CKAA Annual Meeting Celebrates Alumni Leadership, Honorary Alumni, and Community Connections

A highlight of the evening was the recognition of former faculty member Dr. Jeffrey Welch and the late Christine Goodale as Honorary Alumni of Cranbrook Schools — one of the highest distinctions the alumni community can bestow.

Both educators devoted nearly four decades to Cranbrook and helped shape generations of alumni through their teaching, mentorship, creativity, writing, and appreciation for the artistic and intellectual traditions of the Schools. Christine was remembered for the many ways she elevated student artists and created opportunities for creative expression through exhibitions, Gallimaufry, and artwork displayed throughout campus. Jeffrey was recognized for his influence on generations of writers and thinkers and for helping reconnect distinguished alumni with students and faculty through the Sirchio Lecture Series.

Dr. Welch, who was unable to attend the event, will participate in Reunion Weekend activities including the first-ever Gallimaufry Reunion honoring Christine’s legacy. Alumni are encouraged to congratulate Jeffrey and share memories of Christine during Reunion Weekend.

Guests at Kiesling enjoyed signature cocktails and food from several of Jacques Driscoll’s Detroit establishments, including Green Dot Stables, Johnny Noodle King, and Yellow Light Coffee and Donuts.

The CKAA also recognized outgoing board members Robert Li ’15, Elizabeth Groth ’99, Christian Ohanian ’04, Jennifer Miller Heath ’00, Grant Drzyzga ’10, and Symone Jackson Kumar ’07 for their leadership, mentorship, and enthusiastic support of alumni engagement initiatives including Career Fair and other alumni engagement events.

Incoming board members Annie Chen ’14, Dakota Sherman ’10, Dimitri Mitsoupolis ’08, and Carmen Chan ’18 were welcomed to the organization as the CKAA continues expanding opportunities for alumni connection and engagement.

Another highlight of the evening came when incoming President-Elect Marilyn Franklin ’96 recognized Ian Perkins ’05 for his leadership as CKAA President during the 2025–26 year. Marilyn reflected on Ian’s longtime connection to Wilderness Expedition — now spanning twenty-four consecutive years — and praised his ability to build meaningful connections across the alumni community. Under Ian’s leadership, the CKAA expanded alumni-to-student mentoring efforts, strengthened alumni networking initiatives, and laid the groundwork for a new online alumni directory and communication platform.

The evening reflected the CKAA’s continuing focus on connection across generations — bringing alumni together not only to network and celebrate accomplishments, but also to honor the teachers, traditions, and shared experiences that continue to shape Cranbrook alumni long after graduation.