CMU campus landmark named ‘Voisin Arch’

Tony Voisin came to Central Michigan University as an undergraduate in 1980…and was still on campus nearly 40 years later.

Voisin, who retired in 2021 as associate vice president of student affairs, had long hoped for an archway on campus.

“I felt like we needed more architectural features, so it was a goal of mine to see one constructed before I retired,” Voisin said.

In 2018, that goal was achieved. Six years later, it has been named the Voisin Arch, to honor a generous donation and legacy gift by Tony and his wife, Kim, who also is an alum and worked for CMU for 30 years.

The pedestrian gateway is a focal point located where a primary campus walking route — Central Avenue — crosses Broomfield Road, just north of the John G. Kulhavi Events Center.

The landmark reflects the Voisins’ commitment to welcoming students and visitors to campus.

“The area where the arch stands used to be flanked by “do not enter” signs. I wanted to change that,” he said. “CMU is a special place, and we should greet visitors in an impressive, warm way.”

Jennifer Cotter, vice president for advancement, said the Voisin name is an ideal choice for the gateway.

“The Voisins have made a lasting impression on thousands of students who are now dedicated alumni,” Cotter said. “Tony and Kim bleed maroon and gold, and their gift symbolizes what it means to be part of the CMU alumni family.”

Enhancing students’ athletics experiences

As a student, Tony spent endless hours at athletic events as a member of the CMU Marching Band, which fueled his passion for CMU Athletics. This passion extended throughout his career and now the Voisins’ gift has helped establish the Student Spirit and Traditions Endowment Fund, providing opportunities for CMU students to be more involved in athletics.

“The arch and the spirit and traditions fund are both designed to bridge academics and athletics,” Tony said. “The more opportunities we give students to be actively engaged in athletics, the more they’ll be involved with CMU after they graduate. That’s why I also encourage others to consider making contributions to this fund.”

Tony said alum Spencer Long was an inspiration for the new fund. The two met in the early 2000s when Spencer was a student.

“Spencer was a member of the Rose Rowdies and an avid football fan,” Tony said. “He was always looking for ways to attend athletic events off campus and create experiences for his fellow classmates.”

Tony and Spencer created the Victory Cannon, which goes each year to the winner of the CMU vs. Western Michigan football game, and Fire Up Fest, a student event to kick off the football season. Long said his lifelong affiliation with the university is built on his experience with athletics.

“I have so many lifetime connections I never would have had if I didn’t have a love for athletics,” he said.

Amy Folan, Zyzelewski Family Director of Athletics, sees the fund as an excellent opportunity for students.

“Our students are a huge reason why we have the best fans in the MAC, and we’re thankful the Voisins’ gift will further enhance their presence,” Folan said.

CMU through and through

After graduating from CMU, Tony was hired by CMU’s Residence Life team and also worked as director of Alumni Relations before moving back to student life, where he remained until retirement.

Kim began as a residence hall director in 1988 and moved her way up to an assistant director of Residence Life position, from which she retired in August 2022.

All three of the Voisins’ children — Rob, Casey and Maggie along with Rob’s wife Grace — graduated from Central.  Rob and Grace were very involved with Residence Life and the Alternative Break program, Casey was a Cross-Country and Track Student Athlete and Maggie currently works for the university’s admissions team.

Not surprisingly, Tony proposed to Kim in front of the seal at Warriner Hall.