Loren Townes
2017 Mike Ilitch School of Business 25 Under 25 winner
B.S. in Marketing, minor in Communication Studies, expected August 2017
After a false start at Eastern Michigan University in 2009, Loren Townes worked many low-paying jobs, through which he developed business skills and interests. With years of exposure to sales, relationship management and marketing, he yearned to expand his knowledge and capacity to promote solid business practices.
In 2013, Loren enrolled at Washtenaw Community College in Ann Arbor, challenging himself with rigorous business courses. It was at WCC that he developed a passion for educational leadership. Ultimately, he was inducted into the National Honor Society of Phi Theta Kappa and landed a position as a student ambassador. In this role, he facilitated student orientations and implemented marketing strategies to promote participation.
He was awarded the Washtenaw Community College Foundation Scholarship and selected to speak at the foundation's Scholarship Luncheon, an experience that inspired his passion for motivational speaking. When he graduated with honors from WCC, he was the student commencement speaker. He has worked as a college relations specialist at WCC since 2015.
Loren began his Wayne State career in fall 2015. He joined the Marketing and Communications Street Squad, a team that welcomes and educates prospective students and community members. Recently selected as a Ilitch School scholarship, Loren continues to advocate for scholastic achievement during public presentations on youth education.
He also serves the community, delivering meals the homebound through Meals on Wheels and volunteering with Hashtag Lunchbag Detroit in their efforts to feed the homeless.
After graduation, Loren plans to dedicate his time and energy to developing his own business, which provides motivational speaking, leadership development, and educational leadership to youth, community organizations and businesses.
"Hardships and sacrifices have helped me identify my greatest strengths and weaknesses en route to my success, which I now use as a testimony to uplift and impact others," Loren says.