Exchange

WAYNE KORSON, '71 Wayne is a true entrepreneur. He established an award-winning mid- Michigan Christmas tree farm in 1973 and assumed a series of state and national leadership roles within the highly specialized industry. "My wife, Vicki, and I sold the farm to our son about 10 years ago, so now we work for him," Wayne said. "Vicki still manages the office and I work on the grounds. After 30-plus years of running the entire operation, we are much more relaxed and able to focus on what we enjoy." Wayne lives in the Canadian Lakes area and is enjoying a growing bond with his CMU family. "I have been helping out with various campus programs and love reconnecting," he said. F A L L 2 0 1 4 ALUMNI DIGEST SEAN KRAMER, '00 Sean has coupled his CMU degree in management information systems, with three graduate degrees — a business information technology degree from Walsh College, an MBA with a concentration in finance from U of M-Flint, and a master's in finance from U of M-Dearborn. As chief information officer for John Deere Landscapes, he is responsible for ensuring the stability and protection of data for 450 branch offices, the development of online tools, and other critical company functions. "I'm actively involved in helping the company not only build and manage its systems, but also ensuring staff and corporate policies are in line with what's being created," Sean said. "A simple change can have a massive effect on employee hours, inventory and other nontechnology issues." Sean, and his wife, Brandi Kettlewell, '01, reside in Brighton and have three young children. Brandi is working toward her Ph.D. and working part-time for an application consultant and developer. "CMU did a great job of getting me all the foundations," Sean said. "I can discuss accounting, finance, management and other business foundations with my colleagues and show them how technology and data can make their work better. I know with greater certainty how to add value across the organization." TRACEY KOPERSKI, '82 Tracey recently became the professional development manager for MLive, which now owns the Grand Rapids Press and other media outlets across Michigan. "The minute I walked into the (Grand Rapids Press) building and rode up the escalator, I knew I was where I was supposed to be," Tracey said. "I love being able to help a customer figure out how to market themselves," she said. "I work hard to help customers develop smart solutions that are right for them. "Now I have a chance to mentor and develop new talent," Tracey said. "Can you imagine? It's such a remarkable thing to be doing." Tracey lives in East Grand Rapids with her husband, Tom Koperski, and their two daughters. CMU has Alumni Regional Networks throughout the U.S. Locate your network at www.cmich.edu/alumni (From left) (Wayne's sister-in-law) Tracey Koperski, '82, Wayne Korson, '71, wife Vicki Korson, daughter-in-law Jessica Korson, grandsons TJ and Jack Korson. Exchange // 21

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