School of Communication Honors Three Alums with Induction into Alumni Academy

During Homecoming Week 2002 the School of Communication at Western Michigan University inducted three graduates of the department into our Alumni Academy. This year's inductees are Carl Botan, Roger Mattens, and Laurie Stewart, all of whom have made outstanding contributions to their communication professions and/or the community.
Carl Botan graduated from Western Michigan University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication Arts & Sciences in 1970. After his studies at Western, Botan earned an M.A. in 1982, and a Ph.D. in 1985, both from Wayne State University. Currently, Botan is an Associate Professor of Communication at Purdue University where he is a noted scholar in public relations and electronic surveillance in the work place.
Roger Mattens received his M.A. in Communication Arts and Sciences from WMU in 1976. His professional career was devoted to public education. He retired from the Battle Creek Public Schools in 1999 after a thirty-one year tenure.
Laurie Stewart, CSP, Director of L.A. Stewart Presentations, is a nationally known public speaker and consultant. Her areas of expertise are leadership, respect, school climate, and human relations improvements. Laurie received her Bachelor of Science degree in Communication Arts & Sciences in 1984.
Communication faculty and friends and family members of the inductees honored the new Alumni Academy members at a reception held in The Oaklands from 6 to 8 p.m. on October 10, 2002. See our website for some photos of this event.
This year's honorees join initial Alumni Academy inductees Kaye Bennett, Marion Boyer, Ron Boyd, Mary Cohen (Beuchamp), Della DiPietro, James Hickey, Brian Hire, Joann Keyton, Barbara McDaniel-Suggs, James McHale, Barbara Mieras, Sharon Ratliffe, Elizabeth Rank, Holly (Christensen) Rosenhagen, Jim Thelen, Cherie Van Kuren-Bales, and Greta Williams.