Dec. 19, 2005

Kevin Brown, an accounting major in the Wayne State University School of Business Administration and a former member WSU football player, received the university's David D. Henry Award at the commencement ceremony held on Thursday, Dec. 15.

Named in honor of WSU's third president, the Henry award is presented to one man and one woman in the midyear graduating class, "to recognize their outstanding contribution to student activities; the quality of their leadership and service to the university; and their excellence in academic achievement."

Brown, a graduate of Denby High School, has been a member of the National Association of Black Accountants for two-and-a-half years. In 2003, he played a key role in reestablishing the university chapter and its professional event entitled, "Elements of Success." He served as Vice President of Finance for the Association of Black Business students during the 2003-04 school year.

He spent the fall of 2001 as a member of the WSU football team before deciding to concentrate more on academics.

Brown served as President of the WSU School of Business Administration Student Senate (2004-05). In this role, he increased membership in the organization and coordinated several community service activities.

He has organized and has been actively involved in a number of community service activities, including Angels Night and the Annual Walk for Aids. In 2004, he organized a children's book drive and reading session, and he mentored high school students during the summers of 2003 and 2004.

"Kevin has excellent leadership skills, the highest of ethical standards and has dedication and determination that is second to none," said Linda Zaddach, assistant dean of student affairs at the School of Business Administration, who nominated him. "He serves as an excellent role model for our students, he is very professional and hard working and he has gained the respect of our faculty, staff and students."

He addressed fellow graduates at the university's commencement ceremony last Thursday.