Celebrating Alumni and Friends
Alumni and friends of the college were honored for their outstanding professional and service accomplishments at the annual Haworth College of Business Awards Ceremony during Homecoming week. These individuals serve as a representation of the values of the Haworth College of Business and as an inspiration and example to our students.
Haworth College of Business
Outstanding Alumni
Achievement Award
Jeanne Carlson, B.B.A.’68
President and CEO (Retired), Blue Care Network
“I had the pleasure of working with Jeanne for many years. Jeanne is a true leader of people. What I mean by that statement is she knows how to build a team of talented individuals who enjoy working for her, and she is able to set and achieve goals with them.”
– Bill Smith, Executive Vice President of Operations and Information Technology (Retired), Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
Haworth College of Business
Outstanding Alumni
Achievement Award
Robert Herr, B.B.A.’67
Managing Partner (Retired), Crowe Horwath
“It seems almost daily that I run into people who know Bob and have stories about how he helped them or their organization. Bob Herr is a role model for our profession—a successful businessman who cares about his people, his customers and the community.”
– Chuck Frayer, Office Managing Partner, Crowe Horwath
Haworth College of Business
Outstanding Alumni
Achievement Award
Milford McGuirt, B.B.A.’78
Atlanta Office Managing Partner, KPMG
“Milford has a unique set of skills that has served him well in his personal and business pursuits. He listens carefully before offering his thoughts or opinions, a characteristic much appreciated by those who report to him as well as those to whom he reports. He does what he says he is going to do when he says he is going to do it, and he always meets or exceeds expectations.”
– Neal Purcell, Partner (Retired), KPMG
Haworth College of Business Outstanding Service Award
Michael Lewis, B.B.A.’71
Executive Vice President (Retired), BMO Harris Bank
“Mike is a profound individual—one I’m happy to call a friend. Mike has always been reliable, trustworthy and supportive. This high level of character extends beyond our relationship and stretches to the lives of those he touches—it’s in the fabric of the man he is.”
– Jim Reynolds, Chairman and CEO, Loop Capital
Haworth College of Business
Outstanding Young Alumni Award
Trolisie D. Fletcher, B.B.A.’97
Financial Analyst III, City of Detroit
“Trolisie’s positive outlook on life, commitment to providing exceptional customer service to everyone that she encounters, and her keen sense of personal accountability for her actions are attributes that contribute to her distinguished, leadership-oriented character.”
– Deborah Atkins, Level-Three Accountant, City of Detroit
Haworth College of Business
Outstanding Young Alumni Award
Anthony M.T. Majewski, B.S.’00
Entrepreneur
Director, Publicis Groupe
“Anthony’s defining trait is his energy. He is tremendously passionate about what he does, and most importantly, he can always back up that energy with execution. He delivers on what he says he will do, always.”
– Eric Foster, General Partner, Belle Maer Harbor
Haworth College of Business
Outstanding Young Alumni Award
John Roa, B.B.A.’07
Principal, Roa Ventures
Founder, ÄKTA (acquired by SalesForce)
Co-Founder, Digital Hope
“You can’t get John to compete in something where he doesn’t have a really good shot at winning. That’s not to say he isn’t a risk taker. John is a visionary. His ability to envision inspires and drives people—and in my experience, the right people at the right time—to do amazing things alongside him. I can’t wait to see what comes next.”
– Kevin Lerash, Director of Operations, SalesForce
Department of Accountancy
Outstanding Alumni Award
Ronald C. Edmonds, B.B.A.’79
Controller and Vice President
of Controllers and Tax,
The Dow Chemical Company
“This honor is truly well-deserved and a testament to Ron’s championship of the highest ethical standards and compliance in accounting and finance. The passionate focus on detail, his leadership by example, and the rich geographic and business perspectives he brings to his work have contributed greatly to Dow’s success.”
– Andrew Liveris, Chairman and CEO, The Dow Chemical Company
Department of Business Information Systems
Outstanding Alumni Award
Jennifer Rutledge, B.B.A.’04
Chief Operations Officer,
SalesPage Technologies
“In very short order, I realized Jen was a problem solver—someone I could truly depend on. Every project, problem or person that Jennifer encounters is better off for her presence, and that is what makes her a truly outstanding individual.”
– Conan Venus, Owner, Conan Venus Consulting
Department of Finance and Commercial Law
Outstanding Alumni Award
Darrell Lindman, B.A.’75
Attorney, Fraser, Trebilcock,
Davis, & Dunlap
“Darrell is an excellent attorney, an honorable person and a dedicated family man. Starting from scratch, Darrell built a top-notch legal practice in the complex field of employee benefits law with a long list of blue chip clients. Perhaps there is no better testament to Darrell’s legal skill and reputation than the fact that many of his clients are other law firms, making him a true ‘lawyer’s lawyer.’”
– David Marvin, Attorney,Fraser, Trebilcock, Davis, & Dunlap
Department of Management
Outstanding Alumni Award
Perry Watson, III, B.B.A.’73, MBA’76
President and Owner, Lexus of Mishawaka
“As a successful business leader, Perry always views the world from the customer’s perspective, bringing great insight and foresight to today’s challenges. Having Perry Watson on your board or leadership team is a real gift, and organizations are always stronger and more vibrant due to his passion and leadership.”
– Phil Newbold, CEO, Beacon Health System
Marketing Hall of Fame Award
Michael Doss, B.B.A.’89, MBA’91
President and COO, Graphic Packaging Corporation
“Michael Doss is a transformational leader. As the president and COO of Graphic Packaging, his contributions have been phenomenal. The WMU Marketing Department is proud that Michael is one of our graduates, and we are pleased to honor him for his outstanding professional accomplishments. His humility in all that he has achieved is remarkable and inspirational to all.”
– Dr. Mushtaq Luqmani, Chair, Department of Marketing, Western Michigan University
Food and Consumer Package Goods Marketing
Adrian Trimpe Distinguished Service Award
Tom Zatina
President, McLane Foodservice
“Tom’s service and contributions as a member of the Food and Consumer Package Goods Marketing Industry Advisory Board are invaluable as the program continues to grow. He is an asset to the program and college, and we’re immensely grateful for his leadership.”
– Dr. Frank Gambino, Professor of Marketing; Director, Food and Consumer Package Goods Marketing Program, Western Michigan University
WMU ROTC Wall of Fame Award
Colonel Andrew McConachie, B.B.A.’87
Director, Army Financial Management Optimization Task Force
Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Financial Management and Comptroller)
“Having had the honor and privilege of being not only Colonel McConachie’s boss, but also his friend, I am not surprised by this incredible recognition of Andy’s career in the military. I have worked with Andy in both a combat zone and in the United States supporting soldiers in harm’s way, and his professionalism and technical competency were always second to none.”
– Major General David Coburn, U.S. Army
At 99 years young, Virgil Westdale, B.A.’49, B.S.’62, who earned his undergraduate degree in business, is WMU’s oldest living Distinguished Alumni Award recipient. He is a veteran of World War II, became a corporate scientist and has 25 U.S. patents.