Alumni spotlight: Aimee Argel returns to help shape the future of her alma mater
Alumna Aimee Argel has returned to Wayne State University to serve as the associate vice president for major and planned giving. She began in the enhanced position on February 3, 2025.
“Returning to Wayne State is an incredible honor and deeply meaningful to me,” Argel said. “This allows me to give back to the institution that played such a pivotal role in shaping my personal and professional journey. I am committed to fostering meaningful relationships with the faculty, staff, students, alumni, donors and the broader community to advance Wayne State’s philanthropic mission”
Argel had served as senior director of individual giving at Michigan State University for the last six years, helping to manage a team of development officers and coordinating major gifts across various constituencies. She began her career at the Make-A-Wish Foundation, where she was the director of leadership philanthropy, and later transitioned to Henry Ford Health System as senior development officer. Argel found continued success as director of development for the University of Michigan Health System’s Surgical Services & Internal Medicine team and the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan.
Argel earned her bachelor’s in public policy and healthcare management from Michigan State University. She earned her master’s in public administration and a graduate certificate in economic development from Wayne State in 2001 and 2002, respectively, and remembers her time at the university fondly.
“Wayne State's location in the heart of Detroit was a significant advantage,” Argel said. “Being immersed in such a dynamic and evolving urban environment allowed me to witness firsthand the complexities of urban development, social justice and community engagement.”
As she returns to Wayne State, Argel will work to accelerate strategic thinking, prospect strategy and relationship building to fund university priorities and enhance the university’s philanthropic support.
“Wayne State is more than a university to me,” Argel explained. “I understand firsthand the transformative power of education, and I’m eager to help ensure that future generations have access to the same opportunities I did. I’m also excited to be here during such a transformative period, where the institution is not only shaping the future of its community but also redefining the role of urban education in fostering innovation and opportunity.”