Alumni Service Recognition Award

John Kaczynski ’03, ’08, is an active Central Michigan University (CMU) alumni. From serving on the Young Alumni Board to co-founding a young alumni club in Lansing, MI to fundraising John has proved he is a proud Chippewa. John has been the president, vice president of the CMU Young Alumni Board. John co-founded the Capital City Chip Crew to provide social and networking opportunities for Lansing area alumni of CMU.

In John’s extensive educational background is a Doctor of Philosophy in Higher Education Administration from Michigan State University, two degrees from Central Michigan University: a Master of Public Administration, State and Local Government, and a Bachelor of Science in Political Science and Government. In addition, he holds an Associate of Arts from Delta College. While studying at CMU John was a member of Phi Kappa Tau and held positions such as Board of Governors Chair, Housing Corporation Fundraiser, and Statewide Chairperson.

John began his career with Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU) working as an Assistant Professor of Political Science. During his professorship, he founded the Model UN Program, College Republicans, College Democrats and the SVSU Cardinal Caucus. In addition, he created the Lansing Living Leadership Program in 2009 and today 120 students have graduated from the program with 30 of those graduates currently working in Lansing. John received tenure at SVSU at the age of 31, one of the youngest at the University, then moved on to become the Director of the James A. Center for Public Policy & Service where he led the fundraising of $500,000 in endowments and grants for the Center. In 2015 John transitioned into the Director of Governmental Affairs position he currently holds.

In addition to John’s education and career, he still finds time to volunteer. His volunteer work includes being the Vice-President of Sycamore Park Neighborhood Association, a Board Member of the R.E. Olds Automotive Museum and a member of the Tri-County Planning Board. John has helped raise $75K for the CMU Housing Corporation in Political Science. He serves on the CMU Public Administration Advisory Board, helps assist with developing endowments, and mentors Model UN students.

John is the recipient of Lansing Chamber of Commerce's Ten Over The Next 10 and numerous awards from Phi Kappa Tau for Alumni Engagement, including the Key Award National Award. In 2014, John was awarded the House Award for Teacher of the Year at SVSU and an award for co-curricular involvement at SVSU in 2008.