Distinguished Service Award

Trine University Alumni Association president Col. George Higginson is presented with a surprise award from Trine president Earl D. Brooks II, Ph.D., right and vice president for development Kent Stucky, left.

Trine honors Col. George Higginson

ANGOLA, Ind. – Trine University gave a surprise Distinguished Service Award to Col. George Higginson, a 1963 business administration graduate, Sept. 30, during the school’s annual Homecoming Dinner in Ketner Sports Complex.

This award goes to an alumnus who has performed outstanding professional service to society, through personal achievement and community assistance. The award’s recipient has manifested an interest in Trine University and has supported it by contributing time, talent and treasure and by the recruitment of students or placement of graduates.

After graduation, Higginson joined the U.S. Air Force, serving at Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri. Most of his time in the service was stateside, but he went on temporary duties to Panama, Germany, Latvia and Lithuania. 

After his time in the service, he joined the Michigan National Guard. In 1986, he went on active duty again, as the U.S. Property and Fiscal Officer for the state of Michigan. He was responsible for federal funds that the National Guard bureau provided to the state of Michigan.

“He recently said that he didn’t realize the importance of his education from Tri-State until mid-way through his career,” said Trine president Earl D. Brooks II, Ph.D. “He said, ‘One becomes introspective on occasion, and thinks, how did I get here? The thought occurred to me that I had a quality education. That had a significant impact to any success I enjoyed. I thought, gee, I ought to do something for the university.’”

After reconnecting with the university, he got in touch with old friends and joined the alumni board of directors. He and his wife, Ellie, started the Col. George and Ellie Higginson Scholarship Fund. Having no children of their own, he said that to give help to a young person is really a “high” for Ellie and him. By giving students opportunities to pursue higher education, he believes he is laying the groundwork for them to be happy and successful in life, in whatever they choose to do.

To share your news, contact Trine University communication specialist Lindsay Winslow Brown at winslowbrownl@trine.edu.