Alumni
Kristen Emerson
Kris Emerson Simpson may be the best female athlete to come out of Caledonia. As a student athlete, Kris was a three-sport standout. However, she made her mark most as a basketball player. She still holds six CHS records for basketball. In her three years on varsity, she led the Sweet Ladies to three Conference and District titles, a regional title, and 49-14 record.
Kris enjoyed a brilliant four-year career at Michigan State University, where she ranks second on the MSU career scoring and rebounding lists. She started all 109 games in her career for the Spartans and was twice a second team All-American. She still ranks among the all-time leaders in every career statistical category. Following college, Kris played professional basketball in Sweden (1987 – 92) where she was voted the league’s Most Valuable Player in 1990 and 1992.
Today, Kris serves as the first ever full-time head women’s basketball coach at Division I IUPUI (Indiana University/Purdue University at Indianapolis). Kris is heavily involved in community service, contributing time to the Hawthorne Community Center, Big Sisters, Indianapolis Boys and Girls School (a juvenile correction facility), and the YMCA’s Grief and Loss Program. She has been honored by her community with an Unsung Hero Award (Marion County), Volunteer Mentor Award (Indianapolis Business Community), and IUPUI Experience Excellence Award for service "above and beyond the call of duty". Kris is also wife to Rick and mother to 2 year old Ethan.
We are proud to honor Kristen for her athletic achievement, her professional accomplishments, her volunteer leadership and her personal integrity.
Honored Alumni - Past Recipients
- 2012 Kenneth Gackler
- 2011 Hendricka “Henny” Stauffer
- 2010 David Clark
- 2009 Lodema Schroder
- 2008 Ret. Lt. Col. Richard Doezema USMC (Ret.)
- 2007 Bruce Ullrey
- 2006 Alan & Jackie Steeby
- 2005 John Finkbeiner
- 2004 Sharon Weaver
- 2003 Ken Vanbree
- 2002 Willard Stawski
- 2001 Kristen Emerson
- 2000 Rear Admiral Richard P Terpsta
- 1999 Harold Gless
- 1998 Lt. Gov. and Mrs. Richard Posthumus