Metro

AROUND

An Inspiring Couple

MSU Hillel honors Faylene and Larry Owen for their advocacy for Jewish students.

Faylene and Larry
Owen of East Lansing

flank their daughter,
Cindy Hughey, MSU

Hillel executive director

East Lansing

W

hen it comes to Spartan spirit, few people
can match the dedication and contributions
made by East Lansing power couple Faylene
and Larry Owen. Faylene is the
first Jewish woman ever elected
to the Michigan State University
board of trustees. She's in the
midst of serving an eight-year
term. Larry, who was U.S. consul
general to Bermuda during the
Clinton administration, is also a
former MSU board chairman.
About 300 people, includ-
ing family members, friends,
Robin Schwartz
politicians, athletic coaches and
Columnist
students, gathered at the school's

Aaron Schaer of Huntington Woods with Mark Davidoff
of West Bloomfield and his son Kale

A20

April 30 2009

University Club April 19 to honor the Owens. Their
daughter, Cindy Hughey, executive director of MSU
Hillel, presented them with the 2009 Inspiring Future
Leaders Award.
"Life with Mom and Larry has never been dull. There's
always something exciting that they're involved in,"
Hughey told the crowd. "I know I can speak for my broth-
er, Marc, stepsister, Susan, and our children, Jenny, Eric,
and Brittany, when I say we've always been so proud of
all their accomplishments!'
Known for her booming voice and passionate opinions,
Faylene Owen sounded hoarse after a bout with the flu.
"Larry and I are so honored to receive this recognition
from MSU Hillel," she said. "It's one of the highlights of
our entire lives!'
The evening's featured speakers included MSU bas-
ketball coaches Tom Izzo and Suzy Merchant, football
coach Mark Dantonio and athletic director Mark Hollis.

Marlene and Paul Borman of Bloomfield Township
flank Faylene Owen

Other notable attendees included Lt. Gov. John Cherry,
MSU President Lou Anna K. Simon, Hillel International
CEO Wayne Firestone and MSU Jewish Student Union
President David Mindell.
"The growth of Jewish student life at Michigan State
has accelerated dramatically, thanks to the professional
leadership of Cindy Hughey and her staff, the support
of longtime benefactors and the passionate advocacy
of Faylene and Larry Owen," said Detroit Jewish News
Publisher Arthur Horwitz. "The impressive outpouring
of appreciation for the Owens is a tribute to their inspir-
ing leadership and recognition of their impact on Jewish
students on the Michigan State campus."
MSU Hillel President Patti Phillips, her brother,
Robert Morris, and the Prentis Family Support
Foundation were also recognized for their contributions
to the construction and recent expansion of the MSU
Hillel facility. LI-7_

David Mindell, Leah Moscowitz and Jessica Katz,
all of West Bloomfield