Cranbrook Names 2017 President’s Award for Excellence Recipients

Bloomfield Hills, MI – The Cranbrook Educational Community honored four constituents with the President’s Award for Excellence at an annual ceremony for recipients on April 25, 2017.

The President’s Award for Excellence recognizes Cranbrook affiliates who demonstrate outstanding service to the community. Established in 1990 by President Emeritus, Dr. Lillian Bauder, the award is presented to faculty, staff and volunteers, including Governors and Trustees, who epitomize Cranbrook's dedication to excellence and community collaboration.

“The People of Cranbrook demonstrate excellence every day in the roles they play and the contributions they make - all of which is what makes Cranbrook so special.” said Cranbrook President Dominic DiMarco. “Each of this year’s honorees, in his or her own way, represents the very best of Cranbrook.”

The 2017 President’s Award for Excellence recipients are: Aaron Blendowski, Louis Borsheim, Ruth Manz, and Peter Robinson.

Aaron Blendowski is the Woodshop and Fabrications Coordinator for the Cranbrook Academy of Art and a graduate of the Academy’s 3D Design Department. Aaron, a Detroit resident, is also a co-founder of OmniCorpDetroit and a Professor of Practice at Lawrence Technological University in the College of Architecture and Design.

Louis Borsheim has been a staff member of the Cranbrook Educational Community for nearly 50 years. After retiring as Gardens Supervisor, Louis returned to Cranbrook Gardens, where he now gardens a couple days a week during the public tour season (May through October). Louis, a navy veteran, resides in Waterford with his wife Norma Borsheim, who is also a recipient of the President’s Award for Excellence (1998).

Ruth Manz has worked for Cranbrook’s Human Resources Department for 20 years. Starting out as a Senior Administrative Assistant, Ruth has been promoted several times since, holding her current position as Human Resources Manager for the last three years. Ruth is an Oakland University alumna and a resident of Utica.

Peter Robinson is a Cranbrook Schools Class of 1968 alumnus and an active leader of the Cranbrook Educational Community. He has held widespread positions at Cranbrook, including Cranbrook Trustee. Peter twice served as Co-Chair of the Search Committee for the Director of the Academy of Art. He has also served as Chair of the Finance Committee for both the Schools and the Academy of Art. Peter, a Bloomfield Hills resident, is now an Executive Committee member of the Academy of Art Board of Governors and a Schools Governor Emeritus.

President’s Award for Excellence recipients are nominated by their Cranbrook peers for review and selection by President DiMarco. Recipients are recognized in perpetuity with their initials on the legs of benches located around campus. The original designs of the bench legs are the work of Gary Griffin, a former Cranbrook Academy of Art Metalsmithing Artist-in-Residence.

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One of the world’s leading centers of education, science, and art, Cranbrook was founded in 1904 by George Gough and Ellen Scripps Booth. Today, the Cranbrook Educational Community comprises an Academy of Art and Art Museum, a Center for Collections and Research, House and Gardens, an Institute of Science, and Pre-K through 12 independent college preparatory schools. Its National Historic Landmark campus is graced by architecturally significant buildings, outdoor sculpture, and natural and tended landscapes. The Cranbrook community receives more than 300,000 people annually, engaging learners of all ages and interests in educational programs and experiences.