1926  |  Mackenzie Honor Society

• Organized in 1926 and open to men only. 

• Named in honor of David Mackenzie, first dean of what is now the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. 

• 1931: Karyatides, a womens honor society, is established. 

• 1981: Mackenzie and Karyatides are merged; combined program becomes David Mackenzie Honor Society. 

• David Mackenzie Honor Society continues to induct several top graduating seniors and one honorary member annually.

• Past honorary members include journalist Helen Thomas '42 and Wayne State president emeritus Irvin D. Reid. 

1959  |  Monteith College                      

• Founded in 1959 

• Offered students (known as Monteith Scholars) the advantages of a small college within a large university 

• Home to some of Wayne State's most innovative faculty members and students during the '60s and '70s

• Students embraced new ideas as the college emphasized dialogue and inquiry, with a goal to identify and impart knowledge that every student should possess 

"We want our students to look at the world whole, but without missing the details."  — Monteith faculty member 

1972  |  Merit Scholars Program           

• Created in 1972

• Provided full tuition to more than 4,500 students demonstrating superior academic achievement

• Continues today as the Presidential Scholars program

2008  |  Irvin D. Reid Honors College   

• Founded in 2008

• Named for former Wayne State President Irvin D. Reid

• Highest-achieving undergraduates are invited to join an engaged and dynamic academic community