1972 Recipients | WMU Alumni Skip to main content

1972 Recipients

C. Carney Smith, B.A. '33

 C. Carney Smith, B.A. '33

Mr. Smith received a master's degree from the University of Michigan. He began his career as a high school speech teacher and later served as a regional director for the American Red Cross.

In 1963, he was named executive vice president of the National Association of Life Underwriters, having been a general agent for almost three decades.

In recognition of his distinguished service and achievement, he was given the highest individual honor accorded by the life insurance profession, in 1970.

Georgia A. Lewis Johnson, '51

Georgia A. Lewis Johnson, '51

Dr. Johnson attended WMU from 1948 to 1951. She received a medical degree from the University of Michigan in 1955. She was a physician at the Ypsilanti State Hospital and Ingham County Health Department.

She was named to the faculty of the Department of Internal Medicine at Michigan State University in 1969.

She is the author of numerous articles for medical journals and has published two books, including one of poetry.

Laurence L. Spitters, B.A. '49

Laurence L. Spitters, B.A. '49

Mr. Spitters received a master's degree from Harvard University and a law degree from the University of Michigan.

He began his career as an investment banker and was later named assistant treasurer and assistant to the president of Ampex Corporation.

In 1961, he co-founded Memorex Corporation. As president and CEO, he presided over its growth into computer leasing and equipment manufacturing until his retirement in1974.

Mary Clarage Inman, B.A. '56

Mary Clarage Inman, B.A. '56

Mrs. Inman taught elementary school in Kalamazoo from 1957 to 1961. She was then elected to the board of directors of Clarage Fan Company.

When the company merged with Zurn Air Systems Division, she directed efforts to ensure the company's further growth in both volume and profitability.

Retiring in 1969, she remained a member of the board of directors of Zurn Industries.

Russell Lee Bearss, B.S. '50

Russell Lee Bearss, B.S. '50

Mr. Bearss was a division manager with Chrysler Corporation when he joined Borg-Warned Ltd. as managing director of its transmission division in the United Kingdom.

He later served as vice president for Borg-Warner's automotive component group in Detroit. In 1982, he was named chairman and CEO of Braun Engineering Company, Detroit.

A recipient of the Ohio Governors Awards, he published a series of articles on manufacturing processes and is a frequent workshop lecturer.