Trine honors alumni at Touchstone

Trine University honored four distinguished graduates with alumni awards during its annual Touchstone and Homecoming Celebration Dinner on Friday, Sept. 27.

The event was held in the Keith E. Busse/Steel Dynamics Inc. Athletic and Recreation Center.

Distinguished Service Award

Travis Wilhelm, a 1999 engineering administration graduate, received the Distinguished Service Award.

Wilhelm earned his Bachelor of Science in Engineering Administration in 1999. During college, he was involved with Christian Campus House, football and residence life.

Wilhelm has been on staff with Christian Campus House since 2000 and has served as Lead Campus Minister since 2001. Over his tenure, thousands of students have been part of CCH, more than 200 have been baptized, and CCH has conducted 30 mission trips. He also has performed 29 weddings for Trine alumni and given the invocation at more than 70 university events.

Part of the Alumni Association Board of Directors since 2015, Wilhelm currently serves on the board’s Admissions committee.

The Distinguished Service Award is given each year to an alumnus or alumna who has performed outstanding service to society in his or her profession, personal achievement or community; and who has manifest interest in Trine University and has supported it by contributions of time, talent and money; by recruitment of students; or by placement of graduates.

Outstanding Achievement Award

John Carmichael, a 2003 business administration graduate, is the recipient of the Outstanding Achievement Award.

Carmichael pursues his passion for ensuring long-term opportunity and vitality for Sturgis, Michigan. At Root and Branch Real Estate LLC, Carmichael focuses on developing projects that drive investment and integrate pressing community needs.

Carmichael is president and co-founder of GT Independence, where he previously served as CEO. Since its founding in 2004, Carmichael has been instrumental in developing GT Independence into a national leader in financial management services that has helped more than 100,000 Medicaid beneficiaries in 18 states direct their home- and community-based care.

Carmichael serves on the Sturgis Area Community Foundation board as well as with the Sturgis Economic Development Corporation and Sturgis Brownfield Redevelopment Authority. In 2008, at age 30, he became the youngest mayor in Sturgis’ history.

The Outstanding Achievement Award is given each year to an alumnus or alumna who has attained a high level of achievement in his or her profession, is well thought of in his or her community, and who upholds the ideals of Trine University.

Outstanding Young Alumnus Award

Benjamin Syroka, a 2016 bachelor of arts in general studies graduate, is the recipient of this year’s Outstanding Young Alumnus Award.

Syroka lives in Toledo, Ohio, and works as an attorney for the United States Federal Courts. He was honored with the 2023 Distinguished Pro Bono Service Award at the annual U.S. District Court, Northern District of Ohio (“NDOH”) State of the Court Luncheon and received the 2023 “20 Under 40” Toledo Leadership Recognition Award.

He has been published in local and national periodicals on topics such as prisoner rights, recidivism, inflation/consumer protection and labor rights, and is a frequent speaker on topics including American government, the Federal Judiciary, artificial intelligence and landmark Supreme Court cases.

A basketball player at Trine, Ben serves as a referee for NCAA and NJCAA men’s college basketball. He refereed more than 100 games in 2023.

The Outstanding Young Alumnus Award is presented to an alumnus or alumna 40 years of age or younger who the Alumni Board and university administration recognizes as an accomplished professional and role model in their chosen career, community activism and active support of Trine University.

Spirit of Trine Alumni Award

Donnie Danklefsen, a 2003 sport management graduate, is the recipient of the Spirit of Trine Alumni Award.

Since taking over as head coach in 2004, Danklefsen has transformed the Trine University softball team into a conference powerhouse and national champion.

His accomplishments include a record of 638-201 and leading Trine softball to 13 MIAA championships, 13 MIAA tournament titles, eight regional titles, five super-regional championships, a national third-place finish in 2019, national runner-up in 2022 and the first NCAA team championship in Trine University history in 2023.

Under his leadership, Trine’s coaching staff was named NFCA Regional Coaching Staff of the Year six times and was NFCA National Coaching Staff of the Year in 2023.

The Spirit of Trine Alumni Award is awarded to an individual or individuals who demonstrate continuous, selfless commitment to and devoted enthusiasm for Trine University through involvement in and leadership of various areas of the university including, but not limited to, creation of alumni enthusiasm, alumni re-engagement with the university, campus organizations, alumni support and recruitment.