Arts and Sciences Alumni Achievement Awards

Current Year Alumni Achievement Awards

 

The College of Arts and Sciences  is proud to announce the 2022 Alumni Achievement Award winners and to celebrate the outstanding contributions made by these 15 influential alumni. These individuals were recognized at the Alumni Achievement Awards on Oct. 14.

2022 Alumni Achievement Awards

Departmental Awards

  • Dr. Erica Wehrwein

    Dr. Erica Wehrwein, BS’98, MA’01

    DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES | Associate Professor, Michigan State University

  • Mike Burns

    Mike Burns, BS’98, MA’01

    DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMICS | Sr. Director, Supply Chain, Blommer Chocolate Company

  • Jenny Doezema

    Jenny Doezema, BS ‘06

    INSTITUTE OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY | Vice President for Learning and Engagement, Kalamazoo Nature Center

  • Sara Pearson

    Sara K. Pearson, MS `94

    DEPARTMENT OF GEOLOGICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES | Source Water Unit Supervisor, Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE)

  • Kathryn Giroux

    Kathryn Giroux, BA ‘13

    GLOBAL AND INTERNATIONAL STUDIES | Senior Content Writer, Articulate

  • William Parsons

    William (Bill) Parsons, BA ‘67, MSL `71

    DEPARTMENT OF HISTORY | Retired director, Administrative and human resources, Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone, P.L.C.

  • Michael Scott Johnson

    Michael Scott Johnson, BA ‘00

    INSTITUTE FOR INTERCULTURAL AND ANTHROPOLOGICAL STUDIES | Sculptor and Photographer, Gallery Myrtis Fine Arts and Advisory

  • Daniall Poulsen

    Daniall Poulsen, BA ‘00, MA ‘06

    MALLINSON INSTITUTE FOR SCIENCE EDUCATION | Science teacher, Portage Northern High School

  • Dr. M. Lynn Breyfogle

    Dr. M. Lynn Breyfogle, Ph.D. ‘01

    DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS | Associate Dean of Arts and Sciences and Professor of Mathematics, Bucknell University

  • Dr. Peggy Vandenberg

    Dr. Peggy Vandenberg, M.A. ‘91

    DEPARTMENT OF PHILOSOPHY |Retired professor, Grand Valley State University

  • Dr. Elias Garratt

    Dr. Elias Garratt, Ph.D. ‘13

    DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS | Diamond Crystal Growth Scientist, General Technical Services/Army Research Laboratory

  • Dr. Bernardine Pinto

    Dr. Bernardine Pinto, Ph.D. `92

    DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHOLOGY | Professor and Associate Dean for Research; Co-Director, Cancer Survivorship Research Center; Health Sciences Endowed Professor, University of South Carolina

  • Collin Mays

    Collin Mays, BA ‘15

    DEPARTMENT OF POLITICAL SCIENCE | Director of the Department of Economic Inclusion, City of Cincinnati, Ohio

  • Angela Bennett

    Angela Bennett, BA ‘94, MPA ‘96

    SCHOOL OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS AND ADMINISTRATION | Financial Analyst, Michigan Supreme Court

  • Margaret Bullard-Marshall

    Margaret Bullard-Marshall, BA ‘98

    DEPARTMENT OF SPANISH | Chief Operating Officer, Aldevra LLC

Pillar Awards

The Pillar Awards go to our alumni who’s achievements and contributions to their fields and communities have sustained a passion for learning and discovery in the humanities, social sciences and sciences. These alumni have helped others succeed in life and contribute to the betterment of our communities, from local to global. The Pillar Awards represent three areas, globally engaged, discovery driven and learner centered.

  • Globally Engaged: Mike Burns, BS'98, MA'01

    DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMICS | Sr. Director, Supply Chain, Blommer Chocolate Company

  • Discovery Driven: Dr. Bernardine Pinto, Ph.D.'92

    DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHOLOGY | Professor and Associate Dean for Research; Co-Director, Cancer Survivorship Research Center; Health Sciences Endowed Professor, University of South Carolina

  • Learner Centered: Dr. Erica Wehrwein, BS’98, MA’01

    DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES | Associate Professor, Michigan State University

Nomination Blurb

Every year the College of Arts and Sciences at Western Michigan University encourages all of its units to select one outstanding alum to be recognized during the homecoming weekend for their achievements and contributions to their field and the communities they participate in.

Past Awards

This award is given by Western Michigan University's College of Arts and Sciences. It is not the same as the University Distinguished Alumni Award given by the WMU Alumni Association.