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 11,000-plus living alumni, chosen by the Distinguished Alumni Award Committee

Previous recipients of the Distinguished Alumni Award

2025

Clifton E. Haley, ’61

2024

Judge 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

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

For more information about events or benefits, contact the Advancement office at 517-432-6840 or alumni@law.msu.edu.