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
  • Partner and Co-Head of Global Portfolio Operations Group, Goldman Sachs
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Dean Fealk

  • Distinguished Alumni Award
  • B.A., College of Social Science, 1994
  • Managing Partner, DLA Piper
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Linda Hubbard

  • Distinguished Alumni Award
  • B.A., Eli Broad College of Business, 1982
  • President and CEO, Carhartt, Inc.
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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); Former President, NMB Communications
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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
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Essence Wilson

  • Alumni Service Award
  • M.A., Eli Broad College of Business, 2015
  • Chief Strategy Officer, Communities First, Inc. 
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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 and Sue: Founders and Owners, Beach Communications
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Jeremy Orr

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

  • Young Alumni Award
  • B.S., College of Education and Honors College, 2006
  • Executive Director, Michigan State University Health Care Incorporated
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Mike and Mary Lamach

  • Philanthropist Award
  • Mike: B.S., College of Engineering, 1985; Former Chairman and CEO, Trane Technologies
  • Mary: B.S., College of Education, 1986; Former Educator
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