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Governor makes appointments to Michigan Historical Commission

Friday, May 11, 2012 

 

LANSING, Mich. - Gov. Rick Snyder today announced the appointments of Margaret "Mimi" Cunningham, of Mackinac Island and East Lansing, and Larry Wagenaar, of Ada, to the Michigan Historical Commission. He also announced the reappointment of Richard Micka, of Monroe.  

 

Since 1913, the Michigan Historical Commission has been the public agency for state history programs and is responsible for approving Michigan historical markers. The seven-member council includes appointments made by the governor, speaker of the House and Senate majority leader.

 

"Michigan's 175 years of history are a source of pride for citizens," said Snyder. "I am pleased that the expertise these individuals offer will contribute to preserving our state's fascinating history for the next generation."

 

Appointed:

Cunningham serves as vice president of the island's 125-year-old Grand Hotel. Head of the hotel's Shops Department since the mid-1980s, she has developed 13 shops, created a thriving summer children's program, planned weddings and mentored student interns in the retail field. During the winter months, she resides in East Lansing. Cunningham holds a bachelor's degree from Kenyon College. She will represent the general public and replaces Lloyd William Conner.

 

Wagenaar is the executive director of the Historical Society of Michigan and publisher of Michigan History magazine. Devoted to Michigan's history for nearly his entire career, Wagenaar previously worked as an associate professor and director of the Joint Archives of Holland at Hope College. He earned a bachelor's degree from Hope College and a master's degree from Kent State University. He will represent the Historical Society of Michigan and replaces Edward Surovell.

 

Reappointed:

Micka retired as vice president of administration for LA-Z BOY Inc. after 36 years of service. He serves as a member of the Monroe County Chamber of Commerce, Monroe County Historical Society, Michigan Archaeological Society- River Raisin Chapter, Genealogical Society of Monroe County and on the leadership council for the Community Foundation of Monroe County. Micka served seven years in the U.S. Air Force and earned a bachelor's degree in economics from the University of Detroit. He will represent the general public.

 

Appointees will serve four-year terms that expire May 21, 2016, and their appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

 

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