Veronica Topolewski earns top university awards for academic excellence and community contributions

A recent graduate, Veronica Topolewski earned more than her diploma this spring. Wayne State University, the School of Business Administration and a professional organization presented her with awards for outstanding academic accomplishments, campus and national leadership and international contributions.
Topolewski, an accounting and honors major from Lake Orion, received seven awards. She earned the Howard A. Donnelly Award, the Outstanding Student Award, the Delta Sigma Pi Scholarship Key, the Financial Executives Institute Award, the T. Norris and Vivilore Hitchman Endowed Scholarship, the Campus Life Legacy Award and was inducted into the David Mackenzie Honor Society.
“To say I am grateful for the scholarships I have received from Wayne State and its generous donors would be an understatement,” said Topolewski. “College oftentimes brings with it heavy financial burdens for students; to have that weight lifted off my shoulders is something I will be forever appreciative of.”
Topolewski received the highest honor for a graduating student from both the University and the School of Business Administration. The Howard A. Donnelly Award, established in 1927, is presented to one undergraduate female and one undergraduate male who exhibit overall excellence in leadership, scholarship and service. The business school’s Outstanding Student Award is presented to only one of the approximately 3,600 students enrolled in the School of Business Administration who demonstrates exceptional student leadership. She received this award at the School of Business Administration Annual Recognition and Awards Program on May 5.
“The goals I’ve achieved in college took hard work and dedication, but what made them possible was the fun in getting involved, taking advantage of unique opportunities and learning in general. I wanted to get involved and Wayne State provided the resources to do so,” Topolewski said.
During her education at Wayne State Topolewski participated in a number of university activities and volunteer opportunities while maintaining a 4.0 GPA. She was a member of the school’s Student Senate, president of Project Volunteer, a site leader for Alternative Spring Break Detroit and a board member of National and Global Youth Service Day.
Topolewski also participated in many international experiences. She traveled twice to China on a business-focused study abroad trip and as a member of the Wang Foundation’s summer service learning program. She also worked on environmental conservation projects in Australia and was among 12 students to travel with former Wayne State President Irvin D. Reid to Mozambique, Africa for a historic election.
Topolewski graduated on May 7. She is now participating in an internship at PricewaterhouseCoopers to gain real-world accounting experience and connect with professionals in the field. She plans on completing her MBA and earning her CPA license before entering into public accounting.
“Wayne State has made a tremendous impact on my education and career goals,” Topolewski said. “I have been able to take advantage of many unique opportunities I would not have received elsewhere.”

View photos from the awards program.

Watch Veronica receive her Outstanding Student Award.
 

 

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