11/1/2001
EAST LANSING, Mich. - Kmart Corporation Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Charles (Chuck) Conaway will be presented the Dr. John A. Hannah Outstanding Alumni Award during halftime at Saturday's football game at which Michigan State will face rival University of Michigan. Conaway graduated with highest distinction from MSU in 1982 with a degree in accounting.
The John A. Hannah Award is given in recognition of exceptional devotion to the growth and progress of Michigan State University academics and athletics.
"During John Hannah's tenure, the university experienced tremendous academic and athletic growth unparalleled in MSU's history," said Clarence Underwood, director of athletics. "This award recognizes the spirit of that devotion to MSU. Chuck Conaway, a true fan who rarely misses an opportunity to show his support, embodies that spirit."
Prior to joining Kmart, Conaway was president and chief operation officer of CVS Corp. where he was responsible for marketing, operations and technology. In addition to his current position, he also serves on the boards of the Business Council, Detroit Renaissance, the Economic Club of Detroit, the United Negro College Fund and the National Science Center's Fort Discovery.
Conaway, who received an MBA with distinction from the University of Michigan, said he is very honored to be chosen for the award and is looking forward to Saturday's game.
"When I began my position at Kmart, I told everyone I had gone to both Michigan State and the University of Michigan," said Conaway. "But then I told them I was a Spartan through and through."
Conaway resides with his wife, Lisa, and two daughters in the metropolitan Detroit area.
Previous award winners:
- 2000 John Middlebrook (General Motors)
- 1999 James Oesterreicher (JCPenney)
- 1998 Kenneth Way (Lear Corp.)
- 1997 Doug Weaver (Michigan State University)
- 1997 James Blanchard (State of Michigan)
- 1996 Eugene McKay Jr. (Archway Cookies)
- 1995 Peter Secchia (Ambassador)
- 1994 Edgar Harden (Michigan State University)
- 1993 Gordon Guyer (Michigan State University)
- 1992 Bob "Buck" McCurry (Toyota)
- 1991 John H. McConnell (Worthington Steel)