Ann Arbor Times

Eastern Michigan University’s Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) student chapter has received the Callie Zipple Spirit of HR Award at the 2025 Michigan SHRM HR Games, which took place on October 15 in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

The annual event gathered human resource students from universities across the state for a Jeopardy-style competition focused on HR knowledge, ethics, and best practices. The HR Games were part of the MISHRM State Conference, attended by over 1,200 HR professionals. This setting provided students with opportunities to network and gain practical experience.

Joy Beatty, academic department head of Management at EMU’s College of Business, commented on the recognition: “This award speaks to the heart of Eastern Michigan’s mission, to foster leadership, integrity, and community among our students. The team’s professionalism and spirit throughout the competition embodied everything that makes EMU students stand out in the field of human resources.”

The Callie Zipple Spirit of HR Award honors Callie Zipple, a former SHRM field services director known for her mentorship before her death in 2019. The award is decided by votes from students and volunteers and recognizes collegiality, professionalism, positive attitude, and respect among competitors.

Sebastiaan Johnson, graduate student and president of EMU’s SHRM Club as well as a graduate assistant in the management department, said: “Winning the Callie Zipple Spirit of HR Award was truly an honor for our team. It represents more than just our performance in the competition; it reflects the values of empathy, collaboration, and professionalism that define both our chapter and the HR field. We’re proud to represent Eastern Michigan University and to continue building a community where every student feels supported and inspired to grow.”

With this award, members of EMU’s student chapter will receive MISHRM scholarships covering costs for the SHRM Learning System and SHRM-CP exam registration. These certifications are designed to prepare students for professional roles using a competency-based framework set out by SHRM.

Amy McGinnis, Ph.D., MISHRM college relations director and faculty member at Eastern Michigan University stated: “We are so proud of our students for demonstrating the values of teamwork and respect that define the HR profession. Their recognition reflects EMU’s commitment to preparing students not only with technical knowledge but with the empathy and ethics essential for success in today’s workplace.”

Eastern Michigan University was founded in 1849 as Michigan's second-oldest public university. Today it serves over 12,000 students across undergraduate through doctoral programs in multiple fields including arts and sciences; business; education; engineering; health; human services; as well as its Graduate School. The university offers more than 300 academic programs through its various colleges. EMU emphasizes career readiness through hands-on learning experiences and industry partnerships.

More information about Eastern Michigan University can be found on its official website or through its news platform EMU Today.