1976 Recipients | WMU Alumni Skip to main content

1976 Recipients

Fred G. LaViolette, B.A. '38

Fred G. LaViolette, B.A. '38

Mr. LaViolette received masters' degrees from the University of Michigan.

A physicist, nuclear engineer and environmental scientist, he was commended for the instrumentation he developed for the Manhattan Project during World War II.

As an engineer for General Electric, duPont and the state of New York, he developed many scientific instruments and equipment which had significant impact on both the application of nuclear energy as well as the safety of people and protection of the environment.

Martelle L. Cushman, B.A. '32

Martelle L. Cushman, B.A. '32

Dr. Cushman earned a master's degree from the University of Michigan and a doctorate from Cornell University.

He was school superintendent for several rural districts in Michigan before serving as director of the rural education program at Iowa State University.

In 1954, he was named dean of the college of education at the University of North Dakota. An author of numerous articles, he served as international president of Phi Delta Kappa.

Mary A. Jackson, B.A. '32

Mary A. Jackson, B.A. '32

As an actress, Ms. Jackson has portrayed a wide range of characters on stage, screen, and television.

In 1932, she joined a Shakespearean Company and traveled throughout the country performing in a repertoire of fourteen plays.

She later performed on Broadway in "East of Eden," "Kiss and Tell," and the award-winning "The Trial of the Catonsville 9."

She is perhaps best known for her role as Miss Emily Baldwin in the popular 1970s television series "The Waltons."

Richard A. Lenon, B.A. '41

Richard A. Lenon, B.A. '41

Mr. Lenon began his career as a management trainee with Montgomery Ward & Company. He was financial vice president for Westinghouse Air Brake Company when he joined International Minerals and Chemicals Corporation in 1967 in a similar position.

He was later named president of that corporation and retired in 1983 as chairman of the board.

He serves on the board of several corporations and as a trustee for a number of organizations, including Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry.

William B. Fitzgerald, B.A. '64

William B. Fitzgerald, B.A. '64

Mr. Fitzgerald received a law degree from Detroit College of Law. He was elected to the Michigan House of Representatives in 1971.

He chaired the House committee on economic development and worked on legislation to stimulate investment in Michigan. In 1974, he was elected to the Michigan Senate and was selected majority leader, the youngest person to hold that position.

He returned to his law practice in 1979 and he serves on several corporate boards.