In recognition of her outstanding scholarship, service, and loyalty to Wayne State University, alumna Helen Thomas will be inducted into the David Mackenzie Honor Society (DMHS) Tuesday, April 25, at the McGregor Memorial Conference Center on the WSU campus. A public reception begins at 6 p.m., followed by an invitation-only dinner during which the induction will take place.

The society – one of the most prestigious groups at WSU – is named for David Mackenzie, the first dean of what is now the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Members are chosen for their exceptional contributions to the welfare and development of the university and the community. DMHS, celebrating its 80th anniversary this year, is under the auspices of the WSU Honors Program, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary.

Thomas, White House correspondent for Hearst Newspaper, graduated from WSU in 1942 with a degree in English. She joined United Press International in 1943 and was the first woman chief of UPI’s White House bureau. In 2000, she joined Hearst.

Thomas has received numerous honors, including being the first woman officer of the National Press Club, and was the first woman president of the White House Correspondents Association. She also was the first woman member of the Gridiron Club, and the first woman president of the group. A WSU scholarship recognizing diversity in the media is named in her honor.

To make a reservation for the reception, contact Liza Lagman Sperl at ab8898@wayne.edu or call (313) 577-9075.