starr news autumn 2012
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Starr News Autumn 2012. Featured Story: Dick Vitale visits Starr Commonwealth for 99th Founders Day Celebration.TRANSCRIPT
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Inside:
Founder’s Day 2012 with Dick Vitale
Focus on the Military
Starr Detroit Academy Grand Opening
R E S I D E N T I A L – C O M M U N I T Y - B A S E D – P R O F E S S I O N A L T R A I N I N G S
STARR
STARR COMMONWEALTHWe Think The World of Kids
STARR
Contents
3 President’s Message
4 Dick Vitale at Founder’s Day
6 2012 Scholarship Recipients
7 Distinguished Alumni Award
8 Starr Detroit Academy Opens
9 Alliance for Children & Families
10 Chaplain’s Message
11 Dr. Marcia Kent
12 TLC: Focus on the Military
14 Commonwealthalia
16 Goodness Made Visible
18 Honor & Memorial Gifts
19 Alumni Survey / Thanks
C R E A T E P O S I T I V E E N V I R O N M E N T S W H E R E C H I L D R E N F L O U R I S H
Starr News Autumn, 2012 Volume 69, No. 4Starr Commonwealth is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Services for Families & Children.
Starr Commonwealth is a non-profit organization serving children and families regardless of race, religion,
color, or national origin. Founded in 1913, Starr is licensed by the states of Michigan and Ohio and serves
children and families from locations in Albion, Battle Creek, Detroit, and Clinton Township, MI.; Van Wert,
and Columbus, OH; and Lennox, S.D. The Albion campus is a Michigan Historic Site. Starr Commonwealth
receives funds from social agencies, foundations, corporations, and individuals.
Kyle Caldwell, Chairman of the Board; Martin L. Mitchell, Ed. D., President and Chief Executive Officer;
Christopher L. Smith, B.B.A., C.P.A., Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer;
Wm. Chuck Jackson, MA, Executive Vice President and Chief Clinical Officer;
Elizabeth A. Carey, MSW, Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy & Administrative Services Officer;
Gary Q. Tester, MRC, Executive Vice President and Chief Development Officer
13725 Starr Commonwealth Rd. Albion, MI 49224-9525 800.837.5591 [email protected]
Focus on the Military
See Page 12
Founder’s Day 2012
See Page 4
IMPACTING
1.5 MILL ION
CHILDREN
AND
FAMIL IES
WORLDWIDE
Martin L. Mitchell, Ed.D., President/ CEO
This issue of Starr News wraps up 2012 by recapping a number of terrific events,
in addition to introducing some of the exciting developments within our organization.
As I reflect on the past year, I think about how recent economic turmoil throughout the
world has brought about many challenges for Starr, as well as the child and family
services field as a whole.
But while we have been through some tough times and face more moving forward,
we are positioning Starr for future growth and success in 2013, while continuing our mission
of creating positive environments where children flourish.
For almost 100 years, Starr has provided children and families with innovative programs
that bring out the best in every child. Moving toward our next 100 years, we want to continue
to offer relevant, highly impactful services, while spreading our knowledge and influence
to communities worldwide.
That is why Starr continues to develop highly successful programming that will positively
impact children and families through our residential campuses, community-based programs,
educational services like Starr Detroit Academy and the Starr Global Learning Network,
all while renewing our dedication to staff engagement and superior customer service.
We have hired numerous, highly qualified staff members in the areas of human
resources and talent management, business development, finance and programming,
with the goal of employing only those dedicated to Starr’s mission and improving
the lives of children.
Our senior leadership is developing a leading-edge customer service plan with the
assistance of nationally recognized customer service experts and pioneers that will
allow us to better serve children and their families.
We intend to take full advantage of our knowledge base, which includes some of the
world’s foremost experts in the fields of positive psychology, strength-based treatment,
trauma-informed care, resilience and racial healing.
This will be a very important year for Starr Commonwealth. Not only are we
celebrating our 100th anniversary of offering quality services, we continue to
take innovative approaches to identifying the best, most-needed services
and how to deliver them in a remarkable way.
Although we will face many challenges in the future, Starr is prepared
to meet each one. We believe that our organization will continue
to flourish, like so many of the children and families we serve.
At Starr, we think the world of kids. We always have. We always
will. And we’ll go anywhere and everywhere to reach them.
3
But it is his dedication to philanthropy and improving countless lives that affects children
and families across the globe.
Because of his involvement with helping children, Starr Commonwealth presented Vitale with the Child
Advocacy Award at Founder’s Day, held Sunday, Oct. 7, which commemorated the 99th anniversary of Starr’s
dedication to children and families.
At the event, Vitale shared a message with Starr’s youth of how to approach life with positivity and passion.
If you are passionate about life and being successful, Vitale said, you will be rewarded.
He told a story about Earvin “Magic” Johnson, a former NBA superstar and basketball player at Michigan State
University, and how Johnson became such a great player.
“When I was coaching at the University of Detroit, I tried to recruit Magic, who was at Lansing Everett High School
at the time,” Vitale said. “He was such a great player, and every coach in America wanted to have that kid
come play for them.”
To avoid being one of many coaches to bombard Johnson after school, Vitale and his assistant coaches attempted
to get to Johnson’s house early in the morning to speak with him. Driving from Detroit to Lansing in snow and ice,
Vitale made it to Johnson’s house before school. When Vitale knocked on the door, Johnson’s mother answered.
“Mrs. Johnson came to the door and said, ‘Earvin’s not here. He’s where he always is before school. He’s at the
playground,’” Vitale said. “I said, ‘Come on, Mrs. Johnson, we just want to speak with Earvin for a few minutes.’
She insisted he wasn’t home, and when we drove to the playground, sure enough, he was there. I couldn’t believe
what I was watching. It’s 6:30, 7 in the morning, and this kid’s out there shoveling snow, dribbling and shooting.”
Vitale said it is that type of dedication that is essential to becoming great at whatever one chooses.
“He didn’t just wake up one day and decide to be Magic,” Vitale said. “He was Magic because he worked
harder than everyone else and gained that competitive edge.”
4
DICK VITALE
Few approach life with the same vigor and
positive attitude as Dick Vitale. With his seemingly
endless supply of energy and clever catchphrases,
Vitale has captivated millions of basketball fans
throughout his career as a coach and commentator.
Dick Vitale received Starr’s
Child Advocacy Award
because of his dedication
to helping children.
During his speech, Vitale made many references
to his new book, which is his 10th publication,
“Getting a W in the Game of Life.”
“Every dollar from the sale of this book goes to
pediatric cancer research,” Vitale said. “I don’t make
a dime off of this book, but I’m so proud of it. It’s not
about basketball. It’s about the game we all play –
the game of life.”
In the book, Vitale discusses his T.E.A.M. method of
success, which includes togetherness, enthusiasm,
attitude and mental toughness and how it can be
used to address issues like violence, drugs and
alcohol, bullying and other challenges.
"There's no greater gift than that of a team,"
Vitale said. "And a lot of (Starr youth) have your family
as your team, but it doesn't have to be your blood
family. There's a teacher at Starr, an instructor,
a coach, a mentor who loves you, and you're all
so blessed to be here with folks who care
about you and want you to succeed.”
Vitale said he would not be where he is today
without the help of his team. continued on page 6
5
The All Starr Choir performing
Vitale told a story about Earvin “Magic” Johnson and
how he became such a great player. “He was Magic
because he worked harder than everyone else
and gained that competitive edge.”
Welcome from Marty Mitchell
Janet, a Montcalm School alumna,
had many pieces of artwork displayed
at the President’s Reception on
Founder’s Day, including this portrait.
We would like to thank Janet for
her inspiring work.
6
Founder’s Day continued
“I’m in 11 different Halls of Fame,” Vitale said. “Look at me. I can’t run, jump, shoot or pass, but I have a tremendous
team around me. My wife, my kids and my coworkers are the reason I have been successful.”
He spoke of his appreciation for Starr’s dedication to improving the lives of children and families.
“I really love that saying about ‘there’s no such thing as
a bad child,’” Vitale said. “I truly believe that, and (Starr
Commonwealth Founder) Floyd Starr sounds like my kind
of guy. I can just see the passion from (President and
CEO) Marty (Mitchell) and the rest of the staff when they
talk about this organization.”
Vitale’s final message to Starr’s youth was one of
accountability. He believes that despite all of the
assistance from Starr, the direction their lives take
is ultimately up to them.
“Don’t be a chump, be a champ,” Vitale said. “You have
to go out there and get it. It’s all up to you.”
For more information on Dick Vitale and his new book,
visit www.dickvitaleonline.com.
“There’s no greater gift than that
of a team – a teacher at Starr,
a coach, a mentor – folks who
care about you and want you
to succeed.” – Dick Vitale
2012-13 Starr Scholarship Recipients
Diamond
Bowling Green
State University
Raven
Kellogg Community
College (Hastings)
Bryce
Bowling Green
State University
Domenic
Thomas More College
Sarah
Schoolcraft College
Lisa
Grand Rapids
Community College
Bernardo
Murray
State University
Caitlin
Columbus
Culinary Institute
Jordan
Tiffin University
Timothy
Kalamazoo Valley
Community College
Dylan
Oakland University
Al
Beckfield College
Lily
Hope College
Caitlin
Miami University (Ohio)
Rodney
University of Toledo
Alex
Gannon University
Robert
Grand Canyon University
Sarah
Central Michigan
University
Justin
Kalamazoo Valley
Community College
Bryan
Olympic College
Bryan
College of Central Florida
David
Madison Media Institute
Allison
Mott Community College
Nina
Indiana University
Samuel
Washtenaw
Community College
Michael
Ohio Dominican University
Curtis
Northwestern
Technological Institute
Sarah
Wayne County
Community College
Bethami
DePaul University
Anastasia
Breckenridge
School of Nursing
Frank
University of Phoenix
Jermaine
Wayne County
Community College
Having arrived at Starr Commonwealth July 15, 1957 to live initially at Wilcox Cottage, Stanley Thomas spent
the next two years growing and participating in campus clubs and activities such as the bible club and choir.
He also wrote articles for the school newsletter, “The Redwing Banner,” reporting on such interesting topics
as the chess club and science club news. The final day of Stanley’s experience at Starr was July 13, 1959.
Determined to flourish after leaving, Stanley has lived a very successful life through his devotion to his marriage,
family, community and ministry. Stanley has become what we wish all Starr Commonwealth students to become –
a well-respected member of the human family and highly respected at home and in the community. Recently,
Stanley celebrated milestones of 50 years of involvement in ministry and 50 years of marriage. At this time,
we wish to congratulate Stanley Thomas on receiving the Distinguished Alumni Award, which was presented
to him on Founder’s Day, Oct. 7. Each year, we bestow this award on one or more alumni who have made their
lives an example of what we hope for all children who come through Starr’s programs. For more information
about the Distinguished Alumni Award or to nominate a Starr alum, visit www.starr.org/alumni
or contact Amy Reimann at [email protected] or 800.837.5591.
Starr President Marty Mitchell
congratulates Distinguished Alumni
Award winner Stanley Thomas.
ALUMNI
Linda
Eastern Kentucky
University
Amanda
Missouri Baptist
University
Dustin
University of Rio Grande
Dane
University of Iowa
Cameron
Wake Technical
Community College
David
Framingham State
University
Henry
DePaul University
Michael
Western Michigan
University
Ian
ITT Technical Institute
Leif
Hocking College
Kevin
Kalamazoo Valley
Community College
Johnie
Lawrence Technical
University
Michael
Wayne State University
Steven
Prescott College
Muhammad
Henry Ford
Community College
Jonathan
Bellevue College
7
The Vision Detroit Committee conceived the idea of a charter school, and Starr Detroit Academy was born.
On Sept. 4, 2012, all the hours of preparation and planning by dozens of instrumental people came to fruition
on the first day of school in the form of K-5 students in uniforms, quietly walking the halls in straight lines and
chanting school pride
slogans when prompted
by staff.
To celebrate the milestone,
Starr Detroit Academy
held a grand opening event
Tuesday, Sept. 18. In atten-
dance were students from
the school, staff, school
board members, the Starr
Commonwealth Educational
Services board, Starr Com-
monwealth staff, Starr Board
of Trustees members and
many special guests from
the community.
Also in attendance were representatives from Central Michigan University, which gave Starr authorization to open
a charter school. The representatives said the enrollment at Starr Detroit Academy was more than two times larger
than the next biggest charter school CMU has authorized. As of October, the academy is serving over 520 children.
STARR DETROIT ACADEMY
In 2009, Starr Commonwealth acquired the
Children’s Home of Detroit, a well-respected
organization with a rich, 172-year history.
Pledging to reinvest those resources into
the city, Starr organized a committee
called Vision Detroit.
8
Right: Cindy Schumacher, Executive Director of The Center
for Charter Schools at Central Micigan University and
Jeremy Vidito, School Director of Starr Detroit Academy
Cindy Schumacher,
Executive Director of The
Center for Charter Schools
at CMU, spoke to those
at the event about how
excited CMU was to
work with Starr. Starr’s
reputation for helping
children, she said, made
this a great opportunity
for a successful school.
“It’s wonderful to be here today celebrating the opening of Starr Detroit Academy,” Schumacher said. “Starr
Commonwealth has a great tradition of serving children, and the staff at Starr Detroit Academy are here
because they care about giving (the students) an opportunity to be successful.”
The mission of Starr Detroit Academy is to prepare students
for academic mastery, college, work and life. School Director
Jeremy Vidito said staff members at the school take that
mission very seriously.
“We will be working every day to achieve our goals and
further our mission,” Vidito said. “Starr Detroit Academy is
dedicated to these students and helping them get to
college. We want all of our students to be productive
community members throughout their lives.”
Starr Detroit Academy is located at 19360 Harper Ave.,
in Harper Woods, Mich. To learn more about Starr Detroit
Academy, visit www.starracademy.org.
9
Alliance for Children and Families National ConferenceA number of Starr staff recently attended or presented at the Alliance for Children and Families National
Conference held in Orlando, Fla., Oct. 17-19. The conference provides the opportunity for national peer networking
while featuring speakers and workshops that address key issues and trends affecting the nonprofit children’s
services sector. Starr has been a member organization of the Alliance since 1998.
Presentations included two Starr Global Learning Network members. Bill Steele, Founder of TLC,
presented on Advancing Trauma-Informed Practices, and Jim Longhurst, Senior Vice President
of Clinical Research, provided a workshop focused on Glasswing®: Racial Healing in the
Workplace and Community.
Chaplain Ken Ponds
CH
APLAIN
’SM
ESS
AGE
How many of you remember the Broadway musical “Hair?”Of all the great music from this musical, my favorite is, “What a Piece of Work is Man,”
inspired by Psalm 8. If I can remember the song correctly, the composer interprets
the first verses of Psalm 8 this way:
What a piece of work is man, how noble in reason;
How infinite in faculties, in form and moving;
How expressed and admirable, in action how like an angel;
In apprehension how like a god;
The beauty of the world, the paragon of animals.
In other words, the song, like the Psalm, is saying that the crowning piece of God’s creation
is you, me, us. What a powerful statement!
However, a quick look at today’s headlines, or the varied stories and noises from the media,
or scanning the world around us, and we get a different picture of God’s crowning piece
of creation. With all of the bad news, it’s so easy to become disappointed and depressed
with humankind. With you, me, us.
Yet, in the midst of disappointment and despair, God is constantly whispering in our
ears and reminding us who we are. During our recent Founder’s Day, as Starr celebrated
99 years of service to young people and their families, God whispered in our ears through
two outstanding individuals, “Preacher Stan,” Stan Thomas and “Dickie V,” Dick Vitale.
During Chapel Service, Pastor Thomas, a former Starr boy and distinguished
alumnus, reminded those gathered, especially our young people, how love can
make a difference in their lives. He shared with them his story, how he came to
Starr Commonwealth, and what he learned while here. And what he learned
was how deep, wide, generous and forgiving is God’s love. A love freely given to
him by Floyd Starr and a love he has given to others during 50 years of ministry.
Stan didn’t deserve the love. It was given to him because Starr Founder
Floyd Starr understood who Stan was and what God had
created him to be.
Through enthusiasm, storytelling and
laughter, Dick Vitale conveyed to our young
people and to all in attendance just how
special and unique each person is.
A bright future is there for each one if
they are willing to work hard, live life with
enthusiasm and passion, seeking to
do what is right not only for themselves
but also for others. He wanted each
one of us to understand, especially
our young people, that we are
“awesome, baby!”
Starr Distinguised Alumnus Stan Thomas,
preaching about God’s forgiving love at the
Founder’s Day Chapel service.
10
DR. MARCIA KENT
From a very young age, Dr. Marcia Kent learned the value
of giving back. Growing up on a farm with parents who
modeled service to their community would set the tone
for her personally and professionally.
“It has always been very important to me to be able to make a positive difference in the world around me,”
Dr. Kent said. “I’ve always wanted to be a part of the world’s solutions, not the problems, and my contribution
to my surroundings has evolved over time.”
Dr. Kent joined Starr Commonwealth in October, fulfilling the role of Senior Vice President of Medical Services.
“I never thought I would be the vice president of anything,” Dr. Kent said. “But my career path has evolved as
a product of finding out where my skills and talents are.”
She came to Starr from the Seattle area, where she worked as a child psychiatrist at a community mental
health agency. Dr. Kent’s experience involves practice in a wide range of clinical settings, including residential,
outpatient and over 10 years of experience in private practice, performing assessments, therapy and
medication management.
Dr. Kent is board certified in child and adolescent psychiatry, adult psychiatry and forensic psychiatry.
She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in biology and chemistry from Spring Arbor University, a medical degree
from Michigan State University’s College of Human Medicine and completed a psychiatry residency at MSU.
She also completed a child and adolescent residency and a forensic residency at the University of Washington.
As impressive as her professional résumé is, perhaps more extraordinary is Dr. Kent’s passion for helping
children and families.
“Dr. Kent brings a lot of wonderful experience to Starr Commonwealth,” said Chuck Jackson, Executive Vice
President and Chief Clinical Officer. “Her expertise in psychiatry is remarkable, but her enthusiasm and commit-
ment to Starr’s mission of creating positive environments where children flourish is what attracted us to her.”
At Starr, Dr. Kent has been tasked with providing administrative oversight for the psychiatric and medical
care provided at all Starr campuses across Michigan and Ohio. She is developing new features for the
on-campus clinic in Albion, which will eventually provide psychiatric evaluation and medication management
services, taking a holistic approach to treatment and the use of medications for symptom management.
“Over the past 10 years, I have evolved through my many roles as a therapist, psychopharmacologist, practice
administrator, forensic expert and more recently as a parent to my three young boys,” Dr. Kent said.
continued on page 13
Dr. Marcia Kent, Senior Vice
President of Medical Services
11
12
Trauma-Informed and Resilience- Focused Virtual Resource Centerfor Military Parents
TLC will incorporate its expertise
into a web-based service, "Trauma-
Informed and Resilience-Focused
Virtual Resource Center for Military
Parents.” This free resource, which
is available through a grant from
the American Legion Child Welfare
Foundation, will provide a "one-stop"
site for trauma-informed and resilience-focused
information that is detailed, usable and age-specific.
Included will be information describing typical grief
and trauma reactions and the difference between the
two; ways parents can help their child deal with specific
concerns; activities to engage children and help calm
their anxieties; and more. Downloadable PDF worksheets
and activities; recommended books and resources on
grief and trauma; and helpful links to other websites will
also be available. Military families may also contact
TLC's clinical consulting staff, available to offer parents
support and guidance regarding the child's grief or
trauma; provide information for additional resources;
and, if needed, refer parents to a TLC Certified
Specialist in their area.
12
THE MILITARY
TLC seeks to improve the quality of life for military children and
families by providing practical, relevant resources to parents and
caregivers, as well as professionals who work with them.
U.S. wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have brought unprecedented
challenges to military families. TLC military-specific resources can
positively impact military familes across the world.
13
Write Out Loud – Online Course
The 6-week, 1½ hour sessions include video clips to access military family
issues, art activities such as creating collages and drawings, as well as tried
and true journal techniques for personal and professional practice. Military
culture, deployment, reintegration, the changed family unit and how to cope
with the emotional turmoil of having a military family member are addressed.
U.S. wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have brought unprecedented challenges to
military families. Nearly 800,000 service members, and their 2 million children,
have experienced the psychological drain of multiple, prolonged deployments.
In its 2010 report, "Serving Those Who Serve: When Military Families Go to War,"
the Alliance for Children and Families listed lack of awareness and accessibility,
overall costs, associated stigma, and concerns about confidentiality as diffi-
culties encountered by military families seeking services, particularly for those
who might seek mental health treatment through the military. Those who seek
outside help may find that lay practitioners lack the understanding needed to
work with this unique culture. TLC knows that the military-specific resources
that it provides will positively impact military families across the world.
Dr. Marcia Kent continued “All of this has led to my conviction that psychiatric treatment must move to an approach
that uses therapy, diet and exercise, educational interventions, family work and environmental change, with less
reliance on complex drug regiments to manage the pain and discomfort of psychiatric symptoms.”
While Dr. Kent always knew she wanted to help others, it was not until college that she found her true calling.
“In college, I learned that I was a good listener and that other people came to me with their problems,”
Dr. Kent said. “I realized that I like to solve problems and have an intuitive sense of people’s emotional states,
to go along with an ability to stand back and see where problems could transform into solutions.”
Once Dr. Kent enrolled in medical school, she realized that the best fit for her
would be in psychiatry, allowing her to listen to patients on a more intimate level.
“I really liked the pace and time allotted that allowed me to really listen to people,”
Dr. Kent said. “You don’t get that opportunity in other, faster-paced or procedure-
oriented medical fields.”
Her desire to help children stems largely from a difficult time in her personal life,
while coping with the death of her niece to cancer.
“My passion for helping kids really came together with the skills I was gaining at that poignant time in my
life when my niece passed away,” Dr. Kent said. “The psychological aspects of helping children seemed very
important to me at the time and remain vital today. It’s helped to shape where I am today, which is a proud
member of the Starr family. I’m hoping to make a positive impact at Starr, and I think I bring something the agency
hasn’t had before. Hopefully my knowledge and skills can make this an even more incredible organization.”
Probably the most decorated alumnus to serve
is Walker Harris. Mr. Harris was a student at Starr
from October 1940 until June 1942, when he
entered the Army at age 17. He served as a radio-
gunner with
the 489th
Bombardment
Squadron in
Italy, where the
plane he was
manning was
shot down in
action. He
was reported
missing in
action and
eventually as
a POW. For
his actions
during WWII,
Mr. Harris was awarded the following
military honors: seven battle stars, the
Purple Heart with two oak leaf clusters,
the air medal with five oak leaf clus-
ters, the Distinguished Flying Cross
and the Silver Star. Mr. Harris received
these honors for duty served before
he was 20 years of age.
Old editions of Starr News are full of reports of
alumni serving in all fronts and in all branches
of the military. There are countless remarkable
stories. A letter published in the September 1945
issue was authored by Pfc. Carl Hulsman, who
was stationed on the Western Front for many
months. He wrote of his experience liberating
concentration camps in East Prussia and
Buchenwald. He wrote, “I have seen and I believe.”
Many in the U.S. had not heard of the camp
atrocities or did not believe they could certainly
exist. Pfc. Hulsman went on to describe the
horrors he saw and ended his letter with, “It is
good to remember that there are such places
as Starr Commonwealth. Germany should have
had some SCBs (Starr Commonwealth boys).”
Lawrence Martin served in Vietnam as a swift
boat pilot and has written his memoir titled,
“As I Recall,” a moving and accurate depiction of
life in the country during the height of the conflict.
Mr. Martin served two distinct military careers,
first in the Navy and then after full service there,
served in the Army for a full career. Mr. Martin is
enjoying his retirement in the Northwest of the
U.S. and is in frequent contact with Starr.
We would like to document other alumni
service and have received updates through
the recent alumni survey. If you have an alumni
military service story to share, please contact
Amy Reimann at [email protected]
or at 800.837.5591.
COMMONWEALTHby Amy Reimann, Director of Archives
14
Service in the military has long been an option for students upon
their exit from Starr Commonwealth and its many varied programs.
“Uncle” Floyd Starr estimated that as many as 500 Starr Commonwealth
alumni served in any of the branches of the military during World War II.
In honor of the upcoming Veterans Day holiday, we would like to
profile a few of Starr’s veterans here.
Starr Commonwealth
alumnus Walker Harris
Honor a veteran.Here’s the perfect opportunity to honor
a veteran or others like alumni and staff,
and tell the world of your support for them
and Starr Commonwealth. When you reserve
a commemorative brick, bench or picnic table,
you get to choose the Starr campus – Albion
or Columbus – where you’d like it displayed.
You also get to choose the message you’d
like engraved, and your tax-deductible
charitable contribution will help our
campuses remain beautiful, comfortable
and easily accessible for all.
Take a minute now to fill out the attached
order form below and own a piece of the walk.
Please return the form below along with payment to:
Starr Commonwealth, 13725 Starr Commonwealth Rd., Albion, MI 49224
Official Order Form
Designate a Campus: __Albion Campus ___Columbus Campus
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Your Name Daytime Phone Email
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Address City State Zip
Designation: ___Memorial ___Honor ___Chapel ___Employee ___Alumni
___4"x 8" Bricks (1 to 3 lines) at $100/each = _________
___8"x 8" Bricks (1 to 6 lines) at $200/each = _________
___Bench at $2000/each = _________
(1-4 lines; 25 spaces)
___Picnic Table at $1500/each =_________
(1-4 lines; 25 spaces)
Total Donation _________
Please bill my
___VISA ___MC ___AMEX ___Check enclosed
____________________________________________ Card #
____________________________________________ Expiration Date
Mr. & Mrs. Mr. Mrs. Ms. Miss
During the 2012 fiscal year, which extends from Oct. 1, 2011 to Sept. 30, 2012, Starr Columbus’ impact was
estimated at 1,230, with direct service provided to 544 youth through the community-based, early intervention
and prevention, residential and mental health programs offered.
The evening’s program included performances by the All Starr Travel Choir, a moving testimonial by a youth
impacted by Starr Columbus programming and a variety of speakers including Ohio Development Director
Katie Oatsvall, Starr Columbus Executive Director Okpara Rice, President of the Starr Columbus Development
Board Wally Bakare and Development Board member and Event Chair Linda Flickinger.
Starr Columbus staff and the Starr Columbus Development Board would like to recognize the following
organizations for their sponsorship of Goodness Made Visible: Gold sponsors Time Warner Cable, Nationwide
and Ice Miller; Silver sponsor Fifth Third Bank; and Bronze sponsor Automatiq Measurement.
Without the support of the Starr Columbus Development Board volunteers and these sponsors, Starr Columbus
would not be able to continuously improve upon its local impact. With much gratitude, Starr Columbus
raised over $14,800 at the event that will directly benefit local youth in Starr Columbus programs.
Gold Sponsors: Silver Sponsor:
Starr Columbus’ annual fundraising event,
Goodness Made Visible, was held on Oct. 18,
2012 at the Franklin Park Conservatory.
The event, coordinated and hosted by the
Starr Columbus Development Board and
staff, raises awareness of the impact Starr
Columbus has on at-risk and vulnerable
children and families in the community.
GOODNESS MADE VISIBLE
16
Starr Columbus Executive Director Okpara Rice
and Development Board member and Event Chair
Linda Flickinger presented David Johnson with
the Goodness Made Visible Award.
Help them take their learning to a higher level.
Starr Commonwealth Scholarship ProgramSince 1978, we’ve provided 938 Starr graduates the opportunity to pursue
higher education through the Starr Commonwealth Scholarship Program.
Created in 1977 with the estate of former trustee Thomas Lloyd, the scholarship
program provides financial assistance for those students in “good academic
standing” who want to take their education to the next level. Last year,
57 students were awarded over $250,000 in fund assistance, however, total
requests averaged over $370,000. Your generous donation will help us
continue to provide scholarships to students who want to reach even higher.
Please donate today.To learn more about how you can contribute to the Starr
Commonwealth Scholarship Program, please contact Amy Reimann,
Alumni Coordinator, at 800.837.5591 or [email protected].
GIFTS
18
HONOR GIFTS are thoughtful ways to
remember a special person and/or
a special occasion, such as a birth,
birthday, anniversary, graduation,
Mother’s Day or Father’s Day, while
also helping Starr children. When
sending an honor gift, please provide
the address of the honoree. We will
send an acknowledgment card to
let them know of your thoughtful-
ness, but we won’t mention the gift
amount. You may call in your honor
gift for faster acknowledgment at:
800.837.5591. Honor gifts also may
be made online at: www.starr.org.
MEMORIAL GIFTS offer an enduring
tribute to the memory of a friend or
loved one, while extending a helping
hand to the children of Starr Common-
wealth. When sending a memorial
gift, please provide the address of
a family member of the deceased to
whom we can send an acknowledg-
ment card. We will let them know
of your thoughtfulness but won’t
mention the gift amount. You may
call in your memorial gift for faster
acknowledgment at: 800.837.5591.
Memorial donations also may be
made online at: www.starr.org.
Here is a listing of Honor and Mem-
orial gifts received from 7/10/2012 -
10/12/2012. Donors are listed below the
name of the person in whose memory
or honor they contributed. Gifts not
listed here will appear in a future
issue of Starr News. If we missed your
name or an error has occurred with
your listing, please forgive us and
contact us so we may correct it
in the next issue.
IN HONOR OF:
JENNA COPENHAVER
Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Wilson
LAWRENCE AND FRANCES CROSBY
Mr. Ryan Crosby
ED AND ALICE DWADA
Mr. and Mrs. Michael McElroy
TIM AND JILL FAKO
Mr. and Mrs. Donald C. Olson
VANESSA A. FERRI
Ms. Jennifer Ferri
ELI ALEXANDER FLEETWOOD
Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Stuever
JAYE ELIZABETH FLEETWOOD
Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Stuever
ALISON KATHRYN FLEETWOOD
Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Stuever
GEORGE AND JUDITH GOODMAN
50th ANNIVERSARY
Ms. Helen M. Craft
Mr. and Mrs. S. Andrew Doud
Mr. Mark Goodman
Mr. and Mrs. Darrell Hampton
Mr. and Mrs. John D. Hooker
Mr. and Mrs. Peyton Hutchison
Dr. and Mrs. J. C. Johns
Dr. and Mrs. Martin L. Mitchell
Dr. and Mrs. Arlin E. Ness
Mr. and Mrs. Charles W. Puttkammer
Mr. and Mrs. Merton J. Segal
Ms. Jewell A. Taylor
Mr. Terral L. Taylor
Ms. Deloris M. Wensel
FELIPE MORALES
Mr. Schott Sturgis
Tac Manufacturing
EASTON RANKIN
Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Rankin
MADDY SHAW HAYWOOD
Dr. and Mrs. Brian Shaw
IN MEMORY OF:
HARRIET BERGER
Ms. Debbie McKinney
HELEN BERRY
Mrs. Walter Fisher
LUCILE H. BRUNER
Mr. and Mrs. William J. Burner
JUSTINA DEIGHTON
Dr. George H. Lauff
JANE K. GAMBS
Mr. and Mrs. Craig Newman
MARTIN M. GAUDIOSE
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Domingo
Mr. and Mrs. Martin K. Gaudiose
Mr. and Mrs. Michael J. O'Linn
The Bureau of Insurance
WAYNE L. HARTMAN
Goidosik, Morse & VanDeusen, PLC
Stanek and Company
JON P. HAWKS
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Domingo
Dr. and Mrs. Andrew French
EDWARD G.HOWE
Mr. and Mrs. Brian V. Howe
DR. GORDON G. KNAPP
Mrs. Joan B. Knapp
TERRANCE LAHIFF
Ms. Rose LaHiff
LOUISA BLACK LANGE
Family of Louisa Black Lange
Mrs. Ada Mead
MARY LATTA
Ms. Debbie McKinney
BERNARD J. LAUFF
Dr. George H. Lauff
JOHN (JACK) LAUFF
Dr. George H. Lauff
DR. KIRK LEE
Dr. and Mrs. Arlin E. Ness
ALBERT LILLY
Mr. and Mrs. Richard Magsig
GUNNAR LINDAHL
Mrs. Ruth Lindahl
JESSIE LONGHURST
Dr. and Mrs. James Longhurst
DOROTHY MCCREADY
Mr. and Mrs. Richard Magsig
MAX L. MITCHELL
Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Champion
Mrs. Kathy Lantz
Dr. and Mrs. Martin L. Mitchell
THELMA MITCHELL
Mr. and Mrs. John L. Ball
Dr. and Mrs. Greg Barry
Dr. and Mrs. Larry K. Brendtro
Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Champion
Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Crandall
Ms. Christine Davis
Mrs. Rebecca Davis
Mr. and Mrs. Ted Davis
Mr. and Mrs. Harley Dodge
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Domingo
Alumni SurveyStarr Commonwealth and Montcalm School are conducting an alumni survey!
If you are a Starr or Montcalm alumnus and have not received the survey by mail,
please share your experiences with us online.
To complete the survey, please visit www.surveymonkey.com/s/Starr_Alumni_Survey
or to request a mailed survey, contact Amy Reimann at [email protected] or
800.837.5591. Collective results from the alumni survey will be used to highlight
and celebrate former student accomplishments. Results will be provided at our
100 year anniversary celebration on Oct. 6, 2013 and will also be published
on our website at www.starr.org.
Summer Appeal Thank You!Because of you, our generous donors, we received more than $43,000 during
our summer campaign providing a much needed boost in support of programs
and services provided to at-risk and vulnerable youth all summer long.
We thank you for helping us create environments that nurture and support
children and families in need through our community-based programs,
specialized residential services and trainings for professionals.
Mr. James L. Early
Dr. and Mrs. Andrew French
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas A. Gagnon
Ms. Joan Gary
Mr. and Mrs. George D. Goodman
Mr. and Mrs. Roy Hampshire
Ms. Janet M. Hankes
Mr. and Mrs. David Hawblitz
Mrs. Kathy Lantz
Mr. James Lodder
Mr. and Mrs. John Lodder
Dr. and Mrs. James E. Longhurst
Ms. Lauralee Macleod
Dr. and Mrs. Russell G. Mawby
Dr. and Mrs. Martin L. Mitchell
Mr. and Mrs. Gary Myers
Dr. and Mrs. Arlin E. Ness
Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Peters
Mr. and Mrs. Dean Pridgeon
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Pridgeon
Mrs. Sylvia Richey
Mr. and Mrs. Steven D. Sherburne
Mr. and Mrs. Steve Smith
Mr. and Mrs. Maynard Stafford
Mr. and Mrs. Gary Q. Tester
Mr. and Mrs. Stephen H. Weber
Mr. Matthew L. Westerman
Ms. Elsie Williamson
CRAIG E. PETERS
Mrs. Nancy Peters
BARBARA ANN PLUDE
Dr. and Mrs. Andrew French
HAROLD A. POLING
Mr. and Mrs. Ronald A. Tachuk
DEAN PRIDGEON
Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Champion & Family
Ms. Kathy Lantz & Family
Dr. and Mrs. Martin L. Mitchell & Family
RICHARD G. ROEDER
Mr. and Mrs. Robert W. Minninger
CHAD M. SHELTON
Ms. Donna Shelton
ANDREW M. STAPLETON
America II Corporation & Employees
Ms. Dawn E. Chalker
Mr. and Mrs. Charles E. Craven
Mr. David J. Den Houter
Mr. and Mrs. Ron Gering
Mr. and Mrs. Marshall Grazioli
Mr. and Mrs. David E. Guastella
Ms. T. Lynn Hawkins
Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Hershey
Mr. and Mrs. Charles W. Hynek
Dr. and Mrs. Gary J. Jackson
Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Kijek
Mr. and Mrs. Herb Linke
Mr. and Mrs. Scott Lytle
Ms. Colleen A. McDermott
Mr. and Mrs. Tom Miner
Mr. and Mrs. David B. Newby
Mr. and Mrs. Tom Porter
Dr. and Mrs. David Reimann
Ms. Kathleen Reus
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas A. Rhein
Mr. and Mrs. Robert G. Sanders
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Savage
Ms. Laurie Schlenke
Mr. and Mrs. Mark W. Smolinski
Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Tauaine
Mr. and Mrs. Scott M. Whitehurst
ROY AND ANITA TALO
Mr. Raymond Opezzo
CASEY TRAVER
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Domingo
MARY L. TRIM
Dr. George H. Lauff
LEE VOORAHEES
Mr. and Mrs. George A. Martin
MR. AND MRS. SYDNEY H. WARDELL
Mr. and Mrs. Ronald S. Wardell
BYRON J. WIGMAN
Mr. and Mrs. Brian V. Howe
MARVIN O. WEISS
Mrs. Barbara Weiss
19
Duplicate mailing? Call (800) 837-5591
Address service requested
Non Profit Org.U.S. Postage
PAIDPermit #975Lansing, MI
Officers
Martin L. Mitchell, Ed.D.President Chief Executive Officer
Christopher L. Smith, BBA, CPAExecutive Vice PresidentChief Financial Officer
Wm. Chuck Jackson, MAExecutive Vice PresidentChief Clinical Officer
Elizabeth A. Carey, MSWExecutive Vice PresidentChief Strategy and Administrative Services
Officer
Gary Q. Tester, MRCExecutive Vice PresidentChief Development Officer
Board of Trustees
Kyle Caldwell, ChairPresident and CEOMichigan Nonprofit AssociationLansing, MI
Michael Leach, Vice ChairChief Financial OfficerNationwide InsuranceColumbus, OH
Tom Kolassa, SecretarySenior Vice President Hub InternationalBattle Creek, MI
Honorable Eugene A. Moore, Immediate Past ChairChief Probate Judge (Retired)Oakland CountyPontiac, MI
Wally Bakare VP of Operations, Time Warner Cable – Mid-Ohio Division, Columbus, OH
Scott BennettVice President UBS Financial ServicesBirmingham, MI
Ralph J. BurrellPresident and CEO SymCon, Inc.Detroit, MI
Craig CarrelPresident and PartnerTeam 1 PlasticsAlbion, MI
Gary TaylorOwnerTaylor Auto Sales Inc.Van Wert, OH
Bruce Vande VusseAttorneyFoster, Swift, Collins & Smith, P.C.Farmington Hills, MI
George WilsonGeneral AgentWilson Insurance ServicesGilbert Wiseman AgencyFlint, MI
Trustees Emeritus
Margaret Starr LeutheuserDaughter of Floyd StarrHaverford, PA
Michael J. GableChief Operating OfficerHoward and HowardRoyal Oak, MI
George D. GoodmanExecutive Director (Retired)Michigan Municipal LeagueAnn Arbor, MI
Dr. Russell G. MawbyChairman EmeritusW.K. Kellogg FoundationBattle Creek, MI
William K. Stoffer Chairman and CEOAlbion Machine & Tool Co.Albion, MI
Dr. Velma ClayDirector of Equal Employment Opportunity (Retired)Hart-Dole-Inouye Federal CenterBattle Creek, MI
Lawrence GivensBlackmond and Givens, Inc.Southfield, MI
George A. GoodmanYpsilanti, MI
Honorable John HallacyDistrict Court Judge10th District CourtBattle Creek, MI
Jack KresnakPresident and CEO (Retired)Michigan’s ChildrenLansing, MI
Dr. Pamela LemerandProfessorEastern Michigan UniversityYpsilanti, MI
Albert LittleVice President and Business Development OfficerGreenleaf TrustKalamazoo, MI
William C. RandsManaging PartnerSagres Partners, L.P.Grosse Pointe, MI
Cornelia Romanowski Educator Shavertown, PA
Erick StewartPresidentStewart Industries LLCBattle Creek, MI
Honorary Trustees
Anne Willson DupréGranddaughter of Floyd StarrToronto, Canada
Diana Starr LangleyMontecito, CA
Sylvia Starr RicheyGranddaughter of Floyd StarrSeal Beach, CA
President Emeritus
Arlin E. NessPresident EmeritusAnthem, AZ
Locations
Michigan: Albion, Battle Creek, Detroit, Harper Woods,Clinton Township
Ohio: Van Wert, Columbus
South Dakota: Lennox
®
www.montcalmschool.orgwww.starrtraining.org
13725 Starr Commonwealth Rd.
Albion, Michigan 49224
www.starr.org