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School of Business - Wayne State University

Dear Ilitch School community, 

We are writing to inform you of a change in plans for The Ilitch School Gala and Awards celebration on Thursday, April 17, 2025. While we look forward to celebrating our 25 Under 25 (27 this year!) and faculty and staff awardees, we will not be proceeding with the full Gala event.  

Unfortunately, due to the current financial climate across institutions of higher education, the annual Ilitch School Gala and Awards Celebration will now be a special, invite-only reception and awards ceremony. This will allow us to come together and celebrate the incredible accomplishments of each awardee in a more intimate and meaningful way. 

Updated event details 

  • Event name: The Ilitch School Recognition and Awards Program
  • Location: 2771 Woodward Ave., Detroit, Michigan 48201 
  • When: Thursday, April 17, 2025 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. 

While we understand this change may come as a disappointment to some, we are confident that the revised event will provide a warm and memorable experience for all attendees. We deeply appreciate your understanding and flexibility as we work to create a celebration that reflects the spirit and accomplishments of our community. We hope that we will be able to reinstitute our Gala in the near future! 

For any questions or concerns, please contact Pamela William at ilitchevents@wayne.edu

Thank you for your continued support and we look forward to celebrating the awardees at The Ilitch School Recognition and Awards Program on April 17! 

Warmly, 

Dean Virginia Franke Kleist signature

Virginia Franke Kleist, Ph.D. 
Dean and Professor 
Mike Ilitch School of Business 
Wayne State University