EMU Today

YPSILANTI -- Eastern Michigan University continues its tradition of recognizing outstanding graduates who have demonstrated excellence within their professional career and respective communities. In celebration of their achievements, the University is hosting the premiere of the 61st Annual Alumni Awards via the University’s YouTube Channel at 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 7. The campus and extended community is encouraged to attend.

The Office for Alumni Relations guided by the Alumni Association Board of Directors and the Recognition, Awards and Scholarship Committee will highlight eight new award recipients for 2022. This virtual premiere is open to all alumni, donors, and friends of the EMU community.

“This year’s group of Alumni Award recipients demonstrates the tradition of excellence that is Eastern Michigan University,” said Mia Milton, interim executive director of Alumni Relations and Engagement. “We are so excited to honor all of their accomplishments and to welcome them into this distinct class of exceptional alumni.” 

Returning to celebrate and serve as this year’s master of ceremonies is FOX2 News anchor, reporter, and EMU alumnus, Josh Landon (BS06). Josh started his broadcasting career in Lansing, Michigan as a reporter, and then later worked for many stations in Florida, Virginia, and Wisconsin before returning to Michigan. Milton says, “Josh Landon is such a recognizable and well-respected journalist in the community and is a true ambassador for EMU. It is always appreciated when he continues to support the university and spread the good news.” 

EMU will honor eight alumni in three different categories as well as bestow the John W. Porter Distinguished Service Award to two deserving individuals:

The Outstanding Young Alumni Award is presented to alumni whose achievements have been signified by personal honors bestowed upon them by their peers and who have demonstrated the worth of their education through their post-college achievements. Generally, recipients have been graduates of EMU for less than 10 years and/or are less than 35 years of age.

Christopher Economeas (BS13), community and social responsibility director, Detroit Pistons

Wendale Farrow (BS09, MA13), assistant women’s basketball coach, University of Southern California

The Alumni Achievement Award is presented to alumni who have achieved distinction in their chosen field, clearly demonstrated the value of their college education, and maintained a continuing interest in Eastern Michigan University. Generally, recipients have been graduates of EMU for 10 to 25 years.

Nicolette Bateson (MPA12), chief financial officer and treasurer, Great Lakes Water Authority

Dr. Hrant P. Hratchian (BS01), associate professor and chair, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Merced

The Distinguished Alumni Award is given to alumni who have achieved extraordinary distinction in their chosen field, demonstrated exceptional service to others, and maintained a continuing interest in Eastern Michigan University. Generally, recipients have been graduates of EMU for more than 25 years.

Dr. Sandra J. Harris (BBE74, MA80, SpA89, EdD97), director of graduate education, Concordia University, Ann Arbor

Dr. David N. Turner (BBA94), senior vice president of human resources, MotorCity Casino Hotel

The Dr. John W. Porter Distinguished Service Award is presented to individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to Eastern Michigan University or the EMU Alumni Association. Recipients need not be graduates of Eastern Michigan University.

Dr. Karen Paciorek, emerita professor of early childhood development, EMU

Dr. Michael Paciorek, emeritus professor of physical education, EMU

Learn more about all of the Alumni Award recipients by visiting the official Alumni Awards web page.  Watch the awards by tuning into the EMU official YouTube channel or visiting the official Alumni Awards web page.
 

About Eastern Michigan University

Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves more than 16,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and, its graduate school. EMU is regularly recognized by national publications for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website.