1999 Recipients

Dr. Mieras also earned two master's degrees from WMU and a doctoral degree from Michigan State University. She began her career in education in Michigan's Hartford Public Schools.

She joined the administration of Davenport College in 1984 as director of continuing education for its Kalamazoo campus.

In 1998, after a series of promotions including senior vice president, she was named president of Davenport College.

Mr. Barents joined Cessna Aircraft Company in 1975, having served his country as a pilot in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War. He rose though the corporate ranks and was senior vice president when he left in 1987 for a similar position with Toyota Motor Sales.

Two years later, he was named CEO of Learjet, Inc. In 1997, he founded Texas-based Galaxy Aerospace Corp, and serves as its president and CEO.