b'We owe it to them, says Keith. I feel we owe some of our success to the school we began with. Why not help the next generations? Its the only way we can pay back the education we received.When it comes to the work of promoting WPEF and building the funds assets, Denny (who now lives in Santa Clarita, Calif.) and Keith (who lives in Traverse City most of the year) often make the effort to join board meetings in person when they can. Denny works diligently to promote the WPEF through social media, newspapers, and sharing updates and features on fellow alumni who support their mission. They rely on Johns connections and business interests to hold fundraisers like no others in northern Michigan, drawing former Detroit Lions players, pro golfers, and having the complete use of Michigans second largest amusementpark,CedarValleyWildFrontierFunPark,whichJohnhappenstoown.Moving forward, Denny points out that a next generation of alumni will need to step up to continue the work, and hopes that other graduates of the school will see the value and importance of helping the next ones in line at their alma mater.With the shared history of their days at Whittemore-Prescott, and connections that have lasted through theyears,thesethreemenarequicktopointthefingeratoneanother,andothers,forwhohashelpedthisendeavor the most, never taking the credit for themselves. It is clear from the outside looking in that all three, and those on the ground level of the WPEF, have had an equal share in its success.In the end, what is obvious is the heart these men have for the experiences that shaped their own lives, and the drive to lift up those who follow them. And there will be generations of students who can thank a small group of people for that vision.Keith Charters graduated from Whittemore-Prescott Schools in 1959. He spent the majority of his career as co-owner of The Embers on the Bay in Traverse City. He also ran a successful consulting company centered on growth management and land use. Having been appointed by Governor John Engler to the Natural Resources Commission, Keith was its longest serving chairman. His proudest claim to fame is being the only living person in Michigan for whom a State park is named: the Keith J. Charters Traverse City State Park.Denny Fuerst is a 1960 graduate and avid athlete from WP. Denny spent most of his career as a travel industry executive. He was vice president for Princess Cruise Lines for 19 years, eventually retiring as vice president of Uniworld, a river cruise line for Russia, China and Europe. His career has allowed him to travel to45countriesandfivecontinents.John Kulhavi also graduated in 1960 from WP. An Army and Army Reserves veteran, John served as a helicopterpilotandflightleaderinVietnam,andwasinchargeofmobilizingReserveunitsduringOperationDesert Storm. During his time in the Reserves (from which he retired with a rank of Brigadier General), he beganasuccessfulcareerwithMerrillLynchasafinancialadvisor.AsidefromhisinvolvementwithWPEF,John owns multiple businesses and has many philanthropic efforts. He is proud to be CMUs largest living benefactor supporting its neuroscience program, business school, athletics, and other programs.lBelow: Left: WP Superintendent Joe Perrera (front right) and his family pose with former Detroit Lions at a WPEF fundraiser; Right: WP Alumni and WPEF members (left to right) Barbara and Gary Gillings and Carol Long.Passion with a Purpose 13Passion with a Purpose 9'