Two lifelong friends, one shared legacy

Some stories come full circle in the most meaningful ways. For Jan Hewlett ’77, ’84 and Sarah Opperman ’81, Central Michigan University was where each began their professional journey – and where, decades later, they stood side by side as 2025 inductees into the College of Business Administration Hall of Fame.

Though they didn’t meet as students, their shared foundation in business, their time at Dow and their deep commitment to mentoring others forged a friendship that has spanned decades.

“They became trusted colleagues and lifelong members of each other’s personal board of directors,” said Dean Chris Moberg during the ceremony.

Their professional lives have been marked by impact:

• Hewlett co–founded Azimuth Capital Management, a $3.5 billion investment advisory firm, following leadership roles in equity strategy and pension fund management at Dow.
• Opperman rose to vice president of global government affairs and public policy at Dow and later served as chair of the Isabella Bank board of directors and interim CEO of the Midland Business Alliance.

But perhaps even more defining than their professional accomplishments is the way they’ve lifted others along the way.

“Jan taught me that success isn’t just about skill – it’s about compassion, too,” said Hewlett’s business partner Ted Haddad. “She’s always made time for others, even when she had none to spare.”

“The way that [Sarah] will mentor students – in particular, our women leaders – that’s what’s been surprising for me,” said Dan Gaken, director of the Sarah R. Opperman Leadership Institute. “How giving she is and how much she’s willing to support our students.”

Their investment in others includes each other. In the tribute video, Opperman reflected on Hewlett’s early career and the qualities that continue to define her.

“One of those characteristics was she’s just brilliant. But two, the strength of who she was and her confidence in her data and in her abilities really shone through,” Opperman said.

“She’s a CFA, which Forbes says is like the rock star of finance people,” she added with a smile. “But what sets her apart is how she blends that quantitative expertise with qualitative understanding – of companies, of people. That’s unique.”

For Hewlett, investing has always been about more than numbers.

“I found that understanding people gave me a huge edge. If you can figure out a company’s business model, culture and what makes them tick – it gives you insight others might miss.”

She thanked her husband, Kirk, and her family for supporting her journey – and reflected on the professors who shaped her path.

“I got my MBA through night classes while working full time. Those professors drove to Midland and taught a room full of professionals who had real problems to solve. It made the education that much more meaningful.”

Opperman shared her own moment of transformation – a conversation with a business professor who helped her chart a double major in business and journalism.

“It was at that moment that I became a Central Michigan University Chippewa – and that I understood the power of student success. That one conversation changed my life.”

Today, Opperman continues to support CMU through the Sarah R. Opperman Leadership Institute, the Sarah and Daniel Opperman Auditorium and multiple student–facing endowments.

“CMU has continued to help me grow. I’ve learned about leadership, about the joy of investing in the next generation and the difference between good management and good governance – though I’m still working on it.”

Both honorees have served on CMU’s Advancement Board, mentored students and supported key college initiatives – and both were honored not only for what they’ve accomplished but for the integrity, humility and generosity they’ve shown along the way.

“Not only was Jan a brilliant business partner with unparalleled investment management skills,” said Haddad. “She was also a constant source of inspiration, teaching our entire team the importance of staying grounded and compassionate in all that we do.”

“You can’t go into a building on this campus without seeing something named for Sarah and Dan,” said Gaken. “But she’s even more generous with her time, especially mentoring students.”

As Hewlett looked out on the crowd gathered to celebrate their achievements, she summed up the feeling in the room – and the bond that brought them to the stage together.

“If this award wasn’t amazing enough – and it is – I get to share the stage with one of my best friends and a CMU icon.”

For all in attendance, it was clear the feeling was mutual.

See the full list of Hall of Fame inductees and watch Jan and Sarah’s tribute videos: CMU College of Business Hall of Fame