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Joseph DeFrance, Jr. graduated from Benton Harbor High School in 1949��and attended LMC before transferring to Western Michigan University. At that time LMC was��named Benton Harbor Junior College and classes were held in the lower level of an��old elementary school on Pipestone Avenue.

Joseph fondly remembers the closeness between the administration, the faculty and the��students. He recalls how much his instructors cared about students getting the most out of��their classes, and perhaps this experience partly inspired Joseph to lead an exemplary life��of service to our country, our community and our college.

Joseph served in the United States Army before working for the IRS from which he retired��in 1990 after almost forty years. In addition to his work life, he has volunteered at the local��St. Joseph/Lincoln Senior Center, and as a mentor to children in the Y-Uncles and HOST��programs.

Joseph has volunteered as an usher for The Mendel Center for twenty-five years. In 2010 he��was named The Mendel Center’s Volunteer of the Year. He has also been recognized with the��Salute to Excellence Award from the Women of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority in Benton Harbor.��

Joseph and his wife, Diane, have been married for 63 years, and have two daughters and four grandchildren.

The Alumni Service Award was presented to Joseph DeFrance, Jr. in 2018.