About the award
Established in 2016, this award recognizes students who have demonstrated success in academics, leadership, professional development, and campus/community service.
Application
To be selected for this program, students must complete an online application. Submissions are ranked by a panel of judges comprised of executives from the business community. Previous winners are not eligible to apply.
Qualifications, required documentation, and recognition are outlined below. Students are encouraged to have their resumes reviewed by Ilitch School Career Services before submission.
Eligibility
All applicants must:
- be fully admitted and currently enrolled in the WSU Mike Ilitch School of Business as an undergraduate, graduate or doctoral student (business minors and certificate programs are not eligible).
- undergraduates must have completed at least 30 credit hours of coursework toward a B.S./B.A. degree; a minimum of 15 credits must have been earned at Wayne State University.
- have an established GPA in their Ilitch School program of study (minimum 3.0 overall GPA).
- demonstrate excellence in college level:
- academics
- leadership
- professional development
- community/campus service
- be 25 years old or younger on March 1, 2025.
- have not been previously recognized with 25 Under 25 honors.
- submit an application by the deadline noted on the application.
Required documentation
When completing the application, students should be prepared to submit:
- description of accomplishments in the following areas: academics, leadership, professional development and community or campus service activities (no more than 750 words in total; PDF).
- updated resume (PDF).
- submit two reference letters that provide proof of significant community service, leadership or professional development (PDF).
- Submit a headshot of yourself dressed in business attire (high-resolution jpeg or png).
Recognition
Students chosen for the 25 Under 25 recognition program will:
- be selected by a panel of judges comprised of industry executives.
- have professional headshots taken by a WSU photographer. These headshots will be used for a recognition booklet, website and social media campaign. Headshots will be shared with students for personal use.
- receive an award and be celebrated at the Ilitch School Gala and Awards Celebration.
- be profiled on the Mike Ilitch School of Business website for the year following the event and highlighted in news releases, social media and other channels.
Important dates
- Monday, December 9, 2024: Program application opens
- January 16, 2025: Application deadline
- February 7 (optional): Professional headshot session for all applicants. This headshot will be available for personal use as well as for awardee profiles listed in the 2025 Ilitch School gala and awards program.
- February 17-18: Winners contacted
- Thursday, April 17: Ilitch School gala and awards event
Friends and alumni of the Mike Ilitch School of Business who are interested in serving as a judge or event sponsor should contact: ilitchevents@wayne.edu.
