Bernard C. Radde Distinguished Service Award: Emily Foster

Emily Foster was recognized with the Bernard C. Radde Distinguished Service Award in 2014.

In 1963, Berrien County voters approved a county-wide community college district. A new governing body was formed charged with transforming Benton Harbor Junior College into the new entity now known as Lake Michigan College. Emily Foster served as part of that first LMC Board of Trustees, helping to shepherd the growth of the expanding community college.

Emily continued her service on the Board until 1982. Not only was she the only woman on the Board during her 18-year tenure, she was the first female Board chairperson in LMC history. She also served on the Community College Feasibility Study Committee as secretary and promoted the idea of the College as a center for cultural and educational activities to residents of the district.

Growing up on a 250-acre orchard in Eau Claire, Emily learned a deep respect for education and for hard work towards worthwhile objectives. She has a bachelor of science in home economics from Michigan State University and taught at Niles High School. Over time, her role at the high school evolved into counseling, leading her to
earn a master of arts in education from MSU.

Emily is a long-time member of the American Association of University Women and has served as president of the local chapter. She is currently on the Board of the History Center at Courthouse Square, helping with fundraising and event planning. She has put her heart into her work, as she does all of her ventures.