Isabella Bank Institute for Entrepreneurship

MOUNT PLEASANT, MICH. — When Bill and Carla Kanine came to Mount Pleasant as married undergrads in the late 1970s, they never imagined one day they would be leading Central Michigan University’s homecoming parade as grand marshals.

“We’ve attended a lot of homecomings through the years, and it seems like all the grand marshals were special people to the university,” Bill Kanine said. “Carla and I are honored and humbled to be considered in that company.”

The couple met at Shepherd High School and married just after graduating. They came to CMU as freshmen and lived in married housing on campus, attending classes and sharing the role of apartment supervisors for the Northwest Housing complex.

Through the years, their generous donations to the Chippewa Champions Center, the Baseball/Softball Turf project, the Medical School, and the Chippewa Athletics Fund have helped fuel growth and expansion at the university they both love.

“We are so fortunate to have alumni like Bill and Carla Kanine who continue to support CMU and our students,” said Marcie Otteman, executive director of CMU Alumni Relations. “They lead by example, attending sporting events and theater productions, providing support for student scholarships and programs, and volunteering on university boards. Their continued presence on our campus is a shining illustration of how alumni can make a difference for our students every day.”

“Our university’s legacy stands on the foundation built by alumni like Bill and Carla Kanine,” said Bob Davies, CMU president. “Their unwavering dedication and enduring support over the years has enriched the lives and education of students and created a brighter future for our entire university community.”

Bill earned a bachelor's degree in business administration in 1982 and became a CPA. He is the chair of the Central Michigan University Marcy Weston Hall of Fame, a member of the university’s investment committee, and a member of the advancement board. He is also a former member of CMU’s Board of Trustees, where he served for eight years — two years as chair.

Carla earned a bachelor's degree in education in 1989 and she taught fourth grade in Petoskey where the couple continue to live today.

“The people we’ve encountered and the friendships we’ve created because of CMU have been wonderful,” Carla said. “We’re honored to represent them.”

CMU’s homecoming events take place Oct. 13-14 on the Mount Pleasant campus. CMU football will take on Akron at 3:30 p.m. Oct. 14 in Kelly/Shorts Stadium.