Grand Awards

Spartans work every day to tackle the world’s most pressing challenges. Each year, we honor Spartans who embody excellence and elevate the prestige of Michigan State University with an award. These awards are among the highest distinctions MSU bestows upon its alums.

 

Oct. 23

2025 Induction Event

698

Awardees Since 1946

5

Award Categories

2025 Recipients

Darius Adamczyk

  • Distinguished Alumni Award
  • B.S., College of Engineering, 1988
  • Co-Head Business Operations of Private Asset Investments, Goldman Sachs 

Dean Fealk

  • Distinguished Alumni Award
  • B.A., College of Social Science, 1994
  • Manager Partner, Northern California, DLA Piper

Linda Hubbard

  • Distinguished Alumni Award
  • B.A., Eli Broad College of Business, 1982
  • President and CEO, Carhartt, Inc.

Nancy McCauley Branstetter

  • Distinguished Alumni Award
  • B.A., College of Communication Arts and Sciences, 1972; M.A., College of Communication Arts and Sciences, 1979
  • Retired TV2 Reporter, Anchor, Fox Two (WJBK Television); Manager of Communications, Ford Motor Company; President, NMB Communications

Todd Penegor 

  • Distinguished Alumni Award
  • B.A., Eli Broad College of Business, 1987; M.B.A., Eli Broad College of Business, 1989
  • President and CEO, Papa Johns

Essence Wilson

  • Alumni Service Award
  • M.A., Eli Broad College of Business, 2015
  • CSO, Communities First, Inc. 

Rex and Sue Smith

  • Alumni Service Award
  • Rex: B.A., College of Social Science, 1978; M.A. College of Education, 1980
  • Sue: B.A., College of Social Science, 1979; M.L.I.R., College of Social Science, 1981
  • Rex: Owner and Founder, Beach Communications
  • Sue: Human Resources, Beach Communications

Jeremy Orr

  • Young Alumni Award
  • B.S., College of Social Science, 2009; M.S., College of Social Science, 2012; J.D. and M.J., College of Law, 2016
  • Director of Litigation & Advocacy Partnerships, Earthjustice

Lucas VanEtten

  • Young Alumni Award
  • B.S., College of Education and Honors College, 2006
  • Executive Director, MSU-UM Neuro Care Network,
  • Michigan State University Health Care Incorporated

Mike and Mary Lamach

  • Philanthropist Award
  • Mike: B.S., College of Engineering, 1985
  • Mary: B.S., College of Education, 1986