Spring commencement to feature student, alumni speakers
April 28, 2025
Honors Program launches official CMU Alumni Chapter
Group aims to connect, support and inspire alumni and students
Central Michigan University Honors Program Alumni are thrilled to announce the formation of the CMU Honors Alumni Chapter, now officially recognized as a chapter within the CMU Alumni Association.
After over a year of dedicated effort, the Honors Alumni Chapter Board successfully drafted a constitution and bylaws, worked closely with key stakeholders, and rebuilt its group with more formal processes to create a more sustainable future.
“I'm so grateful for the hard work Honors alumni put into establishing the new Honors Alumni Chapter,” said Patty Williamson, Honors Program director. “It creates a great platform for mutual support, community-building, and reconnection with old friends.”
The Honors Alumni Chapter Board remained in communication with Williamson and historical members throughout its process, collaborating with the alumni association board of directors. There are currently seventeen Honors Alumni Board members, with the following serving in a leadership capacity:
- Laura Bantle (President)
- Megan Morris (Vice President)
- Rachel Brehmer (Secretary)
- Rick Peake (Current chair, Membership Committee, and incoming President)
- Mark Pelfrey (Chair, Scholarship Committee)
“Many Honors Program alumni credit the Honors Program with creating transformational academic and social experiences that they have continued to carry with them through life,” said Bantle. “They are very passionate about giving back to the Program and ensuring that current and future students have those same opportunities.”
A Mission of Engagement and Support
The Honors Alumni Board has long played a role in supporting the program, primarily through awarding scholarships and providing feedback. The new Honors Alumni Chapter is dedicated to continuing those initiatives while providing opportunities for alumni to stay involved with and give back to the Honors Program and its students. Key objectives include:
- Granting scholarships to current Honors students, a long-standing tradition of alumni involvement.
- Strengthening the alumni and student communities through social and networking events.
- Creating meaningful connections between alumni and current students through mentorship opportunities.
“Formalizing this chapter allows our tight-knit Honors alumni community to reconnect, serve, and invest in the next generation of Honors students,” said Peake.
Growing Engagement and Momentum
The chapter’s first in-person engagement opportunity was an Open House in Powers Hall during the 2024 Homecoming weekend. At this event, members connected with fellow alumni and recruited new participants.
In a demonstration of alumni enthusiasm, a recent social media call for volunteers to review 2025 Honors scholarship applications received an overwhelming response. Within 24 hours, the number of applications nearly doubled the available review slots.
Get Involved
Honors alumni looking to reconnect and contribute can engage with the chapter in several ways:
- Attend the Honors Alumni Chapter gathering at Homecoming 2025.
- Apply for a position on the Chapter’s Board of Directors: Apply Here
The Honors Alumni Chapter is excited for the future and invites all interested alumni to join in strengthening this growing network. Stay connected, stay involved, and help shape the future of the Honors Program!
