Alumni Awards
Each year, the College of Social Science recognizes outstanding alumni and faculty and who have made a real difference to students, MSU and the world during our college awards ceremony.
The Distinguished Alumni Award
Presented annually, this award recognizes a graduate of the MSU College of Social Science whose combination of credentials, experience, and achievements distinguish him or her in his or her chosen field. Nominations are submitted by alumni and college leadership.
2024 - David Blight, PhD
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Past Winners
2023- Margaret Dimond
President of University of Michigan Health-West Region
Phd., Philosophy2022 - David Kelly, PhD
Economics alumnus2022 - Larry Thompson
Sociology alumnus2021 - Harold Henderson
BA, Social Science, 19722019 - Miles Gordon
Retired investment broker/dealer, Aetna Inc.
BA, Social Science, 19682018 - Carolyn Jackson
Chief Human Resources Officer, Coca-Cola North America
MA, Labor and Industrial Relations
BA, Social Science2017 - William Raduchel
Independent Director, Angel Investor, and Strategic Advisor
BA, Economics, 19662016 - Margaret Dimond
President, Crittenden Hospital Medical Center
Ph.D., Social Work, 2010
2015 - David Radelet
Partner, Franczek Radelet Law Firm
BA, Economics, 19782014 - Stewart Zimmerman
Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and President
MFA Mortgage Investments Inc.
BA, Economics, 19652013 - Sameer Hinduja
Associate Professor, School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Florida Atlantic University
Co-Director, Cyberbullying Research Center
MS, Criminal Justice, 2000
Ph.D., Criminal Justice, 20042012 - Joanne B. Eicher
Regents' Professor Emerita, Department of Design, Housing, and Apparel, University of Minnesota
BA, Language and Literature, with a minor in Textiles, Clothing, and Related Arts, 1952
MA, Anthropology and Sociology, 1956
Ph.D., Anthropology and Sociology, 19592011 - Sally Garza Fernandez
Founder and CEO of The Fernandez Group
BA, Political Science, 1980
View Video of Sally Garza Fernandez' award presentation and speech2010 - Brigadier General James Anderson
Assistant Adjutant General - Army, Michigan National Guard
Ph.D., Family and Child Ecology, 20002009 - Gordon Kettler
Executive Director of Global Security, General Motors
B, Social Science, 1963
M, Criminal Justice, 19642008 - Terry Nafisi
Clerk, United States District Court, Central District of California
B, Social Science, 1972
MA, Political Science, 19752007 - Mark Murray
President, Meijer, Inc.
BA, Economics, 1976
MA, Labor and Industrial Relations, 19792006 - Dr. Kwasi Adarkwa
Vice-Chancellor, KNUST University, Kumasi, Ghana
Ph.D., Urban & Regional Planning, 19822005 - Ralph Polumbo
Head of Human Capital for Deephaven Capital Mgt
MLIR, Labor and Industrial Relations, 19762004 - Dr. Joseph White
Psychologist
Ph.D., Psychology, 19612003 -Ann Cooper
BA, Social Science, 19582002 - Dorothy A. Nelson
BA, Tourism, 1974
BA, Anthropology, 1976
MA, Anthropology, 1979
Ph.D., Anthropology, 19852001 - Donna Hrinak
BA, Multidisciplinary Program, 19722000 - Marvin Schiller
MA, Clinical Psychology, 1958
Ph.D., Industrial Psychology, 19591999 - Luther Christman
Ph.D., Sociology, 19651998 - Liz Schweitzer
BA, Multidisciplinary Program, 19721997 - Chris Wells
MLIR, Labor and Industrial Relations, 19821996 - David Lyon
BS, City and Regional Planning, 19631995 - Don Weatherspoon
BS, Police Administration, 19671993 - Martha Bibbs
BA, Sociology, 19711992 - Schun Hagiwara
MUP, Urban Planning, 1977
Ph.D., Urban and Regional Planning, 19821991 - Kate Pew Wolters
MSW, Social Work, 19821990 - Ernest Green
BA, Social Science, 1962
MA, Sociology, 19641989 - No award given
1988 - Harvey Cary Dzodin
BA, Political Science, 19691987 - Charles Kiesler
BA, Psychology, 19581986 - William Barton
BA, Criminal Justice, 19521985 - William Sederburg
MA, Political Science, 1972
Ph.D., Political Science, 19741984 - Debbie Stabenow
BA, Multidisciplinary Program, 1972
MSW, Social Work, 1976
Alumni Service Award
Presented to Michigan State University College of Social Science graduate who has demonstrated service to the college and/or meritorious public service on a local, state, national, or international level.
2023 - Neal Schmitt, PhD & Kara Schmitt, PhD
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Past Winners
2022 - Colleen Haley
Psychology & Human Resources and Labor Relations alumna2022 - Vada Waters Lindsey
College of Social Science alumna2022 - Jon Lynch
Urban & Regional Planning alumnus2021 - Jennifer Shimp
BS, Social Science, 19842021 - Rosa Weaver
BA, Criminal Justice, 20022021 - Neal Hegarty
MPA, Social Science, 19972019 - Don Spence
President and CEO, Ebb Therapeutics, Inc.
BA, Economics, 19752019 - Ann Tomlanovich
Executive Board of Advisors, MSU Women’s Leadership Institute
BS, Anthropology
Young Alumni Award
Given to College of Social Science graduates of the last ten years who have distinguished themselves through a high level of professional accomplishment early in their career. These individuals demonstrate a commitment to the College of Social Science through outstanding volunteer service on behalf of the university, and/or participation and leadership in meritorious public service on a local, state, national, or international level.
2024 - Charlie Booher
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Past Winners
2023- Chayse Hurley
Political Science & Public Policy alumna2023- Elias Kokaly
Criminal Justice alumnus2022 - Jessica Kingston
Psychology & Criminal Justice alumna2022 - S. Nicholas Nefouse
Economics alumnus2021 - Alejandra Loaiza-Delgado
BA, Economics, 20162021 - Jay Thaker
BA, Economics, 2011
BS, Interdisciplinary Studies, 20112019 - Brooke Yost
MHRLR, Human Resources and Labor Relations2019 - Michael Watson
BS, Economics, 2010
Humanitarian Award
Given to a College of Social Science graduate with demonstrated support, aid and action designed to alleviate suffering and maintain and protect human dignity on a global, regional, or local scale.
2023- Mike & Denise Busley
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Past Winners
2022 - Felicia Turrentine Wasson
College of Social Science alumna2021 - Mary Tavarozzi
BA, Social Science, 19792019 - Karen Schrock
BA, Psychology
MS, Criminal Justice
Philanthropy Award
Presented to an individual, family, association, corporation, or foundation with a proven record of providing major, ongoing financial support and leadership to the College of Social Science at Michigan State University.
2024 - Barbara & Mark Gerson
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Past Winners
2023- Karl & Barbara Becker
MSU supporters2023- Gerald & Jean Rakoczy
MSU alumni2022 - Dr. Michael & Janet Leonard
MSU alumni2021 - Laurie Linscott
MA, Social Science, 19982021 - Irv Lesher
MBA, Marketing, 19752019 - Christine Mason Soneral
BA, PreLaw/Political Science