Signature awards
Each year, the Mike Ilitch School of Business presents signature awards to Michigan business leaders, alumni and faculty at our Recognition and Awards Program.
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Michigan Executive of the Year
The Michigan Executive of the Year Award recognizes an individual in a senior leadership position at a business, government or nonprofit organization that is based or has a substantial presence in the state of Michigan. The primary criteria for selection of this award are recent or ongoing actions by the honoree and/or his or her organization that are likely to reflect positively on the state of Michigan and the disciplines researched and taught within the Mike Ilitch School of Business.
2020
Ron Staley
The Christman Company
2019
Frank Venegas
The Ideal Group
2018
Andy Appleby
General Sports and Entertainment
2017
La June Montgomery Tabron
W.K. Kellogg Foundation
2016
Nancy Schlichting
Henry Ford Health System
2015
Andra M. Rush
The Rush Group Family of Companies
2014
Susan T. Mosey
Midtown Detroit, Inc.
2013
Robert G. Riney
Henry Ford Health System
2009
James B. Nicholson
PVS Chemicals, Inc.
2008
Florine Mark
The WW Group, Inc.
2007
George G. Johnson
George Johnson & Company
2006
David A. Brandon
Domino's Pizza
2005
Jay Alix
AlixPartners Holdings, Inc.
2004
Peter Karmanos, Jr.
Compuware Corporation
2003
G. Richard Wagoner, Jr.
General Motors Corporation
2001
Peter Schweitzer
J. Walter Thompson Company
2000
Matty and Nora Moroun and Family
CenTra, Inc.
1999
Michael and Marian Ilitch and Family
Ilitch Holdings, Inc.
Distinguished Alumni Award
The Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes alumni of the Mike Ilitch School of Business whose exceptional achievements over a career in business, education or public service have brought honor and distinction to his or her alma mater.
Emerging Leader Award
The Emerging Leader Award recognizes a more recent graduate of the Mike Ilitch School of Business who has already distinguished themselves as a "rising star" in their industry or community and who shows even greater promise for the future.
Inspirational Teacher Award
This award provides our proud WSU business school alumni with the opportunity to submit stories about professors who truly inspired them, encouraged them, broadened their horizons or made a lasting positive impact on their lives. Nominees must be living current or former members of the WSU Mike Ilitch School of Business faculty (full time or part time).
