For more than 30 years, UM-Dearborn has honored outstanding alumni for their contributions to the University and community. These men and women are "difference makers" who have continued the University's legacy of leadership in their lives and careers. On October 12, the University once again recognized several distinguished alumni at its annual awards celebration. The following two CASL alums were honored as 2012 UM-Dearborn "Difference Makers" at the event:
College of Arts, Sciences, & Letters Alumnus of the Year: Lisa Ilitch Murray, '83, B.G.S.
Lisa is a pastor for Mount Zion Church in Clarkston, Michigan, ministering to more than 18,000 people annually. Her dedication to community is reflected through Mt. Zion’s programs including mentorships, family support initiatives and educational programing in southeast Michigan and in Peru and El Salvador. Early in her career, while working with Ilitch Holdings, Lisa coordinated the communication campaign for the opening of Comerica Park and directed Little Caesars’ Amateur Sports Foundation. She also started the Hockey Has Heart program, which created a natural support network among hockey families throughout Detroit.
Young Alumnus of the Year: Shanelle Jackson, '03, B.A.
Shanelle has served as a Michigan State Representative for District 9 since 2006. With her election success came the honor of being the youngest woman of color to serve in Michigan’s House. Shanelle has authored numerous bills since taking office, one which allowed for the creation of the regional authority governing Cobo Hall. Without Shanelle’s work and lobbying, the improvements to Cobo Hall would not have been made, which would have meant Detroit’s loss of the North American International Auto Show. For her work in the legislature, she also has been recognized as the 2007 New Citizen’s Press, “Best, Brightest and Most Beautiful,” and in 2010 was listed in Crain’s Detroit Business “20 In Their 20.” Nationally, she has been asked twice to represent Michigan’s Young Elected Officials Network at the White House.