Lake Michigan College has announced the winners of its 2024 Alumni Awards, recognizing outstanding achievements and contributions by graduates who have made significant impacts in their fields and communities. Three awards are given annually: the Alumni Achievement Award, the Gladys Peeples-Burks Alumni Service Award, and the Clarence Beckwith Distinguished Service Award.
This year’s honorees exemplify the college’s core values of excellence, leadership, and service.
Alumni Achievement Award
The Alumni Achievement Award is presented to recent alumni who have attended LMC within the past 15 years, demonstrated significant achievement, and distinguished themselves in their career, education, or community.
2024 award recipient: Matthew Capps, Class of 2010
Matthew Capps isn’t one to seek the spotlight. Instead, he prefers to focus on serving others—a passion he has cultivated through his time at Lake Michigan College.
A 2010 graduate of LMC’s Nursing program, Capps now serves as the supervising clinical coordinator at Holland Hospital while pursuing his master’s degree in nursing at Western Governors University. This year, LMC is proud to recognize him as the recipient of the 2024 Alumni Achievement Award.
Capps’ dedication to his field was put to the test during the COVID-19 pandemic when he worked on the front lines in the emergency department at Holland Hospital. This challenging experience inspired him to deepen his commitment to community health, leading to his role on the Ottawa County Community Health Advisory Council and motivating him to further his education.
Matthew was nominated for the Alumni Achievement Award by his brother, Phil Capps. “I nominated Matt because he’s taken the skills he learned at LMC and built a remarkable career,” said Phil. “He’s a humble person who never brags, even though he has achieved so much. Matt has held numerous positions at Holland Hospital and has guided various departments through both challenging times and significant improvements.”
While Matt might not boast about his successes, his actions speak volumes. Friends, family, and colleagues know him as a mentor, educator, and leader whose work truly makes a difference.
Gladys Peeples-Burks Alumni Service Award
This award is named after Dr. Gladys Peeples-Burks, a member of the first graduating class of Benton Harbor Junior College (now Lake Michigan College) and tireless advocate for the College and her community. It recognizes alumni who have made significant personal or professional contributions to the College or the broader community.
2024 Award Recipient: Reverend William Whitfield, Class of 1974
Reverend William Whitfield has dedicated his life to serving both his community and his country, donning many hats along the way. In his roles as a United States Air Force veteran, pastor, volunteer for the local housing commission, and mentor for youth in the Benton Harbor area, Whitfield has consistently made a difference.
“LMC was my choice because my brother attended LMC and it was local and close to home,” Whitfield explained. “And every expectation was fulfilled by the LMC Technical Department. My drafting instructor, Mr. T. Reappa, had a profound impact on my life and career. He was the reason I became a draftsman at Clark Equipment Company,” Whitfield said.
A 1974 graduate of LMC, Whitfield built a successful 31-year career with Volvo Construction Equipment. He later pursued further education, earning a bachelor’s degree in theology and a Master of Divinity in Counseling from Christian Bible College and Seminary. Today, he serves as pastor of Fellowship Baptist Mission Church, while continuing his work as secretary for the Southwest Michigan Ministerial Alliance and his volunteer efforts with the Benton Township Housing Commission.
Clarence Beckwith Distinguished Service Award
Named in honor of the first President of Lake Michigan College, this award is given to recent alumni who have accomplished significant success in their personal
or professional endeavors.
2024 Award Recipient: Dr. Sue Balmes, Class of 1991
Dr. Susan Balmes’ influence has resonated not just in Southwest Michigan but around the world. Her journey began at Lake Michigan College in 1989, where she earned her associate degree in 1991. She then pursued a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences, followed by master’s and doctorate degrees in Biology from Western Michigan University.
Balmes returned to LMC as a faculty member in Biology, serving until her retirement in August 2024. Reflecting on her decision to begin her academic career at LMC, she said, “I attended LMC to explore academic opportunities and earn my associate degree before transferring to a university. Lake Michigan College played a pivotal role in developing my academic and leadership skills.”
As a student, Balmes was an active member of Phi Theta Kappa and was nominated for LMC’s All-USA Academic Team. Like today’s students, she credits her success to the faculty who made a lasting impact on her. “Dr. Paul Stright was an excellent and patient mentor, helping me refine my organizational skills. Mimi Elwell was an outstanding math instructor who built my confidence by nominating me for the All-USA Academic Team,” Balmes shared.
Beyond her contributions to students at LMC, Balmes has made a global impact, particularly through her work in Sierra Leone. She played a key role in founding Koinadugu College in that country, helping to secure its accreditation. She continues to serve as a member of Koinadugu College’s Board of Trustees and as a Board Member of Project 1808, an initiative dedicated to educational and leadership development in Sierra Leone.
“I am deeply grateful for the opportunities LMC has provided me, both as a student and faculty member, and for the support to introduce Project 1808 to LMC’s community,” she said. Dr. Susan Balmes’ legacy of service and leadership continues to enrich LMC and communities around the globe.
“These individuals embody the spirit of Lake Michigan College,” said Dr. Trevor Kubatzke, President of Lake Michigan College. “Their achievements inspire current and future students to dream big and make meaningful contributions in their lives and careers.”
The awardees were formally recognized during a special ceremony on December 7 at the Lake Michigan College Mendel Center. This annual celebration is part of Lake Michigan College’s continued commitment to honoring alumni who uphold the institution’s legacy and mission.
The purpose of the Lake Michigan College alumni award program is to recognize LMC alumni who have taken at least 30 semester hours. These awards are given to alumni who have distinguished themselves in their career, service to their community, or Lake Michigan College.
To nominate someone for a Lake Michigan College Alumni Award, please complete and submit the Alumni Award Program Nomination Form at https://www.lakemichigancollege.edu/form/alumni-award-nomination.
