Wayne State University has received the 1999 Corporation of the Year Award - Education from the Michigan Minority Business Development Council (MMBDC).

John Davis, WSU senior vice president for finance and administration, accepted the award on behalf of the university during the council's recent 16th Annual Awards Dinner at Cobo Conference Center in Detroit.

The occasion marked the second time WSU has received the honor, which recognizes an organization's willingness to go beyond normal purchasing requirements by assisting in developing, sustaining and significantly aiding the advancement of minority businesses.

The university spent approximately $13 million with 1,600 minority business enterprises during the past fiscal year on construction work, materials, supplies and various services. The amount grows annually.

"We are proud of Wayne State's commitment to boosting minority enterprise," Davis affirmed, "and we plan to do even more in the future." He pointed out that the university's involvement with the minority business community goes well beyond the purchasing of goods and services. It includes training-and-development programs and mentoring, as well as educational programs tailored to special needs.

WSU was selected from among 12 institutions and programs nominated for the award in the education category. Recipients are honored by the MMBDC for their leadership, vision, courage and ability to impact competitive business issues.