2010 Alumni Awards Biographies
Alumna of the Year
Patricia (Gallagher HS '54) Short
Short, a graduate of Spring Arbor High School and alumni of Spring Arbor Junior College, earned a bachelor's in English with a secondary education teaching certificate from the University of Michigan and a Master of Teaching in English from Michigan State University. She taught English at Western High School for 30 years and served as a reader/consultant for the pilot MEAP writing tests. As a Fellow of the West Coast Writing Project, she conducted writing-across-the curriculum seminars for high schools. After retirement, Short taught freshman composition at Baker College and revised and taught the writing component of SAU's former School of Adult Studies.
She served on Ferris State University's Board of Control for 16 years as a trustee, elected as chair for two terms - only the second woman to hold the chair of any Michigan public college board. She served on SAU's Board of Trustees for 12 years and is now a Life Trustee. She chaired Michigan Republican Women's Task Force, served as a founder of Women's Assembly, and is currently a member of Jackson's Center for Family Health's Capital Campaign.
Professional Excellence Award
Gregory Clugston '88
Clugston is the White House correspondent for the Salem Radio Network. His daily reports are heard on over 1,100 stations nationwide, including SAU Radio's 89.3 FM the Message. In his 15 years at the White House, Clugston has covered a wide range of presidential events and stories. He anchors broadcast coverage of State of the Union addresses and other special events. Clugston has also worked for the UPI and Standard News Radio Networks as a reporter and newscast anchor. Prior to his work in Washington, he was employed at Spring Arbor University as director of SAU Radio and instructor in the communication department. For the past three years, Clugston has taught a broadcasting course through the University's online program.
Brian Philson '85
Recently named president and chief executive officer of Highfields Inc., a human service agency, Philson is former director of the Jackson County Youth Center and serves as an adjunct instructor and guest lecturer for SAU, Siena Heights University, Lansing Community College and MSU. He has served as a trainer of juvenile justice practitioners for the National Partnership for Juvenile Services, a consultant for the National Institute of Corrections, on the board of directors for both the Michigan Federation of Children and Families and the Pineview Home for Boys, and as a governor's appointee to the Michigan Committee on Juvenile Justice. He received the 2007 Individual Award for Excellence from the Juvenile Justice Trainers Association and has won the MJDA Neil Zott Distinguished Service Award, the Spring Arbor University Young Leader Award and the Adult Studies Faculty of the Year Award. Philson is a past president of the Michigan Juvenile Detention Association and a past vice president of the National Juvenile Detention Association. He serves on the Concord Community School Board in Jackson County.
LeRoy M. Lowell Award
Debra Thompson '84
Thompson returned to her alma mater in 1985 to coach the women's volleyball team from 1985-1990, and to teach a few courses in Health, Human Performance, and Recreation. She became the softball coach in 1987 and continues to coach the Cougars. Thompson's program has won over 600 games and one NCCAA National Championship. She also serves on many NAIA and NCCAA softball committees. Thompson received a master's in exercise at Western Michigan University in 1989 and received faculty rank in 1994.
Faithful Servant Award
Trent Allen '89
Trent Allen, 42, loving husband, father, son, brother and friend, passed away at the University of Michigan Hospital on June 30. He was the president and owner of the Jamieson-Allen Insurance Agency Inc., located in Howell. Allen was also a member of the Hastings Mutual Insurance Company agent's advisory board - one of only eight agents in the state of Michigan to hold that position. His SAU basketball coach, Bill Bockwitz, describes Allen's legacy as one of generosity - defined as "the habit of giving freely without expecting anything in return." Early this year, Allen was selected to receive the Faithful Servant Award because he embodied the traits the award was designed to honor. He gave of his love to his family, to his friends, to his community and to his university. He gave of his resources, often giving in secret. Most importantly, he gave of his time and in doing so, gave of himself.
Young Leader Award
Bruce Martin '91
Martin has taught and served at various administration levels within the public education sector. Currently principal of Andersonville Elementary in Clarkston, Martin led his staff through the rigorous Michigan Exemplary "Blue Ribbon School" process, helping them earn the prestigious award in 2007. Active at Davison Free Methodist Church, he serves on the administrative board and in the Christian education department. Martin, a member of the SAU Alumni Board of Directors, is active with the Davison High School, Davison AYSO, and Flint Steelers' soccer booster groups, and other community organizations.
Concept in Action Award
Anika Kasper '10
Kasper graduated in 2010 with a youth ministry degree. She says her parents, John and Debbi, have always remained her strongest supporters. At SAU, she served as a spiritual life advisor and a resident assistant. She attended the Montana Leadership Summit and a Spring Break mission trip to Puerto Rico. She wrote program curriculum, led youth groups, mentored teens, directed an elementary camp and counseled at Wesley Woods Camp.