Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital

PioneerTribune Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital is gearing up for another celebration on June 21st when Attorney General Bill Schuette will attend the official dedication of the Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital and Rural Health Clinic in a special dedication ceremony honoring his dear friend and Manistique native, Alan W. Ott. A few years ago, the Rollin M. Gerstacker Foundation based in Midland awarded Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital with a $500,000 gift towards our Capital Campaign. Spearheaded by SMH Board Chairman, Don Perigo, a naming opportunity with the foundation was discussed and agreed upon, leading to the Alan W. Ott Rural Health Clinic. Mr. Schuette is a trustee of that foundation. So, who is Alan W. Ott? Mr. Ott was born in Manistique in 1931. He grew up within the city limits on North 2nd Street and was a member of Manistique High School’s graduating class of 1950. While still in high school, he took a part-time job as a bookkeeper at the First National Bank of Manistique, launching a banking career that would last for more than 50 years. Soon after graduating Mr. Ott served in the Korean War. When he returned home, he resumed working at his hometown bank before taking a position in Clare. There he met and married his wife Jean, who was a teller at the time. Together they had two children, a son named Jeff and a daughter named Amy. They relocated to Midland, where he joined the Chemical Bank & Trust Co. as a cashier in 1962. This was a move that would define his professional career with accomplishment and distinction. In 1972, Mr. Ott was named President and Chief Executive Officer of Chemical Bank in Midland. He became Chairman in 1986. He also held the same positions with Chemical Financial Corp. During his tenure with the bank, he led Chemical’s steady growth, acquiring more than 17 banks across the Lower Peninsula. In 2003, the Michigan Bankers Association named Mr. Ott its Banker of the Year. Today, Alan serves as Director Emeritus of Chemical Financial Corp., the second largest bank holding company with assets of nearly $6 billion headquartered and operating branches in Michigan. Ott has received honorary doctorates from Albion College where he served as a trustee, Saginaw Valley State University where he served on the Foundation Board, and Northwood University. SVSU has named an auditorium in its Regional Education Center in his honor. Alan is a recipient of the SVSU Community Service Award and has been named to the Junior Achievement of Central Michigan Business Hall of Fame, recognizing his lengthy business career and community service to the region. Mr. Ott and his wife Jean are strong believers in family and community. He has served on numerous boards including Treasurer of the Elsa U. Pardee Foundation and Vice President and Treasurer of the Rollin M. Gerstacker Foundation. Ott has always kept his hometown close to his heart, bestowing gifts to several organizations throughout the years. On June 21, 2013 at 11:00 am on the grounds of the new Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital, Mr. Ott will return “home” to be honored by his family, friends, community and colleagues from around the state, including his long time friend, the Attorney General, Mr. Bill Schuette. We invite our community to join us on this very special day to honor one of Manistique’s sons and if you know Mr. Ott, to say hello to your old friend. ATTORNEY GENERAL BILL SCHUETTE TO ATTEND HOSPITAL AND RURAL HEALTH CLINIC DEDICATION CEREMONY FOR ALAN W. OTT 7870W US Highway 2 |Manistique, MI Alan W. Ott Attorney General Bill Schuette www.scmh.org <pagedata>4:0.532827854:0.980970323:0.989898562:0.34522897</pagedata>