Distinguished Alumni

Jean O’Dette

Bay College has officially announced its Distinguished Alumni of the Year for 2024. This year’s award will go to Bay College graduate of ’07, Jean M. O’Dette.

Bay College’s Distinguished Alumni of the Year Award was established in 1999 by the Alumni Association to annually recognize an outstanding graduate who has contributed to their career, the community, and the college. The award selection process focuses on the following criteria: Education, Leadership, Service to the College and/or Community, Honors and Awards, and Distinction in the Nominee’s Career Field.

Jean’s journey with Bay College began in the late 1980s, when she embarked on her educational pursuits as a non-traditional student while juggling a full-time job and raising two children, Ryan and Jaimee, with her husband, Larry. Despite the challenges, she persevered, taking night classes at various Bay College locations throughout the Iron Mountain/Kingsford area. Never knowing where the next class would be held was one of the reasons Jean co-chaired the Bay West, Yes! Finance Committee. 

“The need for additional educational programs and the presence of a local permanent campus motivated me to actively promote the Bay West initiative. It was a goal of mine to help make the Iron Mountain campus a reality.” 

Jean earned her Associate in Business Administration in 2007, soon after Bay’s Iron Mountain campus opened. Her commitment to lifelong learning didn’t stop there; she continued to enrich her skills and knowledge through various banking-related educational programs including Robert M Perry School of Banking and the MBA Commercial Credit School. She also attended many programs at the Iron Mountain Campus, including the first Leadership Academy class.

Throughout her career, Jean’s leadership skills have shone brightly. In 1997, Jean was awarded the Business and Professional Woman’s Young Careerist Award and represented her District in state competition. At the time, Jean was a Bank Branch Manager, a role previously dominated by men.

Leveraging her education, Jean worked her way up through many different banking, lending, accounting, and managerial related positions. Currently the Senior Vice President and Chief Credit Officer for First National Bank & Trust in Iron Mountain, Michigan, Jean oversees the retail and commercial lending teams daily operations. She is also responsible for managing the risk of both the Bank’s retail and commercial lending programs.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Jean’s impact extends deep into her community. She has dedicated countless hours to volunteering and leading numerous non-profit organizations. Jean can be found volunteering at blood drives, reading to elementary kids, teaching Jr. Achievement classes to high schoolers, coordinating the Norway Easter Egg Hunt, coaching S.A.Y. soccer, holding first time home ownership informational sessions, pounding nails for Habitat for Humanity, participating at Kiwanis events, or more recently running around town with treats for “Spread Goodness Day.” She has been on the Habitat Selection Committee and is a past board member of the Dickinson Chamber of Commerce and Treasurer for the IM-K Builders Exchange. In 2005, Jean was also awarded the Conservation District Volunteer of the Year Award for her efforts in eradicating Eurasian Water Milfoil (EWM)- an aquatic invasive species. Jean is also an inaugural member and President of a newly formed non-profit charity, Family Snowshoe Charity Association (aka Stomp the Snow), which provides a free, community lantern-lit snowshoe event while raising funds through sponsorships for other local non-profit groups. 

Jean’s passion for community service is evident in her efforts to promote and support Bay College, whether it’s by advocating for student enrollment or collaborating with local law enforcement to host security seminars on campus. Jean continues to spearhead initiatives aimed at making a positive difference in the lives of others.

Jean’s leadership style is characterized by empowerment, organization, and a genuine concern for others. She encourages her team to innovate and excel, while always ensuring that they feel supported and valued. Her dedication to Bay College and her local community exemplifies the spirit of the Distinguished Alumni of the Year Award.

“I am honored to be the 2024 Bay College Distinguished Alumni of the Year recipient,” says Jean. “One of my favorite sayings is ‘A successful person is one who can build a firm foundation with the bricks others have laid for them.’ (Unknown Author) Bay College provided the bricks for me to succeed. My goal is that I will inspire others to allow Bay College to lay the foundation bricks for their success.”   

Jean’s achievement was honored at Bay College’s Awards Celebration in April, and will also be the guest speaker at Bay College’s Commencement Ceremony in 2025.

“Jean’s remarkable contributions have undoubtedly left a lasting impact on both Bay College and the surrounding community,” says Kaylee Hubert, Events, Communications, and Alumni Coordinator. “We are so proud to have Jean as a Bay College Alumni!"

John Ziemba

Bay College has officially announced its Distinguished Alumnus of the Year for 2023.  This year’s award will go to Bay College graduate of ’96, John H. Ziemba.

Bay’s Distinguished Alumni Award was established in 1999 by the Alumni Association to annually recognize an outstanding graduate who has contributed to their career, the community, and the college.  The award selection process focuses on the following criteria: Education, Leadership, Service to the College and/or Community, Honors and Awards, and Distinction in the Nominee’s Career Field.  Previous award recipients include Marty Fitante (2022),  Susan Cobb (2021), Holly Way (2020), and Patrick Johnson (2019).

“This honor from Bay is greatly appreciated and I hope that I am worthy of the accolades,” Ziemba said.

An Escanaba native, Ziemba earned an Associate of Science degree from Bay in 1996.  He then transferred to Central Michigan University where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Education with a major in Chemistry and a minor in Physics and Math.  Ziemba then continued his education at Northern Michigan University where he received yet another degree in Education Administration and Leadership.  In his professional career, Ziemba has been teaching for 24 years at Manistique, and is most well-known for being a MHSAA Official for baseball, softball and volleyball.  In addition, he is a lead mentor for The Junkyard Dawgs FIRST Robotics team.  Volunteering is an important part of his commitment to his community, by being involved over the years with Scouting, M.A.Y.S. soccer, and as an Assistant Fire Chief for Hiawatha Township.

In honor of Ziemba’s achievement, he will be the guest speaker at Bay College’s next commencement ceremony.  The ceremony is scheduled for May 4, 2024.

“Bay College’s Alumni Association is pleased to honor John as the 2023 Alumnus of the Year.  His qualifications and outstanding leadership skills made him the perfect candidate, and Bay College is excited to have him as a guest speaker at next year’s Commencement,” Advancement Services Manager Vicki DeGrand said.

Marty Fittante

Throughout his career, Escanaba native Marty Fittante has worked as a lawyer, the chief of staff for state Sen. Tom Casperson, and the CEO of InvestUP. But before he worked in any of these positions, he built a foundation for his future at Bay College.

Shortly after graduating from Escanaba Senior High School in 1984, Marty started taking classes at Bay. He chose Bay due to its strong reputation in the local area and its cost-effective tuition.

“Some of my close friends from EHS went to Bay as well, so I kept those friendships while broadening my circle of relationships. Additionally, it helped me discover where my interests lied and gave me the tools I needed to succeed academically moving forward,” Marty said.

As a Bay student, Marty majored in business administration.

“It was broad enough that the credits would easily transfer – I wasn’t sure where I wanted to go at that point. Along with that, my dad was a banker, and I had some interest in generalized business by virtue of his experience,” he said.

His teachers at Bay – including adjunct professor Pat Wilde – played a key role in helping him develop a plan for the future.

“Her intro to business law classes were my first exposure to the world of law, and that encouraged me to go to Ferris State University and pursue a paralegal degree while I pursued my bachelor’s degree,” Marty said.

Marty graduated from Bay at the end of the winter 1986 semester and continued his education at Ferris that fall. There, he earned a bachelor’s degree in business management and a paralegal associate degree in the spring of 1988. After that, he attended law school at Wayne State University in Detroit and received a Juris Doctor degree in 2001.

Once he had the credentials he needed to enter the legal field, Marty returned to the local area. He practiced law in Escanaba for 12 years as a general practitioner with a focus on criminal defense.

“In 1999 or so, there was a young truck driver who lost a load of logs as he was driving on M-95, killing a woman and her infant daughter. Tom (Casperson) was a friend from childhood, and I called him for a logging-industry perspective on whether the truck driver, who was my client, was at fault for involuntary manslaughter,” he said.

From there, Tom got involved with the case and established a task force consisting of several industry experts. The group’s mission was to develop new safety standards for lumber transportation, including the use of crib-style trailers. However, these trailers needed to be two feet longer than “standard” trailers for truckers to haul the same amount of logs – and trailers of this length were prohibited in Michigan at the time.

“A state official told Tom, ‘If you don’t like the law, go change it.’ Tom was so frustrated by that, he decided to run for the state House in 2002,” Marty said.

Tom’s campaign was successful, and he served in the House from 2003 to 2008. After two years away from politics, he was elected to a position in the state Senate and served there from 2011 to 2018.

“The very first law that he passed was ‘Shayla’s Law,’ named in honor of the little girl who was killed. That law allowed crib trailers to be two feet longer,” Marty said.

About a year after the election, Marty joined Tom in Lansing as his chief of staff. He stayed in this position for the rest of Tom’s political career; during the two years Tom was out of office, Marty served in external affairs in a policy advisor role for the Michigan House Republican Caucus.

“My duties were pretty varied. I was involved with the policy of what Tom wanted to do for the district in terms of legal changes, helped constituents with issues they had, and stood in for him as a representative of his office in meetings and other events,” he said.

According to Marty, the skills he learned at Bay were essential in helping him thrive in his new line of work.

“The tools that helped me become a better student were certainly part of what helped me succeed in that role – being organized, being able to read about different topics and understand them, and being disciplined,” he said.

Marty also said Tom understood the role Bay plays in Escanaba and the Upper Peninsula as a whole. Both Tom and Marty were strong supporters of Bay’s efforts to establish its West Campus.

“Bay was trying to expand with Bay West in Iron Mountain in the middle of Tom’s House term. Tom and I flew up from Lansing to attend a public hearing in Iron Mountain. We talked about how important Bay is as an institution to the region and advocated for expanding Bay into the Dickinson County area,” he said.

Today, Marty is the CEO of the regional economic organization InvestUP. He said one of the main reasons he was approached for that job was because the skills required in the position overlapped with those needed in his chief of staff role.

“You’re trying to advance opportunities for the Upper Peninsula by removing barriers where they exist, identifying where new opportunities may lie, and developing strategies to realize those opportunities,” he said of his current job.

Marty was asked if he was interested in taking the InvestUP CEO position in the fall of 2018 and formally started in this role on Jan. 1, 2019. He noted that one of his key goals is supporting college education in the Upper Peninsula, especially since the qualifications offered by Bay and other institutions are more crucial than ever in today’s workforce.

“My time at Bay helped make me aware of the importance of the UP’s higher-education institutions. The stronger we can make these institutions, the stronger we are as a region,” he said.

Susan Cobb

The Bay College Alumni Association is pleased to announce Susan Cobb as the Bay College Distinguished Alumna for 2021.

A resident of Bark River, Susan earned a Certificate in Practical Nursing (2008) and an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Nursing (2009) from Bay College.

When notified as the recipient of the 2021 Distinguished Alumni of the Year Award, Susan stated, “I am so honored.  Bay College was life changing for me, and I am so thankful that I was able to enroll in a community college close to home.  I still remember many of my instructors, and their guidance and support pushed me to succeed as a student.”

Susan is the Director of Nursing at Bishop Noa Home, a role she has held for the last eight years.  She is known to lead with positivity, efficiency and authenticity.  Her contagious personality and ability to communicate with others radiates through Bishop Noa Home.  In addition, Susan is a hard worker, keeping her ultimate priority in check - the well-being of the residents and staff at Bishop Noa Home.

Susan has a strong belief in community involvement.  She previously volunteered as a reading buddy at Lemmer Elementary School and helped at Feeding America distribution sites. She is a member of the Great Lakes Sports and Recreation Club.  In addition, Susan has many ties to Bay College.  She currently serves on the Bay College Nursing Advisory Board, her son is a proud Bay College Alumni and her daughter is currently taking Bay College classes as a dual enrolled student.  Susan has been married to her husband Bill for 24 years, a previous adjunct Safety Instructor for Workforce Training at Bay College.

Holly Way

The Bay College Alumni Association is pleased to announce Holly Way as the Bay College Distinguished Alumni for 2020.

A native of Delta County, Dr. Holly (Lanasa) Way graduated from Gladstone High School in 1993. She continued her education at Bay College earning an Associate in Science degree. After attending Bay College, Holly transferred to Northern Michigan University and received a Bachelor’s degree in Biology with a minor in Chemistry, and was honored as the Outstanding Biology Senior. In 2001, Holly earned a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine degree from Michigan State University.

Holly is a veterinarian at Thompson Veterinary Clinic in Manistique and at Bay Veterinary Clinic in Gladstone. In her free time, Holly enjoys camping, biking, sports, music, reading, hiking and traveling with family and friends. Holly is married to her husband, Cory, a Bay College alumnus, and is a proud mother to Jude, Linnea, Micah, Dayne and dog Sparty.

Holly serves as Scoutmaster with Manistique’s Boy Scouts of America Troop 401 and is an active member of First Baptist Church. She also enjoys volunteering at school and community events.

Dr. Way is honored to be recognized as the 2020 Bay College Distinguished Alumni and stated, “Bay College provided me with a solid foundation which has enabled me to accomplish many things in both my professional and personal life. I am thankful for the time I spent at Bay College.”

Patrick Johnson

A graduate of Gladstone High School in 1999, Patrick earned an Associate in Science Degree from Bay College in 2001 with an end goal of becoming a chiropractor.  Patrick continued his education at Northern Michigan University and Palmer College of Chiropractic, and in 2008, he obtained his goal and graduated with a Doctorate in Chiropractic. 

Patrick is the owner and chiropractor at Water’s Edge Chiropractic.  He serves on the Delta County Board of Commissioners, the Michigan Works Board, the Delta County Soil and Water Conservation District Board, the Delta Solid Waste Management Authority Board, the Delta /Menominee Community Health Department Board, the Economic Development Alliance Board and the Airport Advisory Board.

Residing in Gladstone, Patrick enjoys spending time with his wife Suani and children, Veo and Vera.  He also likes exercising, swimming, playing tennis, fishing and hunting.

The Bay College Alumni Association is pleased to announce Patrick Johnson as the Bay College Distinguished Alumnus for 2019.

Mike Dagenais

A Delta County native, Mike graduated from Escanaba High School in 1978, and earned his Associate in Arts Degree from Bay College in 1981. 

Mike has been employed by Elmer’s County Market, an iconic grocery store located in Escanaba started by his grandfather Elmer, for nearly 44 years.  Mike serves as President and Dairy Manager, and is responsible for day-to-day operations and public relations.  Mike and his siblings, Pat and Barb, represent the third generation of Dagenais’ upholding the value of fresh products, outstanding service and customer appreciation at Elmer’s County Market. 

In addition to managing a successful and growing grocery store, Mike is involved in numerous organizations within the community, including the YMCA, Escanaba Blue Line Club, and the Eskymo Fan Club.  He was proudly named the Escanaba Fan of the Year in 2012.  Mike also co-hosts the morning radio show “The Eagle” for the past 6 years. 

Mike resides in Escanaba with his wife, Lisa.  His children, Jared and Jalyn, both attended Bay College and represent the fourth generation of the Dagenais family working at Elmer’s County Market.

In 2018, the Bay College Alumni Association announced Mike Dagenais as the Distinguished Alumnus of the year.

Jean’s achievement was honored at Bay College’s Awards Celebration in April, and will also be the guest speaker at Bay College’s Commencement Ceremony in 2025.

“Jean’s remarkable contributions have undoubtedly left a lasting impact on both Bay College and the surrounding community,” says Kaylee Hubert, Events, Communications, and Alumni Coordinator. “We are so proud to have Jean as a Bay College Alumni!"

Dennis Pearson

A Delta County native, Dennis graduated from Escanaba High School in 1974, and earned his Associate of Arts Degree from Bay College in 1977. He transferred to Western Michigan University, where he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration.

After graduation, Dennis began his career as a salesperson for his family’s business, Pearson Boiler. In 1987, Dennis started his own business, Pearson Asbestos Abatement. Over the past thirty years, Dennis has grown his business throughout the Upper Peninsula and Wisconsin. Dennis is a certified asbestos remover, project designer and building inspector - making our environment a safer place to live, work and raise families.

In addition to managing a successful business, Dennis is involved in numerous service organizations and leadership positions within the community. He is active in the Escanaba Noon Kiwanis Club and has served on the Escanaba Board of Review for over thirty years. Dennis is also a member of Bethany Lutheran Church. Dennis resides in Escanaba with his wife, Marilyn. He is the father of four daughters, and has instilled in their lives the importance of good grades, a strong work ethic and commitment to the community.

In 2017, the Bay College Alumni Association announced Dennis Pearson as the Distinguished Alumnus of the year.

Caren Crawford

A Delta County native, Caren received an Associate in Arts in Business Administration from Bay de Noc Community College in 1995. She transferred to Central Michigan University, where she received a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and was honored with membership in the Sigma Iota Epsilon honorary management academic fraternity. Following graduation, she attended Worsham College of Mortuary Science in Wheeling, Ill., and was licensed as a mortician in 1999, after which she returned to Delta County to begin her professional career with her father and grandfather with Crawford Funeral Homes.

Caren has been very active in the community, joining numerous service organizations and assuming leadership positions. Caren served as co-chair of the St. Vincent de Paul Society “Gift of Hope” Campaign in 2004 for construction of a new facility; board member and past mentor with the Big Brother/Big Sisters program, member and past president of the Escanaba Rotary Club and chair of their Rose Project and the ISD Christmas Party, member of the Delta County Chamber of Commerce Board, member of the OSF Women in Philanthropy, and currently serves as an officer for the MFDA District 10 Board. She joined the Delta County Jaycees in 2001, serving as president in 2004, chairing numerous annual Jaycee events and was an active member until she aged out in 2015. Caren also served on the OSF Advisory Board and was a member of the 2004 Delta County Commerce Center “Delta Force” leadership development academy. She is a member of St. Anne’s Parish. In 2008 she was the recipient of the Delta County Chamber Athena award. Caren is the daughter of Jim and Mary Kay (Bink) Crawford and granddaughter of Donald and Rosie Crawford.

In 2016, the Bay College Alumni Association announced Caren Crawford as the Distinguished Alumnus of the year.

Arthur Branstrom

The Bay College Alumni Association is proud to announce Gladstone native Arthur Branstrom as Bay College’s 2015 Distinguished Alumni of the Year. Art was acknowledged at Bay College’s Awards Dinner held on April 28, 2015.

After graduating high school, Art received an Associate degree in Applied Science from Bay College in 1981. He continued his education at Northern Michigan University, graduating in 1983 with a Bachelor in Science degree in Biochemistry. After graduating from NMU, Art attended Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio, receiving a Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences. Post-doctoral studies in the field of infectious diseases took place at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research in Washington, DC.

While attending Bay College, Art served on the Student Government Council and actively participated in working with staff to implement policies that benefited students. The motivating instructors in the science division sparked his interest in science that still burns today. As Art stated, “After thirty five years, the instructors who still come to mind for laying down the foundation for my career in science are Mr. Ziemba, Mr. Leinberger, and Mr. Haeusler.”

To pursue job opportunities, Art relocated from Michigan to the states of Ohio, Maryland and lastly New Jersey, where he currently resides. His career efforts over the past twenty-five years have been focused in the area of infectious diseases, both in vaccine development and small molecule drug discovery. Currently, Art is Vice President, Biology, at PTC Therapeutics, Inc., an innovative biotechnology company developing novel therapeutics.

Art married the former Mary Gaudette from Rock in 1985. Even though their three children were raised outside of Michigan, they consider the UP home. Art and Mary own property on Stonington Peninsula, where they enjoy spending vacation time and visiting family and friends.

Chris Anderson

The Bay College Alumni Association is proud to announce Escanaba native Chris Arthur Anderson as Bay College’s 2014 Distinguished Alumnus of the Year. Chris was recognized at Bay College’s Awards Banquet held on April 29.

After graduating from Escanaba High School Class of 1976, Chris received an Associate degree in Applied Science from Bay College in 1978. He continued his education at the University of Minnesota graduating in 1980 with a Bachelor in Science degree in Mortuary Science. After graduating from the University of Minnesota, Chris returned to the Escanaba area as a third generation funeral director. He is currently co-owner of the Anderson Funeral Homes of Escanaba and Gladstone with his brother Keith. “I feel extremely honored and humbled to be nominated and chosen as Bay College’s Alumnus of the Year. There are many successful Bay College graduates that have remained in our community and many others that began their career path here and have excelled in other parts of the country and beyond. We are fortunate to have such a successful educational institution within our community” indicated Chris.

Chris Anderson is involved in the community through the time he volunteers and as a strong supporter and ambassador for Bay College. He is a member of Northern Michigan Bank & Trust’s Board of Directors, past president of Michigan Funeral Directors, was appointed by Governor Engler to serve on the State of Michigan Board of Mortuary Science, past Chairman of the Delta County Chamber of Commerce, and is involved with many organizations with his profession and community which include; Delta Lodge #195 F&AM, Ahmed Shrine of Marquette, member of Bethany Lutheran Church, Eagles Club of Escanaba, the Royal Arch Masons Delta Chapter #118, the Elks Lodge #354, Wildlife Unlimited, Ducks Unlimited, and U.P. Whitetails Association to identify a few.

Chris married the former Kimberly Dawson from Gladstone and she graduated from Bay in 1979. His two daughters; Laura, and Christina, will receive their Associate degrees from Bay College this May.

Jean’s achievement was honored at Bay College’s Awards Celebration in April, and will also be the guest speaker at Bay College’s Commencement Ceremony in 2025.

“Jean’s remarkable contributions have undoubtedly left a lasting impact on both Bay College and the surrounding community,” says Kaylee Hubert, Events, Communications, and Alumni Coordinator. “We are so proud to have Jean as a Bay College Alumni!"

Pat Barron

The Bay College Alumni Association is proud to announce Patrick Barron of Escanaba as Bay College’s 2013 Distinguished Alumnus of the Year. Barron was awarded this honor on April 24th at the 2013 Bay College Awards Banquet, an evening celebrating the achievements of students, staff, and alumni of Bay College.

Patrick Barron was born and raised in Escanaba, MI on Barron’s Farms in Flat Rock, working with dairy, strawberries, grains, logging, and gravel. After graduating from Gladstone High School, Patrick received an Associate degree in Applied Science from Bay College. Upon graduation, Barron continued his education at Michigan State University, and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and Finance in 1988.

After practicing several years as a Certified Public Accountant in Saginaw, MI, Barron took on a position as General Manager of A.M. Express (a local over-the-road trucking company). In 1998, Barron purchased A.M. Express and as president, general manager and owner, has grown the business to include 100 tractors and 260 trailers. While the truck company started out with only one truck, trailer, and services to one state, it now works with several manufacturers in the Upper Peninsula and Wisconsin, with service to 48 continental states and parts of Canada. In addition to A.M. Express, Barron also owns and operates his own maintenance shop, Red Pine Equipment. Red Pine Equipment services all of A.M. Express’ trucks and trailers, including engine rebuilds and transmission replacements. It is also open to the public for any kind of diesel services. Combined, A.M. Express and Red Pine Equipment employ 125 people.

Patrick Barron’s active involvement in the community and dedication to service are part of what makes him such a distinct alumnus. He is a past board member of the Big Brothers/Big Sisters organization, Bay de Noc Community College Alumni Association, and Holy Family Men’s Club. He is a current board member of the Wells Lions Club and a member of both the Elks and Masons. Barron’s companies regularly support local charities and organizations, with preference to those helping kids. He states, “Family and our youth are #1 to me in all regards.”

Barron’s hobbies include fishing hunting, ATV riding, ice racing, traveling, playing pool, spending time at camp, cheering for the Green Bay Packers, and most of all, he values the time he spends with his family. Barron has three sons, Jonny, Josh, and Kyle and a foster son, Mark. His family is continuing the Bay tradition: Jonny and Mark previously attended Bay, and Josh and Kyle are current Bay College students.

Paul Fix

The Bay College Alumni Association is proud to announce Rapid River native Paul Fix as Bay College’s 2012 Distinguished Alumni of the Year. Paul was acknowledged at Bay College’s Awards Dinner held in April 2012.

Paul graduated from Rapid River High School in 1977. After high school, he attended Bay College where he received his Associates degree in Business Administration. While attending Bay, Paul worked in the Learning Resource Center (LRC) as an audio visual technician and also worked nights at United Parcel Service. It was during his time at Bay that the college partnered with Lake Superior State University to develop a 3 + 1 program, which allowed students to complete their bachelor’s degree mostly in Escanaba with the exception of the last year being completed in Sault Ste Marie. Paul took this path and graduated with his Bachelor of Science degree from Lake Superior State University.

Since graduating from LSSU, Paul has worked in the insurance industry, working for two of the larger regional insurance carriers in Michigan. For the last fifteen years, he has been part owner of Northern Insurance Agency in Escanaba and Gladstone. Paul and his wife Jodi (Delvaux), who he met while attending Bay College, reside in Escanaba. They have three children, Zach, Chelsey and David.

Paul is a member of the Escanaba “Noon” Kiwanis where he has served as president of the club and the chair of the Upper Peninsula Special Olympics Basketball tournament. Paul also served as a commissioner on the Escanaba Housing Commission.

Gary LaPlant

The Bay College Alumni Association is proud to announce Gary L. LaPlant of Escanaba as Bay College’s 2011 Distinguished Alumnus of the Year.

Born and raised in Gladstone, Michigan, Gary graduated from Gladstone High School in 1960. Gary served in the US Army until his honorable discharge in 1963. After serving his country, Gary attended Bay College and received an Associate degree in 1973. Gary began his career working for and on the behalf of the public and has continued that mission to this day. Throughout his career, Gary has worked with unions, local businesses and community foundations. His extensive fundraising experience gained by working with the community foundations led him to receive a Certificate of Achievement from The Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University in 1996.

Gary has held his current position as Executive Director of the Community Foundation of Delta County since 1999 and as the Executive Director of the Community Foundation of the Upper Peninsula since 2003. During this time, Gary has been instrumental in helping many small community foundations in the Upper Peninsula come together to share resources and ideas. Gary has played an instrumental role in securing many gifts/bequests for the Community Foundation of Delta County, which has distributed funds to over 100 non-profit organizations in Delta County. In addition, Gary was instrumental in the development of the Financial Information Materials Service (FIMS) model, which has become a national pilot and model for the cooperation of community foundations for their mutual benefit.

In addition to his professional contributions, Gary has a personal commitment to encourage individuals in their own philanthropy and service to their community. He is dedicated to teaching the principals and importance of philanthropy to people of all ages. He has dedicated his time and provided leadership to organizations such as the General Board of the Michigan state AFL-CIO, Marquette General Health Services Board of Trustees, Board of Midwest Community Foundation Ventures, Escanaba Industrial Foundation Board, Delta County Economic Development Alliance, and the Economic Alliance for Michigan.
 

Kevin Winneroski

The Bay College Alumni Association is proudly announces Kevin Winneroski of Minnetonka, Minnesota as the 2010 Distinguished Alumnus of the Year.

“I am unbelievably honored by this recognition! You have no idea how much this means and how much I appreciate your selecting me as this year’s recipient.”

Kevin received his Associates degree from Bay College in 1985 and his Bachelor of Science degree in Advertising and Public Relations from Ferris State University in 1987.

Kevin Winneroski is Best Buy’s Vice President of Secondary Markets. In this capacity, Kevin manages corporate teams in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Irvine, California and Dallas, Texas as well as product processing facilities in Chino, California, Dallas, Texas, and Louisville, Kentucky. The primary responsibility of Kevin’s team is to manage the entire end of life product process for Best Buy. Kevin’s group processes millions of customer returned, floor sample, and other goods and identifies ways to optimize the profitable resale of these products. As part of this initiative, Kevin’s team is developing exciting new retail sales channels that offer extreme value products to consumer electronics shoppers.

Prior to taking his current assignment, Kevin was on the forefront of developing several important businesses for Best Buy. After joining Best Buy in 1999, Kevin oversaw an explosive four year period of growth as the Director of Merchandising for notebook computers. In 2003 Kevin accepted an assignment in Shanghai, China as the Director of Global Sourcing. In this capacity, Kevin was responsible for working with a team that Best Buy assembled in China to course private label consumer electronic goods. When Kevin returned to Minneapolis in late 2005 he became the Director of Merchandising for Television. In this role Kevin oversaw and managed the overnight transition from tube and projection television to flat panel. In early 2007, Kevin was promoted to Vice President Merchandising for Digital Imaging, a category he managed until he accepted his current position in 2009.

Kevin is an avid cyclist and is currently training for his first marathon in the fall. He enjoys spending time with his daughter Paige and his parents John and Nancy Winneroski in Escanaba. Kevin was honored at Bay College’s Awards Banquet and Commencement Ceremony as well as a speaker at Bay College’s Commencement 2011.

Suzanne Malenfant

Suzanne Malenfant was added to the distinguished group of Alumni of the Year recipients at Bay College.Suzanne started at Bay’s first campus soon after they opened and received an Associates of Arts degree. After working as a nurse and technician for several years, she later returned to Bay to pursue a teaching career. Sue furthered her education, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree at NMU as well as a Master of Arts in Health and Secondary Education.

Until her retirement in 2009, Sue worked as a Guidance Counselor at the Escanaba High School. Prior, Sue taught science and health classes at the high school. She is an advocate of Bay College and strongly encourages students to consider starting at Bay. According to Sue, “Without access to Bay, I would not have been able to get my degree.” Sue is part of the Student Success Advisory Committee at Bay College. Sue was recognized at Bay College’s Awards Banquet, April 23 as well as at graduation on May 2, 2009.

Mark Tibergian

Gladstone native Mark Tibergien was named Bay College’s Alumnus of the Year for 2008. Mark graduated from Gladstone High School. He attended Bay de Noc Community College from 1971-1972, studying liberal arts. Mark then transferred to the University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point.

Mark began his career in 1973, observing the investment industry as a writer for Investment Dealers’ Digest in Chicago, Illinois. Mark is Chief Executive Officer of Pershing Advisor Solutions LLC. Pershing Advisor Solutions LLC, an affiliate of Pershing LLC, supports registered investment advisors, wealth managers, portfolio managers, and family offices. Mr. Tibergien is also a Managing Director and member of the Executive Committee for Pershing LLC.

Mr. Tibergien is a nationally recognized expert and consultant on management issues within the financial services industry. Mr. Tibergien joined Pershing in October of 2007. Prior to joining Pershing, he was a Principal at the accounting and consulting firm, Moss Adams LLP, where he was Partner-in-Charge of the Business Consulting Group, Chairman of the Financial Services Industry Group, and Partner-in-Charge of the Business Valuation Group. Mr. Tibergien has been working with public and private companies on matters related to business management, transition planning, and strategy formulation since 1973. Mr. Tibergien has worked closely with hundreds of independent registered investment advisors, broker-dealers, investment managers, insurance companies, and other financial service organizations in the United States, Australia, and Canada. For the past eight years, Accounting Today has recognized Mr. Tibergien amoung the “100 Most Influential” in the accounting profession. In 2003 and 2008, Financial Planning magazine recognized him as a “Mover & Shaker” in their annual review of industry professionals, and for the sixth time in 2008, Investment Advisor magazine recognized him among the “25 Most Influential” in the financial services industry. He is the author of two books published by Bloomberg Press, Practice Made Perfect and How to Value, Buy or Sell a Financial Advisory Practice.

Mark was recognized by faculty and staff of the College, students and members of the community. He presented at the commencement address to graduates at the 2009 event on the College’s campus.

Julia Nelson

Julie was a single mother of four children living in Garden, Michigan when she enrolled in Bay College for the fall semester in 1988. That semester, she discovered she excelled in biology, as well as rhetoric and composition. Julia completed an internship with the Michigan Department of Natural Resource’s Fish Hatchery in Thompson, Michigan while completing her degree at Bay College, working, and raising her family.

While at Bay, Julia was active in the art club, Bay Beacon, Phi Theta Kappa and was a finalist in the Student Commencement Speech Contest. She is active with the Salvation Army, OSF St. Francis Hospital OB Unite and with fund drives for the Garden Congregational Church. She is a certified life guard, rock wall climbing instructor, and has her CPR PRO certification. She is working on addictions counseling certification and rope course certification.

Julia completed the requirements for a certificate in wildlife management in 1999, an Associate of Applied Science degree in 2000 and an Associate in Arts degree in 2001. She completed her Bachelor of Arts degree in 2005 from Governors State University and is currently completing the requirements for her Master of Arts degree at Michigan State University.

Following her graduation from Bay, Julia was hired as a youth specialist at Bay Pines Youth Treatment Center in Escanaba, Michigan. She received the Director’s Award in 2005, which is given to individuals that successfully meet the mission of the treatment center.

Thomas Bissell

The Alumni Association of Bay College named Thomas C. Bissell Alumnus of the Year for 2006.

In receiving the award, Tom indicated, “I am honored and even a little surprised by the news. Bay College means a lot to me and it’s delightful beyond words to be given this award.”

A native of Escanaba, Tom graduated from Escanaba Area Public Schools in 1992 and enrolled at Bay College. After one year of study, he transferred to Michigan State University, graduating summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1996.

After his graduation from MSU, he entered the U.S. Peace Corps, teaching English to fifth, sixth and seventh graders in Gulistan, Uzbekistan. Returning to the United States in 1997, he became the editorial staff at WW Norton & Company in 1997, where he was assistant editor and then went to Henry Holt & Company as editor in April, 2000. He has been a full-time professional writer since August, 2001.

Tom Bissell is the author of numerous fiction and non-fiction articles and reviews, which have been published in Harpers, the New York Times Magazine, Boston Review, and Men’s Journal.

His published books include Chasing the Sea: Lost Among the Ghosts of Empire in Central Asia, 2003; Speak, Commentary, also in 2003; God Lives in St. Petersburg and Other Stories, in 2005; and the soon to be released, The Father of All Things: A Marine and His Son’s Journey Through the Legacy of the Vietnam War.

He has most recently been honored by the American Academy of Arts and Letters with a one-year residency fellowship to Rome, Italy.

In addition to writing, Tom is an adjunct instructor in non-fiction writing at Bennington College.

David Carey

The Bay College Alumni Association is honoring David Lawrence Carey of Channing, Michigan as the 2005 Alumnus of the Year.

“My Bay experience was tremendous,” Carey says “What I needed most when I got to Bay College was a support team of instructors who encouraged me, held me more accountable for my work ethic and believed in me. They did all of that and more.”

David is a 1976 graduate of North Dickinson High School in Felch, Michigan. He first attended Bay College in 1977, receiving a one-year Electrical Certificate. He then returned to Bay in the mid 1980’s continuing his education in computer programming, business, and accounting.

Mr. Carey is the president and owner of the Office Planning Group headquartered in Iron Mountain, the Upper Peninsula’s leading office equipment provider. The company specializes in digital copiers, business computer networks, office furniture, filing systems and office supplies. OPG has offices in Marquette, Iron River, Escanaba, Houghton, and Menominee. The business received the Outstanding Partner Award from Canon USA in 2002.

“Our goal at OPG is to provide extraordinary customer service to every customer in every situation,” he says. “That’s one of the most important things I learned in my business classes.”

David worked for the Dickinson County Road Commission and the North Dickinson Community Schools, as a carpenter, and is a certified motivational instructor.

“As my career grew, my education needs changed and were fulfilled through Bay College and Northern Michigan University” Carey says. “Fortunately, I was single and able to travel to Escanaba for classes not offered in Iron Mountain. I believe strongly that in today’s changing environment, additional education is necessary, but it needs to be easily available, such as the path Bay is providing us in Dickinson County.”

In other activities, Carey has served as technology advisor for North Dickinson Schools; treasurer for the Dickinson County Economic Development Corporation; vice president of Sagola Township Planning and Zoning Board; secretary for the Masonic Lodge #388; and a Shrine Club band member. He also serves as a member of the Bay West Yes Committee.

David resides on Sawyer Lake, north of Channing, with his wife, Sandra. He has two children, a son Jeremy, and daughter, Cayla. He enjoys elk hunting, hobby farming, teaching children outdoor skills and making maple syrup with his daughter.

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Mary Curtin Hurley

Mary L. Hurley of Escanaba was named Bay College Alumnus of the Year during commencement exercises held at Bay College on Saturday, May 8, 1999.

Mary completed an Associate of Applied Science in Business degree in 1975. She then completed an Associate of Arts degree in 1992 from Bay College. Mary is completing a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Lake Superior State University on the Bay College campus.

Mary has been employed with Mead Paper since 1976 receiving many promotions throughout her tenure and is currently Human Resource Manager at the Paper Publishing Division in Escanaba. The Escanaba Paper Mill is currently a division of New Page.

In announcing the award, Alumni President said, “Mary has used her education to its full advantage, not only professionally in her work, but in service to the community and Bay College through her involvement in several worthy activities.” These activities include: Mead Associated Federal Credit Union Education & Promotion Committee, 1991-1997; U.P. Human Resources Association, May 1989 – present, Pulp & Paper Manufacturer Association, 1995 – present; and Vice President, Delta County Economic Development, 1993 – present, to name just a few.

In addition to her work with many professional and civic organizations, she has been actively involved with a number of events at Bay College. Among those events are: Cochair of the 1997-1998 Century Club Drive, Accounting Advisory Committee, Presidential Search Committee, and the Special Populations Committee.

Mary and her husband Todd enjoy many activities including boating on Lake Michigan in the summers.