Eastern Michigan University: A Legacy of Notable Alumni
Eastern Michigan University (EMU), located in Ypsilanti, Michigan, has a rich history of producing accomplished individuals across diverse fields. From arts and sciences to business, politics, and athletics, EMU alumni have made significant contributions to society. This article aims to highlight some of the university's most notable alumni, showcasing their achievements and the impact they have had on the world.
Arts and Entertainment
EMU has a strong presence in the entertainment industry, with alumni making their mark as actors, directors, comedians, and animators.
Acting and Directing
Dann Florek is best known for his role as Captain Donald Cragen on NBC's "Law & Order" and its spinoff, "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit." Florek attended EMU, but he moved to New York City to pursue acting before graduating.
S. Epatha Merkerson is an acclaimed actress known for her portrayal of NYPD Lieutenant Anita Van Buren on "Law & Order." She has received numerous accolades, including an Emmy Award and a Golden Globe Award.
Jeff Daniels is an American actor known for his diverse roles in both comedy and drama. He has received several accolades, including two Primetime Emmy Awards.
Read also: Future Leaders Program: Far Eastern Group
Ella Joyce is known for playing Eleanor Emerson on the sitcom "Roc." She was in the Dramatic Arts program at EMU.
Clark Johnson is an actor who was in the original cast of "Homicide: Life on the Street" and also worked on "The Wire."
Jamie Nieto is an American high jumper and actor.
Michael Bailey Smith is an actor known for his appearances on the television series "Charmed," where he played Belthazor, a Grimlock leader, and Shax.
Comedy
John Heffron is a stand-up comedian who won the second season of "Last Comic Standing." He got his start in stand-up while attending EMU.
Read also: A Detailed Look at ECNU
Dave Coverly is a cartoonist.
Animation and Film
Winsor McCay was a pioneering cartoonist and animator, best known for his comic strip "Little Nemo" and the animated film "Gertie the Dinosaur."
Anouar H. Smaine is a film director.
Athletics
EMU has a proud tradition of athletic excellence, with alumni achieving success in professional sports such as football, basketball, and baseball, as well as track and field.
Football
Charlie Batch played quarterback in the NFL for 15 seasons, primarily with the Detroit Lions and Pittsburgh Steelers. He is a two-time Super Bowl champion and played college football at EMU.
Read also: ESU Tuition Guide
T. J. Lang is a former NFL guard who played college football for the Eastern Michigan Eagles. He was selected by the Green Bay Packers in the fourth round of the 2009 NFL draft and was a member of the Packers' Super Bowl XLV-winning team.
George Allen was an American football coach. He served as the head coach for two teams in the National Football League (NFL), the Los Angeles Rams from 1966 to 1970 and the Washington Redskins from 1971 to 1977.
Rob Rubick played tight end for the Detroit Lions from 1982-1988. He received a master's degree from EMU.
Andrew Mulumba is a Congolese-Canadian former professional football linebacker. He played college football for Eastern Michigan.
Basketball
George Gervin, nicknamed "The Iceman," is a former professional basketball player who played in both the American Basketball Association (ABA) and National Basketball Association (NBA). He is a nine-time NBA All-Star and a member of the NBA Hall of Fame.
Antonio Gates is a former professional football player who was a tight end for the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers. He was named to the Pro Bowl eight times and was a six-time All-Pro selection. He originally enrolled at MSU, but transferred to EMU to pursue basketball.
Earl Boykins is a former professional basketball player who played thirteen seasons in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Standing at 5 feet 5 inches (1.65 m) in height, Boykins is the second-shortest player in NBA history.
Stan Heath is an American basketball coach currently serving as the head coach for Eastern Michigan.
Grant Long is a retired NBA player who played for 15 seasons, including with the Detroit Pistons from 1996-1998. He is currently a Fox Sports Detroit analyst.
Mick Pennisi is an Australian-Filipino former professional basketball player.
Baseball
Bob Welch was a pitcher in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Los Angeles Dodgers and Oakland Athletics. He helped lead EMU to the College World Series in 1976.
Matt Shoemaker is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Los Angeles Angels, Toronto Blue Jays, and Minnesota Twins and in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) for the Yomiuri Giants. Prior to beginning his professional career, he played college baseball at Eastern Michigan University (EMU).
Terry Collins is an American former professional baseball manager.
Chris Roberson is an American-born Mexican former professional baseball outfielder.
Leon Wagner was an American professional baseball left fielder who played Major League Baseball (MLB) for several teams.
Track and Field
Hasely Crawford is a former track and field athlete from Trinidad and Tobago. In 1976, he became his country's first Olympic champion.
Alysha Newman is a Canadian track and field athlete who specializes in the pole vault. She is a 2024 Summer Olympics bronze medallist and 2018 Commonwealth Games champion, and holds both the Canadian national and Commonwealth Games records in the women's pole vault.
Tommy Asinga is a former track and field athlete.
Clement Chukwu is a former track and field athlete.
Savatheda Fynes is a former track and field athlete.
Earl Jones is a former track and field athlete.
Hayes Jones is a former track and field athlete.
Paul McMullen is a former track and field athlete.
Politics and Public Service
EMU has produced numerous leaders who have served in various political and public service roles at the local, state, and national levels.
Rodney E. Slater served as the United States Secretary of Transportation under President Bill Clinton.
Royal S. Copeland was a United States Senator from New York.
Fred W. Green was the 31st Governor of Michigan. He attended EMU when it was called Michigan State Normal School.
Charles E. Potter was a politician.
Carl D. Pursell was a politician.
Dennis M. Hertel was a politician.
William H. Hinebaugh was a politician.
Patrick H. Kelley was a politician.
Marilyn Jean Kelly is a judge.
Sandra Love is a politician.
Alfred Lucking was a politician.
William W. Chalmers was a politician.
tags: #eastern #michigan #university #famous #alumni
