Announcing the 2024 National Alumni Awards recipients

The National Alumni Awards are the highest honors presented by the CMU Alumni Association. These awards are given to those who have made significant achievements professionally and within their communities. Award recipients are nominated annually and selected by alumni, faculty and friends of the university because of their strong connection and affinity for Central Michigan University.

This year’s recipients are true embodiments of our FIRE UP spirit.

The CMU Alumni Association is extremely proud to recognize the following people for the 2024 National Alumni Awards:  

Distinguished Alumni Award: Melinda Coffin, ’04, MBA ’13

Melinda Coffin is the first member of the Saginaw Chippewa Tribe to hold the position of CEO of Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort. In 2024, she was recognized by Imagine This with the award for Native American Woman of the Year for her leadership, innovation and commitment to her community. She is deeply involved in her community, serving on the board of directors for several organizations, and her spirit name is “Makoons Kwe,” meaning “Little Bear Woman,” reflecting her role as a healer and protector of her tribe.

Dick Enberg CMU Alumni Commitment Award: Michael R. Murray, ’75, and Pamela Wasko Murray, ’77, M.A., ’83

Michael R. Murray and Pamela Wasko Murray have a deep commitment to CMU that harkens back to their days as students, becoming annual donors in 1977. The couple support the Chippewa Champions Center, created two student awards, and provided the seed funding for the Football Championship Endowment. Mike and Pam have mentored dozens of students through the College of Business Administration’s Dialogue Days, and they’ve stayed in touch with many of them, following their careers and continuing to offer guidance. They hope their philanthropy will inspire others to share their time, talent and treasure with CMU.

Corporate Partner Award: MyMichigan Health

MyMichigan Health has shown its support for Central Michigan University in myriad ways. From sponsoring a suite through CMU Athletics to financial gifts to providing practical experiences in their clinics for CMU medical students, MyMichigan Health is committed to caring for the Mount Pleasant community.

In 2022, MyMichigan partnered with CMU Athletics to provide greater access to medical care to over 450 CMU student-athletes leading to less waiting times in emergency situations, faster access to imaging needs such as MRIs, expanded access to specialists, and access to a wider network of physicians who regularly work with the student-athlete population.

MyMichigan has also been an integral partner for CMU’s master’s program in athletic training, allowing students in the program to gain hands-on experience with trainers and physicians across the state. They also recently approved a clinical and sport psychologist position that merges sport and mental health, benefiting collegiate student-athletes as well as athletes in the community.

Within the Mid-American Conference, the relationship between MyMichigan and CMU Athletics has led to the enthusiastic showcasing of a strong and growing partnership that benefits student-athletes and has contributed to the department trending toward being a leader in the MAC as it relates to health care for student-athletes.

The Central Michigan University Alumni Association is honored and proud to announce MyMichigan Health as the recipient of this year’s Corporate Partner Award. 

Student Life Dedication Award: Spencer Long, ’08, ’10

Spencer Long was a dedicated student leader during his time at CMU, and he continues that commitment to students today. His leadership development journey at CMU started from day one with Leadership Safari, and he quickly ascended within the ranks of the organization. Many of the main components of Safari to this day are the result of Spencer’s work as a student. In 2008, Spencer earned the Constellation Award from CMU’s Office of Student Life, honoring the leadership experience and impact of students at the university.

Honorary Alumni Award: Audrey Zavodsky-Fraser

Audrey Zavodsky-Fraser and her late husband, Richard Zavodsky, '76, have been loyal supporters of CMU Athletics for years — not only through their financial support but through their active engagement with CMU coaches and players. Although not an alumna herself, Audrey is outspoken about the connection and sense of community she feels with CMU. She says she has always felt a part of CMU and notes that CMU is special because of the sense of community and the way student-athletes and coaches care for each other.

Alumni Service Recognition Award: Sam Prater, ’07

Sam Prater is the founder of Los Angeles Room & Board, a nonprofit focused on ending homelessness and hunger for L.A. County’s community college students. Sam’s 12 years as a university administrator ignited his compassion for homeless students. As a former high school dropout who went onto community college and now a doctoral degree candidate, Sam believes in the power of higher education to transform lives and to provide boundless opportunity and that education and homelessness are matters of economic and social justice.

Future Alumni Leader Award: Aaliyah Howard, ’25

Aaliyah Howard has been and continues to be a force of positivity and determination on CMU’s campus. From the beginning of her Central journey, she has been an important contributor to making CMU a more welcoming, inclusive and engaged campus. She is a Leader Advancement Scholar, a Newman Civic Fellow and a scholar of the year for Black Girls Rock. Throughout her time as a CMU student, Aaliyah has helped students fulfill their goals while she works on her own aspirations.

Please join us in congratulating the Central Michigan University 2024 National Alumni Award winners! To see all previous award winners, please click here.