2025 History Alumni Awards

           Jim and Betty Sargent

The History Section presented two alumni with awards at the History Honors Reception on April 17, 2025. Former History Professor and mystery writer Jim Sargent received the Distinguished Alumni Award, and Henry Ford Academy teacher, author, and tour guide Jeffrey Koslowski received the Young Alumni Award.

Jim Sargent (BS, 1964) grew up in Flint, Michigan. “EMU had lots of good professors and classes,” Jim reminisces, “but it was a lot of work.” Jim went on to earn a Ph.D. in History from Michigan State University, and he taught American History for forty years at Ball State, Clemson, and Virginia Western Community College. Since retirement, Jim has published seven books in the Mickey Mathews series, including the most recent installment Brotherly Love (Doce Blunt Publishing, 2023). Set in Ypsilanti during the 1940s, these books delight readers with gripping tales of mystery and intrigue. “EMU made it possible for me to do my dreams,” Jim affirms. “That’s why I still go green.” 

                                                Jeffrey Koslowski and Stephanie Womack-Koslowski (MA, 2011)

Jeffrey Koslowski (BA, 2007; MA, 2015) has been teaching high school history at Henry Ford Academy in Dearborn since 2008. He has also written chapters for four books including Tigers by the Tale: Great Games at Michigan and Trumbull. Jeff has served as president of the Historic Commission of the City of Westland, and he often gives tours of the new Michigan Central Station building with Detroit History Tours. “The teaching and learning of history is something that for me is not simply for a salary,” Jeff notes. “It is a passion of mine.” 

This is the third year that the History Section has given alumni awards. Previous winners were Dennis Hertel and Sarah Jessup in 2023, and Brian James Egen and Tabatha Keller in 2024. Nominations for the awards were made by alumni and faculty, and the EMU History Community Board selected the winners.