Cranbrook Honors Alum and Heisman Trophy Winner Pete Dawkins, ’55

Pete Dawkins, ’55, has been an accomplished student and athlete for much of his life—a star football player at West Point; winner of the Heisman Trophy in 1958; a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford; a PhD student at Princeton. And although his determination to succeed led him to earn every one of these accomplishments on his own merit, Dawkins credits a special community as the springboard of his success: Cranbrook.

Dawkins has been reflecting fondly on his time at Cranbrook and has many stories to tell of how his experiences shaped his education and career. To read about his time at Cranbrook and beyond, and for more details of Dawkins’ successes and career, click here to read the full story on The Oakland Press and here on Hometown Life.

In honor of his accomplishments, Cranbrook will be recognizing the 60th anniversary of his Heisman Trophy win - and retiring his jersey - at the beginning of the Homecoming football game on the evening of September 28th. Join us under the lights to celebrate a remarkable alum and to cheer on the Cranes!

Prior to his admission to Cranbrook Schools in high school, Dawkins was a struggling student and athlete who lacked the proper guidance and motivation to perform at the level of his considerable intellectual and physical abilities. With the support of his parents, administrators, and teachers, Dawkins began flourishing at Cranbrook, earning top grades and making a name for himself on both the baseball and football field. It was his talent in this latter area that led to his acceptance at West Point, where he was awarded the Heisman Trophy in 1958.

“In many people’s life you look back and there’s a turning point, Dawkins remarked. “But when I look back on things the most profound and lasting turning point of my life was Cranbrook. I owe an immense debt of gratitude to Cranbrook.”