by Mike Matzinger
Success isn’t always measured by titles. Sometimes, it’s measured by the people you impact along the way.
During Purple and Gold Weekend, April 16–18, Albion College will recognize alumni who have made meaningful contributions in their careers and continued to support the college’s mission through service and leadership.
Among this year’s honorees is Michael Haines ’85. As a student, Mike was deeply engaged across campus, serving as fraternity president and Interfraternity Council representative for Tau Kappa Epsilon, editor-in-chief of The Pleiad, a communications and SOAR leader, and a Summer Adventure counselor. His leadership was recognized early on with the Presidential Project 250 Award in 1984.
Mike has remained equally committed to giving back. Since 2012, he has served as an alumni ambassador, helping recruit prospective students while also volunteering in Scouting America. His continued involvement includes six years on the Albion College Alumni Association Board of Directors, four years on the Tau Kappa Epsilon Omega Chapter advisory board, participation in Albion Everywhere events nationwide, co-chairing a milestone reunion homecoming in 2025, and regularly facilitating career and classroom conversations for students and alumni.
Professionally, Mike earned his master of science from Columbia University School of Journalism and has run a communications firm in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan since 1990 with his partner, Kelli Dade.
A proud parent of two Albion alumni, Blake ’17 and Bradley ’22, he continues to invest in the next generation as a Scouting America district chair and Wood Badge staffer.