Distinguished Alumni Award

George N. Bashara, Jr., ’60 Distinguished Alumni Award

This prestigious and longstanding award was established to recognize outstanding alumni of DCL and MSU Law who meet rigorous criteria, including:

• Participation in and contribution to the alumni affairs of the College
• Outstanding personal service to the College
• Personal accomplishments that enhance the reputation of the College
• Distinguished service in any field of human endeavor, be it family, community, business, industry, science, or a profession
• Up to four awards may be given annually to any of our 13,000-plus living alumni

Previous recipients of the Distinguished Alumni Award

2026
Donald D. Nystrom, ’00

2025
Clifton E. Haley, ’61

2024
Judge Hon. Craig S. Strong, ’73

2023
Eric Sabree, ’96

2022
The Late Sheriff Benny N. Napoleon, ’86
S. Gary Spicer, ’69

2021
James L. Liggins, ’03

2020
Kathleen E. Payne, ’77

2019
Ronald A. Deneweth, ’77

2018
Rep. Peter J. Lucido, ’88

2017
Mayer Morganroth, ’54

2016
Prof. Emeritus Edward J. Littlejohn, ’70

2015
Judith K. Cunningham, ’83

2014
Michael Morris, ’81

2013
Prof. Robert M. Filiatrault, ’70

2012
John F. Schaefer, ’69

2011
Hon. Alton Davis, ’74

2009
Linda Orlans, ’87

2008
Hon. Julie Nicholson, ’87

2007
Richard N. Wiener, ’76

2006
Hon. William J. Caprathe, ’62

2005
Melinda J. Loftin, ’81

2004
Victor Marrocco, ’70

2003
Francine Cullari, ’82

2002
Hon. Bernard Friedman, ’68

2001
David Christensen, ’67

2000
Richard Victor, ’75

1999
Hon. Richard F. Suhrheinrich, ’63

1998
Michael Berry, ’50

1997
Donald L. Castle, ’36
Carole L. Chiamp, ’72
John D. O'Hair, ’54

1988
Hon. Dennis Archer, ’70
Harold Oehmke, ’72
Ellsworth Reynolds, ’42
Robert J. Traxler, ’60

1986
Daniel M. Clark, ’63
Alan W. Joslyn, ’24
Leroy B. McInally, ’31

1985
Robert Dunwoodie, ’39
Andrew Transue, ’26

1984
Leo Farhat, ’52

1983
Frances R. Avadenka, ’66

1982
G. Cameron Buchanan, ’30