March 25, 2013
Wyandotte Distinguished Graduate
Inductees

Pomnichowski, Alexander - 1946
Stewart, John - 1967
 

Alex S. Pomnichowski - Class of 1946

 

Alex Pomnichowski distinguished himself as a nationally renowned educator in the fields of Business and Economics, and for his community service throughout his professional career. Alex graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1946 with fond memories of participating in Tennis and as a member of the first World as a Community Class. Pomnichowski earned his B.A. in 1951 from Michigan State Normal (Eastern Michigan University), a M.A. in 1952 from the University of Michigan in Economics & Business, a M.B.A. in 1959 from the University of Michigan, and a Ph.D. in 1961 in Business Education also from the University of Michigan. Alex served his country during the Korean War.  After completing special clerical schooling at Fort Knox in 1953, and graduating with honors from the Adjutant General’s School, he was assigned as a conference and court reporter with the 8th Army Headquarters in Seoul, Korea. 

Following his tour of duty, Alex began his teaching career in the Garden City schools and at Birmingham High School.  His teaching skills were recognized during his advanced studies at the University of Michigan.  Alex was offered a position as an Instructor of Secretarial Practices in the U.M. School of Business.  In 1961, Alex continued his teaching career at Parson’s College in Fairfield, Iowa. In 1967, Alex Pomnichowski accepted a position at Ferris State University as Professor of Business and head of the Business Administration Department.  Professor Pomnichowski would remain at Ferris until his retirement in 2009. While at Ferris State University, Alex served as Department Head for seventeen years.  He was involved in numerous business associations and organizations across the country.  He was instrumental in adding many new classes to the Business School course of study (Collective Bargaining, Strategy Formulation, Real Estate, and International Business.)  Professor Pomnichowski also initiated several new Majors to the Business School that greatly expanded the programs at Ferris State University (Finance, Production Management, Human Resources Management, and Small Business Management).  In his years at Ferris State University, Alex was also very active in the Faculty Senate and chaired the University Curriculum and School of Business Accreditation Committees. In spite of a busy career, Alex took time to support his community.  He was an active member & supporter of the Rotary Club, the Michigan Humanities, the Michigan Parkinson Foundation, The Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservatory, Big Rapids Library, and his church.  Alex has served his church as a member of the finance & Long Range Planning Committees and as an Usher.  Alex Pomnichowski makes his home in Big Rapids, Michigan.
 

John C. Stewart - Class of 1967
 

John Stewart distinguished himself as a State Representative, as a community volunteer, and as a musician always ready to share his talents. John graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1967. He was a member of the National Honor Society, Tri-Alpha and Student Council representative on the Border City League Federation. John was the Drum Major of the Wyandotte Chiefs Marching Band from 1964 to 1967.  Through the Roosevelt High School Music Department, John’s sisters, Alice and Jean; and brother, Lee, all attended the Interlochen National Music Camp. John received his Eagle Scout award from the Wyandotte Boy Scout Troop and Scoutmaster Skip Clack on February 18, 1964. John Stewart earned his Bachelor’s Degree in 1971 from Eastern Michigan University, with majors in Political Science, Business and Economics. His Master’s Degree was earned in 1973 from Wayne State University in Public Administration. In 1976, John was presented his Juris Doctorate from Michigan State University. John has been a practicing attorney in Michigan for 36 years.  He opened his own law office in Plymouth, Michigan 28 years ago. John was elected and served on the Plymouth Township Board of Trustees from 1988-1992.  John Stewart was elected State Representative of District #20, Plymouth, from 2000-2006. John was a member of the House Appropriations Committee and served as Chairman of the Judiciary and Higher Education Committees. Stewart was instrumental in assisting several Wyandotte Roosevelt High School graduates with letters of recommendation to colleges across the State of Michigan. While serving as a State Representative, John was named 2002 Legislator of the Year by the Small Business Association of Michigan. In 2005, John was honored by Wayne State University as their Distinguished Alumnus.

Stewart was also recognized by Eastern Michigan University in 2005 by presenting him with a Distinguished Alumnus Award and making him their Commencement Speaker. John Stewart was honored to be a Commencement Speaker at Oakland University and Lake Superior State University. John was also the Keynote Speaker at the Midwest Higher Education Conference at Ohio State University. John Stewart has been an active member and supporter of the Colonial Plymouth Kiwanis Club and the First Presbyterian Church of Plymouth. Stewart’s musical talent has been shared throughout his lifetime in many ways. John was the Founder of the Plymouth Oratorio Society in 1986. John has been the vocalist and supporter of the Plymouth Community Band. He has also been a guest conductor at his former Roosevelt High School Chiefs Marching Bandarama in 2006. John has been an ardent supporter and donor to the Wyandotte Chiefs Marching Band. John’s vocal talent has been shared by singing the National Anthem before 14 Detroit Tiger Games and 2 Detroit Red Wing Hockey games. John Stewart is also an avid runner and twice completed the Detroit Marathon. John and his wife, Beth, live in Plymouth, Michigan and their daughters, Laura and Sarah, are Honors Graduates of Western Michigan University and Grand Valley State University.