Distinguished Alumni Winners
The Distinguished Alumni Award began in 2022 and is a way to honor alumni in three categories. These include Professional Achievement, Service to the Community, and Young Alumnus, which includes those who have graduated within the last 15 years.
Rayburn
Vrabel
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Class of 1965
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PharmD - University of Kentucky
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Assistant Professor - UCLA
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Director of Pharmacy - The Mayo Clinic
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Rick
DeJonge
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Class of 1981
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MA - Western Michigan University
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Composer - Disney, Willie Nelson, Boston Brass, et al.
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Grammy Award Nominee
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Nick
Shelton
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Class of 2004
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BA - Albion College
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Mayor - Niles Michigan
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SW Michigan Rising Star Award 2022
Dr. Dean Livleybrooks
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Class of 1973
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PhD - University of Oregon
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Senior Physics Instructor - University of Oregon
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Underwater geophysical researcher
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Sgt. First Class
Matthew Small
(deceased)
Class of 2000
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SERE School and Master Combative Instructor
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Jumpmaster - Army Basic Instructor
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Ranger Instructor - Sixth Battalion
Julie
Bowland
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Class of 1975​
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MFA - Arizona State University
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Professor - Valdosta State University
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Director - Fine Arts Gallery - Valdosta State University
Christina
Hartman Frank
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Class of 2001
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BS Sienna Heights University
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Executive Director - Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Berrien/Casss
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VP External Affairs - Cornerstone Alliance
Dr. David
Duane Gillette
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Class of 1964
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PhD - Southern Methodist University
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State Paleontologist - Utah
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Author of 200 Scholarly Papers
Phil
Hurlbutt
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Class of 1976
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Owner - The Flower Cart since 1982
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Executive Director - Miss Cass-St. Joseph Counties Pageant
Dr. Robert
Fein
​
Class of 1965
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EdD - Western Michigan University
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Superintendent - Kalkaska Schools
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Superintendent - Fennville Schools
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Cameron
Ondrensky
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Class of 2008
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BS - Wayne State University
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Manager/Director - Swem Chapel of Buchanan
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Diane
Seuss
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Class of 1974
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MA - Western Michigan University
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2022 Pulitzer Prize Winner - Poetry
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Victoria
Knight
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Class of 2013
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AS - Southwestern Michigan College
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Owner - H3 Home Designs
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VP - Niles Service League
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Dr. Jack
Owicki
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Class of 1964
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PhD - Cornell University
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Faculty - UC Berkley
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VP Research - Molecular Devices Corp.
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Jennifer
Clarke
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Class of 1973
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JD - Columbia University
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Editor - Columbia Law Review
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Executive Director - Public Interest Law Center
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Ambrosia
Neldon
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Class of 2009
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BS - Western Michigan University
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Michigan Press Association "Columnist of the Year" 2019, 2020
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Publisher - Leader Publications
Suzi Barber Veiga ​
​Class of 1975
More information coming soon.
Rachel Marazita
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Class of 1993
More information coming soon.
Nancy Turner Crane
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Class of 1968
More information coming soon.
Neil Coulston
​Class of 1968
More information coming soon.
Justin Price
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Class of 2007
More information coming soon.
Theresa Horvath Harrison
Class of 1974
More information coming soon.
J. Michael Shelton
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Class of 1972