CMU graduates have the drive to make a difference. And many do it shortly after turning their tassels at graduation.
To honor the work of Central’s dedicated alumni, the Young Alumni Board recognized some recent graduates who have obtained exceptional achievements in their community and/or work place.
The Young Alumni Awards have four categories: Distinguished Young Alumni Award, Outstanding Recent Graduate Alumni Award, Young Alumni Service Award, and Young Alumni Entrepreneur Award.
Here are the 2011-2012 Winners:
Distinguished Young Alumni Award
This award is presented to young alumni whose achievements in their field or avocation have received favorable recognition; who have received honors from associations or employers; or whose work has proven beneficial to a pronounced segment of society. This is the highest award achievable for a Young Alumnus by the Alumni Association of Central Michigan University.
Kenneth Anderson, M.S.A. ’11
Aerial Port Flight Superintendent
U.S. Air Force, Andrews Air Force Base
"I find myself constantly reaching into my tool bag and pulling out what I've learned from the MSA program. CMU has given me the ability to help fine-tune the engine that drives my organization's success."
Basil Lyberg, ’99
Executive Director
24 Hours of Booty in Charlotte, N.C.
“I owe so much to my education at Central Michigan, which provided me with invaluable opportunities. I will be forever grateful to the many mentors who helped me build a solid foundation and enjoy a career, which impacts the lives of others every day.”
Outstanding Recent Graduate
This award is presented to someone who has graduated within the past 5 years, who has gone above and beyond in the community and workplace.
Tasha Candela, ’05 M.A. '08
Business Teacher
Lake Shore High School in St. Clair Shores, Mich.
“A Central Michigan University education has been one of the best decisions of my life. While there are countless aspects that I adore, the personalized connections are my favorite part. Professors like Karl Smart, Susan Steffel, or Timothy Brannan pushed me to my limits and made me feel special in classes of more than 35 students. As a current teacher in the metro-Detroit area, I have taken this philosophy seriously and build lasting relationships with each high school teenager. From their favorite musicians to career goals, I strive to make that connection; This lesson, discovered through the outstanding CMU faculty, is one gem that I will continue to practice daily.”
Young Alumni Service
This award is presented to alumni in recognition of their outstanding volunteer efforts in service to the community, state, military, country, Central Michigan University or an important social cause.
Sarah Clark, ’99, M.S. ’05
Contract Dietitian
Commission on Aging, St. Joseph County
“At CMU, I gained so many experiences necessary to who I am today. From the professor who took me under her wing, to Alternative Spring Break, to football games, I learned the value hard work and fortitude, caring and compassion, and service. I met lifelong friends and will forever be a CMU Chippewa.”
Young Alumni Entrepreneur
This award is presented to alumni who have created a new business or venture or expanded an existing business.
Emily Doerr, ’07
Manager, Small Business programs
Detroit Regional Chamber
“Attending CMU as a Centralis Scholar in the Honors Program shaped my academic experience. And the ability to connect with professors and develop mentoring relationships with them allowed for me to see all that you can get done if you position yourself to not simply be a number or someone who dwells in a place, doing the status quo, but instead you push yourself, tackle projects, ask questions, volunteer, take charge, and choose to dwell in a place where change is needed and you can make a difference there. That's what CMU taught me, and that's the positive attitude I brought with me to Detroit when I moved here more than three years ago.”