Herron Scholarship

John Herron attributed much of his success in life to the education, leadership training and life skills he acquired at Eastern Michigan University.

Herron graduated from Michigan State Normal College (what is now EMU) in 1941 and initially taught general business courses with the Trenton, Michigan schools. Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, Herron volunteered for United States Navy duty and received his commission in May 1942. After a year of training at the Grosse Isle Navy Air Station and Harvard Business School, he began his first assignment in Honolulu in food services. In his 23-year career with the U.S. Navy, Herron worked on the largest carriers, specialized in logistics and supply and was promoted several times. In 1965, Herron retired with the rank of captain.

Upon his retirement, Herron went on to work for ARA, now ARAMARK. During his 28-year second career with ARAMARK, Herron helped establish operations in the United Kingdom, Belgium, Germany, Spain, Japan and other countries from 1975 to 1985. Herron served as president of the Hospital Food Management Division from 1985 to 1993 and was named corporate vice president in 1988. At the age of 77, Herron retired from ARAMARK and worked as a consultant until 1995.

In 2004, John Herron was honored with the Distinguished Alumnus Award by EMU Alumni Association. Since his official retirement, Herron often "returned to the sea" on annual world cruises and circumnavigated the globe five times.

To recognize his growth as a leader during his time at Eastern Michigan University, John established the John C. Herron Student Leadership Endowed Scholarship to provide awards to undergraduate and or/graduate students who exhibit leadership qualities. John passed away on December 17, 2011 after a long life filled with leadership, adventure and service.