William Churchill, Sr., has an impressive record of community service and is deeply committed to education and programs for youth. A longtime, loyal employee of Koerts Glass & Paint, owner Albert Koerts eventually entrusted his business to him. Bill decided to keep the Koerts name out of respect for its founder. Bill is a charter member of the Flint Northern High School Alumni Association, an organization that has contributed more than $256,000 in scholarships to graduating seniors. He is a former member of the Flint Board of Education, and the former president of the Valley Glass Dealers Association. Bill has served on the McLaren Regional Medical Center Board since 1985, and is a member of the Salvation Army Board. Mr. Churchill has been the recipient of several awards and honors, including being chosen twice for Glassman of the Year, and he was awarded the Jack Hamady Humanitarian Award in 1993.
Mr. Churchill passed away in 2017.
Dr. Ellen Howe was a tireless advocate, passionate community leader, and thoughtful humanitarian during her lifetime. An inspiration to one and all, Dr. Howe believed in education and helping others achieve their ultimate dreams. She brought out the best in people and was always ready to offer an encouraging word.
Before she passed away in August of 2001, Ellen made an enormous contribution to the Flint community, particularly with her efforts aimed at improving the quality of life for women and children. She formed Ellen M. Howe and Associates, management consultants, and helped women develop their entrepreneurial skills. Deeply committed to furthering women's education in the community, Dr. Howe was an original member of Mott's Women in Education Advisory Committee. She helped establish Mott's "Peggy Brown Can Do" Award, which recognizes secretarial and clerical staff for outstanding accomplishments. She also served as Executive Director of Flint Community Planned Parenthood Association, developing outreach programs, satellite clinics and volunteer training programs. Dr. Howe was Director of Children's Health Services and was the first female referee of Probate Court where she established programs for juvenile offenders and the "Court Watch" program to ensure the rights of neglected children.
Ellen was the recipient of numerous awards, including the Genesee County Bar Association Liberty Bell Award for community service, and the Distinguished Trustees' Award from the National Governing Boards of Colleges and Universities. She served on MCC's Board of Trustees for 12 years as Vice Chair. She was instrumental in naming the Prahl College Center for Marie R. Prahl, a former MCC dean. We are honored to salute Dr. Howe, posthumously, for her distinguished service and contributions to the entire community.
Jimmy King is the consummate volunteer. His personal and professional service to the greater Flint community, combined with his enthusiasm and compassion, are constant sources of inspiration to others. He has been active in numerous community and civic organizations, especially those involved with economic development initiatives in the City of Flint. Mr. King has served as chair of the Flint/Genesee Economic Growth Alliance Board and the Flint Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. He has also played an active role in Career Alliance Workforce Development, the Focus Council, Flint Rotary Club and the Michigan Minority Business Development Council. Mr. King’s volunteer efforts as chair of Priority Children, with the Urban League, YWCA’s “Healing Racism” program, the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan, the United Way of Genesee County, and other groups are a testament to his caring nature and obvious devotion to serving the entire community. He also served on the Mott Community College (MCC) Board of Trustees from 1999 until 2005, and was awarded the prestigious Distinguished Alumni Award by the Foundation for MCC in 2003 for his commitment to the college and community.
Mr. King recently retired as Area Manager for Consumers Energy, where he coordinated economic development efforts, communications and local government relations for the Genesee and Lapeer County service areas. In retirement, he went on to serve the Wireless Genesee initiative.
A member of the Board of Directors of the Foundation for MCC since 1993, Mr. King was elected Chair of the Foundation for Mott Community College in the fall of 2008.
Pamela Loving is President and CEO of Career Alliance, formerly Jobs Central, which is a multi-service organization that assists people from all walks of life in a variety of capacities. Career Alliance was chosen a "Champion of Industry" by Pat Sumerall Productions and featured on MSNBC in April 2000. Ms. Loving has continued to forge new ground in the area of workforce development and continues efforts toward the development of a continuum of community partnerships. Pamela is co-founder of the Amistad Afterschool Academy, a unique program designed to deliver skills to youth in a non-traditional format. She was also instrumental in creating a Teen Empowerment Commission.
Ms. Loving has served in a variety of capacities and in numerous leadership positions, including service on the Flint Board of Education for 10 years as a board member and past president. She has received a great deal of well-deserved recognition throughout an illustrious career. Among her many honors are the Senator Donald Riegle Community Service Award, the National Sorority Phi Delta Kappa Appreciation Award and an Honorary Degree from Mott Community College in Community Service.
Ms. Loving continues to work tirelessly on efforts toward undoing racism, building social capital through community involvement and fostering youth development. She hosts two local public access television shows, "Career Alliance Today," and "Count It All Joy" on Comcast Cable Channel 17.
She is well known in and around Flint for her visionary leadership, relentless advocacy and tireless efforts on behalf of the people of our community. She serves as an outstanding example of her own personal motto: "Good, better, best; never let it rest, until your good is better, and your better best."
* = Deceased.
