Alumni Achievement Award: Cindy Reuss

Cindy Reuss considers Lake Michigan College part of the fabric of who she is. And, having been a student, staff member, administrator, instructor, consultant and volunteer at the college, she is part of the fabric of LMC, as well.

Reuss came to LMC as a non-traditional student, after her employer of 14 years told her that the only way she would get ahead was to return to school to get a degree. Though “terrified of coming to college,” she credits Dr. William Sprunk, her first English professor, with convincing her to continue, using a turn of phrase that she would later use to inspire her own students: “I want you to allow me to believe in you until you can believe in
yourself.”

Though her associate degree was her “favorite degree,” she didn’t stop there. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Applied Science from Siena Heights University and a Master of Arts from Western Michigan University.

While furthering her education, Reuss was also working full-time for Lake Michigan College. For 11 years she held positions in the Marketing Department, then the LMC Foundation, and then Student Services, where she was director of enrollment services. She left LMC and served five years as dean of enrollment services at Muskegon Community College, and she retired last year.

After her retirement, Reuss returned to LMC. She played a critical volunteer role in the recent LMC millage campaign, and she currently serves as educational consultant – enrollment management for the college. She also plays percussion as a member of the Southshore Community Concert Band.

An Alumni Achievement Award was presented to Cindy Reuss in 2017.