Inducted 1996
George Weeks
George Weeks has touched the lives of many. “In a career that has covered more than 40 years, Weeks has served the interests of Michiganians as journalists, historian and public servant,” commented Robert Giles, editor and publisher of The Detroit News. Born in 1932 in Traverse City, Weeks graduated from Traverse City High in 1950 and Michigan State University four years later. Returning to his studies as a Kennedy Fellow in 1981, Weeks attended the Harvard University Institute of Politics. The first 15 years of his journalism career were spent with United Press International. His duties included Lansing staff correspondent (1954-1955); Detroit Bureau radio and news editor (1955-1957); Lansing Bureau Chief (1958-1960); diplomatic correspondent (1960-1967); and Washington foreign editor (1967-1969). During the next 14 years, Weeks joined the staff of Gov. William G. Miliken as press secretary (1969), member of special counsel (1974) and executive secretary (1975). “I believe George’s integrity, trustworthiness and candor are why he is among the few reporters who have been able to move into public service and then return successfully to journalism with their credibility intact,” the governor remarked. Weeks returned to his first love – journalism – in 1983 as a political columnist for The Detroit News, where he also reports on public affairs, political developments and breaking news. Additionally, Weeks has freelanced numerous articles and written several books on Michigan. “George Weeks – more than anyone I have ever known – is a newspaper legend,” wrote Tom Farrell, a long-time Michigan reporter and public information officer. “He has the enthusiasm of a young reporter, the wisdom of a veteran newsperson and unparalleled reporting skills.”