Florine Mark, president and CEO of The WW Group, Inc., was presented the Medallion for Entrepreneurship from the International Honor Society of Beta Gamma Sigma by Richard M. Gabrys, interim dean of the Wayne State University School of Business Administration. The recent event was hosted by Wayne State University Provost Nancy Barrett at WSU’s Alumni House.

The Beta Gamma Sigma (BGS) Medallion for Entrepreneurship has been awarded annually since 1986. Established to recognize individuals and firms that contribute significantly to the vitality and strength of the economy, the award honors recipients who combine innovative business achievement with service to humanity.

Mark was nominated by Wayne State’s School of Business Administration. She is the leading U.S. franchise holder of Weight Watchers International. The WW Group, Inc., an internationally recognized weight loss enterprise, began as a family business that she created.

“Florine Mark is recognized as one of the country’s foremost entrepreneurs and business leaders, and we are proud to have her as part of our family,” Barrett said.

Gabrys told assembled guests that “Florine Mark’s service to humanity is exemplified by her contributions as an advisor, advocate, and board member on numerous committees and civic organizations. These include the American Heart Association, Hunger Action Coalition, Governor’s Council on Fitness, and the Dr. Bill and Florine Mark-Ross Fund for ALS Research.”

Mark serves on the Executive Committee of the WSU School of Business Administration’s Board of Visitors and is a member of the Anthony Wayne Society. Because of her dedication to Wayne State and its students, Gabrys announced “The Florine Mark Beta Gamma Sigma Scholarship.” A scholarship named in Mark’s honor was presented to David A. Wright, a Beta Gamma Sigma and University Honors student in his junior year, majoring in business finance and international studies. Wright, who resides in Westland, is an account manager at Standard Scale & Supply Co. in Detroit., He also finds time for volunteer work in the community.

Florine Mark is recognized for her contributions to health and nutrition, women and cultural concerns, business and entrepreneurship, and charitable and community revitalization. She also serves on The Women’s Leadership Board at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government where she works to advance women globally in leadership and public policy and to create solutions for public problems.

Gabrys commented: “A risk taker, innovator, and contributor to humanity constitute the fabric of Florine Mark.”

Beta Gamma Sigma (BGS) is the international business honor society of The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International. Wayne State’s School of Business Administration is accredited by AACSB, the premier accrediting agency representing the highest standard of achievement for business schools worldwide.

Wayne State University is a premier institution of higher education offering more than 350 academic programs through 11 schools and colleges to more than 33,000 students.