The David Mackenzie Honor Society at Wayne State University will induct WSU President Irvin D. Reid as an honorary member on April 17 at the McGregor Memorial Conference Center on campus.

The Mackenzie Honor Society annually inducts 15 to 17 graduating seniors for their outstanding academic achievement and contributions to the Wayne State community. Reid joins an illustrious list of honorary inductees that includes journalism legend Helen Thomas, human rights activist Millie Jeffrey and weathercaster Sonny Elliot.

“President Reid was selected for his leadership; his prominent role in the creation of TechTown with its focus on community involvement; and of course, his advocacy and commitment to students and the campus community through support of the residence halls, global education initiatives, and the Honors program, to name a few, " says Liza Lagman Sperl, adviser for the Honors program and the honor society.

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. The society was founded in 1981 through a merger of Karyatides, the former women’s honor society founded in 1931, and the Mackenzie Honor Society, organized in 1926. Members are chosen for their exceptional contributions to the welfare and development of the university and the community.

A public reception honoring all inductees will begin at 5:30 p.m. in the McGregor atrium, followed by a private dinner for the society members and their families.