Wayne State 2024-25 sociology scholarship winners

Thanks to our generous donors, the Wayne State Department of Sociology presented the following awards for the 2024-2025 academic year.

Aaron Irving Geselis Memorial Endowed Scholarship in Sociology

This memorial scholarship is dedicated to Aaron Geselis – a man very interested in how society functioned and in what way he could help it function even better.

• Lucia Pryse
• Dionysia Makris

Dr. Annie Pearl 'Kaleema' Sumareh Award for Student Teaching and Activism

This award recognizes graduate students who have made outstanding contributions to teaching, mentoring and social activism in the Wayne State community and beyond.

Amber Kelly

Janice L. Dreachslin Endowed Sociology Scholarship

The Janice L. Dreachslin Endowed Sociology Scholarship Fund was established to recognize scholastic achievement, encourage continued progress and provide assistance to students in financing their education.

Kristin Johnston

Lucille Makarov Memorial Scholarship

This award honors Lucille Makarov who expressed at age 84 that she remained deeply grateful to the Wayne State University, Department of Sociology, for her B.A. degree in 1953, which had enabled her to have a 30-year career at General Motors as a computer research librarian.

Mary Cay Sengstock Diversity Scholarship

In honor of sociologists' keen sensitivity to the diversity of groups and cultures in modern society, this endowed scholarship is established to provide assistance to students who contribute to the knowledge and promotion of social and cultural diversity.

Lisa Braddix

Sociology Alumni Endowed Scholarship

Established by alumni of the Department of Sociology, this scholarship recognizes students who demonstrate academic excellence, a commitment to the study of sociology and a passion for understanding and addressing social issues.

Elecia Curtis

Professor Frank E. and Rosemary K. Hartung Memorial Endowed Award in Sociology

This award honors the legacies of Professor Frank E. and Rosemary K. Hartung, distinguished faculty members of Wayne State University’s Department of Sociology. This fund supports exceptional students who demonstrate a passion for sociology and a commitment to academic excellence in the field.

Amber Greenway Neher