In 2016, Gus Navarro enrolled in the College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts at Wayne State University. “I went to WSU for the communication school because I knew I wanted to live in Detroit and I was interested in doing something broadcast-media related,” said Navarro, M.A. ’19, who wanted to land a post-degree job at a local radio station. Then came the day he saw an ad on a social media site. “I applied for an ESPN Radio position I saw on LinkedIn and, to be honest, wasn't even expecting a reply,” said Navarro who filled out the application on a whim. “But I heard back from them and went through the whole interview process.”

Raj Chhaya felt like Wayne State was a good place to “figure it out,” something he needed during his first year of college. Unsure of what his future held, the Mike Ilitch School of Business became a home away from home as he joined student organizations, met inspiring folks and received exclusive support from throughout the Wayne State community.

CVS Health announced a new initiative that will address barriers to care in underserved communities across the country. The CVS Health Community Equity Alliance is being established to expand the community health worker workforce, enhance connections between health care institutions and communities and address disparities in heart health and mental health outcomes. The alliance is part of the company’s commitment to advancing health equity.

While attending John Glenn High School in Bay City, Michigan, Jenae Lodewyk was president of the student council, head of the thespian club and participated in forensic speaking competitions. Growing up, she also ran track, played soccer and volleyball, and did pompon. One sport she never played was basketball. Which is ironic, given that her life now revolves around hoops.

Dr. Stephen Farrow became a physician to help his neighbors — little did he realize, his work would take him all over the world. Farrow, an adjunct professor of internal medicine and endocrinology in the Wayne State University School of Medicine, was recently honored for his service with the American Association of Clinical Endocrinology (AACE) Outstanding Service Award for the Promotion of Endocrine Service to the Underserved. The award recognizes past achievements and encourages the recipients’ continued service.

Like many students in the Mike Ilitch School of Business, Kianna Mateen laid the groundwork for her career while she was still taking classes. And when she walked across the stage at commencement, she already knew what was next: Through a successful internship, Mateen was offered a position working for Ford Motor Co. as a buyer.