Congratulations to the alumni with recent successes! 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.
Alumni-in-Action Breakfast
In celebration of alumni accomplishments, alumni featured here will be invited to join Walsh College President Stephanie Bergeron for the Alumni-in-Action Breakfast. To ensure you receive your invitation from Walsh College, click HERE to update your contact information.
Class of 2012
Erin Hanna has been promoted to Human Resources Supervisor of Magna International, Exteriors and Interiors Division. Hanna graduated from Walsh College in 2012 with a Masters of Management.
Class of 2011
Becky Crisenbery was hired as a credit analyst at Seaway Community Bank, in St. Clair, Mich. Crisenbery began her career at Seaway Community Bank in January as a credit intern. As credit analyst, she will gather and analyze credit data and financial statements on new, renewal, and existing loans and prepare cash flows and loan presentations. She earned her bachelor of business administration degree with a major in finance from Walsh College in 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. Passeno is also president of the Troy Area Chapter of the National Association of Professional Women and is an associate for AXA Advisors. She graduated from Walsh College in 2011 with a Bachelor of Business Administration.
Class of 2010
Jay Arnold was promoted to Accounting Specialist at Oakland Community College, Auburn Hills Campus in the Combined Regional Emergency Services Training Center. Arnold graduated from Walsh College in 2010 with his Master in Business Administration.
Class of 2009
Wisam Daoud has joined Farmers Insurance Group in Troy, Mich. Daoud graduated from Walsh College with a Masters of Science in Management in 2009.
Tonya McNeal-Weary was elected to serve on the Board of Directors of the International Alliance for Women as the Program Director of the Daughters Program, an e-mentoring program for young women and girls promoting education and economic empowerment. McNeal-Weary graduated from Walsh College with a Master of Business Administration in 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.
Class of 2008
Harmony Kinkle has been named Director of Operations for Practice Transformation Institute (PTI). Kinkle has been the Training and Education coordinator for PTI and will continue in that role. As Director of Operations, she directs and coordinates PTI’s day-to-day activities, manages staff and oversees the organization’s expansive training curriculum, which includes experiential learning programs and the Patient Centered Medical Home (PCMH), practice transformation, delivery system redesign, leadership and health IT. She also leads the DrFirst e-Prescribing training program for PTI and coordinates the activities of PTI’s Mackinac Learning Collaborative. Kinkle graduated from Walsh College with a Bachelor of Business Administration with a focus in Marketing in 2008.
Class of 2007
Larry Cunningham started Step-up Transpiration with the help of Walsh College’s Blackstone LaunchPad. He is a retired Deputy of the Wayne County Sheriff Department. Step-up will provide reliable transpiration for elementary and middle school students in Detroit’s riverfront district, with an emphasis on preventing bullying. Cunningham graduated from Walsh College in 2007 with a Bachelor of Business Administration.
Brad Leidal is a candidate for a seat on the Novi School Board. The six-year term will be decided by voters in the November 6 general election, and the term will start in January. "Being the parent of two young children in the district, I'm passionate about ensuring the students of Novi receive the best possible education and meet or exceed the Board of Education's current goal that each student achieve one year's growth in one year's time," Leidal said. "I feel my background as a business owner gives me the experience to work through this financial crisis." He's a co−owner of a commercial masonry construction company based in southeastern Michigan. Leidal graduated from Walsh College with a Master’s of Science in Management in 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.
Class of 2006
Inspired Children’s music and sing-along song, “Read A Book” single, was released to motivate children and adults of all ages to read a book and fight for children’s literacy. The children’s music song was inspired by children’s book Authors Anthony M.T. Majewski and Maximus “Max,” an English Labrador of the award winning children's book series “Read With Max.” Award winning and Emmy® nominated writer/composer Craig Brandwynne teamed up with writer Mike Grant to help Majewski and Max produce “Read A Book” theme and the children’s music sing-along song. Majewski graduated from Walsh College in 2006 with a Master of Business Administration.
Global LT, a leading provider of Language & Cultural Training, Translation, Expatriate Destination Services and Workforce Talent Development announced 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.
Class of 2003
Oakland County Community Mental Health Authority has named Willie Brooks Jr. as CFO. Brooks had been a business analyst for Jawood Management Associates. Brooks graduated from Walsh College in 2002 with a Master of Science in Finance and in 2003 with a Master of Arts in Economics.
The PrivateBank named Bruce Beaumont as Managing Director, Investment Advisor. Beaumont has 30 years of experience in investment management, including more than 20 years with Bank of America/US Trust and its predecessors. Beaumont graduated Summa Cum Laude from Walsh College with a Master of Arts in Economics in 2003, where he also teaches as an adjunct professor.
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.
Class of 2002
Two Detroit-area business awards showcased the leadership of Powerlink’s CFO and COO, Scott Rice. Both Crain’s Detroit Business’s 40 Under 40 and dbusiness’s 30 in Their 30s for 2012 recognized Rice as an emerging leader in the southeast Michigan business community. Rice has been with Powerlink since 2003, serving as a significant part of its growth and expansion from 20 employees to more than 600. In addition to his accomplishments at Powerlink, Rice chairs the board of Winning Futures, which provides mentoring and life-skills programs for youth. Rice graduated Walsh College with a Bachelor of Business Administration with a focus in management in 2002.
Photo Credit: Nathan Skid/Crain's Detroit Business
Class of 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.
Class of 2000
Denise Kulak opened Fun Stuff! Boutique, a life-long dream come true, with the help from Walsh College’s Blackstone LaunchPad program. Opening its doors recently at Adams Square Shopping Center in Birmingham, Mich., the store specializes in whimsical, eclectic delights, offering a light-hearted refuge for shoppers seeking gifts of fun practically or simple entertainment. “LaunchPad gave me the confidence to start on my own path,” said Kulak. “They assisted me with ensuring that I was putting all the proper licensing and business plan objectives in place. They presented solid ideas regarding proper marketing, advised me on getting a domain name solidified, and helped me work through securing a proper slogan and logo. They also provided support and affirmation regarding proper business processes.” Kulak graduated from Walsh College in 2000 with a Bachelor of Business Administration.
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.
Class of 1997
George Clark Jr. has been named the VP Commercial Lender for CSB Bank. Clark brings over 25 years of banking experience to his new position. He will primarily be working in the Lapeer and Macomb County areas. Clark graduated from Walsh College with a Master of Science in Finance in 1997.
Stephanie Comptois is a master artisan who will shortly be opening her own craft boutique. Currently, her crafts can be found at Fun Stuff in Birmingham, Mich. Comptois graduated from Walsh College in 1997 with a Bachelor of Business Administration and in 2003 with a Master of Science in Finance.
Tom Tuckey has joined Community Financial Credit Union as a mortgage loan officer in Plymouth, Mich. Tuckey has 11 years of mortgage experience and graduated from Walsh College in 1997 with a Master of Science in Finance degree.
Class of 1996
Christopher J. Scafone is the co-founder of Infinite Path Martial Arts (IPMA), located in Clawson, Mich. Scafone launched an online distance-learning program, in addition to serving the diverse student body that visits the brick and mortar dojo on a daily basis. Established in 2002, the mission of IPMA is to provide unique and innovative martial, self-defense, Tai-Chi, Yoga, fitness, and personal growth programming for children and adults, in a safe, motivating, non-competitive atmosphere. Scafone graduated from Walsh College in 1996 with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing.
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.
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 the 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.
Class of 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.
Class of 1994
National Automotive History Collection appoints Richard Kollins to Board of Trustees. Richard Kollins, has more than 30 years of across-the-board internationally automotive manufacturing and assembly expertise with a management reporting focus. His reasoned acumen is well established in accounting practice, engineering analysis, material handling, inventory and production controls. An expansive technical interest coupled with diversified industrial credentials provides a reliable and synergistic resource. Kollins holds a multiple year membership with the Society of Automotive Engineers and is a graduate from Walsh College with both a BBA in Finance in 1982 and MSM in Management in 1994. Kollins serves as a lifetime member of the Walsh College Presidents Club and Founder's Society. Currently Kollins is the Detroit automotive journalist for Examiner.com.
UHY LLP is pleased to announce their newest principal, James Buckley. Buckley is a CPA who has over 25 years of experience providing professional services to governmental, public and private organizations. He will help build the practice as an active member of the firm’s national and local Government Services Group. Buckley graduated from Walsh College in 1986 with his Bachelors of Accounting and in 1994 with his Master’s Degree in Finance.
Class of 1993
Sam Palmeri earned his Ph.D. in organization and management from Capella University. Dr. Palmeri retired in 2010 after a 30 year career in the profession of human resources management to teach full-time. Sam is an Adjunct Professor at Walsh College where he has taught for 18 years. Dr. Palmeri graduated from Walsh College in 1993 with a Master of Science in Management.
Class of 1992
Marcy (Gorajczyk) DeVault is now the Chief Frynancial Officer at French Fry Heaven, LLC. French Fry Heavan, LLC is the franchisor and operator of French Fry Heaven, a gourmet fry concept. DeVault graduated from Walsh College with a Bachelor of Accountancy – CMA oriented in 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.
Class of 1991
Priority Care Solutions, Inc. has added
Matt Smolarek as the Chief Financial Officer to their team to launch and deliver new products and services for the payer community. Smolarek’s experience includes guiding Cambridge Solutions Limited through various strategic acquisitions and exits, and financially managing Universal SmartComp through its growth and eventual exit. He graduated from Walsh College in 1991 with a Bachelor of Accountancy.
Perry Adams will take on the title of VP and investment officer at Northwestern Bank, headquartered in Traverse City, Mich. Adams joins the bank’s investments, trust, and retirement services area with more than 20 years of trust and investment experience. He recently spent 10 years as regional manager for the trust department of another Traverse City bank. Adams graduated from Walsh College in 1991 with a Master of Science in Finance.
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.
Class of 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.
Class of 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.
Class of 1988
Gary Nowak has been promoted from Senior Manager – Advisory at KPMG to Director at KPMG China. Nowak graduated from Walsh College in 1988 with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance.
Carol Cerwin has started her own business called Cerwin Consulting LLC. Located in Grosse Pointe Farms, Mich, 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.
Class of 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.
Class of 1985
Robert M. Johnson has been named CFO of CareTech Solutions. Johnson has more than 25 years of financial management and leadership experience including general accounting, financial planning, costing and pricing, treasury management, and work in acquisition and divestiture transactions. He was most recently the Chief Financial Officer for Palace Sports & Entertainment, where he was responsible for all financial, information technology, and retail functions at the enterprise, and was integral in the sale of the Detroit Pistons Basketball franchise in 2011. He is a CPA in the State of Michigan and a member of the Board of the Michigan Association of Certified Public Accountants. Johnson graduated from Walsh College with a Bachelor of Accountancy in 1985 and a Masters of Finance in 1992.
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.
Class of 1984
Diana Rascano was chosen to serve on the Zoo Authority to fill one of two vacant seats. Rascano is a former executive with DTE Energy and a current principle for Leadership Macomb. She is also the founder of 4 Paws 1 Heart, which provides medical treatment to homeless cats and dogs, and helps find them a permanent home. Rascano graduated from Walsh College in 1984 with a Bachelor of Business Administration.
Class of 1982
Shirley Gofrank received the Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce Pinnacle Award for Business Woman of the year. The Sunrise Pinnacle Awards is Rochester and neighboring communities’ pre-eminent celebration of the area’s visionary entrepreneurs, business and civic leaders, and exemplary corporate citizens. Gofrank graduated from Walsh College with a Master of Science in Taxation in 1982.
Class of 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.
Alumni in Action Archive 2012
Alumni in Action Archive 2011
Engagements
Class of 2009
Wisam Daoud has joined Farmers Insurance Group in Troy, Mich. Daoud graduated from Walsh College with a Masters of Science in Management in 2009.
Al and Jody LaLonde of Clarkston are very proud to announce the engagement of their daughter Corey Sadowski, to Jay Richards, the son of Rocky and Linda Richards of Algonac. The future bride graduated from Walsh College in 2009 with a Master of Business Administration. Both Corey and Jay are Contract Specialists for the U.S. Army TACOM in Warren and reside in St. Clair Shores. A May 2013 wedding is planned in the Dominican Republic with friends and family attending.
Announce your wedding. Contact Duc Abrahamson, Alumni & Student Relations at dabrah2@walshcollege.edu
Announce births. Contact Duc Abrahamson, Alumni & Student Relations at dabrah2@walshcollege.edu
Class of 2006
James B. Lewis, shortly after his 39th birthday, passed away on November 30, 2012. James leaves behind his wife of almost 11 years, Amy. He graduated from Walsh College in 2006 with a Master of Science in Business Information.
Class of 1993
Steven G. McEwen of Ann Arbor, passed away December 19, 2012 at University of Michigan Hospital. He was 51 years old. Born May 14, 1961 in Royal Oak, he was the son of David J. and Shirley D. (Stevens) McEwen. He earned his Master of Science in Accounting from Walsh College in 1993. Steve is survived by his wife Stacey and their three sons Ian, Jack and Spencer of Ann Arbor; one brother John McEwen and his wife Kris of Royal Oak; two sisters Jane McEwen of Macomb and Susan Johnson and her husband Rob of Avon Lake, OH; his parents David and Shirley McEwen of Troy and ten nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in Steve 's honor may be made to Children 's Heart Project at www.samaritanspurse.org.
Class of 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.
Class of 1935
Michael Wild passed away on December 15, 2012. Age 99. Beloved husband of the late Stella. Loving father of Charleen Biebel (the late Thomas). Devoted grandfather of Charlotte Smith, Christine Smith, and Michelle Wilkie (Avid) and great-granfather of Garrett, Quinn, Ava, Courtney, and Cody. Memorial tributes to Walsh College. Wild graduated from Walsh College in 1935.