Henry and Donnelly awards

Shane Tinsley '23, a member of the Irvin D. Reid Honors College, received a bachelor's in philosophy from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, with a minor in biochemistry and chemical biology. Shane credits an amazing mentor in his learning community with making the hard transition from high school. Her advice and encouragement gave Shane confidence in his abilities, leading to his success in higher education both scholastically and in many extracurricular activities. In his junior year, Shane walked in his mentor's shoes by becoming a peer mentor to four inspiring first-year students and was an undergraduate biological science course learning assistant. With respect to community, Shane was undergraduate coordinator for the Henry Ford Hospital air quality study of metro Detroit, distributing over one hundred air quality sensors. Shane has a passion to preserve and protect men's health, especially in the context of screening for and treating prostate cancer in the Black community. As a volunteer and research assistant Shane coordinated prostate cancer education and screening events, facilitated unconscious bias training for select Henry Ford Health professionals dealing with Black males, and was an author on the invited manuscript to the American Cancer Society's peer-reviewed journal Cancer.

Makenzie Wank '23, a member of the Irvin D. Reid Honors College, earned a bachelor's in pre-medicine biomedical engineering from the College of Engineering, with minors in mathematics and chemistry. Along with studying for her degree, Makenzie also worked, volunteered, conducted research, and was a team member and captain of the women's cross country/track and field team. Makenzie's capstone project group developed an adaptable and affordable communications application allowing nonverbal individuals to express their needs and feelings. From fall 2020 through spring 2022 Makenzie volunteered at the DMC Sinai Grace Hospital, including the surgical intensive care unit and the emergency room, wearing three layers of protective gear. She saw the severe demands placed on healthcare professionals. Supporting those grievously ill or wounded revealed to Makenzie life's preciousness and instilled the importance of appreciating those around you today. We are grateful to Makenzie for her eighteen months of volunteer service as an essential worker on the front line during the pandemic. As a student-athlete Makenzie's fellow team members became her tribe, delivering sincere, raw support and accountability, pushing her to be better each day. Makenzie had the privilege of guiding her team and earning their trust through wins and losses, successes, and vulnerabilities, growing as an athlete and a person.

Jenae Lodewyk '22 earned a bachelor's in business administration from the Mike Ilitch School of Business. After a tough freshman year, Jenae credits the annual Elevator Pitch Competition as her catalyst. She felt hyper-aware of her freshness among a myriad of inspirational students, and entered the elevator to share her story of moving from a little blue-collar mid-Michigan town to Detroit in pursuit of paving the future as she went. The pitch experience provided confidence, oratorical tools, a sense of belonging – and first place. Shortly afterward Jenae was elected President of her class of the professional co-ed fraternity on campus. Two weeks later, the pandemic shutdown required modifying every process. Jenae learned as a leader you often do not have the "right" answer, you make the best decisions you can with the data you have. Jenae's most meaningful undergraduate experience was serving for four years with the College Volunteer Facilitator Corp., a group of college students mentoring Michigan high school students year-round. Jenae traveled the state teaching leadership curriculum and served for three years as a counselor during the annual week-long Summer Leadership Camp, focusing students on self-development, school involvement and community engagement.

Alexander Restum '22, a member of the Irvin D. Reid Honors College, received a bachelor's in public health from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, with a minor in biological sciences. Alexander praises the influence and example of his mother and a caring tough-love neighbor. Alexander is an ardent agent for positive change. While in high school he founded a program in partnership with the parent-teacher organization to offer activities for children in the Troy MI public school district focused on mentorship, family programs, informative talks, and charity. Alexander and this program remain active to this day, providing children a sense of belonging and confidence. More recently Alexander organized events where college students participated in activities with Dearborn Public Schools special needs students during class hours, from gardening to how to talk with others. In addition, during his undergraduate years, Alexander was a research assistant, getting published in the Harvard Medical Health Review, worked as a student and medical assistant, was the Treasurer of the Wayne State Honors Student Association, and served as an active student senator, helping create the Narcan distribution program, promoting the COVID-19 vaccine drive, and advocating for reflection/prayer rooms on campus.