Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/517095
Michael Love '08 (entrepreneurship) Age: 34 Location: Mount Pleasant Career: Owner, Allstate Insurance agencies in Mount Pleasant and Midland Michael opened his own Allstate Insurance Agency in Mount Pleasant four years after graduating and has since grown his company into the largest Allstate agency north of the Lansing/Flint area. Michael was appointed by the Michigan Supreme Court as a member of the Michigan Foster Care Review Board, and he is also involved with other nonprofit organizations. What is the best resource young people have to contribute? "Ambition and perseverance – this is why we are able to overcome obstacles and make meaningful contributions to society." What motivates you? "Competition and a strive to succeed in life." What is your proudest achievement so far? "My success in business and the beautiful family I have been blessed with – I have been married to my wife, Megan, for eight years, and we have a beautiful 4-year-old daughter, Lila." What is the best piece of advice you have received? "The best advice I received in college was to cherish every moment during your tenure at CMU. You will get out of your schooling as much as you contribute." Why is it important for you to stay connected to CMU? "Staying connected and providing support to CMU is essential to ensure that future generations of students will be able to enjoy the same opportunities that you have been offered." 27 centralight summer '15 Erik Nilsson '06 (journalism major) Age: 32 Location: Beijing Career: Assistant director of China Daily's Life department After interning with the China Daily, Erik was offered a full-time position with the paper. He is now one of the most senior foreign staff members and was recently promoted to the assistant director of the feature department. He has also published more than two dozen books about China and has started his own nonprofit organization. What is the best resource young people have to contribute to the world? "Education helps young people improve their lives, but it can also inspire them to improve others' lives, to advance our human condition." What motivates you? "Justice. A fairer world. The vision of a just world has animated my life, from journalism to my involvement with nonprofits, be they Oxfam and the United Nations or the smaller group I've started and have been delighted to see expand. "As a journalist, I've worked to report on not only the most vulnerable communities but also on innovative solutions to the inequalities they struggle against." What is your proudest achievement so far? "Aside from becoming a dad, providing electricity, computers, libraries, clothes, food and medicine for at least 10,000 children. And writing incredible stories, especially those from Sichuan's quake zone, that wouldn't otherwise be told. I hope they make the world better." What is the best piece of advice you have received? "Be careful when you mount an ostrich or a yak. Yaks buck. There are reasons ostriches were never domesticated." Why is it important for you to stay connected to CMU? "CMU has given me every opportunity I've grasped. My experience has inspired me to invest in others' education."