Henry and Donnelly awards

The Wayne State University Alumni Association offers two prestigious awards for recent and upcoming graduates.

Howard A. Donnelly Award

Chosen recipients are considered to have made outstanding contributions to Wayne State University in the areas of leadership and service while maintaining high scholarship during their undergraduate studies. 

These student awards convey the highest esteem and distinction. Each recipient will receive a $350 stipend, an elegant recognition plaque, and the honor of being identified as a preeminent Wayne State University student role model.

The Howard A. Donnelly Award was established in 1927 at the request of Donnelly, a longtime WSU supporter. The Donnelly award is bestowed annually upon two selected candidates who will complete their bachelor's degree studies in May of that year.

Submissions for the 2023 Howard A. Donnelly Award closed on April 16, 2023.


David D. Henry Award

Chosen recipients are considered to have made outstanding contributions to Wayne State University in the areas of leadership and service while maintaining high scholarship during their studies. 

These student awards convey the highest esteem and distinction. Each recipient will receive a $350 stipend, an elegant recognition plaque, and the honor of being identified as a preeminent Wayne State University student role model.

The David D. Henry Award was established in 1948 to honor Wayne State's third president and is bestowed annually upon two candidates who graduated in August or December of the previous year. 

Submissions for the 2022 David D. Henry Award closed on December 31, 2022.


2022 award winners

Howard A. Donnelly Awards

Jacob Caywood

Jacob Caywood '22, a member of the Irvin D. Reid Honors College, received a bachelor's in psychology from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, with a minor in public health. Jacob served as a research assistant on the Heart of Detroit Study, investigating the prevalence of cardiovascular disease in elderly African Americans, as well as Baby on Board: The WSU Early Parenting Study. Through a WSU grant from the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program, Mr. Caywood helped lead a qualitative coding project of transcribed interviews with parents of infants with high-risk exposure. Jacob has also served as shelter assistant and is currently a case manager at Share the Warmth of Lenawee, connecting clients to community resources for housing, physical and mental health care. Jacob is continuing his involvement with the WSU research labs after graduation and will be applying to PhD programs in clinical psychology.

Tareq Hanna

Tareq Hanna '22, a member of the Irvin D. Reid Honors College, received a bachelor's in biological sciences from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, with a minor in chemistry. Tareq served as an organic chemistry peer mentor, as well as a research assistant at the Parkinson's Disease Lab. Mr. Hanna has volunteered with the WSU Health Mobile COVID Testing Team, in the emergency room at Beaumont Hospital Farmington Hills, and served as President of the Detroit Diabetes Association. Tareq has been involved with the National Arab American Medical Association's Wayne State chapter, expanding student opportunities and serving as collaboration chair. Mr. Hanna will attend WSU's School of Medicine beginning in 2022.

David D. Henry Awards

Ethan Kimble

Ethan Kimble '21, received a bachelor's in sport management with a minor in sport coaching from the College of Education, as well as a minor in business administration from the Mike Ilitch School of Business. Ethan served as a sport management peer mentor and served internships with the Detroit Police Athletic League and NBA - Atlanta Hawks. Mr. Kimble also held Recruiting Officer and Vice President positions with the MISB's Sport and Entertainment Business Association and was Operations Manager at the Mort Harris Recreation & Fitness Center. Each week since May 2020, Ethan serves his church community with its food distribution efforts, while lifting members' spirits with music. Mr. Kimble is continuing his academics at Wayne State, pursuing a master's in sport administration.

Shanmin Sultana

Shanmin Sultana '21, received a bachelor's in sociology honors from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, with a minor in Spanish. Ms. Sultana co-founded and served as President of Replenish Detroit, a public health student organization increasing access to affordable water and sanitation. Shanmin also co-founded and served as President of Pauseitivity, a WSU student organization promoting positivity, mindfulness and wellness both on campus and by helping others, including engaging student artists to create unique keepsakes for children in developing countries. Ms. Sultana co-led a team of over 100 volunteers translating COVID-19 flyers into 40+ languages to share critical information with global communities. Shanmin began her master's program in occupational therapy at Wayne State in 2022.


2021 award winners

Howard A. Donnelly Awards

  • Spencer Haisha '21, a member of the Irvin D. Reid Honors College, received a bachelor's in biology from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, with a minor in chemistry.
  • Cassidy Wood '21, received a bachelor's in clinical laboratory science from the Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences.

David D. Henry Awards

  • Kiristen Hubbard '20, received a bachelor's in psychology from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, with minors in criminal justice and sociology.
  • Michelle Wesner '20, received a bachelor's in industrial and systems engineering from the College of Engineering.

2020 award winners

Howard A. Donnelly Awards

  • Nadir Fouani '20, received a bachelor's in psychology from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, with minors in sociology and public health.
  • Emma Seidel '20, received a bachelor's in public relations from the College of Fine, Performing & Communications Arts.

David D. Henry Awards

  • Abdul R. Harris '19, a member of the Irvin D. Reid Honors College, received his bachelor's in psychology from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
  • Rajaa Shoukfeh '19, a member of the Irvin D. Reid Honors College, received her bachelor's in nutrition & food science from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

2019 award winners

Howard A. Donnelly Awards

  • Nourhan Hamadi '19, a member of the Irvin D. Reid Honors College, received her bachelor's in public health from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
  • Nazir Jairazbhoy '19, a member of the Irvin D. Reid Honors College, received his bachelor's in chemical engineering from the College of Engineering.

David D. Henry Awards

  • John Floyd '18, a member of the Irvin D. Reid Honors College, received his bachelor's in global supply chain management from the Mike Ilitch School of Business.
  • Moranda Yaldo '18, received her bachelor's in communication sciences and disorders from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

2018 award winners

Howard A. Donnelly Awards

  • Mahmoud Hijazi '18, received his bachelor's in biological sciences from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
  • Sabrina Pakula '18, received her bachelor's in biomedical engineering from the College of Engineering.

David D. Henry Awards

  • Mukund Mohan '17, a member of the Irvin D. Reid Honors College, received his bachelor's in economics with a minor in public health.
  • Natalie Kay-Flaherty '17 received her bachelor's in painting with a minor in psychology from the College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts.