Community Recognition Alumni Award

Judith A. (Nelkie) Rapanos, ’59, is a community leader who is wholeheartedly committed to advancing the arts and cultural affairs throughout the region, state, and nation.

For many years Judy has dedicated her time and leadership to supporting CMU and the college of Communication and Fine Arts. This includes serving as chair of the CCFA Advisory Board, volunteer for the Opus Committee, and former member of the College of Medicine’sMidland Steering Committee.

Judy has served as chair of the Midland Center for the Arts and currently is involved as a trustee of the Midland Area Community Foundation. Her state affiliations have included the Arts Foundation of Michigan and serving as chair of the Michigan Council for the Arts and cultural Affairs as well as the Michigan Humanities Council.

On the national level, President George W. Bush appointed Judy to the National Museum and Library Services Board and she has actively served in the republican Party at the local, district and state levels.

Judy has been recognized through many awards and honors, including the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies Distinguished Public Services Award, the Governor’s Award for Arts and Culture in Michigan, and an honorary Doctor of Public Service degree from CMU in 2003.