Alumni Association

Membership

All graduates of Michigan Christian College and Rochester College, as well as those who did not graduate yet completed a minimum number of credit hours, are automatically members of the Alumni Association. Currently, over 8,300 former students are members of this organization.

Leadership

Luke Fleer (‘05) and Brad McKenna (’02) serve as co-chairs of a revitalized Alumni Association leadership team that formed in the fall of 2012. They have identified their goal as “the creation of a place where alumni can plug in to the college using their time, talents, and treasure.” They plan to lead an association that gives back to its members as well.

Alumni Engagement

The new alumni board plans to engage alumni in five key areas. Over the next few months, the board plans to develop specific ways alumni can assist with each of these initiatives.

  • Mentoring initiatives such as participation in special events, email contact, and internship arrangements designed to mentor students
  • Leadership initiatives such as service on college committees and boards, coordination of class reunions, or leading special fundraising projects
  • Ambassador initiatives such as assistance with regional alumni gatherings or student recruitment efforts
  • Volunteer initiatives such as work on campus improvement projects, assistance with campus events, or making phone calls in the Alumni Call Center
  • Financial initiatives such as financial support for scholarships, special projects, or campus improvements

If you are interested in assisting with any of the above areas of service, please contact Larry Stewart at lstewart@rc.edu.

Alumni Board

A group of 20 alumni serve on the new Alumni Association board. In coming months, the board will help provide the energy and creative ideas required to involve more individuals in an active Alumni Association. Members of the alumni board include:

  • Joe Bennett (CEL ’08), Director of Manufacturing, Tweddle Group – “We have a responsibility to give back and serve others. Rochester College blessed me in so many ways that I feel compelled to offer whatever time, talent, and resources I may have to this community.”
  • Rob Clarke (’82), President and Architect, CBI Design Professionals – “After having been involved in leadership roles for previous Alumni Association activities, it is great to see new energy and ideas being proposed. The college has been a lifelong influence on me and being of service is always a role worth pursuing.”
  • Kelly Duda (CEL ’10), Lead Teacher, Berkley Public Schools – “I believe my ability to work effectively with a team of like-minded people will result in a strong and enduring alumni board.”
  • Betty (Wineinger) Dunlap (’67), Office Assistant, Rochester Church of Christ – “I remember when the college was just a dream. I also remember stepping on campus to begin a journey that would shape my life. I want others to remember those influences as well.”
  • Luke Fleer (’05), Regional Director of Development, Oakland University – “I hope to create opportunities for alumni to foster and strengthen relationships within the greater Rochester College community.”
  • Josh Graves (’02), Preaching Minister, Otter Creek Church of Christ – “I love Rochester College. It played a significant role in my formation as well as my decision to continue graduate studies.”
  • Terrill Hall (’03) – “I want to be a voice for alumni and those who will be alumni. I also want to be part of the change in alumni relations that is taking place.”
  • Ashley Harrison (’00), Vice President of Sales, Utley Brothers – “I love Rochester College and want to help alumni connect with all the exciting things happening both on and off campus.”
  • Brad Irwin (’96), Director of Partnerships, Habitat for Humanity – “I literally moved back to Detroit to be as close as possible to the campus. I want to invest in building up Rochester College to serve past, present, and future generations of alumni.”
  • Karen (Bennett) Kennamer (’65), Retired Teacher, Valley Christian Academy – “The college had a profound influence on my life. I can honestly say the time spent as a student was some of the best years of my life. I am thrilled to serve on the board.”
  • Lora (Cuthbertson) McClelland (’96), Stay-at-Home Mom – “My experiences at Rochester College were fulfilling and life changing. Serving on the alumni board provides the potential to reconnect with past friendships while fostering even better experiences for current and future students.”
  • Brad McKenna (’02), Senior Philanthropy Director, Leader Dogs for the Blind – “I graduated from Rochester College with meaningful relationships and a life of purpose. I am grateful and want to do what I can to give back and stay involved. The Alumni Association is my way of doing that.”
  • John Palimino (CEL ’10), Application Engineer, Emhart Teknologies – “I see this as an opportunity to give back to the school that provided me with a great education and the ability to advance in my career.”
  • Brenda Phillips (’77), Human Resource Manager, Mott Community College – “I believe involved and engaged alumni are vital to the success of Rochester College, and the Alumni Association is the key to providing opportunities for alumni to interact and stay connected to the college and each other.”
  • Julie (Wilson) Piazza (’89), Executive Assistant, RCS International – “Being on the alumni board gives me the opportunity to give back just a fraction of what Rochester College gave to me – a life filled with good and godly relationships, a career that has given me balance and opportunity, and a spiritual landscape of cultivation and growth.”
  • John Pleasant (’03), Teacher, Rochester Community Schools – “There are few things that are more important to me than Rochester College. I believe strongly in the mission of the college and am honored to be able to give back in any way I can.”
  • Kamal Sansom (’95), Physical Therapist, Advanced Physical Therapy – “I believe potential and current students will be blessed by interacting with alumni and just need a connecting point. The alumni board is a great way to make those connections happen.”
  • Deandra (Frazier) Smith (’88), Teacher, Clarkston Community Schools – “Rochester College is a wonderful place. Being able to give my time, talents, and energy to help prepare young men and women of the future is why I have chosen to serve.”
  • Kevin Stewart (’04), Real Estate Agent, Re/Max Suburban – “Serving on the alumni board gives me the opportunity to connect and serve with those who share a common interest in the purpose and mission of Rochester College.”
  • Andrea Walker (’05), Community Relations Coordinator, Crittenton Home Care – “Rochester College was foundational in developing me as a person and a professional. I am honored to be able to give back and share what I received.”

Plan now to join the board in their efforts to build a strong Alumni Association of individuals who are engaged and proud of their alma mater!