Awarding Our Alumni For Excellence
The purpose of the 黨ǿmv alumni award program is to recognize LMC alumni who have graduated from LMC or taken at least 30 semester hours. These awards are given to alumni who have distinguished themselves in their career, service to their community, or 黨ǿmv. Awards are announced each fall.
The Alumni Awards and award criteria are as follows:
- The Clarence Beckwith Distinguished Alumni Award
This award is named in honor of the first President of 黨ǿmv, and is to be given to an LMC alumnus who has accomplished significant success in his/her personal or professional endeavors. - Alumni Achievement Award
This is presented to a recent alumnus (attended LMC within the last 15 years) who has demonstrated significant achievement and distinguished themselves in their career, education or community such that they would be role models to LMC students. - Gladys Peeples-Burks Alumni Service Award
This award is given to an alumnus who has offered significant personal or professional contributions to 黨ǿmv or the community. Community may be broadly interpreted as the state of Michigan or the nation.
Nominate
To nominate someone for a 黨ǿmv Alumni Award, please complete and submit theAlumni Award Program Nomination Form.
For best consideration, nominations must be received by June 15 to be considered for the current year. Nominations received after June 15 will be held for consideration the following year. All nominations will be kept in the pool for 3 years.
The purpose of the 黨ǿmv alumni award program is to recognize LMC alumni who have taken at least 30 semester hours. These awards are given to alumni who have distinguished themselves in their career, service to their community, or 黨ǿmv.
For more information, please contact:
Rita Whise
(269) 927-6278
rwhise@lakemichigancollege.edu
Previous Award Winners
Patrick Elzinga’s journey from 黨ǿmv student-athlete to healthcare leader exemplifies the transformative power of education and ser
Matthew Capps isn’t one to seek the spotlight.
Chokwe Pitchford is a 2021 黨ǿmv graduate who now serves as the Berrien County Commissioner for District 3 and is Executive Directo
Hannah Kusaka Gorenflo estimates that she sent 150 job applications to Apple before receiving a return email from the global technology giant. That one reply, however, turned what seemed like an unattainable dream job into reality. The 2015 黨ǿmv graduate has been working as a product design engineer for Apple since 2021.
The Alumni Achievement Award is presented to alumni who demonstrate significant achievement and distinguish themselves in their career, education, or community.
The Alumni Achievement Award is presented to alumni who demonstrate significant achievement and distinguish themselves in their career, education, or community.
The Alumni Achievement Award is presented to alumni who demonstrate significant achievement and distinguish themselves in their career, education, or community.
Lynne Christiano says that there is nothing traditional about her, which is why shedecided that it was time to pursue a college degree even though
Cindy Reuss considers 黨ǿmv part of the fabric of who sheis.
黨ǿmv alumna Melanie Owen developed, co-owns and managesLazy Ballerina Winery, the only women-owned winery in southwest Michigan.
Brittnee Carter’s academic inclinations became apparent early when she choseas a sophomore at South Haven High School to expand her educational ho
Brian Doak infuses positive energy and a high level of commitment into allareas of his life - work, family, and community.
Stephenie Henderson chose to attend LMC because of the opportunity topursue a degree along with playing softball and volleyball at the collegiate
Steve Fairbanks was the president and CEO of Iowa Mold Tooling Co.(IMT) in Garner, Iowa, where he was hired by Private Equity in 2004 to developa
Brad Gorman is a communications specialist at Whirlpool Corporation inBenton Harbor.
An HIV prevention specialist for the Berrien County Health Department,Melissa Zmyslo provides HIV testing and counseling, works on casereporting
Dana Harris Slagle is an associate editor at Jet magazine in Chicagowhere she researches and writes on topics ranging from education and entertain
- 2003C. Jesse Green, Director of Communications, Michigan Trial Lawyers Association
- 2002Melissa Ruth Garland Hawk- Attorney, Hunt Suedhoff Kalamaros LLP
- 1999Mary Jo Tomasini, Owner - Competitive Edge
- 1997Jetta M. Masters, Probation Officer, Berrien County 5th District Court
- 1996Gloria A. Pollack, RN/OCN, Lakeland Home Infusion Services
- 1995Lisa Jones-Williams, St. Andrew United Methodist Church
- 1993Dr. Abe F. Goldbaum, Medical College of Wisconsin
- 1993Lorilyn Von Koenig, Lakeshore Public Schools
- 1991Jeanne Jarvis, Hastings High School
- 1990Birgit M. Klohs, Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce
- 1988Patrick Grounds, Lake Superior State College
- 1987Terry S. Poindexter, 3M Corporation
- 1986Mary Simko, WSBT
With more than three decades of service to military personnel and their families, Mary Spear has made a lifelong impact through financial education
Reverend William Whitfield has dedicated his life to serving both his community and his country, donning many hats along the way.
Barbara Peeples, a Benton Harbor native, is the first recipient of the Gladys Peeples-Burks Alumni Service Award, named after her late sister.
Steve Zaban’s civic work started as a favor for a neighbor. Steve was elected as a Board Trustee for Williamstown Township, Mich., serving four four-year terms. He also served one term as clerk for the community just east of Lansing. During his tenure, Steve served on the fire board, planning commission and handled all aspects of elections.
The Alumni Service Award is presented to alumni who offer significant personal or professional contributions to 黨ǿmv and beyond.
The Alumni Service Award is presented to alumni who offer significant personal or professional contributions to 黨ǿmv and beyond.
Whether it was in a restaurant, a hotel, or in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, Larry Wozniak has spent a life dedicated to service.
While studying speech at 黨ǿmv, Craig Stilwell landed his childhood dream job.He wanted to be in radio since the third grade and i
Joseph DeFrance, Jr. graduated from Benton Harbor High School in 1949and attended LMC before transferring to Western Michigan University.
Rick Smiedendorf retired from his position as a police officer for the City ofSt. Joseph, Michigan in 2009 after 30 years.
Edward J. Todd was born and spent his early childhood years in Muskegon,Michigan, moving to St. Joseph in 1947. He was a member of the 1953 St.
Donald C. Mitchell’s family has lived in the St.
Brenda Kniebes, a lifelong resident of the area who grew up in Coloma,has taught elementary school at Decatur Public Schools for more than thirty
Great teachers inspired Colleen Cullitan to want to learn and explore subjects thatshe did not realize interested her.
For Barbara Lane, being a nurse and the executive director for the BerrienCounty Cancer Service has been more than “just a job.” She has devoted h
Diane Curry chose LMC twice in her life.
Patrick Lynch is a registered pharmacist and has been the proud operator,for the last 24 years, of Hill’s Prescription Shop in Paw Paw.
Karen (Kolberg) Kietzer journey toward a life in education beganwhen she enrolled at 黨ǿmv after graduation from Lakeshore HighSc
Nancy Conybeare attended Benton Harbor Junior College, a predecessorof LMC, after graduation from St. Joseph High School.
Melissa Stolfo’s avocation has been to support those in need of assistancein achieving their personal and professional goals.
Paula Wygonik is the executive vice president and chief marketingofficer for Competitive Edge in Stevensville, where she oversees the company’sor
Gloria Ender is president of Freedom Finishing in Benton Harbor.
Neldine Edwards is executive director of We Can Make a Difference,a non-profit organization through which she delivers parenting and life skillst
Mary Goff has served on the St. Joseph City Commission since 1986. She waselected by the Commission as the first female mayor of St.
Barbara Peeples influenced generations of students during her 40-yearcareer as a teacher in the Benton Harbor Area Schools.
Lt. Michael Bradley is the Emergency Management Homeland Security Coordinator for the Berrien County Sheriff’s Department.
- 2008Paul Landeck, Tabor Hill Winery & Restaurant
- 2007Sharon Tyler, SW Michigan Economic Growth Alliance
- 2003Daniel A. Shelton, Shelton Construction Company
- 2002Mary Ann Pater, V.P. Legal & Risk Management, Lakeland Regional Health System
- 2002Cathy Yates, Retired, Manager, Berrien County Family Independence Agency
- 2000Dr. Marilynn Stanard, Center for Performance Development
- 2000Marge VanVleet, M.S.N., R.N., L.S., P.N.P., Baptist School of Nursing
- 1999Dan Holt, Writing Teacher, St. Joseph High School
- 1998Jerry Reimann, Superintendent, Berrien County Intermediate School District
- 1997Elijah Burton, Technical Assistance Consultant, Whirlpool Corporation
- 1996Katherine Mitchell, Retired, B.H.A.S. Teacher Kathy Leitke, 黨ǿmv
- 1995Esther Shoemaker, Whirlpool Corporation
- 1994Brenda Layne, WSJM/WIRX Radio Station
- 1993Dr. Charles T. Williams, National Education Association
- 1992Sylvia Coleman, 黨ǿmv
- 1992Jeff McAlvey, Office of the Governor, State of Michigan
- 1991Dr. Gladys Peeples Burks, Benton Harbor Area Schools
- 1990Bertha M. Carson-King, Benton Harbor Area Schools
- 1989Gloria Vanderbeck, Pan American University
- 1988Steven C. Silcox, Modern Plastics Corp.
- 1987Rodney S. Krieger, Jr., Cook Nuclear Power Plant
- 1987Roy Shoemaker, Heath-Zenith
Dr. John Marcelletti has made substantial contributions to precision medicine, autoimmune disease research, and cancer diagnostics.
Dr. Susan Balmes’ influence has resonated not just in Southwest Michigan but around the world.
Kim Bicard made a promise to herself to go to college.
Gregory Vaughn spent 25 years at Cornerstone Alliance before retiring as Chief Operating Officer and Senior Vice President of Business Development in 2019.
The Clarence Beckwith Distinguished Alumni Award is presented to alumni who accomplish significant success in their personal or professional endeavors.
The Clarence Beckwith Distinguished Alumni Award is presented to alumni who accomplish significant success in their personal or professional endeavors.
Wilce L. Cooke has been a nurse for nearly 50 years, most recently in theemergency room of Lakeland Medical Center in St. Joseph.
Cynthia Joseph-Keller is Assistant Vice President at DexYP with anextensive background in real estate, facilities and sourcing.
Gloria Ender is a successful business owner with an international customerbase, but she is still able to donate time and energy to many causes aro
Andrew Bauer has served with distinction as a Conservation Officer for theMichigan Department of Natural Resources for 23 years.
Dr. Mark A. Kuriata is an osteopathic dermatologist who owns andpractices at Advanced Dermatology in St. Joseph.
Valerie Dell Huber says that when she was taking courses at Lake MichiganCollege in comprehensive social science, she may have been daunted to thi
Becky Kliss’s path to becoming an environmental steward started when she openedher own cleaning business, Great Lakes Cleaning, Inc., following gr
“If I had an X-ray done today, the doctor would find a picture of LMC in my heart,” ishow Captain James F.A.
It’s hard to draw the line between Richard Schinkel’s work life andpersonal life. They appear to blend seamlessly.
Dr. William E.
Mamiella Chavis-Brown graduated with an Associate in Arts degreefrom LMC in 1977, followed by a bachelor’s degree from St. Mary’s College.
John Miller is the tribal chairman of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians.As the highest elected official of the sovereign nation, he presides
Dr. Gyl Kasewurm owns and operates one of the top audiology practicesin the country. Professional Hearing Services, Ltd.
Clifton C. Turner was a mentor to the young people of the Flint area for morethan 30 years as a teacher, coach and school administrator.
Richard H. Smart worked for aerospace giant McDonnell DouglasCorporation for 37 years.
Theresa Orlaske-Rich is an attorney and human resource professionalwho has worked for General Motors Corporation since the mid-1980s.
Professor Richard L. Bishop is professor emeritus of Mathematicsat the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Monte of Riverside is president and owner of Monte Package Company,a company that he has taken from being a local agricultural supplier to a natio
Roger Kullenberg of Kalamazoo is a journalist whose career has includedbeing a reporter, editor, and assistant to the publisher.
Leo “Joe” Berger is the retired co-founder of Finite Filter Corporation inOxford, Michigan, a company he helped to grow from a workshop- and basem
- 2009Jennifer Hoover, Operations Executive for the financial institutions group at Crowe Horwath LLP
- 2003Roger Frank Marquardt, Retired, Lockheed-Martin
- 2003Steven C. Silcox, Modern Plastics Corporation
- 2002Dwight "Pete" Mitchell, Community Leader
- 2001Dean S. Jennings, Attorney-at-Law Dr. William E. Rhode, Retired-National Institutes of Health
- 2000Wyn Craig Wade, Writer
- 1999Dr. Olaf Lieberg, Orthopedic Surgeon
- 1998Dr. Michael T. Allkins, President, Bay de Noc Community College
- 1997Renee' R. Williams, Superintendent, Benton Harbor Area Schools
- 1996Dr. Douglas H. Lape, Northwestern Michigan College
- 1995Sharon L. Sarris, General Motors
- 1994Dr. Roger L. Rosentreter, State of Michigan
- 1993The Reverend Dr. Donald B. Adkins, Second Baptist Church
- 1992Judge John Iwaniuk, Berrien County
- 1990Myron A. Roeder, Tropicana Products, Inc.
- 1989Sandra N. Bate, Bate's Rent-A-Motor Home
- 1989Kenneth Summerer, State of Connecticut
- 1988Sandra Bruce, Berrien General Hospital
- 1987Patricia A. Skinner, Ph.D., Ohio Board of Regents
- 1986Dr. Peter Dual, San Diego State University
- 1986Carol Sizer, Whirlpool Corporation
- 1988Cullen and Mildred Child