UM-Flint alumni serve in powerful positions
Vanessa Ferguson
Issue date: 3/11/03 Section: News
The Alumni Society of the University of Michigan-Flint held a legislative reception on Feb. 21 in the Tuscola Room in the
William S. White Building. The reception was to recognize the alumni who serve as political leaders in the state.
Out of the six alumni who have such positions, Democratic Lt. Gov. John Cherry, Democratic state Sen. Deb Cherry, and
Republican state Rep. Dave Robertson were able to attend the reception.
The reception allowed alumni, faculty and staff, administrators, and current students to mingle in an informal atmosphere.
Richard Thompson Jr., UM-Flint Alumni Relations officer, said, "The purpose of the reception was not just to recognize these officials, it was a way for the vice chancellors and deans to see that we do have successful alumni."
During his introduction, UM-Flint Chancellor Juan Mestas said, "We feel very proud. It says something about a university
that we have so many leaders of such high quality; it shows that any member of the student body can end up like them."
Both Deb Cherry and Robertson have close ties to the UM-Flint campus. Robertson, currently serves on the Alumni Board of Governors and Deb Cherry is both a past president of the board and a former employee of the university.
Robertson faced a difficult decision when elected last fall when deciding whether or not to remain as a member of the Board of Governors.
"I've been serving on the board for the last few years and my calendar is difficult since we (the State Legislature) are in session Tuesday through Thursday," said Robertson. "However, I feel it is important to keep up on what's going on here on campus and it helps me when I am making decisions that will affect the campus as a whole."
Deb Cherry reflected on her memories while at UM-Flint. "It's very special being back here, especially coming and seeing this building actually being used.
"I went to UM-Flint for a long time, I even attended while it was still in the Mott building and then I came back to receive my master's degree. It's important to remember where we come from."
A similar reception is held in Lansing by the by the Alumni Association of the University of Michigan each year. According to Thompson, the Wolverine Caucus reception is held to recognize all UM graduates who are in the state legislature or serve as other elected officials throughout the state and is mainly Ann Arbor focused.
Thompson said, "One of the problems with our graduates is people do not recognize that even though they may not become Supreme Court Justices, Astronauts, or the President of the United States; we have a variety of successful alumni
in this community and beyond."
William S. White Building. The reception was to recognize the alumni who serve as political leaders in the state.
Out of the six alumni who have such positions, Democratic Lt. Gov. John Cherry, Democratic state Sen. Deb Cherry, and
Republican state Rep. Dave Robertson were able to attend the reception.
The reception allowed alumni, faculty and staff, administrators, and current students to mingle in an informal atmosphere.
Richard Thompson Jr., UM-Flint Alumni Relations officer, said, "The purpose of the reception was not just to recognize these officials, it was a way for the vice chancellors and deans to see that we do have successful alumni."
During his introduction, UM-Flint Chancellor Juan Mestas said, "We feel very proud. It says something about a university
that we have so many leaders of such high quality; it shows that any member of the student body can end up like them."
Both Deb Cherry and Robertson have close ties to the UM-Flint campus. Robertson, currently serves on the Alumni Board of Governors and Deb Cherry is both a past president of the board and a former employee of the university.
Robertson faced a difficult decision when elected last fall when deciding whether or not to remain as a member of the Board of Governors.
"I've been serving on the board for the last few years and my calendar is difficult since we (the State Legislature) are in session Tuesday through Thursday," said Robertson. "However, I feel it is important to keep up on what's going on here on campus and it helps me when I am making decisions that will affect the campus as a whole."
Deb Cherry reflected on her memories while at UM-Flint. "It's very special being back here, especially coming and seeing this building actually being used.
"I went to UM-Flint for a long time, I even attended while it was still in the Mott building and then I came back to receive my master's degree. It's important to remember where we come from."
A similar reception is held in Lansing by the by the Alumni Association of the University of Michigan each year. According to Thompson, the Wolverine Caucus reception is held to recognize all UM graduates who are in the state legislature or serve as other elected officials throughout the state and is mainly Ann Arbor focused.
Thompson said, "One of the problems with our graduates is people do not recognize that even though they may not become Supreme Court Justices, Astronauts, or the President of the United States; we have a variety of successful alumni
in this community and beyond."
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