Seven EMU alumni, supporters to be honored

The principal trumpeter with the U.S. Army Band who played "Taps" at President Reagan's funeral, a Detroit police officer who fought in Operation Iraqi Freedom and a professional football player are among the seven outstanding alumni and supporters who will be honored at Eastern Michigan University's 44th Annual Alumni Awards Dinner Saturday, April 30, at the Ypsilanti Marriott.

A cocktail reception begins at 6 p.m. followed by dinner and the awards ceremony at 7 p.m.

"The annual Alumni Awards Dinner is our showcase event," said Vicki Reaume, executive director of Alumni Relations. "This wonderful event began more than 43 years ago and this year we continue the special tradition and induct a very distinguished group."

Those alumni being honored and the award they will receive are as follows:

Batch

Charles D. Batch ('97), a professional football player (quarterback) with the Pittsburgh Steelers and president of the Best of Batch Foundation, will receive the Outstanding Young Alumnus Award. This award is presented to alumni whose achievements have been signified by personal honors bestowed upon them by their peers and who have demonstrated the worth of their education through their post-college achievements.

As quarterback, Batch is EMU's all-time record holder for total plays (1,179), total offensive yards (7,715), pass attempts (998), pass completions (579), yards passing (7,592) and touchdown passes (53). Batch's performance in the NFL resulted in NFL Rookie of the Month and NFC Offensive Player of the Week honors, as well as the 1998 Mel Farr Rookie of the Year Award for the Detroit Lions. In 2000, Batch established the Best of the Batch Foundation in Homestead, Pa. The Foundation offers programs that directly impact youth in underprivileged communities in the Pittsburgh area.

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