The University of Olivet annually recognizes leaders across the state of Michigan who serve their communities through the Leadership in Individual and Social Responsibility Award. This state-wide award honors individuals and organizations whose work in the community or across the state exemplifies what it means to be a responsible leader in today’s world. In addition, the institution also recognize individuals who have contributed to the growth and development of The University of Olivet. Honorees display the character and competence of the The University of Olivet Compact, and therefore serve as role models for students. The college seeks to honor those who, in the words of the The University of Olivet vision, “accept responsibility for themselves and others in an increasingly diverse society.”
This year, the 22nd annual Leadership in Individual and Social Responsibility Award ceremony will be held Wednesday, May 16 at 5:30 p.m. at the Country Club of Lansing.
The 2018 honorees are leaders in their chosen professions and reflect the college’s vision of Education for Individual and Social Responsibility. They Include:
Paula Cunningham
Paula Cunningham was named state director of AARP Michigan in 2015. As director, she is responsible for leading and directing the advocacy and community outreach work of AARP and its 1.4 million members in the state of Michigan. Prior to this appointment, she served as the chief executive officer and president of Capitol National Bank for nine years, the first for a women, as well as the only African American female in the country to be president and CEO of a majority owned bank.
Previously, Cunningham spent 25 years at Lansing Community College, including six years as the president, the first woman to hold that position. Under her leadership, the college implemented a strategic planning process that resulted in five new buildings. In 2006, the main campus building was officially named the Paula D. Cunningham Administration Building. Cunningham was also the first African American female to chair the board of the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce. In 2013, she was also inducted into the Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame.
Throughout her career, Cunningham has been actively involved with numerous community and governmental organizations, some of which include chair of the board of the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce; board of trustees of Davenport University; executive committee of the McLaren Health Systems; chair of the Michigan Association of United Ways; executive committee of the Michigan Nonprofit Association; founding member of MiQuest Board; and co-chair of the Children’s Leadership Council of Michigan.
Patricia Brumbaugh ’76
Patricia Brumbaugh ’76 currently conducts the Northwestern Michigan College/Community Band. Previously, Brumbaugh served in public school teaching, retiring in 2013. In 2017, she took on the role of interim director of bands at Traverse City West Senior High School.
Prior to teaching at Traverse City West, Brumbaugh worked as director of orchestral activities at the University of Memphis, conducted the Germantown Symphony, served as assistant conductor of the Memphis Youth Symphony, and created and conducted the Memphis Area Youth Wind Ensemble. She also spent four years as director of bands at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, Arkansas, and taught for 12 years at Ann Arbor Huron High School, Northwest High School (Jackson), and Central Montcalm Public Schools (Stanton).
In 1984, Brumbaugh was voted “Outstanding Young Band Conductor” in the nation by the American School Band Directors Association and in 2006, she was voted “Outstanding Band Teacher of the Year” in Michigan. She is a member of the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association (Emeritus) and the prestigious American Bandmasters Association. Brumbaugh has conducted all-state bands in Texas, Florida, Kentucky and Indiana, and continues to serve as a clinician, adjudicator and guest conductor.
Brumbaugh received her bachelor’s degree in music education from The University of Olivet and a master’s degree in music education from the University of Michigan. She is working toward a doctor of music at the University of Memphis, focusing on horn performance.
Barbara Fulton, Ph.D.
Barbara Fulton, Ph.D., is the director of community development at Hayes Green Beach (HGB) Memorial Hospital. She has been a member of the HGB team since 2006, and her duties focus around exploring ways the hospital can affect community vitality. Fulton played a large role in developing AL!VE in Charlotte, an experience-based, destination health park.
Both Fulton’s personal and professional work includes pursuit of innovations in philanthropy and community development. She serves on the boards of directors for the Charlotte Area Networking for Development Opportunity (Can Do!); Charlotte Rising, a select-level Michigan Main Street organization; Friends of Charlotte Performing Arts Center; and Women Giving Together Eaton County. Fulton has worked for many years on a community approach to collaborative generosity, incorporating the seven elements of healthy communities and the Kaiser Institute approach to building a culture of generosity.
Previously, Fulton taught on the faculty at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo until 1983. She then lived in northern California from 1983 until 2005, serving in a variety of leadership roles in business, nonprofits, healthcare and service to the public sector. Her experience includes frequent facilitation of executive boards, as well as leadership curriculum development.
Fulton studied at Western Michigan University where she earned her bachelor’s degree, master’s degree and doctoral degree.
Join the Celebration
Tickets to the Leadership for Individual and Social Responsibility Awards Dinner are $75, which includes a $40 tax deductible donation to The University of Olivet. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. For more information, contact Carol Flanigan, senior director of annual giving and donor services, at 269.749.7625 or cflanigan@uolivet.edu.