Celebrating our alumni
Locally and globally, Wayne State graduates are making an impact in their fields, bringing new ideas to life, advancing their careers and earning national recognition. There are countless Warriors (and Tartars) who deserve to be celebrated — we’re shining the spotlight on some of them below.
Spring ’25 honorary degree recipients
Dr. Denise (M.S.N. ’82) and Jamie Jacob
The Jacobs are pillars of the Detroit community who co-founded the Jamie and Denise Jacob Family Foundation, dedicated to advancing childhood enrichment, college access and success, and reproductive health. The Jacob Scholars program at the College of Nursing provides students with resources, support and mentorship to make an impact in health care and their communities.
Dr. Larry Brilliant (M.D. ’69)
Recognized for his lifelong commitment and leadership in improving public health, Dr. Brilliant has led a remarkable career that includes serving as the unofficial physician for Native Americans occupying Alcatraz Island in 1969, pursuing smallpox eradication with the U.N. World Health Organization and co-founding the Seva Foundation, which has treated millions with blinding eye conditions.
2025 Alumni Award winners
Renee Fluker (B.S. ’80)
Fluker dedicated more than three decades to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services before founding the College Career & Beyond (formerly Midnight Golf) program in 2001, which uses golf as a platform to empower thousands of Detroit students through life skills training, mentorship and access to higher education.
Dr. Eboni Ford Turnbow (B.S. ’10, Ph.D. ’19)
Dr. Turnbow spearheads Wayne State’s Black Alumni Homecoming Committee, increasing visibility, participation and cultural celebration. She also founded the “For the Culture” scholarship fund and raised more than $10,000 to support future Wayne State students.
Making Headlines
Joi Harris (B.S. ’06, M.B.A. ’11)
was named CEO of DTE Energy — the first female CEO in the company’s history — after previously serving as its president and chief operating officer.
Dr. Jason McLellan (B.S. ’03)
was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame for his pioneering work on structural-based vaccine design, which played a critical role in the development of COVID-19 MRNA vaccine.
Patrick Prouty (B.A. ’98)
was named Detroit’s first composer laureate, responsible for advocating and representing Detroit’s diverse musical heritage, community and spirit.
Ryan LaPensee (B.S. ’11) and Paul LaMantia (B.S. ’13)
have seen their custom wood bat company, Backyard Bats, break into Major League Baseball, earning licensing for use in the big leagues while securing orders and providing samples to multiple MLB clubhouses.
Connect with us
Your experiences and expertise encourage new generations of Warriors and create meaningful opportunities for connection and mentorship. Whether you’re taking the next step in your career or reflecting on decades of success, we want to hear from you! Visit alumni.wayne.edu/connect/update to update your information, share your story and stay connected to the Wayne State community.