School of Business presents 2015 signature awards

The Wayne State University School of Business has presented the 2015 recipients of its signature awards for alumni and friends as well as outstanding students and scholarship recipients of the school. The recipients were honored at the school’s Annual Recognition and Awards Program on August 26 at the Roostertail in Detroit. 

A photo gallery from the program is available here

To make a nomination or to receive information on the 2016 event, please contact Conor Flynn at conor.flynn@wayne.edu.

MICHIGAN EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR AWARD
Andra M. Rush
Founder, Chair, President and Chief Executive Officer
The Rush Family Group of Companies

The Michigan Executive of the Year Award recognizes an individual in a senior leadership position at a business, government or non-profit organization that is based in, or has a substantial presence in, the state of Michigan. The primary criteria for selection of this award are recent or ongoing actions by the honoree and/or his or her organization that are likely to reflect positively on the state of Michigan and the disciplines researched and taught within the WSU School of Business.
As founder, chair, president and CEO of Rush Group, which operates Rush Trucking, Dakkota lntegrated Systems and Detroit Manufacturing Systems, Andra M. Rush leads the largest woman-owned business in Michigan, and one of the largest Native American-owned businesses in the United States. ln 1984, she borrowed $5,000 from her parents and used her credit cards to launch Rush Trucking Corporation with one van and two pickup trucks. Today, RTC transports goods for Fortune 100 companies across the U.S. and Canada with 850 tractors, 1,250 trailers, and 800 employees and associates.

DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD
Thomas S. Wilson
President and Chief Executive Officer
Olympia Entertainment

The Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes alumni of the WSU School of Business whose exceptional achievements over a career in business, education or public service have brought honor and distinction to his or her alma mater.
Thomas S. Wilson was named president and CEO of Olympia Entertainment in February 2013 and is responsible for identifying opportunities to package and promote the substantial assets of the organization through multi-venue offerings and creative promotions.  As one of the most diverse and leading sports and entertainment organizations in the country, Olympia Entertainment owns and operates Detroit’s Fox Theatre, the intimate City Theatre and also books and operates Joe Louis Arena and books Comerica Park. Wilson is also responsible for guiding and growing these venues as well as looking for opportunities to expand the portfolio.

EMERGING LEADER AWARD
Antonio Lück
Managing Director
Endeavor Detroit

The Emerging Leader Award recognizes a more recent graduate of the WSU School of Business who has already distinguished themselves as a “rising star” in their industry or community and who shows even greater promise for the future.
Antonio Lück is the managing director for Endeavor’s Detroit office, serving as a catalyst to long-term economic growth by selecting, mentoring and accelerating the best high-impact entrepreneurs. As the previous director of business acceleration, entrepreneurship, innovation and venture capital at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, he directed all of the State's early stage financial programs and the portfolio management team in overseeing the state’s investment portfolio comprising of for profit, emerging technology companies and research and infrastructure grants.

 

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