Jerry Herron, who has served as Honors Program director since 2002 and a member of Wayne State University's faculty since 1982, has been named this year's honorary inductee for the David Mackenzie Honor Society. Herron will become dean of the newly created WSU Honors College this fall when the college welcomes its inaugural class. Previous Honorary inductees have included WSU President Irvin D. Reid, former WSU President David Adamany, the late WSU Governor Emerita Mildred "Millie" Jeffrey, Sonny Elliot, and journalist Helen Thomas.
"Dr. Herron was selected for his role as a great teacher-scholar who helps students recognize their individual abilities to make a difference in our world," says Liza Lagman Sperl, adviser for the Honors Program and the honor society. "As director of the Honors Program, Dr. Herron never lets students, faculty and staff forget the context of our work: a vibrant, urban atmosphere filled with potential. He is emphatic that each of us can view every day as an opportunity to live as more informed, more engaged citizens of the world. His support of the David Mackenzie Honor Society has been invaluable in keeping this organization alive."
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.
2008 will be the 82nd annual reunion for the David Mackenzie Honor Society. 16 graduating seniors will be recognized for their outstanding academic achievement and contributions to the Wayne State community. They will be inducted along with Dr. Herron on April 16, 2008. A public reception will be held in the McGregor Memorial Conference Center, followed by a private dinner for the society members and their families.
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.