Donnie Haye, Alumni Service Award Recipient

November 14, 2024

College of Engineering

The Alumni Service Award is presented to alumni who have demonstrated service to MSU and/or meritorious public service on a local, state, national or international level.

She is a leader, a globe trotter and a Spartan.

Donnie Haye exemplifies Spartans’ determination to give back; while she makes a lasting impact around the globe through her career, she continues to share her time and expertise with the MSU community.  

After earning her Bachelor of Science in Engineering Art, Donnie went on to have an outstanding career at IBM, holding numerous leadership roles — including six vice president positions — in finance, operations and marketing across the US, Europe and Asia. Her illustrious career culminated in the role of vice president of client and channel enablement for IBM's Integrated Supply Chain. When she retired in 2017, she left behind a legacy of innovation and excellence recognized by multiple IBM awards and industry accolades, including a pending patent. 

Throughout her career, Donnie has been a committed and engaged MSU alum, volunteering her time, talents and resources to support university initiatives. Her dedication includes serving on the Engineering Alumni Board for 10 years, including as vice chair and chair, and on the Applied Engineering Sciences Alumni Board for 17 years. She served on the MSU Research Foundation Advisory Board from 2019 to 2022. 

Despite living in North Carolina and later retiring to Florida, Donnie's dedication to MSU remains unwavering. She has consistently traveled back to MSU to connect with students, hosting College of Engineering alumni events, participating as a 2022 MSU Women in STEM philanthropy panelist and volunteering her time speaking to students and judging engineering capstone projects. She was also the 2023 College of Engineering commencement speaker. Donnie has been honored for her contributions to MSU multiple times over the years, receiving the 2010 Applied Engineering Sciences Alumni Award and the 2023 College of Engineering Claud Erickson Alumni Award. 

As she continues to support the university and its students, Donnie's career and volunteer efforts have enhanced the Spartan experience for countless students and significantly promoted MSU, making her a respected figure in the field of engineering. 

“I have always wanted, in some way, to give back to Michigan State because I had such an amazing experience here and I think the university truly appreciates any support you can give.

 

Author: Anna Ludlow