Lake Michigan College Seeks Nominations for 2026 Alumni Awards

Lake Michigan College is now accepting nominations for its 2026 Alumni Awards, honoring graduates who exemplify excellence in service, professional achievement, and community impact. The Alumni Association Board of Directors encourages colleagues, friends, and community members to recognize deserving alumni who have made a meaningful difference.

Nominations are due June 15, 2026, with recipients to be announced this fall.

To be eligible, alumni must have graduated from LMC or its predecessor, Benton Harbor Community College, or taken at least 30 semester hours. LMC first presented its Alumni Awards in 1986. Since then, more than 80 individuals have been honored. 

To nominate an individual for the 2026 LMC Alumni Awards, complete and submit the Alumni Award Program Nomination Form at lakemichigancollege.edu/alumni-awards.  

There are three categories for awards - Gladys Peeples-Burks Alumni Service Award, Clarence Beckwith Distinguished Alumni Award, and Alumni Achievement.  

Gladys Peeples-Burks Alumni Service Award 
This award is named after Dr. Gladys Peeples-Burks, a member of the first graduating class of Benton Harbor Junior College, now Lake Michigan College, and a tireless advocate for the college and community. It is given to an alumnus who has offered significant personal or professional contributions to LMC or the community. The community is broadly interpreted as local, the state of Michigan, or the nation. 

Clarence Beckwith Distinguished Alumni Award
Named in honor of the first President of Lake Michigan College, this award is given to an LMC alumnus who has accomplished significant success in their personal or professional endeavors.  

Alumni Achievement Award 
This award is presented to a recent alumnus who attended LMC within the past 15 years, demonstrated significant achievement, and distinguished themselves in their career, education, or community. 

A list of previous winners can be found at lakemichigancollege.edu/alumni-awards. 

For more information, email Rita Whise at rwhise@lakemichigancollege.edu or call 269-927-6278.