Michigan’s slogan, the Great Lakes State, could just as accurately be the Great People State. The 10 individuals who make up this year’s class of Michiganians of the Year speak to how rich Michigan is in people resources.
Each has done their part to make Michigan a great place to live. Without their selflessness, brainpower and creativity, our peninsulas would not be nearly as pleasant.
This is the 47th class of Michiganians. The roughly 500-member alumni group includes artists, athletes and industrial giants who live in the spotlight, as well as scores of honorees who toil tirelessly in the shadows on behalf of their fellow man. That mix of the celebrated and the oft-overlooked is what makes these awards unique and also what connects them to the broad diversity of Michigan.
All of the honorees are selected from nominations submitted by our readers and staff. This year, the awards are presented by the Detroit Regional Chamber.
The 2025 Michiganians include a lion of the gridiron, and a man who speaks to wolves. Joining them are a media boss dedicated to spreading the positive news of Michigan, and a rabbi who trumpets the horrors of history in hopes they won’t be repeated.
We also honor an artist who helps others paint their dreams, and a minister who answers the biblical call to “feed my sheep.” The class includes a foundation head who supports innovative approaches to educating children and a philanthropist who sends those children to college.
The voice of Detroit sports is on the list, as is a man who channels the heroism of the Tuskegee airmen to encourage kids to soar.
We hope you find inspiration in their stories.
This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: 2025 Michiganians of the Year: Their efforts make this a richer state
Reporting by Nolan Finley, The Detroit News / The Detroit News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Nolan Finley, The Detroit News | USA TODAY Network
