College of Education and Human Development
Golden Apple trophy on table.

CEHD Alumni Awards

CEHD Alumni Awards

The College of Education and Human Development will celebrate the outstanding alumni selected to receive the 2026 Golden Apple and Keystone Awards at the 28th Annual CEHD Alumni Awards reception during Homecoming Weekend. The annual event recognizes alumni whose leadership, service and accomplishments reflect the impact of CEHD graduates in their professions and communities.

Friday, Oct. 9, 2026
5:30 p.m.
WMU Student Center Ballroom

Parking will be available at no cost in Lot 41. Dinner will be provided, and registration is free for all attendees.

 

Register to attend

Meet the award recipients

Kelly Alvarez

Kelly Alvarez

A statewide leader in multilingual education, Alvarez has dedicated her career to expanding opportunities and support for English learners and the educators who serve them.

—Golden Apple Award
Rhae-Ann Booker

Dr. Rhae-Ann Booker

A respected leader and champion for equity and inclusion, Booker left a lasting legacy of creating more welcoming and equitable organizations and communities throughout West Michigan.

—Keystone Meritorious Award (Posthumously)
Jazz McKinney

Jazz McKinney

As executive director of the Grand Rapids Pride Center, McKinney is a community leader and advocate whose work advances equity, belonging and support for LGBTQ+ communities across West Michigan.

—Keystone Early Career Award
Jiangang Xia

Dr. Jiangang Xia

An educator and scholar at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Xia’s teaching and research are helping advance the field of educational leadership and strengthen PK–12 schools.

—Golden Apple Award
Meet the 2024 recipients
Meet the 2025 recipients

Award information

The Golden Apple Award is given to honor two outstanding individuals who graduated from the College of Education and Human Development at Western Michigan University and are presently working or retired from the many professions involved in the educational experience. The individuals will be personally selected by their peers as being representative of educational excellence and commitment. 

Eligibility and Criteria

  • Must be a graduate of the College of Education and Human Development at Western Michigan University
  • Demonstrates enthusiasm for the teaching and learning process
  • Has a distinguished record of applying and widely sharing professional expertise
  • Has had a positive impact on students or the educational process through high standards, professional integrity and commitment to learner-centered education
Past recipients

The Keystone Early Career Award is designed to recognize one graduate who has achieved substantial professional growth and advancement within the last ten years in their chosen profession in the field of human development. 

Eligibility and Criteria

  • Must be a graduate of a human development program within the College of Education and Human Development at Western Michigan University within the last ten years
  • Hold or have held a professional position with a record of achievements
  • Demonstrate high potential to be an exceptional leader in their chosen profession
Past recipients

The Keystone Meritorious Achievement Award recognizes one graduate (graduation year must be at least 10 years prior to nomination year) who has demonstrated outstanding professional achievements and distinction in the field of human development.

Eligibility and Criteria

  • Must be a graduate of a human development program within the College of Education and Human Development at Western Michigan University at least ten years prior to nomination year
  • Hold or have held a professional position with a record of achievements and professional excellence
  • Made significant contributions to their chosen profession
Past recipients

The CEHD Outstanding Alumni Award is one of the University's highest alumni awards and is given to alumni who bring distinction to their alma mater through professional achievements and who have enjoyed a high level of success in their careers. 

Eligibility and criteria

  • Nominees must have at least one degree from the College of Education and Human Development at WMU.
  • Preference will be given to past recipients of CEHD Alumni Awards (Golden Apple, Keystone, HPHE Alumni Academy, CECP and FCS Awards). Strong justification should be provided for nominees who are not past recipients of CEHD alumni awards.
  • Nominees must have achieved a high level of success within their chosen field of endeavor, which is exemplified by having attained increasingly responsible positions, and have been recognized by their peers.
  • Preference will be given to nominees who have participated in community activities as well as activities supporting WMU and have given distinguished service to their profession, to WMU, and/or to their community.
  • Award recipient is expected to engage in college-related events during Homecoming week. These events will vary based on recipients interests.
Past recipients

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