J. Michael Dowd '68, '71: 2002 Medallion of Merit Recipient

In recognition of his service to Moravian College, the Alumni Association honored J. Michael Dowd with its 2002 Medallion of Merit following the Reunion Luncheon on June 1, 2002.

Mike received his Bachelor of Arts degree from the College in 1968 and his Master of Divinity from the Seminary in 1971.

His voice could be heard over Steel Field for 30 years as leader in the singing of Moravian's alma mater and as the official announcer at every home football game. He is a vital presence on the Alumni Weekend Planning Committee, generating ideas to bring alumni back to campus, and helping to organize the Moravian College Alumni Choir to the delight of reunion classes who enjoyed their music during the gala celebration dinner.

Mike was a class agent for the Annual Fund from 1995 to 1997, a task force member for the Commission on the Future of Moravian College and Moravian Theological Seminary, and the General Alumni Campaign Chair twice during the 1980s.

He and his wife Kathleen '68 co-chaired the 25th and 30th reunions for their class. Together they have also hosted freshmen for the Alumni Association's Take a Freshman to Dinner Program and acted as table hosts at the Freshman Orientation Dinner. Mike was a member of the Business and Industry Committee for three years, a participant in the Employers Forum in 1998, and an Antiques Show sponsor for several years. His other Moravian volunteer activities have included acting as a mentor for student interns, serving as a Homecoming volunteer, and participating in the Business Etiquette Dinner. The Alumni Association recognized him with its Unsung Hero Award in 1999.

The dedication and energy Mike devotes to the Moravian community is even more impressive when considering his extensive involvement in the Easton community and the Lehigh Valley at large. Aside from his current occupation as chief operating officer of the Children's Home in Easton, he is president of Northampton County Council, secretary/treasurer of the Easton Economic Development Corporation, and Dale Carnegie trainer for the Leadership Institute of the Lehigh Valley. He received the Jack Cook Excellence in Economic Development Award in 2000, recognizing his significant contributions to the economic vitality of the city of Easton.