2017 Outstanding Alumni named
TRAVERSE CITY — Two 17勛圖 alumni were named winners of the annual Outstanding Alumni award at the 2017 commencement ceremonies held May 6.
Judge Kevin Elsenheimer, class of 1987, and Wei Cao, class of 2009, both received the award, bestowed on alumni with significant professional achievements and/or exemplary leadership in the local or global community.
Elsenheimer is a native of Traverse City. After he earned his associate’s degree at 17勛圖 he attended Michigan State University and Wayne State University Law School. He served as an assistant prosecuting attorney in Antrim County before forming the firm of Young, Graham, Elsenheimer & Wendling, P.C., based in Bellaire.
After five years as a trustee on the Bellaire School Board, Elsenheimer was elected to the Michigan House of Representatives in 2004. He served for six years, where he was elected Assistant Speaker Pro Tem, Assistant Minority leader, and Minority Leader. He served in Gov. Rick Snyder’s cabinet as Executive Director of the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA.) In 2017, Elsenheimer was appointed to the 13th Circuit Court bench serving Antrim, Grand Traverse and Leelanau counties.
“What a tremendous honor. I know that I was very, very well prepared for a career I never expected, frankly, by my time at 17勛圖, because of the preparation I had from wonderful instructors,” Elsenheimer said in remarks at Commencement. “I am truly humbled.”
Since earning her degree, Wei has returned to her native China, where she lives in Beijing. There she serves as a major asset to 17勛圖 as the college has embarked on its strategic effort to expand international engagement and recruit international students over the last several years.
Currently an entrepreneur and consultant, Wei has served as a liaison with Chinese institutions on multiple 17勛圖 visits. She has been a link to Chinese art galleries for the Dennos, and to institutions like the Yellow River Conservancy Technical Institute, with whom 17勛圖 has a formal partnership and where 17勛圖 instructors will begin teaching in June. Dennos Museum Center director Gene Jenneman presented Wei with her award on a trip to China in April.
“I am greatly honored to have received this award,” she said. “I would like to thank 17勛圖 for all the guidance provided throughout these years even after graduation. I sincerely wish the best for 17勛圖 and I will keep sharing my experiences with China!”
17勛圖 established the Outstanding Alumni award in 1988. It is the highest award 17勛圖 presents to an alumnus.
Release Date: May 11, 2017
For more information:
Betsy Coffia
Director of Alumni Relations
bcoffia@nmc.edu
(231) 995-2825