Special events and awards

Each year, the Mike Ilitch School of Business presents signature events and student, alumni, faculty, staff and Michigan business leader awards to celebrate its community, including the following.

Recognition and Awards Program

This intimate Recognition and Awards Program celebrates the incredible accomplishments of the student, faculty and staff recipients the following awards:

25 Under 25 Award

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.

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.

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).

Ilitch School Gala and awards celebration

While we look forward to celebrating our 25 Under 25 and faculty and staff awardees, we will not be proceeding with a full 2025 Gala event. The Gala has been revamped into an invite-only Recognition and Awards Program. 

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 and awards recognize outstanding students, alumni, and business leaders while showcasing the vibrant entrepreneurial and business spirit at the school. 

For more information, please contact Senior Corporate Relations Officer, Sean Schroeder at smschroeder@wayne.edu.