Special events and awards
Each year, the Mike Ilitch School of Business presents signature events and students, alumni, faculty, staff and Michigan business leader awards.
Recognition and awards program
The annual Recognition and awards program celebrates several categories of notable awardees, including the following.
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.
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.
Entrepreneurship and Innovation Hall of Fame
The Mike Ilitch School of Business Entrepreneurship and Innovation Hall of Fame inductees are honored for their long-standing, demonstrated commitment to vision, innovation and perseverance within the Detroit business community and beyond; it is a program of the Ilitch School's Belinsky Entrepreneurship Learning Laboratory (BELL).
Outstanding Student Award
Nominated by Ilitch School faculty and staff and selected by the dean's office, Outstanding Student Award winners are chosen based on academic achievement, service to the school and university, and community involvement.
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).
25 Under 25 recognition program
Established in 2016, this award recognizes graduate and undergraduate students who have demonstrated success in at least two of the following categories: academics, leadership, professional development and/or campus/community service. To be selected, students must complete an online application. Submissions are ranked by a panel of judges comprised of executives from the business community.
While students must complete the application themselves, others are welcome to suggest students for participation by sending their name and contact information to ilitchevents@wayne.edu.
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.
Ilitch School gala & awards celebration
The Ilitch School Gala is a community celebration that includes a ceremony for Distinguished Faculty Awards, Sue Garr Innovative Teaching Award, Staff Excellence Awards in addition to the 25 Under 25 student awards. All students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends of the school are encouraged to attend this annual spring black tie event.
Distinguished Faculty Awards - Research, Service, Teaching
These awards recognize three Mike Ilitch School of Business faculty members for exemplary dedication to teaching, research and/or service.
Sue Garr Innovative Teaching Award
This award recognizes an outstanding educator that demonstrates extraordinary and/or innovative efforts in teaching. The award was founded by the Sue Garr Innovative Teaching Fund, established in 2007 in memory of Sue Garr, who taught accounting at Wayne State University for more than 20 years.
Staff Excellence Award
This award recognizes members of the Ilitch School administrative staff who demonstrate exceptionalism in the workplace in one or more of the following areas: job knowledge, quality of work, teamwork, and innovation and adaptability.
Annual Recognition & Awards Program
Established in 1980, the Annual Recognition & Awards Program recognizes recipients of the Michigan Executive of the Year, Distinguished Alumni, Emerging Leader, Entrepreneurship & Innovation Hall of Fame, Inspirational Teacher and Outstanding Student awards.
Sponsorship opportunities
Sponsorship offers a unique way to engage with the Ilitch School community, while supporting the next generation of business leaders. The Ilitch School invites sponsors to support a variety of signature events that celebrate excellence, innovation, and community. Events such as the Annual Recognition and Awards Program, Back to School Bash, Annual Gala, GM/GSCM Case Competition, Elevator Pitch Competition, and Tech Pitch Competition offer valuable sponsorship opportunities. These events recognize outstanding students, alumni, and business leaders while showcasing the vibrant entrepreneurial and business spirit at the school.
To sponsor an event, please contact Senior Corporate Relations Officer, Sean Schroeder at smschroeder@wayne.edu.