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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
    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.

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  • Larry Thompson
    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.

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  • Thomas Wielenga
    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. 

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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.

  • Sarah & Matthew Cantwell
    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.

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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
    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.

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  • Leila Chatti
    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.

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  • Alexandra Clark
    Alexandra Clark
    B.A. Eli Broad College of Business, ’10;
    Pg.D. Massey University, ’12

    Alexandra is a creative entrepreneur, who generously gives of her time to MSU students and alumni. 

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  • Endea Owens
    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.

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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
    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.

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