Alumni Grand Awards

2023 Recipients

Distinguished Alumni Award

Presented to alumni who have differentiated themselves by obtaining the highest level of professional accomplishment in their field.

Randolph Cowen
B.A. College of Social Science, College of Arts & Letters and Honors College, ’74
A natural-born leader, Randy has used his achievements to help rising leaders at MSU transform research in emerging industries.
Read More
Larry Thompson
B.A. Culver-Stockton College, ’67;
M.A. College of Social Science, ’69;
J.D. University of Michigan, ’74
Through his lifetime of work in public service, Larry has distinguished himself as an extraordinary Spartan.
Read More
Thomas Wielenga
B.S. College of Engineering and Honors College, ’78;
M.S. University of Michigan, ’79;  
Ph.D. University of Michigan, ’84 
Thomas’ legacy of creativity, entrepreneurship and philanthropy continues to inspire Spartans and they, he says, inspire him. 
Read More

Alumni Service Award

Presented to alumni who have demonstrated service to MSU and/or meritorious public service on a local, state, national or international level.

Matthew & Sarah Cantwell
Matthew:
B.A., M.S. Eli Broad College of Business, ’04

Sarah:
B.A. James Madison College, ’03;
M.P.A. College of Social Science, ’05;
M.S. Columbia University, ’10

The impact of Sarah and Matthew’s leadership, Spartan engagement, community service and philanthropic contributions to MSU are stellar examples of what the Alumni Service Award represents.
Read More

Young Alumni Award

Presented to alumni age 40 or younger who have distinguished themselves through a high level of professional accomplishment early in their career.

Allison Campbell
B.A. James Madison College and Honors College, ’08;
M.B.A. Harvard University, ’18 
Allison’s entrepreneurial leadership has exemplified the extraordinary difference Spartans can make in the world.
Read More
Leila Chatti
B.A. Residential College in the Arts and Humanities and Honors College, ’11;
M.F.A. North Carolina State University, ’15
As a mentor to young writers, Leila is a poet who represents the best of the Spartan spirit.
Read More
Alexandra Clark
B.A. Eli Broad College of Business, ’10;
Ph.D. Massey University, ’12
Alexandra is a creative entrepreneur, who generously gives of her time to MSU students and alumni.
Read More

Endea Owens
B. MUS. College of Music, ’15;
M.M. The Juilliard School, ’18
As a proud MSU alum, Endea exemplifies the Spartan spirit in her passion for philanthropy and teaching.
Read More

Philanthropist Award

Presented to individuals, families, associations, corporations or foundations with a proven record of providing major, ongoing financial support and leadership to Michigan State University. Their generosity encourages others to take leadership roles in philanthropy toward MSU.

Bonnie Larson
B.A. College of Social Science, ’70
Bonnie inspires others with her unwavering dedication and commitment to philanthropic leadership, which has made a long-lasting impact at MSU and in the Detroit community.
Read More