. Not that taking classes was the want to take a class for the fun of it. 15 Lansing social hour, Trippers. highlight of my day, nor the studying, Come to campus or choose from 18 writing essays, taking tests, and all Michigan off-campus locations and 19 Tri-cities social hour, Apple Mountain. the other requirements. But each numerous sites in the U.S. I hope 29 Theater night, The Color Purple, class completed gave me a sense of you enjoy stories in this issue, as Fox Theater, Detroit. accomplishment. When I marched they reflect on the accomplishments in the commencement ceremony, I of continuing education. June looked around, and there were quite 6 Alumni Association board a few of us nontraditionalists. I was Nontraditional students aren’t meeting, campus. very proud of what I had achieved, so nontraditional – there are as I was two years later when I just too many of us. • 6 Alumni Awards Dinner, Mount Pleasant. completed my graduate degree. 13 Great Lakes Loons vs. Lansing Lugnuts baseball game, Dow Diamond, Midland. 18 through 20 Fun at Ford Field Grandparents U, campus. CMU alumni and friends flocked to Ford 25 Grand Rapids golf outing, Railside Field December 1 for the Mid-American Golf Club, Byron Center. Conference championship game and 30 Tri-cities golf outing, Apple December 26 for the Motor City Bowl. MAC Championship Mountain Golf Club, Saginaw. More than 500 attended the pregame July reception at the MAC championship 11 CMU Night at Comerica Park. game, and another 300 fans at a postgame reception celebrated the 18 Princess Wenonah sunset Chippewas’ win over Miami University. cruise, Bay City.
More than 700 alumni and friends 21 Traverse City golf outing. 32 attended the Motor City Bowl pregame reception to get fired up for an exciting August game against Purdue. Thousands of 14 Tri-cities Chapter annual meeting, Chippewa fans were part of the record Motor City Bowl Bay Valley Resort and Hotel, Bay City. crowd of 60,624 at the bowl game. •
centralight Spring 2008 Maroon and Gold Chapters and event highlights Clemson, South Carolina Florida Gulf Coast Nearly 300 alumni and fans gathered Area alumni and friends gathered in in Death Valley for a pregame tailgate the Tampa Bay area November 6 to that included perfect weather and great watch the rainy, wet, and wild victory food! Alums from all over the country of CMU over longtime rival Western were on hand to see the Chippewas Michigan University. Alumni also battle the Tigers of Clemson. gathered for the MAC championship and the Motor City Bowl. Dallas The Dallas chapter met at their local Indiana Champps for both the MAC championship Chippewa fans traveled to Indiana game and the Motor City Bowl. Spirit was September 15 to watch CMU take on high as the CMU fans watched the games Purdue. Many of the fans attended and cheered along with the fight song! a pregame tailgate, but no one knew it was going to be a preview Detroit of the Motor City Bowl game. Clemson • Metro Detroit area alumni continue to meet for “First Wednesdays” Las Vegas at Champps in Troy. Alumni and friends in Las Vegas gathered for all of the major CMU • For CMU fans of Escanaba in da football games of the 2007 season. Moonlight, the wait was over. CMU They were regulars at Jersey’s alumnus Jeff Daniels’ 11th new play, Sports Bar on game days! Escanaba in Love, at the GEM Theatre November 8 transported 50 alumni to Lawrence, Kansas Soady deer camp in the midst of World War II – 40 years before the setting Labor Day weekend witnessed the of Daniels’ first “Escanaba” play. A kick-off of the 2007 CMU football reception prior to the performance season. More than 100 alumni and set the tone for a hilarious evening. fans made the trek to Kansas to cheer on the Chippewas. The final score • About 100 alumni watched the Detroit was not what everyone had hoped, Pistons take on the L.A. Clippers at but the atmosphere at the pregame the Palace of Auburn Hills November reception had everyone in high spirits. 9. CMU alumnus Chris Kaman had a great game for the Clippers, but it Student Alumni Association wasn’t enough as the Pistons were victorious. Alumni and friends gathered The Student Alumni Association Detroit before the game at Hoops, enjoying has been recruiting new members great food and Chippewa chatter. campuswide. In addition the group is planning some exciting events in the near future including the Past and Flint Present Luncheon and Senior Send-Off. Flint area alumni held their annual November “Toys for Tots” Holiday Tri-cities Social at Mario’s Pizzeria in Flint. Those attending donated toys for The Tri-cities Chapter met in December local children for the holidays. for a holiday social at Valley Plaza Lanes in Midland. Alumni enjoyed pizza and bowling, and they donated toys Detroit chapter at Escanaba in Love for their local “Toys for Tots” drive.
West Palm Beach, Florida More than 20 alumni and fiends gathered 33 in Palm Beach Gardens December 26 to cheer on the Chippewas as they took on Purdue in the Motor City Bowl. •
centralight Spring 2008 Maroon and Gold
Alumni board Alumni clubs President Boston area Indianapolis area New England area San Diego area Thomas Lapka, ’78 Adam Miller,’98 Grace Ketchum, ’69 Kevin Richards, ’89 Greg Cox, ’00 Ada (847) 807-9464 (317) 842-0851 (203) 840-6221 (858) 534-0437 work: (517) 482-0222 adam.miller@ graceandclark@ [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] us.astellas.com comcast.net New York City San Francisco area First vice president Katie Reed, ’92 Cincinnati area Adam Ebnit, ’03 Call Alumni Relations Jan (Keegan) Hagland, ’77 [email protected] Call (800) 358-6903 [email protected] (800) 358-6903 Berkley [email protected] Florida’s East Central area Kansas City area North Carolina South Bend, Karen, ’94, and Gary Frank Moussa, ’85 Rodger Skirvin, ’78 Indiana, area Second vice president Aalbregtse, ’72 (913) 962-9620 [email protected] Kimber Abair, ’01 Darlene Nowak-Baker, ’87 fhmoussa@ [email protected] Terry Guttrich, ’57 [email protected] Milford agtop.state.ks.us work: (248) 358-6403 Florida’s Gulf Coast area (910) 215-8916 Western Knoxville, Pennsylvania area [email protected] Kim Maszera, ’90 Tennessee, area San Antonio [email protected] Jeff Rivard, ’66 Directors Call Alumni Relations Kathy McKenzie, ’82 (412) 826-2180 Michael Ardelean, ’03 Florida’s (800) 358-6903 (512) 733-2771 [email protected] West Palm Beach area [email protected] Shelby Township Milwaukee area Paul Gaba, ’88 Jean (Bennett) Brown, ’88 Mark Bender, ’95 Austin area (561) 352-0635 Novi [email protected] Jerry Juhnke, ’86 chippewa@ [email protected] Janet Burns, MA ’83 Ed.S. ’89 wellingtondebate.com Mount Pleasant Paul DeRoche, ’91 Commerce Township Kevin Campbell, ’74 MA ’76 Alumni chapters Midland Michigan chapters Traverse City Los Angeles Football Patti, ’83, and Ed Schroll, Dustin Preston, ’94 Ryan A. Fewins, ’02 MA ’04 Call Alumni Relations Ann Arbor ’77 MA ’78 Ed.S. ’91 [email protected] Lansing (800) 358-6903 Bob Balicki, ’79, home: (909) 446-1946 Honors Lynn Garrett, ’97 and Gail Elliott, ’94 Tri-cities [email protected] Detroit Bob: (313) 608-7922 Ricardo Resio, ’95 Bryan Wieferich Gail: (313) 608-7923 [email protected] Phoenix [email protected] Daniel Herzog, ’91 [email protected] Dale Wernette, ’67 or Honors Program Auburn Hills National chapters [email protected] (480) 515-5132 (989) 774-3902 Timothy Hicks, ’74 MA ’77 Atlanta [email protected] Battle Creek Integrative public relations Muskegon Mark Guy, ’00 Reno T.R. Shaw, ’82 Abigail Dean, ’01 home: (770) 475-3447 Christopher Jablonski, ’83 home: (269) 965-2979 Carol Perrigo, ’72 [email protected] Bloomfield Hills [email protected] Jared Lombard, ’03 (775) 747-5066 [email protected] Latino Robert Kennedy, ’87 jaredlombard@ Rene Johnson, ’78 Laura Gonzales, Northville work: (269) 388-8403 yahoo.com Washington, D.C. (404) 918-5342 ’79 MA ’89 Adrian LaMar, ’89 rjohnson@ Tony Brown, ’02 [email protected] Wyoming kalamazoogazette.com Candice Zmijewski, ’03 home: (202) 882-2993 Leader advancement [email protected] [email protected] Sheldon Lennox, ’81 Detroit scholars Rockford Christopher Jablonski, ’83 Chicago Constituent chapters Dan Gaken, ’04 christopher.jablonski@ Ira Kreft, ’77 [email protected] Erin Matusiewicz, ’00 African-American gmail.com [email protected] Detroit Lynn Garrett Physician assistant Anne Monroe, ’96 Flint Cleveland [email protected] Andrew Booth Ted Bunker, ’69 Call the alumni office at [email protected] Traverse City Band home: (810) 694-7359 (800) 358-6903 Tom Broka, ’72 ROTC Darcy Orlik, ’92 MSA ’95 [email protected] for information. Mount Pleasant [email protected] John Fisher, ’70 Grand Rapids Dallas [email protected] Charles Selinger, ’94 MS ’98 Broadcast and Pam Murray, ’77 MA ’83 Mark Wilson, ’82 Ceresco cinematic arts Recreation, parks, home: (616) 249-0898 home: (817) 797-1746 Kathy Banfield Shaw, ’74 and leisure services Robert VanDeventer, ’74 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] administration Saginaw Chris Bundy, ’88 Lansing Houston College of Business [email protected] Jeffery Vredevoogd, ’82 Lisa Sommer, ’04 Bill Cox, ’83 Administration Grandville [email protected] home: (713) 722-0911 Julie Nowicki, ’96 Susan Wells, ’77 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Mount Pleasant 34 Dan Gaken, ’04 Las Vegas English Student Alumni [email protected] Ann Marie Fredrickson, ’94 Monica Brady, ’03 Association home: (702) 655-2118 [email protected] Sara Pierce Northern Michigan [email protected] [email protected] Kristen Beach, ’90 ’98 counselor_klb@ hotmail.com centralight Spring 2008 (231) 675-2136 Alumni in Action
1960s Linda (Perdew) Huyck, ’69, was elected Richard W. Rodgers, MS ’74, earned board vice president for public affairs for certification in clinical psychology from Fred Wolven, ’60 MA ’64, retired after the National Extension Association the American Board of Professional 47 years of teaching English, creative of Family and Consumer Sciences at Psychology in 2007. In 2006 he was writing, and literature, the last 24 years the organization’s national conference named a member of the National Register with Miami Dade College in Florida. in St. Paul, Minnesota. She has of Health Care Providers in Psychology. He also was a founding member of been employed by Michigan State the Washtenaw Community College, Gayle (Mungenast) Elzinga, ’75, retired University Extension since 1993 and from Parkway Central School District Ann Arbor, faculty from 1966 to 1980. is currently extension educator for Currently researching the writing and in Missouri after 28 years of teaching family and consumer sciences in elementary and middle school. She life of the late Michigan poet Theodore Gratiot and Montcalm counties. Roethke, Wolven also is preparing a poetry was named 2007 Teacher of the book manuscript of writings connected 1970s Year. Her husband, Russell E. Elzinga, with Roethke and the natural world in ’73, continues to work for the Creve David D. Glenn, ’73, received the Michigan, Seattle, and Florida. He resides Coeur Fire District as a captain. 2007 Ecology/Environmental Teacher in Florida with his partner, Carmen Otero. Award for the National Association Richard N. Batterbee, ’76, received the Gus C. Zaso, MA ’62, lives in Costa Rica of Biology Teachers. He teaches Michigan Centennial Retailer award on with his wife, Kathleen, and pet, Pasha. advanced placement environmental behalf of his company, Norman Corp., He taught at Arkansas Tech University, science, anatomy and physiology, and Bay City, where he is general manager the University of Missouri, and retired pathology at Rochester Adams High and new buyer. He resides in Bay City from the University of New Hampshire, School in Rochester. He is married with his wife, Rebecca, and their three where he taught in the department of to Sue Ann (Basner) Glenn, ’74. children, Emily, Adam, and Kathryn. resource economics and development. Jennifer Condreay, ’74, was inducted Michael Lozon, ’76, published two books Jane Arndt, 63 MA ’64, retired from Big into the Colorado State Thespian Hall in 2007 – Transplanting the Passion, a Rapids Public Schools after 39 years. of Fame in a ceremony at the Colorado History of MetroHealth Hospital in Grand She was head of the history department. Convention Center. She retired in June Rapids, and Sharing the Wealth, the She also serves as a docent at the after teaching high school theater for 30 Biography of Peter C. Cook, an automotive Hackley-Hume Historic Site and at years at Boulder High School, Colorado, entrepreneur and philanthropist in West The Voigt House in Grand Rapids. and then the Cherry Creek School District Michigan. Lozon is owner of The Write Way, which specializes in documenting Andrew R. Pasakarnis, ’68, retired to in suburban Denver. She currently works for School Tours of America, designing the histories of businesses and the Island of Islesboro off the Maine nonprofit organizations in Michigan. cost in Penobscot Bay. He is working Broadway tours for high school students, on his second and third books – a and she is an adjunct professor at the Terry Pruitt, MSA ’78, was named novel and a children’s book. University of Northern Colorado. finance director for Saginaw Schools. Hey Chippewa fans ...
Pick up your CMU gear at one of these fine retailers. 35 In Mount Pleasant: University Bookstore • Dunhams Across Michigan: Finish Line • Foot Locker Meijer • Wal-Mart • Kohl’s Campus Den • Champs Sam’s Club • SBX • MC Sports Steve & Barry’s • Lids
centralight Spring 2008 Alumni in Action
Bruce D. George, ’79, was appointed Steve Violetta, ’81, was named Stephen J. Hessen, ’85, was named to the board of trustees for the senior vice president for business managing director of law firm Kreis, Board of Pensions of the Evangelical affairs for the Detroit Red Wings. Enderle, Callander, and Hudgins P.C. Lutheran Church in America. He is to oversee the firm’s offices in Grand William E. Valler III, MHA ’82, was senior vice president and director of named associate vice president for Rapids, Kalamazoo, and Battle Creek. marketing and client relations at M.D. the pharmacy department at Priority He is continuing his real estate, Sass Group in Massachusetts. Health, Grand Rapids. probate, and commercial litigation MS ’79, was named practice in state and federal courts. Thomas Lane, Janet M. Burns, MA ’83 Ed.S. ’89, was president-elect of the American Chemical hired by White Hat Management of Jonathan Gushen, ’86, earned Society, the world’s largest scientific Akron, Ohio, and named as the state certification as a senior professional society. He will become ACS president executive for the Life Skills Centers in in human resources. He is director in January 1, 2009. He is a chemist and Michigan. The Life Skills Centers are of career services for ITT Technical director of global science and technology charter public high schools located in Institute in Knoxville, Tennessee. outreach for Dow Corning Corp., Midland. Detroit and Pontiac that assist at-risk James Riley, ’86, received the Dr. Louis 1980s students with getting their high school R. Graziano Outstanding Marketing diplomas and National Career Readiness Educator Award from the Michigan Benjamin Feril, ’80, was named head of Certificates. She is a member of the Marketing Educators Association. He medical plans and policy on the staff board of directors for the CMU Alumni teaches at Hartland High School. of the chief of naval operations at the Association and lives in Farmington Hills. Pentagon. He just completed a tour at Judy Brooks, MHA ’88, was promoted the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, Lori McAllister, ’83, was ranked in the newly to branch chief of policy, training, and where he was assigned as director for published Best Lawyers in America guide. quality assurance for the Office of Policy current operations and was awarded She represents commercial litigation and in Clinical Research Operations in the the Navy Meritorious Service Medal. insurance law in the guide. She is general Division of AIDS in the National Institute counsel and a member of the litigation of Allergy and Immunology at the National Gary Bishop, MA ’81, was named vice practice group for Dykema in Lansing. Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland. president of workforce development for Associated Builders and Contractors, Kimberlie Buchanan, ’85, was named Brian Kersey, ’88, was named a partner Carolinas Chapter. managing director of the Detroit practice in the Barnes and Thornburg LLP of Resources Global Professionals, Grand Rapids office. He concentrates Brian Iles, ’81, was named vice president a multinational professional services his practice in the area of commercial of international relocation for UniGroup firm that helps business leaders and real estate financing. Worldwide, a mobility management execute internal initiatives. company based in St. Louis, Missouri.
ONCE A FRIENDLY RIVALRY, SHOW MICHIGAN MOTORISTS THAT ALWAYS A FRIENDLY RIVALRY. CMU IS GREATER THAN WMU.
Currently, among Michigan license plates featuring state university logos and names: • Western Michigan University ranks third • Central Michigan University ranks fourth Is your competitive spirit going to let this stand? We didn’t think so.
Contact your local Secretary of State offi ce today and tell them you want to ride with Chippewa pride. • (517) 322-1460 • www.michigan.gov/sos Help CMU pass its longtime rival 36 on the Michigan roadways! WWW.CMUALUM.COM
Pictured license plate for CMU ad display purposes only. CMU is an AA/EO institution (see www.cmich.edu/aaeo). centralight Spring 2008 Alumni in Action
Tom Murray, ’88, was named director Lisa Mininni, MA ’99, has written Me, Regina Salazar, MBA ’03, received the of sales and marketing for Gage Myself and Why? The Secrets to Navigating Young Leadership and Excellence Award Products Co. of Ferndale, a global Change. She is president of Excellerate from the Automotive Hall of Fame. She supplier of test fuels, paint solvents, Associates, a consulting, coaching, and is director of operations, quality, and and closed-loop paint-system recycling training company based in Canton. supply chain processes in information technology for the automotive industry. systems for ArvinMeritor Inc., a global 2000s supplier of integrated systems, modules, 1990s Shawn Sanchez, ’00, joined the and components to the motor vehicle Oscar “Randy” Anderson, ’91, joined geography department at Henry Ford industry, headquartered in Troy. McLane Advanced Technologies Community College in Dearborn as Gary Martin, ’04, was honored by the LLC, a services-based technology a part-time adjunct instructor. Organización Maya Kiché of New company based in Temple, Texas. Michelle Baughman, ’01, married Bedford, Massachusetts, for his work Craig Keilitz, ’91, was named athletics Jonathan Glass in 2007. They are in support of the Guatemalan Mayan director for High Point University. both teachers in North Carolina. community in that city. He is a bilingual community liaison for the Massachusetts Dan Ringel, ’94, works in carrier relations Heather (Hutchins) Smith, ’02, and Craig Migrant Education Program and for R2 Logistics in Mount Pleasant. Smith, ’97 MA ’02, announce the birth teaches evening English classes at the of Parker Craig, born August 22, 2007. Judith A. (Ouvry) Crockett, ’95, married Maya Kiché Center in New Bedford. Dave Crockett and lives in Manistee, Dan Mazei, ’03, was promoted to MBA ’04, joined where she owns Interactive Marketing account supervisor in the New York Heather Shawa-DeCook, the board of directors of Peckham and Communication, a sales and office of GolinHarris Public Relations. Inc., a private nonprofit community marketing training company. rehabilitation organization in Lansing. Todd Dagenais, ’95, was named women’s volleyball head coach at the University of Central Florida. Alumni lead the CMU Trustees Three alumni guide the university as He was inducted into the CMU ROTC Hall Kimberly (Hayen) Hewitt, ’95, announces the arrival of Lucille leaders of the CMU Board of Trustees. of Fame in 1997 and retired from the Army Elizabeth, born January 24, 2008. Reserve at the rank of brigadier general. Jeffrey R. Caponigro Several university facilities and programs Susan Khalaieff, ’95 MA ’99, was a of Bloomfield Hills have been named in Kulhavi’s honor, finalist for the Golden Apple Award was re-elected including the John G. Kulhavi Residence for Excellence in Teaching and was chairman of the board Hall, the John G. Kulhavi Professorship in designated as a Teacher of Distinction by for another one- Neuroscience, the John Kulhavi Laboratory the Golden Apple Foundation, Illinois. year term beginning in the new academic center at the CMU January 1. The board Richard D. Stobbs, MSA ’95, is chairman Biological Station on Beaver Island, and the of the Gold Star Committee in Ohio also elected John G. ROTC’s Brigadier General John G. Kulhavi that promoted a law providing all the Kulhavi of White Lake Rifle Range in Finch Fieldhouse. In addition Ohio families who have lost loved and Gail F. Torreano to his service on the board, Kulhavi also ones in combat special license plates of Northville as co-vice chairs is a member of CMU’s Development Board distinguishing them as Gold Star Families. during its December meeting. and ROTC Alumni Association Board. Emily Gerkin Palsrok, ’97, was promoted Caponigro, president and chief executive A 1972 and 1976 to vice president at John Bailey and officer of Southfield-based Caponigro CMU graduate, Associates Inc. Public Relations. She also Public Relations Inc., is among the Torreano is president welcomed her first child in July 2006. nation’s most respected experts in public of AT&T Michigan in relations and crisis management. A 1979 Detroit. She joined CMU graduate, he was appointed to the the company, which Send us your news CMU board in 2002 and served as co- previously was vice chairman in 2005, vice chairman in known as Michigan We want to hear from alumni near 2006, and chairman in 2007. His term Bell and then as and far to include your news in on the board expires December 31. SBC, in 1991. She the Alumni in Action section of began serving on CMU’s board in Kulhavi, senior vice Centralight. Please write to us about 2003 and was a member of the board’s president for Merrill job promotions, awards, marriages, Presidential Review Committee in 2006. births, and other noteworthy recent Lynch in Farmington accomplishments or changes. Hills and a multi-year Torreano’s previous experience includes honoree on Barron’s service as associate director of Special Send your news to Centralight by Top 100 Financial Olympics Michigan and as a staffer e-mail to [email protected], by Advisers list, is a 1965 for former Gov. John Engler during his fax to (989) 774-1098, or by mail to graduate of CMU. term as Senate majority leader. She Centralight, Public Relations and He was appointed also is a board member for several 37 Marketing, West Hall, Central Michigan to the CMU board Detroit-area and statewide nonprofit University, Mount Pleasant, MI 48859. in 2002 and served as vice chairman in organizations. Torreano’s term on CMU’s Be sure to include your graduation 2004 and 2007 and chairman in 2005 and board expires December 31, 2010. • year and contact numbers. 2006. His term expires December 31.
centralight Spring 2008 Alumni in Action In Memoriam
Keith Wander, MSA ’04, has written in Uganda as a community health Aini Marie Makinen, ’30, Kaleva, Codename Honey Pot. He is a captain volunteer from February 2008 through died August 14, 2007, age 97. in the Navy Reserve and is a computer April 2010. Previous to this she was consultant living in Morgan Hill, California. a registered dietitian working in a Florence E. Lange, ’33, Hartford, Connecticut, hospital on the north side of Chicago. died December 12, 2007, age 95. Holly Bryant, ’05, was accepted into the Peace Corps and will be serving Leonard D. Mills, ’38, Portage, died October 17, 2007, age 91.
Gayle D. Flannery, ’41, Maumee, Ohio, died December 24, 2005, age 86.
Janet L. Small, ’41, Clarkston, died August 24, 2007, age 88.
Donald John Smith, ’41 MA ’62, St. Johns, died September 2007, age 92.
Dorothy (Doyle) Flynn, ’42, Dearborn, died December 15, 2007, age 87.
Mary Claire Nims, ’44, Midland, died December 17, 2007, age 88.
Corinne “Cookie” Fulton, ’45, Jackson Township, Ohio, died Freshman in 1943 December 23, 2007, age 84. Betty Jane “Bejay” Larson, ’45, Ludington,
R o b ert Barclay receives degree in 2007 died December 8, 2007, age 84. Patrick Hackett, ’07, poses with Joe Dumars, Detroit Pistons’ president of basketball operations and commencement ceremony speaker. Venice N. Oliver, ’45, Grand Ledge, Patrick Hackett’s intent when he began Penn Central Transportation Company died December 28, 2007, age 83. taking classes at CMU in 1943 was to and assistant general attorney for ’47 receive his bachelor’s degree, but World the New York Central Railroad. His Robert F. “Bobb” Wardrop, MA ’61, Grand Rapids, died War II had other plans for him. Sixty- distinguished legal career of 49 years December 14, 2007, age 84. four years later, he finally received the also included work as a railroad legal degree that he had always wanted. adviser, trial lawyer, and public educator. J.D. Chester Scoby ’48, Rockford, died December 23, 2007, age 88. Hackett attended CMU in 1943 and Hackett’s trial and appellate work 1944, but his education was interrupted covered a broad range of issues Dr. David Lirones, ’49, Flint, died when he served in the U.S. Navy’s critical to railroads, including railroad December 3, 2007, age 83. South Pacific Theatre during World crossing accidents and regulation, War II. He then took classes at CMU employee injury and death cases, labor William Burns, ’51, Flint, died again in 1946 and 1947, but decided relations, and interstate commerce. September 29, 2007, age 87. that he would go to law school before He also authored the Michigan receiving his bachelor’s degree, Railroad Code of 1993. Hackett Gerald “Jerry” DeGrow, ’51, Sun City West, which was not required at that time. was inducted into the Michigan Arizona, died November 28, 2007, age 79. Transportation Hall of Honor in 2006. “I went to law school without getting my Robert “Skip” Wright, ’51, Lathrup bachelor’s degree, and I have wanted Hackett and his wife, Barbara, a Village, died October 21, 2007, age 80. to get one ever since,” says Hackett. “I former U.S. District Judge who was just have always felt that there was a appointed by Ronald Reagan, have Gilbert Haven, ’52, Linden, died gap in my résumé without a bachelor’s seven daughters and reside in Brighton. December 8, 2007, age 82. degree, and coming from a long line of James H. McLennan, ’53, Bay City, CMU grads, it is something that I knew I “We give him so much credit for died December 31, 2007, age 76. had to get. This is really thrilling for me.” going after what he believes in. This is something that he always wanted, Ira G. Creamer, ’54, Marysville, died Hackett’s mother received a and he went after it,” says Hon. Carol December 17, 2007, age 83. teaching certificate from CMU in Hackett Garagiola, one of Hackett’s 1905 and four of his nine siblings daughters and chief judge of the and many nieces and nephews also Livingston County Circuit Court. have received CMU degrees. 38 Hackett walked in CMU’s graduation After receiving his Juris Doctor from ceremony December 15 at Rose Arena the University of Detroit School of Law and received a bachelor’s degree in 1950, Hackett went on to serve as in community development with a general attorney for Conrail and the concentration in public administration. •
centralight Spring 2008 In Memoriam In Memoriam
Judith L. (Klann) Mandeville, Edwin Shigeshi Imamura, MA ’73, Wahiawa, William DeFreese, MA ’80, Yonges Island, ’54, Lynn Township, died Hawaii, died June 16, 2007, age 85. South Carolina, died April 7, 2007, age 72. September 27, 2007, age 75. Sharon A. Ralph, ’73, Ionia, died Charmaine Boomer, ’81, Bay City, Cecile Yvonne Schneller, ’54, Saginaw, September 14, 2007, age 58. died December 2, 2007, age 63. died December 30, 2007, age 82. Roseanne Louise Venuk, ’73, Richmond Rebecca (Davis) Russcher, ’81, Kalamazoo, Eleanor F. Thiel, ’55, Oakley, died Township, died October 28, 2007, age 56. died March 25, 2007, age 47. October 10, 2007, age 90. Jack A. Archambault, MA ’74, Wyoming, Donald N. Dickerson, MA ’82, Savannah, Richard “Dick” Brown, ’56, Midland, died September 26, 2007, age 58. Georgia, died October 13, 2007, age 56. died December 4, 2007, age 73. Michael S. Headworth, ’75, Ionia, Charles W. Rowell, MA ’82, died Robert H. Kelly, ’59, Huntsville, Alabama, died November 2007, age 56. November 26, 2007, age 76. died December 26, 2007, age 72. Lynne Powers Mazzarisi, ’75, June Taylor, MA ’82, Lapeer, Donald A. Lansky, ’60, West Bloomfield, Hillsborough, New Jersey, died died July 21, 2007, age 81. died October 16, 2007, age 75. August 31, 2007, age 54. William “Bill” Chapman Jr., MA Jacqueline R. Mason, ’65, Saint Paris, Carol Otto, ’75, Grand Rapids, ’84, Belleville, age 66. Ohio, died October 10, 2007, age 63. died January 31, 2007, age 52. Gordon G. Niemi, MBA ’84, Traverse Carolyn F. Poirier, ’65, Zephyrhills, Florida, Pamela Reed, ’75, Byron Center, City, died December 12, 2007, age 56. died November 21, 2007, age 76. died July 17, 2007, age 55. Margaret E. Powers Carrio, Phyllis Anderson, ’67, Sylvan Lake, Donald Edward Jamison, MA ’76, Crofton, MA ’85, St. Clair Shores, died died November 30, 2007, age 61. Florida, died October 9, 2007, age 76. August 22, 2007, age 80.
L. Jean Husted, ’67 MA ’74, Akron, Connee J. (Ward) Fejer, ’77 MA ’82, Shelby George John Vivier, ’90, Bloomfield Ohio, died August 1, 2007, age 84. Township, died December 31, 2007, age 52. Hills, died October 16, 2007, age 60.
Thelma M. Kridner, ’67, Elsie, died John R. Russell, MA ’77, Kennebunk, Debra Ashe, MSA ’91, Loveland, November 19, 2007, age 94. Maine, died December 22, 2007, age 69. Ohio, died May 2007, age 50.
Janet I. (Wood) Morris, ’68, Lansing, William V. Youkey, MA ’77, John M. Coyle, MA ’92, Hope, died died December 18, 2007, age 61. Huntsville, Alabama, died November 30, 2007, age 53. September 13, 2007, age 58. Cynthia M. Badgley, ’69, Beaverton, Jeffry C. Mitin, ’94, Normal, Illinois, died November 22, 2007, age 61. Billie Jean (Hatch) Cousins, MA ’78, died August 28, 2007, age 34. Millington, died January 1, 2008, age 62. Gary Betzler, ’70 MA ’84, Shelby Township, Brett M. Fischbach, ’97, Baldwin, died February 23, 2007, age 60. Gloria Dudley, MA ’78, Bloomfield died October 24, 2007, age 54. Hills, died March 25, 2006, age 74. Karen Lyon, ’70, Beulah, died Valerie A. (Looper) Wise, ’98, Midland, October 9, 2007, age 58. Louis C. Grimmnitz, MA ’78, Merritt Island, died October 2, 2007, age 33. Florida, died December 6, 2007, age 74. Craig W. Milbrodt, ’70, Saginaw, Cathy Allen-Thomas, MA ’01, Linden, died October 8, 2007, age 61. Wilmer D. “Buddy” Hill, MA ’78, died October 12, 2007, age 49. Florence, South Carolina, died Garry B. Perry, ’71, Tampa, Florida, October 15, 2007, age 70. Daniel P. Crowle, ’07, Marshall, died died September 23, 2007, age 63. December 29, 2007, age 21. Charles Johnson, MA ’78, Baltimore, Allison L. “Doc” Spencer, ’71, Rapid Maryland, died April 21, 2007, age 68. City, died December 9, 2007, age 62. Catherine L. Hawkes, ’79, Faculty: Laurence W. MacQueen, ’72 MA ’75, Arlington, Massachusetts, died Bernard Meltzer, professor emeritus of Lansing, died October 18, 2007, age 57. January 2, 2008, age 49. sociology, anthropology, and social work, John P. McKay, ’72, Lansing, died Master Sgt. Ibrahim “Abe” Madanat, MA died January 29, 2008. He was 91. December 26, 2007, age 58. ’79, Milford, died March 5, 2006, age 55. Leonard Plachta, president emeritus, Max L. O’Rourke, ’72, Chesaning, Lynda Vugteveen, ’79, Grand Rapids, died January 22, 2008. He was 78. died October 22, 2007, age 75. died October 4, 2007, age 51.
39
centralight Spring 2008 I Am Central: Jenna Purcell
Music education freshman Honors student
In the band: Plays trumpet in the Marching Chippewas, the Symphony Band, and the Basketball Band.
Wants to teach: Middle school and high school music.
Best thing about the Honors program: “I get to meet a lot of really cool people who have the same interests as I do.”
What’s with the net? The Honors Program freshman class raised $6,000 to purchase 600 bed nets for malaria prevention in Africa. Jenna led the five-person team that raised the most money – $251 by collecting pop cans door-to-door.
Warm fuzzy: “One lady actually called us back because she found more cans to donate.”
Reality check: “It’s hard to think there are some people who can’t afford to buy a bed net. One
eggy Bris b ane b y p eggy Photo net can save four people in a family.”
Good to know: “Malaria can spread throughout a town, so having even a few bed nets makes the whole town safer.”
40
centralight Spring 2008 Professor Barbara Bissot loved education You already and libraries at Central Michigan University. Belong. NowBE GOLD. You’re already one of 160,000 members of the CMU Alumni Association. Now show your university loyalty and pride. Join the association’s 2,200 Gold Members. Gold Membership dues support CMU’s alumni programs and students while also giving you: Now after her life, a gift from her • Discounts on car rental and hotel rates estate continues to help future teachers • Special prices at the CMU Bookstore and SBX and library patrons. • Discounts on sporting goods Professor Bissot supported both her passions through her gift • Many more benefits to the University Library Endowment and establishment of the Barbara Bissot Endowed Scholarship for teacher education students.
Join us. Include CMU in your will or estate plan so that you, too, can help Find out how at students in very special ways. www.cmualum.com For more information Ted Tolcher, Assistant Vice President of Planned and Major Gifts (800) 358-6903 [email protected] CMU Gold Member
CMU is an AA/EO institution (see www.cmich.edu/aaeo). CMU is an AA/EO institution (see www.cmich.edu/aaeo). Central Michigan Universityiversitsity SportsSummer Camps
Take your game to the next level.
CMU Athletics offers premier sports camp experiences for youth entering fi rst through 12th grades. Camps feature: • Affordable costs • Knowledgeable coaches and instructors • Exceptional athletic facilities • 11 sports and activities • First-class lodging • Convenient mid-Michigan location cmuchippewas.com (800) CMU-4FUN (268-4386) [email protected]
CMU is an AA/EO institution (see www.cmich.edu/aaeo). • For ADA accommodations, call (989) 268-4386 at least one week before the event. 2008 CMU Sports Camps • Athletic Training • Baseball • Boy’s Basketball • Girl’s Basketball • Cross Country and Track • Football • Gymnastics • Soccer • Softball • Volleyball • Wrestling • 2008 CMU Sports Camps • Athleti Training • Baseball • Boy’s Basketball • Girl’s Basketball • Cross Country and Track • Football • Gymnastics • So • Softball • Volleyball • Wrestling • 2008 CMU Sports Camps • Athletic Training • Baseball • Boy’s Basketball • Gir Basketball • Cross Country and Track • Football • Gymnastics • Soccer • Softball • Volleyball • Wrestling • 2008
NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID TRAVERSE CITY MI PERMIT NO. 29 Centralight Carlin Alumni House Central Michigan University Mount Pleasant, MI 48859