Alumni-in-Action can help you stay in contact with fellow alumni. Keep us informed by sending us your new address if you move, as well as news about your life and career. Walsh College publishes Alumni-in-Action information gathered from local newspapers and other periodicals.
2011 Alumni in Action
2012
In January, Apple released a free app that
Tom Pletzke (MSIS) developed as his Walsh Capstone project.
Pletzke, who plays alto, tenor, and soprano saxophones in the six-member Lost City Band, developed the app to show users complete event details of where the band will perform. The app can play a song or video on the iPhone from the Web links tab. Users can also find band websites like ReverbNation and LostCityBand.com and display them in separate screens.
Pletzke said he reviewed many online and on campus colleges before deciding to attend Walsh. “I believed that Walsh College would give me the best business education,” he said. “It is important to be perceptive with technical applications. However, it is more important to be able to communicate with your business partners and deliver products that make the company thrive.”
Walsh requires a Capstone project of IT/IS/IA students to demonstrate what they have learned in their programs. Chair Nan Poulios said that Pletzke’s Apple app is a first for the Information Systems Department.
2011
Selena Passeno, President and CEO of Innovative Education Group, was appointed Planning Commissioner for the Village of New Haven. She is currently running for Treasurer of the Village of New Haven in the general election on November 6
th. Passeno is also president of the Troy Area Chapter of the National Association of Professional Woman and is an associate for AXA Advisors. She graduated from Walsh College in 2011 with a Bachelor of Business Administration.
2010
Emily Faulkner (BBA) joined Fifth Third Bank in Howell, Mich., as a sourcing consultant for the Fifth Third Sourcing Team, from talent acquisition consultant for The Faulkner Group. Faulkner, who has 13 years of industry experience, acquires talent for retail banking centers across the country.
Theodore Wolfs (BBA) joined Thielenhaus Microfinish Corporation as a proposal engineer.
Lauren Ziskie (MBA; BBA ’08) is one of Crain’s Detroit Business’ “20 in Their 20s” for 2012. Ziskie, a Walsh adjunct instructor of Marketing, is president of Social Lift Inc., a division of Dialogue Marketing. Ziskie joined Dialogue Marketing as an intern in 2007. According to Crain’s, Ziskie convinced the company to launch Social Lift as a way to use social media to build relationships with existing customers and acquire new customers. Social Lift focuses on social media campaigns, social customer service engagement, and new technologies such as video and mobile.
Ziskie explained to Crain’s that “for many companies, the idea of putting frequently asked questions on a website is old hat by now. But using new media to eliminate customer calls is still new ground.
“If you know that a frequently asked question involves how to place an order, why not put a ‘how-to-place-an-order’ video online? You have fewer people calling in to the contact center because they’re getting answers through YouTube, or a video on your website.”
2009
Samantha Hudson, CPA, MSA, is a professional staff and quality control committee member of the McBride- Manley & Company P.C. She was awarded the Public Service Award from the Michigan Association of CPAs for 2012. She received this award for her accomplishments in helping the Anchor Bay Community Giving Tree and New Baltimore Firefighters Association to achieve tax exempt status with the IRS. Samantha received a Bachelor of Accountancy degree from Walsh College in 2009 as well as a Master of Science in Accountancy in 2011.
Paul Bastas, CPA (BAcct.; MBA ‘10) assumed financial leadership of Kaftan Communities in Southfield, Mich. Bastas oversees a $300-million real estate portfolio of multi-family and senior living apartments; new construction/condominium conversion products; and office, retail and industrial space. His 20 years of financial experience include serving as corporate controller for both Macomb Mechanical and Bing Construction.
Sal Giacona (MSIB) joined Maritz Motivation Solutions in Detroit as a solution strategist, from contract media production, digital content development and broadcast service provider for GM Training. Giacona works with General Motors Customer Care and Aftersales to improve dealer service for customers. Giacona said he earned his Walsh degree to provide a global business and marketing foundation supporting career skills and professional experience in areas like news media production, public and media relations, sports broadcasting and marketing, social media, corporate communications, and non-profit community relations.
2007
Rebecca Geisler joined the Salvation Army Eastern Michigan Division as a Major Gifts and Planned Giving Officer. Geisler graduated from Walsh College with a Bachelor of Business Administration in 2004 and a Master of Business Administration in 2007.
Beatrice Bragg Kelly (MSM) joined Fifth Third Bank in Southfield, Mich., as vice president and business banking relationship manager, from Comerica Bank, where she was an asset quality review and business banking officer. Kelly develops and maintains Fifth Third’s depository, credit, and non-credit relationships with client companies. Kelly, who has a BBA from Davenport University, is president of the Urban Financial Services Coalition Detroit chapter, a member of the National Association of Black MBAs, and a member of the Detroit Young Professionals.
2006
Global LT, a leading provider of Language & Cultural Training, Translation, Expatriate Destination Services and Workforce Talent Development announce the promotion of Darlene Jankowiak to Human Resource Manager.
Darlene joined the company in 2010 as a Human Resource generalist and quickly rose to the challenge of reorganizing the department to accommodate the company’s global growth, managing 2011 increases of 43% in new employee hires and 58% in revenue growth.
Darlene has 12 years’ experience in the Human Resource field. Before she was with Global LT, she was with companies such as MET Hotels, Handleman Company and Robert Half International. Darlene earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from Walsh College in 2006.
Tamme Quinn Grzebyk is the Enterprise Learning & Development Manager for CareTech Solutions. She has been chosen to launch a new product line of training for CareTech Solutions’ clients. Grezebyk graduated from Walsh College with a Master of Science in Management in 2006.
The Mako Group, LLC, an information security firm specializing in technology auditing and security for businesses, added Shane O’Donnell as its new Chief Audit Executive (CAE). In this role, O’Donnell will manage the Audit Division from Detroit for The Mako Group LLC, and will work alongside Brian O’Hara, head of the Security Division. This new addition comes as The Mako Group, LLC, continues its growth by expanding to Michigan. O’Donnell graduated from Walsh College in 2006 with a Master of Science in Accountancy.
2005
Erold Merko (BBA) was promoted to IRA service manager at Freedom One Financial Group.
David H. Olszewski (MBA) was promoted to industrial engineering manager, FedEx Dallas, from principal industrial engineer there. Olszewski initiates and leads continuous process improvement, evaluates new operations technologies, develops business cases, and implements innovative solutions within FedEx production and transportation networks. Olszewski has worked as a site industrial engineer at General Dynamics Land Systems in Fort Hood, Texas, and as a senior industrial engineer at Ford Motor Company's Wayne, (Mich.) Assembly Plant, where he developed labor standards and reduced process inefficiencies. As a certified Design for Six Sigma black belt, he has managed and coached numerous Six Sigma projects by introducing new methods to improve existing operations. Olszewski has bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Industrial Engineering from the University of Michigan-Dearborn. A student in the Walsh Doctor of Management program, Olszewski’s dissertation topic is, “The Use of Systems Thinking by the Industrial Engineer as Organizational Leader.” Professors Jim McHann,Ph.D.; Linda Hagan, Ph.D.; and Adjunct Professor Roger Bober, Ph.D. are on his dissertation committee.
2004
Michigan Rep. Lisa L. Howze (District 2), CPA (MSF), announced her 2013 candidacy for mayor of the City of Detroit. Howze leveraged her accounting background to form Speaking Life Principles, Inc., a motivation, training, and development company, in May of 2007. A lifetime member and past Detroit president of the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA), Howze received the group’s national “Walking the Road Less Traveled Award” for her career efforts. She has a BBA in accounting from the University of Michigan.
2003
Rebecca Merriman was named senior manager in audit practice by Grant Thornton LLP. She has nine years’ experience, specializing in audits of international private and public companies as well as employee benefit plans. Merriman graduated from Walsh College with a Master of Science degree in Accountancy in 2003.
2002
Cory L. Gergar (MSF) was named chief financial officer of Duro-Last Roofing, Inc., an international manufacturer of pre-fabricated roofing systems. He oversees all accounting activities for Duro-Last, Plastatech Engineering, Ltd., EXCEPTIONAL Metals, Creative Impressions, Oscoda Plastics, Inc., and TIP-TOP Screw Manufacturing, Inc. Gergar’s experience includes financial management, budgeting, costing systems, and continuous improvement processes. He has a bachelor of arts degree in accounting from Michigan State University.
2001
Clifford L. Harris, professor of economics at Northwood University, received the Faculty Excellence Award during June’s graduation ceremonies. Harris graduated from Walsh College in 2001 with a Master of Arts in Economics.
Elaine Chang (BBA-FIN) was promoted to principal, Novogradac & Company, at its headquarters in San Francisco. Chang joined the national CPA and consulting firm as a staff accountant in 2003. Her experience has been in affordable housing and community development, including New Markets Tax Credit and Low-Income Housing Tax Credit transactions. She has worked extensively on financial statement audits, tax return preparation, final cost certification audits, and New Markets Tax Credit allocation applications. Chang has contributed articles to various publications, including the Novogradac Journal of Tax Credits.
2000
Daniel Alleman has joined Mellen, Smith & Pivoz, PLC. Alleman’s specialty is in audit and assurance services, among other area of public accounting. Mellen, Smith & Pivoz PLC is a full service accounting and advisory firm and has just celebrated its 40th anniversary. Mellen, Smith & Pivoz, PLC services clients in many industries, from local businesses to international enterprises. Alleman graduated from Walsh College in 2000 with a Bachelor of Accountancy.
1999
John Latella (MSF) was named by Oakland County (Mich.) Executive L. Brooks Patterson to the County’s “Elite 40 Under 40” list. Latella, 38, went from protecting senior citizens to overseeing the single largest producer of fresh salsa in North America.
Latella’s father, Tony, was a founding partner and the beloved mentor of Garden Fresh Gourmet (Ferndale, MI). The company sells a line of salsas, hummus, dips, and tortilla chips. Total revenues are approximately $100 million and the company supports more than 425 employees and their families.
The senior Latella wanted his children to follow his footsteps into Garden Fresh. When he became seriously ill, the company asked his son to help out. When the senior Latella died, his son, 38, became COO and General Counsel.
Latella had been a senior trial attorney and chief of the Senior Crimes Unit for the Macomb County (MI) Prosecutor’s Office, Latella helped pioneer the first senior citizen-specific unit in the State of Michigan. This later became known as S.C.A.M.S. (Stop Crime Against Macomb Seniors). He conducted more than 150 seminars and presentations on prevention and awareness of crimes against senior citizens. Latella volunteers as a member of The Salvation Army Metropolitan Detroit Advisory Board and vice-chair of The Salvation Army Metropolitan Detroit Bed & Bread. As vice chair, he has been instrumental in implementing new fundraising efforts such as an annual “Shield on the Field” celebrity softball tournament and a popular “Comedy for a Cause.” Latella has a Bachelor of Science degree from Wayne State University and a juris doctor (cum laude) from the Michigan State University College of Law. Latella also completed the Harvard Business School Key Executives Program. He and his wife, Michella, have two children: a son, Gabriel (9); and a daughter, Gianna (4).
Andy Zaleski (MST) was promoted to partner at BDO USA (Troy, MI) an accounting and consulting organization with offices throughout the USA.
1998
Suheil Shatara (MSF) joined Fifth Third Bank Eastern Michigan as vice president of business banking, from commercial banker and alternate group manager at Comerica Bank’s Business Banking group. He was with Comerica for 18 years. Shatara has a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master’s degree in business administration management, both from the University of Jordan.
1997
Tom Tuckey has joined Community Financial Credit Union as a mortgage loan officer in Plymouth, MI. Tuckey has 11 years of mortgage experience and graduated from Walsh College in 1997 with a Master of Science in Finance degree.
Keith Bobrowski (MSF) joined Bank of America Merrill Lynch as a senior treasury solutions officer, specializing in treasury solutions. Bobrowski identifies the needs of new and existing bank clients and provides alternatives to best achieve their stated goals.
Mark Pacitto (MSF) joined Flagstar Bank as vice president of business banking, from vice president, commercial lending, Fidelity Bank. Pacitto has a bachelor’s degree from Wayne State University.
1996
Chris Freeze was promoted to Chief Financial Officer of Quantum Ventures of Michigan in Auburn Hills. Quantum provides investment and support resources for companies within a broad set of industries. Freeze graduated from Walsh College in 1996 with a Bachelor of Business Administration.
Seaway Community Bank has named Marino Cappellaro as second VP- business development officer. Prior to joining Seaway Community Bank, he was a commercial loan officer at another local community bank. In his new position, he will be responsible for providing a wide range of business and commercial banking services to customers throughout the local communities served by the bank. Cappellaro brings over 10 years of lending experience. He earned his Bachelor of Business Administration in finance from Walsh College in 1996.
Donna L. Jackson (BBA) was appointed chief operating officer at Midcoast Studio (Troy, MI) Midcoast is a full service photo house offering everything from location and studio photography to CG and retouching.
Timothy Kalil (MSF) joined Flagstar Bank as senior vice president, Commercial Real Estate, from Fifth Third Bank, where he was Commercial Real Estate vice president and team lead. At Flagstar, Kalil develops and manages a team of commercial lenders to build relationships in the Michigan commercial real estate market. He has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Dayton.
George W. Rendziperis (MSF), J.D., was named senior manager of state and local tax services in the Austin, Texas, office of Weaver, an independent accounting firm. He advises clients on state and local tax matters and provides tax planning and consultation on multistate issues. Rendziperis also represents clients in state tax controversies, including audit defense and state tax litigation matters. He has more than ten years' experience: six in state and local tax and four in law. Previously Rendziperis clerked for the Honorable Marilyn Kelly of the Michigan Supreme Court and was a member of the Walsh College Taxation adjunct faculty. Rendziperis has a law degree from the Michigan State University College of Law and a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics and political science (accounting concentration) from Albion College.
Anesthesia Staffing Consultants of Bingham Farms has appointed Jacqueline Segal to the position of chief financial officer. Segal previously served as chief finance and administrative office at American Lasers Skincare and brings more than 25 years of experience in accounting and finance roles. Segal graduated from Walsh College in 1986 with a Bachelor of Accountancy and a Master of Science in Finance in 1996.
Professional women’s alliance Inforum has named Jacqueline Wiggins to new chief operating officer position. Wiggins oversees the implementation of Inforum’s strategic plan, including statewide programming, affinity groups, industry groups, membership strategy, brand integration and marketing and communications. Wiggins was director of executive communications and engagement at Citizens Financial Group. She graduated from Walsh College with in 1996 with a Master of Science in Finance.
1995
Swisher Hygiene Inc., a leading provider of essential hygiene and sanitation products and services, appointed Brian Krass as its Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Prior to joining Swisher Hygiene, Krass served as Vice President, Global CFO and Corporate Treasurer for ACN Inc. He graduated from Walsh College in 1995 with a Bachelor of Business Administration with a major in finance.
Tina Grab (BBA-FIN) was promoted to Michigan group controller for the Journal Register Company, from project manager, JRC Shared Financial Services Center. Grab will manage accounting functions for the company, a publisher of daily and weekly newspapers. She had been director of project management for Huron Consulting Group. Grab recently received the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, She is studying for a Walsh MBA degree.
1994
Tracy Medley (BBA) was promoted to controller, Detroit Media Partnership, from assistant controller, a role she held there since 2006. Detroit Media Partnership, L.P. manages the business functions of the Detroit Free Press and The Detroit News. Gannett Co., Inc., owner of the Free Press, is the general partner in DMP; MediaNews Group, owner of the News, is the limited partner.
1993
Anthony Pacitto (BAcct) has been named vice president sales at Stant Corp. of Connersville, IN. Pacitto is responsible for North America OE, aftermarket, Asia, and Europe sales. He also will serve as a member of the Policy Committee. Pacitto has more than 25 years in the automotive industry.
Angela M. Pippi (BBA) was elected to a two-year term on the board of directors of the Italian American Chamber of Commerce of Michigan. Pippi is the first woman elected to the board.
1992
Industry veteran Martin Carter has been named president/CEO of the $78 million Parkside Credit Union in Livonia, Mich.. Martin has more than 30 years of credit union experience, including as executive vice president at Community Choice CU in Farmington Hills, Mich., and vice president of branch operations at Credit Union ONE in Ferndale, all in suburban Detroit. He has also served as a consultant in areas including human resources and training, compliance and risk management, and investment services. Carter graduated from Walsh College with a Bachelor of Business Administration in 1990 and a Master of Science in Finance in 1997.
The Children’s Center of Wayne County has announced the appointment of Robert Blumenfeld as Chief Financial Officer. Blumenfeld supports strategic initiatives at The Children’s Center, providing leadership in finance and IT arenas. Robert graduated from Walsh College in 1992 with a Master of Science in Finance.
Velonda Thompson presented the "Great Plate Debate" for the Detroit Area Agency on Aging’s 2012 Annual National Nutrition Month Nutrition & Health Fair. She shared the stage with Deena Centofanti of Fox 2 News. Velonda now resides in Killeen, Texas, but returned to Detroit in April to release her second educational cookbook, Beyond Candied Yams and Sweet Potato Pie (My Vision Works Publishing) and was featured on Fox2 TV Healthworks sharing her yam dip recipe from this new publication. She has a PhD in Nutrition and Health Promotion and teaches Nutrition for South University. Thompson graduated from Walsh in 1992 with a Master of Science in Management.
1991
In partnership with the Association for Corporate Growth,
Crain’s Detroit Business has named UHY Advisors a finalist for Dealmaker Adviser of 2011. UHY Advisors is a leading tax and business consulting firm, providing services to domestic and international companies. The firm’s Transaction Services Group, led by managing director and Walsh College alumnus
Steve McCarty, provided advisory services for four deals on the buy-side and seven on the sell-side to earn this prestigious recognition.
“The past year was extraordinarily busy in the mergers and acquisitions arena, especially in the middle market,” said McCarty. “Much of the activity was fueled by many business owners’ desire to convert equity in their business in advance of any potential increases in federal income taxes.” McCarty graduated from Walsh College in 1991 with a Bachelor of Accountancy.
1990
A top official from Gov. Rick Snyder's campaign has joined the administration as a $115,000-a-year investment administrator in Michigan’s Treasury Department. Rick DiBartolomeo, 53, was Snyder's deputy campaign manager in 2010. DiBartolomeo served as executive director of the Rick Snyder for Michigan Committee from January 2011 until June 2012. In his new position, DiBartolomeo is administrator of a new division within the Bureau of Investments with responsibility for defined contribution plans and trust funds, which have a combined $60 billion in assets. "He was selected based upon his more than two decades of private sector financial work as well as his educational background," Treasury spokesman Terry Stanton said.
DiBartolomeo is a former principal at the Rehmann Group and former partner at Deloitte & Touche. He graduated from Walsh College with a Master of Science in Finance in 1990.
Birger Capital Management L.L.C. of Southfield, MI, merged with Wealth Management Services L.L.C. of Bloomfield Hills, MI. Walsh Trustee David Petoskey (BBA), managing principal for WMS, and managing director Bruce Birger look forward to working together on the transition. Petoskey is a partner with LPL Financial, the nation’s largest independent broker/dealer, based on total revenues as reported in Financial Planning Magazine 1996-2011.
1989
Albert (Al) P. Taylor has been named Senior Vice President, National Bank Card Services for Comerica Bank. In his new role, Taylor will be responsible for expanding the suite of products and sales of government and commercial cards and merchant services. During his 25-year career at Comerica, Taylor has held various positions of increasing authority in Specialized Industries, Municipalities, Executive Administration and Branch Administration.
Taylor graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in 1988 and a Master of Science degree in Finance in 1992 from Walsh College. He currently serves as Vice President of the Macomb Township Community Foundation and formerly served on the board of directors for Starfish Family Services, where he chaired the Human Resources Committee while serving on the Executive Committee. Al also served as a board member of the St John Macomb Hospital, Macomb County Science Olympiad and Junior Achievement programs.
1988
Carol Cerwin has started her own business called Cerwin Consulting LLC. Located in Grosse Pointe Farms, MI, Cerwin Consulting provides paralegal services in the area of Estate Planning, Estate Settlement, and Trust Administration on an as-needed basis without the overhead costs associated with permanent staff. Cerwin graduated from Walsh College in 1989 with a Bachelor of Business Administration.
1987
Diversified Machine Inc., a vertically-integrated supplier of fully engineered chassis and powertrain components and modules to the automotive industry, appointed Robert J. Remenar as CEO. Remenar is an automotive industry veteran who joins Diversified Machine Inc. from Nexteer Automotive, where he served as President and CEO. Remnar graduated from Walsh College in 1987 with a Master of Science in Professional Accountancy.
Jacqueline Johnston (BAcct.) was appointed superintendent of L’Anse Creuse (Mich.) Schools by its board of education. She had been superintendent, Huron Valley School District. Johnston had also worked with the Oakland County School District as assistant superintendent; Warren Consolidated Schools director of purchasing, business services, and audits; Huron Valley Schools supervisor of finance; and audit senior associate for Coopers & Lybrand in Detroit. Johnston graduated summa cum laude from Oakland Community College with an associate degree in business administration and has a master’s degree in education and leadership from Eastern Michigan University, where she is pursuing a doctoral degree in education. Oakland Community College named Johnston its 2011 Outstanding Alumna.
1986
Ann Hartman (MST) was promoted to director at Grant Thornton, a global audit, tax and advisory firm with a Detroit-area office in Southfield, MI.
1985
Madhava Reddy, president & CEO of HTC Global Services, will receive the Walsh College Distinguished Alumni Award on November 10 at the Walsh College Leadership Awards Dinner at the Royal Park in Rochester. Reddy, a Bloomfield Hills resident, graduated from Walsh in 1985 with a Bachelor of Business Administration in information systems and earned his Master of Science in Professional Accountancy from Walsh in 1987. HTC Global services has ranked among the top five fastest-growing private companies in Michigan each of the last three years. It has been on Inc. Magazine’s Inc. 500 list of the fastest growing private companies in the nation for two consecutive years.
Greg Frazier (MSPA), sole practitioner, Greg Frazier, CPA, PLLC, was invited by Automation Alley’s Technology Committee to speak about cloud computing as a growth catalyst to gain new customers, increase market share, and create new markets for products and services.
1982
Mark G. Brackon (MST) was qualified by the National Arbitration and Mediation Committee as a Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) Dispute Resolution Arbitrator. In addition, The Lakes Community Credit Union in Lake Orion, Mich., elected Brackon to its board of directors. He teaches accounting and finance at Central Michigan University.
Ralph V. Zerbonia, MST, published an essay in the Tax Analysts 40th anniversary publication, “Forty Years of Change, One Constant: Tax Analysts.”
1968
Walsh Trustee Donald Clayton, (Diploma) CPA managing director of Clayton & McKervey, was named treasurer of the 2012 Board of Directors for Automation Alley.
1961
Walsh alumnus and trustee emeritus
Richard E. Pearson of Shelby Township will receive the Walsh College Lifetime Service Award on November 10 at the Walsh College Leadership Awards Dinner. A 1961 Walsh graduate, Pearson is president and owner of REP Enterprises. He is a lifetime member of the Walsh Alumni Association and was awarded the Walsh College Distinguished Alumni Award in 1993. One of the Walsh College’s most ardent supporters, Pearson established the Pearson Endowed Scholarship Fund and created the College’s annual golf classic. His three daughters have all attended Walsh College and he has hired many graduates throughout the years.
Engagements
2008
Elizabeth Pulcini (MBA) to Travis Lipski. Pulcini is in the leadership development program with Fifth Third Bank in Grand Rapids. Lipski, who has an engineering degree from Western Michigan University where the couple met, works at Zeichman Manufacturing in Grand Rapids. The couple plan a May 2012 wedding.
Rachel Ann Verbeke (BBA) to Donald Joseph Miller, M.D. Verbeke is employed by Graston Technique and Dr. Miller is employed at Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital, both in Indianapolis. Dr. Miller graduated from the University of Michigan and from Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Vallejo, California. The couple plan a June 16, 2012, wedding in their hometown of Indianapolis.
2006
Andrea Lynn Robertson (MBA) to Christopher Alan Jackett (MBA). Robertson is assistant business manager and sales representative at Blackwell Ford in Plymouth, Mich. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from Eastern Michigan University. Jackett is a sports writer for the Novi (Mich.) News, a reporter for the Birmingham-Bloomfield Eccentric, and an assistant manager at the Total Sports Complex in Novi. He has a bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University. The couple plan an April 2012 wedding.
2009
Kevin James Husson (MBA) to Sarah Michele Pusey on December 31, 2011, at the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Detroit. Pusey manages the business and economic forums for the Conference Board, a nonprofit business research organization in New York. She graduated from Wayne State University. Husson is an account supervisor in New York with Ogilvy & Mather, an advertising agency unit of the WPP Group of London. He graduated from Michigan State University.
2005
Aimee Hamlin (BBA; MBA) to Phil Jeffers, on November 11, 2011.
2010
Academic Advisor Scott Wyckoff (BBA) and his wife, Cindy, a daughter, Caroline Marie; December 20, 2011; 6 lbs., 6 oz.; 20 inches. Big brother Cole calls Caroline Marie “his baby”.
1989
Gerald F. Van Vliet, 64, collapsed and died Friday, August 3, 2012, while jogging in his home town of Grosse Pointe Farms. Born May 4, 1948, in Salamanca, NY, he was known by some of his friends as Van. He graduated from Walsh College in 1989 with a Master of Science in Taxation. Prior to his employment of 31 years as a partner with the law firm Bannon and Associates, Van Vliet was employed for 10 years with the Intelligence Division of the Internal Revenue Service.
1984
Lisa A. (Scharboneau) Arthur (BAcct.), age 50, of Northville, Mich., formerly of Trenton, died on February 24, 2012. Arthur was a 1979 graduate of Trenton High School; also a graduate of Northwood University. Arthur is survived by sons Neil and Alec; former husband, Thomas; mother Naida and her late father, N.V. “Gus” Scharboneau; brothers Vince (Marcia) and Gregory (Mary); sister Sherrie Roche; nieces, nephews, and other loving family and friends.
1978
Stephen August Metzler, CPA (BAcct. ’78), age 59, of Troy, Mich., died on January 25, 2012. Metzler was president and managing partner of Metzler Locricchio Serra and Company of Troy for more than 25 years. He was dedicated to serving his clients’ needs, described as possessing “a brilliant humor and generosity of spirit” that drew people to him.
Metzler brought wit, wisdom, and an enterprising spirit to many pursuits and areas of expertise. He loved to cook and entertain, travel, and help others. The Angels in Motion Foundation he created for families in need illustrated Metzler’s ability to inspire others through fundraising.
Metzler is survived by Ellie, his wife; his children Sarah, Cassie, Jessica, and Max; and siblings Joe Metzler, Janice Carter, Anne Coblentz, Tommy Barnes, and Chad Metzler.
1974
John “Jack” Kerr (BBA), age 60, of Highland, Mich., died on January 28, 2012. Kerr worked for World Computer after earning his BBA. He subsequently joined the Ford Motor Co. Quality Assurance department, where he worked for nearly 20 years. Kerr coached Little League, enjoyed the local YMCA, and serving at the Milford Senior Center. Kerr’s wife, Debbie, died in 2011. His daughter, Jennifer, survives him.
1973
C. Linn Cowsert II (BAcct.), age 64, of Traverse City, originally of Royal Oak, died on March 5, 2012. Cowsert worked in finance for Chrysler for 35 years, commuting to his home in Traverse City every weekend until making it his full-time residence in 2009. He is survived by his wife, Lynn Elizabeth (Bigger); mother, Marilyn; brothers and sisters; many nieces, nephews and their children; and many friends.
Russell Glenn Sarns (Diploma; BAcct.), age 69, died on November 11, 2011, of Livonia, Mich. Sarns, who worked for General Motors for 37 years, loved classic cars: he owned a 1955 Chevy Bel Air and a 1994 Camaro Z28 convertible and belonged to the Eastern Michigan Camaro Club. He is survived by Judy Ellen (Mackinder) Sarns, his wife of 47 years; his son, David (Bianca); and grandson, Colin.
1970
John J. Rudzewicz (Diploma), age 66, of White Lake, Mich., died on March 29, 2012. Rudzewicz began working for Gordon Follmer. As the business grew, he became a managing partner of Follmer Rudzewicz accounting firm. In 2000, Follmer Rudzewicz joined other regional CPA firms to create UHY Advisors, a professional tax and advisory services firm, and UHY LLP, a certified public accounting firm.
He enjoyed golfing, gardening, reading, video games, gambling and was known to “make it happen.” A long-time generous donor to Walsh College, Rudzewicz also facilitated support from UHY Advisors: classroom 115 on the Troy campus bears the company’s name.
He is survived by his wife; daughter Michelle (Rob) Laing; and son John “Jay” Rudzewicz; grandchildren Trevor and Stephanie Laing; mother Irene and the late Al Rudzewicz; sister Diana (Tom) Jankowski; and many nieces and nephews. Memorials may be made to Walsh College; Office of Development; P.O. Box 7006; Troy, MI; 48007-7006.
1947
Russell R. Zielesch (Diploma), CPA; age 92, of Farmington Hills, Mich., died on December 8, 2011. Zieilesch, who began working as a bookkeeper while in school, eventually became a partner in the accounting firm of Skillman, Zielesch & Co. Although he officially retired from the firm in 1989, Zielesch continued working there until he was 92.
Zielesch was a loyal, generous donor who remembered Walsh College in 2005 with a gift that created a computer lab at the Novi campus. He named the room in memory of his wife, Elinor, who died in 2004.
Surviving Zielesch are his daughter Karen (Mark) Livingston and sons Robert (Sara) and Richard (Susan). Sons Ronald and Roger died in 1963. Also surviving are six grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and sisters Beatrice, Eileen, and Shirley.