Alumni Awards
Each year, the Wayne State University Alumni Association honors the accomplishments of outstanding alumni who exemplify the Wayne State spirit of achievement, excellence and service through two awards: the Distinguished Alumni Award and the Homer D. Strong Award.
Honoring the accomplishments of outstanding alumni
Wayne State University alumni award winners make meaningful contributions to society in groundbreaking ways. This year’s honorees have both returned to WSU as mentors, sharing their passion and vision with a new generation of Warriors. One alumna champions urban health and uses her clinical and research skills to benefit Detroit’s underserved population. The other awardee enjoyed a successful career in industry before bringing his vision of innovation to the classroom. Both represent Wayne State University's commitment to the power of education, urban health and innovation. Their achievements mobilize our students, strengthen Detroit and keep our university competitive.
2024 Alumni Award Videos
2024 Distinguished Alumni Award Recipient
Teena Chopra ’11
Dr. Teena Chopra ’11 is the 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award recipient. Since receiving her MS in Public Health in 2011, Dr. Chopra has been a dedicated advocate for the health of all Detroiters. In 2020, she led a student project to install mobile hand hygiene stations in the Detroit community, with a particular focus on homeless shelters. She has mentored the Infectious Disease Interest Group for eight years, and her focus on Detroit’s underserved population is well-aligned with Wayne State’s commitment to urban health. By publishing the outcomes of her research efforts, she extends her impact to urban communities across the globe.
2024 Homer D. Strong Award Recipient
Donald Smolenski, ’79, ’90
Dr. Don Smolenski ’79, ’90 is the 2024 Homer D. Strong Award recipient. He received his Master of Science in Chemical Engineering in 1979 and completed his Ph.D. in 1990. During 33 years at General Motors in research and development, he co-invented the GM automatic engine oil life monitor, which is estimated to have saved 100 million gallons of oil and more than $500 million in warranty costs. Don later joined the College of Engineering where he served as the inaugural chair of the Alumni Council and maintains close ties with his alma mater.
