Paul J. Pentecost Sr. of Bloomfield Hills will receive the Homer D. Strong Award from the Wayne State University Alumni Association in recognition of his dedication, distinguished volunteer leadership and service to the alumni association and the university.

Pentecost began his lifelong affiliation with WSU in 1944 as an undergraduate student. After receiving a bachelor's degree in English and journalism in 1948 and a brief foray into the field of public relations, Pentecost accepted a position with the university as an assistant in the press relations office. This was the start of nearly four decades with the university as director of information services and executive university editor. In 1982, Pentecost joined the alumni relations office, and he retired from there in 1987.

The WSU Department of Athletics inducted Pentecost into the Athletic Hall of Fame in 1989. Throughout his career and retirement years, Pentecost has stayed active at Wayne, planning reunions of his Delta Chi fraternity and serving as a member of the WSU Athletic Hall of Fame committee. He has been a member of the University Retirees Association Board of Directors, was its president from 1992 to 1994 and newsletter editor from 1989 to 1997. Pentecost co-edited the book Reminiscences of Wayne in 1999 with Henry Bohm to record the history of the university through the eyes of the faculty and staff who shaped it.

Pentecost's tireless service to the university as an employee, volunteer and unofficial "ambassador" has inspired countless others through example and his direct recruitment.

The Homer D. Strong Award is named for the university's first alumni secretary. It will be presented to Pentecost at the Alumni Association Leadership Recognition Reception at 6 p.m. Feb.10, at Alumni House. For details, please contact Alumni House, (313) 577-2300