The Department of Management at Western Michigan University recognizes the achievements of our graduates. The Outstanding Alumni Award is given each year to one alum who exemplifies the department's mission through contributions to his or her profession, discipline or community.
2018 Honoree
R. Craig Hopkins Jr., MBA’97
Chief Information Officer and Director of Information Technology Services
City of San Antonio
Craig Hopkins is the chief information officer and director of information technology services for the city of San Antonio. With more than 13,000 employees and an annual operating and capital budget of $2.8 billion, Hopkins is responsible for all information technology operations, applications support, service delivery, cybersecurity, project management and business relationship functions for 40 departments spanning more than 500 facilities. He also has enterprise leadership experience in customer experience design, employee workplace of the future, smart cities strategy and implementation, technology research and innovation, and workforce leadership and development.
2017 Honoree
Kevin McManus, B.B.A.’79President
TECHNI Waterjet
Kevin McManus was appointed president of TECHNI Waterjet, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of profile waterjet cutting systems, in 2016. With more than 35 years of experience, McManus is a recognized global leader in the robotic automation and waterjet cutting industries. He also serves as global director of business development for the company, helping organizations around the world significantly improve their operating performance through the utilization of TECHNI’s industry-leading products and technology.
2016 honoree
Perry Watson, III, B.B.A.’73, MBA’76, President and Owner
Lexus of Mishawaka
Perry Watson, III, is the president of Lexus of Mishawaka. Before taking this role in 2001, Watson operated a Dodge dealership in Minnesota for nine years and was part of the Chrysler Minority Dealer Training Program from 1990 to 1993. Both dealerships have earned multiple awards for customer satisfaction and market leadership in sales. Prior to his time in the automotive industry, Watson held various positions with Xerox Corporation, Muskegon County and Keen Corporation.
2015 Honoree
William J. Crane, Jr., Founder and CEO
IndustryStar
A serial entrepreneur and experienced executive, William Crane is the founder and CEO of IndustryStar, a supply chain services and software company.
Crane has led supply chain organizations in the consumer electronics, life sciences, automotive, medium and heavy duty truck, energy, and food and beverage industries. As a former venture capitalist, startup founder and supply chain professional, Crane brings a unique perspective, having worked at every stage and function within the supply chain.
Crane’s past responsibilities include being head of global supply chain (procurement, logistics, quality and manufacturing) for Stage 2 Innovations, a venture capital firm specializing in investing in disruptive technologies ready for large-scale growth. While at Stage 2, Crane led the supply chain team, responsible for the global supply chains for six early-stage startups in the U.S. and Singapore.
In 2015, Crane was named University of Michigan Entrepreneur of the Year. Active in his community, Crane enjoys new culinary hotspots in Ann Arbor and spending time on the lake with his family.
Previous Honorees
- Carrie L. Jones-Barber (2014)
- Colonel Rodney Faulk (2013)
- Keith Valentine (2012)
- Chris Flum (2011)