(ANGOLA) – A Sturgis resident was one of four alumni honored by Trine University.

John Carmichael was given the Outstanding Achievement Award during Friday’s annual Touchstone and Homecoming Celebration Dinner. The event was held in the Keith E. Bussee/Steel Dynamics Inc. Athletic and Recreation Center.

Carmichael, a 2003 Business Administration graduate, pursues his passion for ensuring long-term opportunity and vitality for Sturgis, Michigan. At Root and Branch Real Estate LLC, Carmichael focuses on developing projects that drive investment and integrate pressing community needs.

Carmichael is President and Co-founder of GT Independence, where he previously served as CEO. Since its founding in 2004, Carmichael has been instrumental in developing GT Independence into a national leader in financial management services that has helped more than 100,000 Medicaid beneficiaries in 18 states direct their home and community based care.

Carmichael serves on the Sturgis Area Community Foundation board as well as with the Sturgis Economic Development Corporation and Sturgis Brownfield Redevelopment Authority. In 2008, at age 30, he became the youngest mayor in Sturgis' history.

The Outstanding Achievement Award is given each year to an alumnus or alumna who has attained a high level of achievement in his or her profession, is well thought of in his or her community, and who upholds the ideals of Trine University.

Also honored during the event were Travis Wilhelm, Class of 1999, with the Distinguished Service Award; Benjamin Syroka, Class of 2016 with the Outstanding Young Alumnus Award; and Donnie Danklefsen, Class of 2003, with the Spirit Of Trine Alumni Award. Danklefsen is also the Trine University Softball Head Coach, having served in that position since 2004.