Wayne State will be hosting several alumni-oriented events for Homecoming 2024 including a banquet, a scholarship luncheon and a new 10 under 10 event.
The Alumni Banquet chooses one alumni from the School of Education, the School of Business and Technology, the School of Arts and Humanities as well as the School of Science, Health and Criminal Justice. The alumni are chosen through a committee that chooses the most outstanding person throughout the year.
This event is open to the public but costs money both for the meal and admission. Those being presented at the Oct. 5 banquet and receiving awards are Bruce and Linda Joern, Stacey Johnson, Riley Hamilton, Angela Hlava and Stephane VanderMeulen.
The Scholarship Luncheon used to be one big event but was split up into a two-day event. The luncheon is for scholarship donors and students who received scholarships to talk and meet. This year’s luncheon will be on Oct 2-3 at 12 p.m.
The 10 under 10 is a new event to showcase young alumni. It offers students a chance to ask alumni about graduating and hardships after college. The panel event lasts for an hour and afterward, there will be a reception where the 10 alumni can each get an award.
“These awards recognize and celebrate the remarkable achievements of Wayne State alumni who are already shaping the future with their contributions to their professions and communities,” Amber Sperry, director of alumni relations for the Wayne State Foundation, said.
Sperry came up with the 10 under 10 event after she saw it at a conference she went to in Chicago. She thought it would be a good idea to do it here for WSC’s alumni and students.
“We look forward to recognizing these and many more young leaders in the years to come, much like we do with our Outstanding Alumni Awards,” Sperry said.
The alumni are chosen through a committee and nominations. Those chosen must fill out an application that is sent to the committee with a scoring rubric. The criteria for the applicants are emerging leaders making significant contributions by living out their calling, making a difference and serving as an outstanding role model for current and future students and alumni.
The nominees must also use their education to think about important issues with wisdom and clarity as well as engage in their local or global community through professional or volunteer involvement. The 10 alumni who scored the highest gets to be part of the 10 under 10. This event is on Oct. 4 at 2 p.m.
These events highlight and show appreciation for WSC alumni and give students a chance to see what life after college is like as well as engage with donors.
