Alumni Stories

Stacey Abbs

September 2024

Stacey Abbs is a counselor at Garber High School and the Director of Mitten Mutts Dog Rescue. She has loved dogs her entire life and now loves that she gets to spend her time helping them find their forever homes. While she absolutely adores the dogs, Stacey was surprised to discover that her true joy lies in building a community of like-minded volunteers who share her vision.

Mitten Mutts Dog Rescue is hosting a free vaccine clinic at Bay County Animal Service on October 12. This program is possible thanks to the memorial fund of a long-time Mitten Mutts volunteer, Karen Klamer, who wanted to ensure that all pet owners can care for their furry friends. SVSU Alumni are volunteering at the event to help it run smoothly. If you want to volunteer at the event, you can sign up at https://tinyurl.com/mittenmuttsalum.

John Hudeck

September 2024

John Hudeck is Deputy Chief of the Small Satellite and Special Projects Office at NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility. He has worked at NASA since his internship while attending SVSU. He is most proud when the projects he was involved with that successfully launched into space. One that comes to mind is a small satellite, called IceCube, that was launched into space for a successful 2-year mission. In conjunction with his Deputy role, John currently serves as a Portfolio Manager for the Astrophysics Program Division’s Pioneers and APRA programs. He enjoys being part of many projects across the country that focus on the creation of the universe.

Kate Stewart

August 2024

Kate Stewart is a 2024 graduate who currently works as a software developer at Auto Owners. She had a unique experience at SVSU through her involvement in Forever Red. Through this organization, she engaged with alumni, participated in professional conferences, and attended events such as the Distinguished Alumni Awards Dinner.

Debra VanTol

August 2024

Debra VanTol and her husband own Village Glassworks in Auburn, MI. The two opened the business in 1985 and have been creating beautiful pieces of art out of glass ever since. She describes her entrance into the business as “being resourceful” because she had to learn and apply business, publicity, building, and design processes specific to the business. Debra graduated from SVSU in 2002 and 2006 with teaching degrees, where she then worked as a special education teacher for 18 years while also running Village Glassworks. Debra loves to teach classes to people of all ages to share her passion for stained glass and glass blowing. If you are interested in taking a class, or purchasing a piece of art, visit Village Glassworks at https://www.villageglassworks.com/.