Each year, The Detroit News singles out a handful of impressive fellow citizens to receive the Michiganian of the Year honor. 2025 marks the 47th class of Michiganians, which is made up of a roughly 500-member alumni group that includes artists, athletes, and industrial giants who live in the spotlight. Detroit Regional Chamber President and Chief Executive Officer Sandy K. Baruah received this honor in 2024.
This year, the awards will be presented by the Chamber on June 12 during the annual event.
Congratulations to the 2025 class of Michiganians:
- George Blaha
- Dan Campbell
- Geoffrey Drutchas
- Tiff Massey
- Eli Mayerfeld
- Mike Murri
- Rolf Peterson
- Angelique Power
- Brian R. Smith
- Ellen Thompson
Learn more in the article below.
The Detroit News
June 5, 2025
Nolan Finley
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.
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