Four business executives, two educators and a comedian
— and all dedicated to public service — will
be honored at the 46th Annual Alumni Awards Dinner.
The EMU Alumni Association will host the Alumni Awards
Dinner, its showcase event, Saturday, May 19, at the Ypsilanti
Marriott at Eagle Crest. The evening will feature
a reception at 6 p.m., followed by a seated dinner and
program at 7 p.m. Tickets for the awards dinner are $55
per person or $400 for a table of eight, and can be purchased
by contacting the Office for Alumni Relations at 487-0250.
"We are carrying on the tradition of honoring those who
have committed their time and energies to EMU," said Vicki
Reaume, executive director of alumni relations. "This University
could not have achieved the success we have today without
the commitment of individuals such as the distinguished
group we are honoring this year."
The awards celebrate Eastern Michigan alumni who have
clearly demonstrated the value of their college education,
exceptional service to humankind and an ongoing interest
in EMU. Awards will be presented in four categories.
They are: Outstanding Young Alumni Award, Alumni Achievement
Award, Distinguished Alumni Award and the Dr. John W. Porter
Distinguished Service Award.
 |
Kelly |
Brendan B. Kelly ('98, '00), currently
the director of forensics and an assistant professor at
the University of West Florida, will receive the Outstanding
Young Alumni Award. This award is presented to alumni whose
achievements have been dignified by personal honors bestowed
upon them by their peers, and who have demonstrated the
worth of their education through their post-college achievements.
Generally, they have been graduates of EMU for less than
10 years.
While at EMU, Kelly was a member of the forensics team
and won the National Pentathlon Championship, making him
the number one speaker in the United States in 1998. He
furthered his studies by completing his master's degree
at EMU and received his doctorate from Wayne State University.
Kelly has published many articles for the Strategic Integrated
Marketing Task Force, the National Forensics Journal and
the Michigan Association of Speech and Communications Journal.
Kelly continues to serve as an independent communication
consultant, providing political consulting, media planning
and speech consultation.
 |
Heffron |
John R. Heffron ('93), winner of NBC's "Last
Comic Standing," started
his career at EMU performing stand-up comedy at the Main
Street Comedy Showcase. Heffron will receive the
Alumni Achievement Award. This award is given to alumni
who have achieved distinction in their chosen field, clearly
demonstrated the value of their college education and maintained
a continuing interest in EMU. Generally, they have
been graduates of EMU for 10-25 years.
After graduation, Heffron pursued his dream and toured
more than 80 colleges per year. After his college tour,
he became a radio personality on Detroit's Q 95.5 FM. He
has appeared on numerous television shows, such as "The
Tonight Show with Jay Leno," "The Late, Late Show with
Craig Kilburn," a half-hour special called "Comedy Central
Presents," and now has a lead role on VH1's "Smash."
 |
Mueller |
Michelle M. Mueller ('74), vice president
of customer services for San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E)
and Southern California Gas Co., is the recipient of the
Distinguished Alumni Award. This award is given to alumni
who have achieved extraordinary distinction in their chosen
field, demonstrated unusual service to humankind and maintained
a continuing interest in EMU. Generally, they have been
graduates of EMU for more than 25 years.
Prior to joining SDG&E in 1999, Mueller held customer
service, marketing and administration leadership positions
at QUALCOMM Wireless Systems, Torrey Communications and
The Titan Corporation. Additionally, she has taught marketing
at the University of California at San Diego, San Diego
State University and California State University-San Marcos.
She has received the Public Relations Society of America
Outstanding PR Professional Award, the YMCA Tribute to
Women in Industry (TWIN) Award, the J.D. Power and Associates
award for outstanding customer service, and many others.
Four EMU alumnus will receive the Dr. John W. Porter Distinguished
Service Award. This award is given to individuals who have
made an outstanding contribution to Eastern Michigan University.
Recipients need not be graduates of Eastern Michigan University.
The recipients are:
 |
Neu |
Richard W. Neu ('77) has achieved
extraordinary distinction in the accounting field. Neu
started his career at KPMG specializing in the audit of
financial institutions. While he was at KPMG, he received
his certification as a statistical audit specialist. In
1995, Neu was hired by First Federal of Michigan, as its
executive vice president and chief financial officer. After
the merger between First Federal of Michigan and Charter
One of Cleveland, the newly formed institution rose to
$43 billion in assets, and $10 billion in market capitalization.
In 2004, Neu retired and currently is an active member
of committees, including the Board of Directors of the
Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group and the Westin Reserve
Academy.
 |
Fennel |
William E. Fennel has enlightened many biology students,
and has become a legend at EMU. In 1969, he joined
the EMU faculty and began teaching introductory biology,
using various techniques such as music, explosions and
even the occasional marshmallow. Fennel was presented with
the Outstanding Teaching Award by former EMU President
John Porter. He taught more than 20,000 students
before retiring in 1993. Since his retirement, he has been
an active member in the EMU community, serving as a ticket
taker at EMU football and basketball games, and commencements.
Fennel also is an active member in the Kiwanis Club, College
of Arts and Sciences Resource Development Board, and attends
all women's home basketball games and many EMU theatre
performances.
 |
Malcolm |
William Malcolm ('76) has achieved much distinction in
his life. After playing football at EMU, Malcolm signed
with the New Orleans Saints in 1976. Following his football
career, he spent 13 years at General Motors and, for the
past 20 years, found his true calling as an intensive probations
officer for the Washtenaw County Family Court Division.
During the summer months, Malcolm helps manage the Washtenaw
County Summer Sports Camp, where he works tirelessly as
a coach, teaching kids about teamwork, responsibility and
good sportsmanship. Malcolm is a former member of the EMU
Alumni Association Board of Directors. Even though his
term expired, he continues to volunteer with major events
such as commencement and homecoming. Malcolm has received
many awards, including Washtenaw County's 2000 Employee
of the Year and the 2003 Martin Luther King, Jr. Award
from EMU.
 |
Schimmelpfenneg |
H.F. (Bud) Schimmelpfenneg ('68) retired from Ford Motor
Company in 1997 after 32 years on their human resources
staff. Schimmelpfenneg started his EMU involvement as a
student-athlete, a member of Phi Sigma Epsilon and a Student
Council representative. He continues his involvement with
EMU as a committed donor, season ticket holder and volunteer.
His EMU volunteer activities include E-Club Board of Directors,
EMU Foundation Board of Trustees, the Alumni Association
Board of Directors and Alumni Legislative Connection program.
Schimmelpfenneg continues his service with the EMU Alumni
Association as one of the first emeritus members and his
involvement with event and office support. Outside of EMU,
he has volunteered with Canton Community Recreation Leagues
and State Sen. Bruce Patterson's Citizens' Advisory Committee.
