One-on-one with Lem Tucker’s friend, Fred Mester

Staff Reporter Sherri Keaton speaks with retired Oakland County Circuit Court Judge Fred Mester, a former friend of CMU alumnus and Journalism Hall of Famer Lem Tucker.

Fred Mester: “I was a sophomore, he was a freshman. I ultimately became president of the student body. We always had a concern for (the) Central Michigan community and interest in serving our greater community, and certainly Lem did that. He spent some months in (the) United States Army. We continued (our) frendship over (the) years. We wanted to do something in his memory and give a legacy to him where he reaches out into the community and individuals who have many obstacles in front of them.”

SK: What was your most vivid memory of him?

FM: “We had a lot of mutual friends and we were friends in Robinson Hall and in the student senate. We jointly shared that platform with Dr. Anspach in ushering not only the college to a university status, but also the students who followed us. I remember being in Washington and we happened to meet each other going up the stairs and we said each other’s name. Our affection continued. The pride we had for the University helps the students continue his legacy after his passing.”

SK: What should future Lem Tucker winners know about Mr. Tucker?

FM: “He pursued excellence in everything he did as a student, student leader and a journalist and a human being with recognizing each obstacle.”

SK: What can students learn from Mr. Tucker about the field of journalism?

FM: “That a graduate of CMU can reach the top in this country of ours and can make an impact. Everything he touched in journalism turned out to be an object of quality. Whatever you write at whatever level, write for quality and excellence and realize that you are writing words that will have impact on human beings. That impact can be good or not.

I came out of Royal Oak High School and in the ’50s we did not have one minority in our school. Most particularly, African-Americans, in working with him, Lem helped all of us to understand Martin Luther King(‘s) creed and how it affects our relationship with human beings. With ensuring doors are open for everyone, we make our lives better and we make a better society in which we live. We can live our own lives, but Lem Tucker’s way is we look to our self achievements and in achieving excellence, we affect our community.
By treating everyone with respect and recognizing each of us play a role in the pursuit of excellence for our families, neighbors, community and great nation. Whatever we do in our life, most particularly our professions, will have a very important impact. We have an impact on others. As a judge, I know I have an impact. We truly can have a positive impact and I think that is what Lem did. He knew the people behind the cameras and in front.”

university@cm-life.com