Ann Arbor Times

Eastern Michigan University recognized the achievements of several alumni during its 64th annual Alumni Awards ceremony, held on September 19 at the George Gervin GameAbove Center in Ypsilanti. The event was organized by the Office of Alumni Engagement and the Alumni Association Board of Directors.

Cristina Frendo, assistant vice president for Alumni Engagement at Eastern, said, “Our alumni continue to demonstrate the power of an EMU education. This year’s honorees are not only leaders in their fields but also dedicated members of their communities, and we are both proud and honored to celebrate their achievements.”

The Graduate of the Last Decade Award went to Daniel Mathis Spadafore ’07, ’19. Spadafore is chief of staff for the Michigan State University Eli Broad College of Business, where he leads strategic planning efforts and manages special projects and operational activities.

Anthony Tomey ’03 and Michael Page ’02 received this year’s Alumni Achievement Award. Tomey played baseball at EMU and with the Detroit Tigers before becoming owner and CEO of The Tomey Group LLC. His company owns 50 Jimmy John’s locations as well as other properties across Michigan, including a shopping center, resort, and apartment complexes. He is also co-owner of Born IN Detroit apparel, 8 Mile Vodka, serves as an Ambassador for GameAbove, and is part of the ownership group for BIG3’s Detroit basketball team.

Michael Page recently served as general manager at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in New York City. He played a key role in bringing the Tony Awards to that venue in 2024. Page also owns MWP Entertainment LLC and works as assistant professor and head of performing arts management at Brooklyn College.

Joyce Jenereaux ’86 received the Distinguished Alumni Award for her professional accomplishments and service to others. She is president and CEO of Joyce Jenereaux Advisors LLC, offering business consulting services to companies undergoing change. Previously she was regional president/president and publisher at Gannett Michigan/Detroit Free Press. Jenereaux volunteers on several boards within her community.

Dr. Jaclynn Tracy ’74, ’77, ’79 was honored with the John W. Porter Distinguished Service Award for her contributions to Eastern Michigan University over a 34-year faculty career in its College of Education. Dr. Tracy led the Department of Leadership and Counseling for 14 years before retiring as emerita faculty member in 2018.

Each recipient received a crystal award along with a golden eagle feather representing EMU’s tradition of excellence among its alumni.

Founded in 1849, Eastern Michigan University is one of Michigan's oldest public universities with nearly 13,000 students enrolled across more than 300 academic programs through various colleges including Arts & Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering & Technology; Health & Human Services; as well as its graduate school.