Profiles of 12 people who make our community work
About this section:
Every year since 1978, The Detroit News has honored outstanding citizens as Michiganians of the Year, people who have helped make living in this state a richer experience for the rest of us, either by their good works or by the example they set.
This year's 12 honorees bring the total to more than 270 since the first awards were made. Our Michiganians over the years have been business people, clergy, educators, entertainers, athletes and just plain folks.
Readers have participated in the nominating procedure since the beginning. These suggestions are considered along with staff nominations. The editors make the final selections.
Section Credits
Assistant Managing Editor: Marty Fischhoff
Editor: Dave Good
Photo Editor: Steve Fecht
Photographer: Max Ortiz
News Design Director: Richard Epps
Assistant News Design Director: Morieka Johnson
Copy Editor: Ralph Finch
Sunday, April 23, 2000
Max Ortiz / The Detroit News “Her persistance, under extreme criticism, is the best representation of what citizenship requires. That people do what they must, however unpopular it might be, because they know they are right.” --James Renfrew, 28-year resident of Oxford Township |
- Helen Barwig
- She proves that you really can fight city hall
- Bill Beckham
- He’s an object lesson for those who seek change in education despite the obstacles
- Richard E. Dauch
- His axle factory gears up for a better today, a stronger tomorrow
- Gerald D. Edwards
- Working in a steel mill forged his determination to aid others
- Haifa Fakhouri
- She helps Arabs, Chaldeans achieve the American dream
- Max Fisher
- There are millions of reasons Detroit owes him thanks
- Steven K. Hamp
- He preserves the past with a vision for the future
- Noreen Keating
- She helps show light at the end of the tunnel
- Marilyn Lundy
- She helped build a social services empire, one needy person at a time
- Dawn Riley
- As captain of a winning team, she keeps her cool head above water
- Brenda Rayford
- She stands tall in her efforts to enrich, shape and educate others
- Harry Simpson
- He’s put up a good fight against a tough, ugly disease
- Previous Michiganians of the year
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