Archived Alumni Notes (April 2001-March 2003)

April 28, 2003

Thomas Rundquist ‘67, ‘69, ‘77, of Big Rapids, is the president/CEO of Nova Media Inc. This company is the originator of The Heavenly Goldcard’TM and several cultural diversity test instruments. Rundquist is also a writer and award-winning painter. His website won an award as one of the most widely linked websites internationally. He has also run for political offices.

Phillip Riggio ‘71, ‘74 is the president of Aunt Mid Produce Company in Detroit. In 1948, Aunt Mid's introduced fresh spinach in a consumer package. Today, the company provides a variety of whole and fresh-cut produce.

The Plymouth-Canton Community Schools will be honored on May 6 with a 2003 Education Excellence Award from the Michigan Association of School Boards. James Ryan ‘71, ‘73 is the superintendent. The award is being made for the district’s Journey Program, which provides special help and support for high school students who are at risk of failing. The Wyandotte district will receive the same award. Patricia A. Cole ‘74 is the superintendent.

April 21, 2003

David Parker '80, who prepared to be a teacher of speech, but who has become known professionally as actor Wayne David, lives in Dearborn. He is best known for his role as Jimmer in the play and film Escanaba in da Moonlight, but his voice is familiar as the one selling Ford vehicles for more than 10 years on television. He has been a member of the Purple Rose Theatre Company and is currently on stage at the Meadowbrook Theater starring in Wait Until Dark.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Bruce Jacobs '53, '59 died recently of a heart attack while jogging. He was a retired faculty member at Ferris State University. While at EMU, he was prominent in track events. Later, he officiated at EMU meets.

Tommie Lee McIntyre '67 died recently. He served in the Willow Run schools for 30 years as a teacher, coach, assistant principal, and Title I director.

April 14, 2003

L. Gayle Green '85, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction for the Macomb Intermediate School District, has been selected to receive the EMU Alumni Association's Alumni Achievement Award. The award will be presented during ceremonies on May 10.

April 7, 2003

Evelyn Boulton ‘39, whose son Kent Boulton ‘77 is director of bands at Big Rapids High School, and whose grandson, Thomas Boulton, is a music student at EMU, recently was on campus. Thomas Boulton is a fourth generation family member to be an EMU student. Kent Boulton was one of the finalists for the MSBOA ‘teacher of the year’ awards and he served as the guest conductor for the Alumni Honors Concert.

Chris Pasola ‘71, ‘74, ‘93 is a kindergarten teacher in Saline. Her daughter, Katherine Wunkel ‘00, received her degree in special education and is currently working on a master’s degree.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

The late Frank Manley ‘27 was featured recently in the Flint Journal in connection with his induction into the EMU Education Alumni Hall of Fame.

Elizabeth Marie Cresswell ‘41 died recently. Her 30+ year career as an elementary teacher was spent in New Baltimore and in Manchester.

Elwood J.C. Kureth ‘51 died recently. He taught at Melvindale High School from 1954 to 1968 and coached debate and track there. He joined the EMU Department of Geography and Geology in 1968 and retired as Head of the department in 1992.

Joseph Caimi, age 61, died recently. He was superintendent of the St. Clair County Intermediate School District. He began his career as a teacher in Grosse Isle, then was principal of an elementary school in Ubly. He served as superintendent of the Ubly, River Valley, and Algonac districts.

Last Modified on May 3, 2003