APRIL 10, 2007

Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land today honored a popular Western Michigan University professor for his selfless work in promoting organ donation.

Land presented Dr. David Rozelle with a Shining Star award, which is bestowed on those who demonstrate exemplary donation efforts. Rozelle, an accountancy professor and

37-year WMU employee, also is a heart transplant recipient. WMU interim President Diether H. Haenicke joined Land in recognizing Rozelle's accomplishments.

The honor coincides with a weeklong series of events spearheaded by Land to promote Michigan's "Show Us Your Heart" campaign.

"David is a credit to his university, community and state," Land said. "He teaches his students not only to be successful accountants, but caring citizens as well. With David's guidance and encouragement, Western is a leading institution in promoting the cause of organ donation. The future is brighter for many people in need of transplants because of the example David sets and the commitment he displays."

Haenicke said that Rozelle exemplifies the ideals of WMU.

"David Rozelle is more than an outstanding educator," Haenicke said. "He's a man of character and compassion who actively engages his students on a personal level. David gives his time so that others can understand the importance of organ donation. His tireless work has moved many people to take this lifesaving action. I know the entire WMU family shares my pride in David. He truly is an inspiration."

Following his heart transplant at the University of Michigan in 2001, Rozelle returned to work and began promoting donation. He encouraged the Beta Alpha Psi accounting fraternity to promote donation on campus and in the Kalamazoo area.

In 2005, the WMU chapter of Beta Alpha Psi recruited nearly 830 people to join the Organ Donor Registry during a four-week competition, more than any other university. This year and last year, it signed up a total of more than 1,600 registrants.

Rozelle also volunteers extensively on behalf of Gift of Life Michigan and devotes personal time to speaking to various groups about donation. Rozelle and his wife Sandy live in Kalamazoo.

More than 3,100 Michigan residents are awaiting lifesaving transplants. Nationwide, more than 95,000 Americans are in need. Unfortunately, people die each day while waiting for organs to become available.

Land said that Michigan's new "Show Us Your Heart" campaign is bringing hope to those in need. It encourages everyone to sign up on the Organ Donor Registry.

It's easy to do. Just go to www.Michigan.gov/organdonation and click on the donor registry link. People who enroll receive a heart-logo sticker to affix to the front of their driver's license or state identification card. The sticker signifies a person's wish to be a donor and is an immediate alert to medical personnel or emergency responders.

Anyone who signed up prior to Jan. 1 should re-enroll to receive the heart sticker.

Visit the Department of State Web site at www.Michigan.gov/sos for more information.