John Crusoe of Royal Oak, executive director of the university counseling and placement services at Wayne State University, will receive the 1999 Educator of the Year award from the Midwest Cooperative Education Association. Crusoe helped found the organization 25 years ago.

The association's Board of Governors is recognizing Crusoe for his significant contributions in promoting and sustaining the cooperative education philosophy. His department oversees Wayne State's student co-op program, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.

"I was greatly surprised when I was notified of this award," he said. "It's a significant recognition for Wayne State University since the institution has, over the years, provided me with the opportunity to participate in and provide leadership to the cooperative education movement.

"It seems like only yesterday I contacted a few corporate and college cooperative education professionals in Michigan, Ohio and Indiana suggesting that we might get together to start a regional cooperative education association."

The award will be presented during a special banquet in Des Moines, Iowa.