For Bill and Carla Kanine, Central Michigan University is more than just a school, but a cherished part of their life story. From their early days as undergraduates to becoming grand marshals for this year’s homecoming parade, their connection to CMU has deep roots.

Their journey began at Shepherd High School, where the couple first met and fell in love. Shortly after their graduation, they got married.

Growing up in Central Michigan, Bill and Carla said they were drawn to CMU because of its familiarity.

“I spent a lot of time at CMU watching ball games or playing at Finch Fieldhouse/Rose Arena and swimming in the pool that used to be there,” Bill said. “So, I was very comfortable with the campus, and because of that comfort, after high school it was a logical and good place to go.”

CMU quickly became their “first home,” as they moved into married housing in September of Bill’s freshman year, Bill said. There, they raised their two daughters while simultaneously pursuing their educational and professional dreams.

Bill pursued a degree in business administration during his time at CMU, eventually becoming a certified public accountant. Meanwhile, Carla, although taking a few classes, primarily focused on nurturing the family.

Their days were a whirlwind of classes, parenting and part-time jobs – Bill at the United States Postal Service and Carla at a local restaurant.

Their connection to CMU deepened when they became resident assistants at the Northwest Apartments on campus. This role allowed them to connect with other married couples and young families.

“It was a great place for us to start our life together,” Carla said. “It was a very tight knit group of people and friends... that really helped us be able to kind of bond as a family.”

After Bill graduated in 1982 and their daughters started school, Carla went back to CMU to pursue a career in education. She later taught fourth and fifth grade students in Northern Michigan.

Despite the challenges of juggling family life, academics and work, the two both look back on their time at CMU fondly.

“We liked our neighbors, we liked the community,” Bill said. “It was a place where you could participate and be happy, and that was important when you’re 20 years old with kids and going to college.”

Their connection with CMU continued even after they left Mount Pleasant to pursue their careers in Northern Michigan.

Over the years, the couple has made donations to support various CMU projects, including the Chippewa Champions Center, the Baseball/Softball Turf Project, the Medical School and the Chippewa Athletics Fund.

In 2011, Bill was appointed by former Gov. Rick Snyder to serve as a member on the Board of Trustees, where he spent eight years.

“You get to see how a big institution works, working in governance and finding out all the things that you never know as a student or really as just a community member,” Bill said. “It was a great experience. (I) worked with great people.”

Over the summer, CMU President Bob Davies asked Bill and Carla to be the grand marshals for this year’s homecoming. While initially taken aback, the Kanines happily agreed.

“We’re extremely honored,” Bill said. “Perhaps not the most deserving, but there are tremendous people that have represented Central Michigan as grand marshals, and we’re just happy and humbled to be included in that group.”

As they prepare for this year’s festivities, Bill and Carla are looking forward to reuniting with old friends and being a part of the CMU community.

“We probably would have been there, but (we’ll) maybe just be standing in some different shoes,” Carla said. “So it’s exciting to be able to be involved with all of that.”

The weekend of homecoming, Bill and Carla will return to their first home, once again.

“We’re coming home,” Bill said. “It’ll be fun to see a lot of great people and interact with all the excitement and activities that are going on. We’re very thankful.”