alumni My Turn Take Five with Jerome Rush
Though Jerome Rush’s career plans changed radically after he gradu- ated from EMU, he feels that he owes a lot to the University—so he’s giving back. After difficulty finding employment as a teacher, he began working in bank management before transitioning to Human Resources leadership at Ford Motor Company. Now he spends much of his time supporting his alma mater, working with business and HR initiatives at sporting events and alumni board and E-Hoops meetings, and giving the “thumbs-up” to fellow drivers whose license plates are emblazoned with the small green “E.”
Eastern: How are you involved with the E-Hoops group?
Rush: Earl Higgins (BS72) and several others asked me to become involved in the E-Hoops group. They wanted to give back by supporting basketball at EMU. So we created a mission statement and plans to improve at- tendance at games. We partnered with the University, the athletic and marketing departments, and the College of Business. Some of our recent activities include Marketing Idol, T-shirt giveaways and the car giveaway. The total combined percentage increase for attendance at men’s and women’s basketball games in 2009-2010 was 42 percent over the previous season. I believe our ef- forts contributed to this increase.
Eastern: What was your major at EMU?
Rush: Speech and dramatic arts. I had an interest in the dramatic arts, so after taking a few speech and acting classes, I headed in that direction. I completed a bachelor of science degree with a sec- ondary provisional teaching certificate in 1972. After graduation, only substitute and temporary teaching positions were available, so I decided to pursue a career in business and industry. I worked in Human Resources leadership positions at Ford Motor Company for 30 years and retired in 2007.
by Leah Shutes Eastern: What was your favorite thing about EMU?
Rush: Honestly, the social aspect. My fraternity, Kappa Alpha Psi, provided that. Back then, McKenny was the place to meet, so after class we would “kick it” and find out what was hap- pening around campus. In addition to parties in the McKenny ballroom, we’d spend time in the poolroom and bowling alley on the lower levels. On top of all that, I got a great education. I owe a lot to Eastern Michigan.
Eastern: You are a long-standing member of the Kappa Alpha Psi Southfield Alumni Chapter. Have you been with them since the beginning?
Rush: Yes. We had a number of brothers who pledged as undergrads at EMU and ended up living in Oakland and Wayne counties, but were not members of the local alumni chapters. The brothers gathered every so often for a “Cup” (a fraternity fellowship ritual) and eventually decided to create something that would
further the goals of the national chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi. The Southfield Chapter was officially established in 1986, with 70 members, and at that time it was the largest alumni chapter ever founded by Kappa Alpha Psi. In addi- tion to being one of the founding fathers, I was on the board of directors for a number of years.
Eastern: Can you identify with the old “Best years of our lives” axiom?
Rush: My college experience at EMU was definitely some of the best years of my life. It was a time of indepen- dence, fun and higher educa- tion with a widely diverse group of students who had goals and aspira- tions similar to mine. And now it’s time for me to give back. 3
Eastern | WINTER 2011 27
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