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.
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
2023- Margaret Dimond
President of University of Michigan Health-West Region
Phd., Philosophy
2022 - David Kelly, PhD
Economics alumnus
2022 - Larry Thompson
Sociology alumnus
2021 - Harold Henderson
BA, Social Science, 1972
2019 - Miles Gordon
Retired investment broker/dealer, Aetna Inc.
BA, Social Science, 1968
2018 - Carolyn Jackson
Chief Human Resources Officer, Coca-Cola North America
MA, Labor and Industrial Relations
BA, Social Science
2017 - William Raduchel
Independent Director, Angel Investor, and Strategic Advisor
BA, Economics, 1966
2016 - Margaret Dimond
President, Crittenden Hospital Medical Center
Ph.D., Social Work, 2010
2015 - David Radelet
Partner, Franczek Radelet Law Firm
BA, Economics, 1978
2014 - Stewart Zimmerman
Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and President
MFA Mortgage Investments Inc.
BA, Economics, 1965
2013 - 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, 2004
2012 - 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, 1959
2011 - Sally Garza Fernandez
Founder and CEO of The Fernandez Group
BA, Political Science, 1980
View Video of Sally Garza Fernandez' award presentation and speech
2010 - Brigadier General James Anderson
Assistant Adjutant General - Army, Michigan National Guard
Ph.D., Family and Child Ecology, 2000
2009 - Gordon Kettler
Executive Director of Global Security, General Motors
B, Social Science, 1963
M, Criminal Justice, 1964
2008 - Terry Nafisi
Clerk, United States District Court, Central District of California
B, Social Science, 1972
MA, Political Science, 1975
2007 - Mark Murray
President, Meijer, Inc.
BA, Economics, 1976
MA, Labor and Industrial Relations, 1979
2006 - Dr. Kwasi Adarkwa
Vice-Chancellor, KNUST University, Kumasi, Ghana
Ph.D., Urban & Regional Planning, 1982
2005 - Ralph Polumbo
Head of Human Capital for Deephaven Capital Mgt
MLIR, Labor and Industrial Relations, 1976
2004 - Dr. Joseph White
Psychologist
Ph.D., Psychology, 1961
2003 -Ann Cooper
BA, Social Science, 1958
2002 - Dorothy A. Nelson
BA, Tourism, 1974
BA, Anthropology, 1976
MA, Anthropology, 1979
Ph.D., Anthropology, 1985
2001 - Donna Hrinak
BA, Multidisciplinary Program, 1972
2000 - Marvin Schiller
MA, Clinical Psychology, 1958
Ph.D., Industrial Psychology, 1959
1999 - Luther Christman
Ph.D., Sociology, 1965
1998 - Liz Schweitzer
BA, Multidisciplinary Program, 1972
1997 - Chris Wells
MLIR, Labor and Industrial Relations, 1982
1996 - David Lyon
BS, City and Regional Planning, 1963
1995 - Don Weatherspoon
BS, Police Administration, 1967
1993 - Martha Bibbs
BA, Sociology, 1971
1992 - Schun Hagiwara
MUP, Urban Planning, 1977
Ph.D., Urban and Regional Planning, 1982
1991 - Kate Pew Wolters
MSW, Social Work, 1982
1990 - Ernest Green
BA, Social Science, 1962
MA, Sociology, 1964
1989 - No award given
1988 - Harvey Cary Dzodin
BA, Political Science, 1969
1987 - Charles Kiesler
BA, Psychology, 1958
1986 - William Barton
BA, Criminal Justice, 1952
1985 - William Sederburg
MA, Political Science, 1972
Ph.D., Political Science, 1974
1984 - Debbie Stabenow
BA, Multidisciplinary Program, 1972
MSW, Social Work, 1976
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
2022 - Colleen Haley
Psychology & Human Resources and Labor Relations alumna
2022 - Vada Waters Lindsey
College of Social Science alumna
2022 - Jon Lynch
Urban & Regional Planning alumnus
2021 - Jennifer Shimp
BS, Social Science, 1984
2021 - Rosa Weaver
BA, Criminal Justice, 2002
2021 - Neal Hegarty
MPA, Social Science, 1997
2019 - Don Spence
President and CEO, Ebb Therapeutics, Inc.
BA, Economics, 1975
2019 - Ann Tomlanovich
Executive Board of Advisors, MSU Women’s Leadership Institute
BS, Anthropology
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
2023- Chayse Hurley
Political Science & Public Policy alumna
2023- Elias Kokaly
Criminal Justice alumnus
2022 - Jessica Kingston
Psychology & Criminal Justice alumna
2022 - S. Nicholas Nefouse
Economics alumnus
2021 - Alejandra Loaiza-Delgado
BA, Economics, 2016
2021 - Jay Thaker
BA, Economics, 2011
BS, Interdisciplinary Studies, 2011
2019 - Brooke Yost
MHRLR, Human Resources and Labor Relations
2019 - Michael Watson
BS, Economics, 2010
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
2022 - Felicia Turrentine Wasson
College of Social Science alumna
2021 - Mary Tavarozzi
BA, Social Science, 1979
2019 - Karen Schrock
BA, Psychology
MS, Criminal Justice
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
2023- Karl & Barbara Becker
MSU supporters
2023- Gerald & Jean Rakoczy
MSU alumni
2022 - Dr. Michael & Janet Leonard
MSU alumni
2021 - Laurie Linscott
MA, Social Science, 1998
2021 - Irv Lesher
MBA, Marketing, 1975
2019 - Christine Mason Soneral
BA, PreLaw/Political Science
Rachel Schmidt
Senior Director of Development
College of Social Science
rschmidt@msu.edu