Four individuals have been selected to receive the Northwest State Community College Distinguished Alumni Award for 2026.
Those individuals were officially recognized during a special luncheon ceremony prior to Spring Commencement on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the Archbold Campus.
Plaques with their likeness will also be added to the prestigious Alumni wall of award recipients, located outside the Voinovich Auditorium in the College’s E building.
“The Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes excellence beyond Northwest State — education, professional achievement, service to the community and more,” said Robbin Wilcox, NSCC Executive Director of Development and the NSCC Foundation. “We are proud to recognize these four graduates with this prestigious award.
“We congratulate them for their achievements, and for being tremendous representatives of Northwest State Community College,” Wilcox continued.
ABOUT THE RECIPIENTS
Douglas Bernath is a 1979 NSCC graduate who earned his Associate of Applied Business degree in Marketing/Management.
He continued his education at University of Toledo earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Services/Business in 1981.
Michael Kemerer is a 2001 NSCC graduate who earned his Associate of Applied Science degree in Criminal Justice.
He furthered his education at Bowling Green State University to earn his Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice in 2003. Michael continued on to the University of Toledo, College of Law to earn a Juris Doctor degree in 2006.
Grayden McCashen is a 2012 NSCC graduate who earned an Associate of Arts degree as summa cum laude. He then went on to accomplish a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biblical Studies as summa cum laude from Moody Bible Institute in 2015, and a Master of Philosophy degree in Theology from University of Oxford in 2018.
Grayden continued on to earn his Doctor of Philosophy degree in Historical Studies in Theology and Religion from Emory University in 2024.
Kevin Whitlock is a 1996 NSCC graduate who earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology.
He furthered his education and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from Defiance College in 2002. Kevin continued on to the University of Toledo, College of Law to earn a Juris Doctor degree in 2007.
ABOUT THE DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD
The Distinguished Alumni Award represents the most prestigious award presented by the Alumni Association of Northwest State.
This award was established in 1998 to honor graduates of Northwest State Community College who have achieved recognized prominence in their chosen career and have made significant contributions to their profession, community and the lives of others.
Recipients of the Distinguished Alumni Award represent the ideal of a committed, industrious, and caring individual to whom Northwest State Community College may look as an example.
Additional information on the NSCC Distinguished Alumni Award, including a list of previous recipients, is available online at NorthwestState.edu/alumni/.