Alumni and friends
History of the Honors Community
1926 | Mackenzie Honor Society
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Organized in 1926 and open to men only.
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Named in honor of David Mackenzie, first dean of what is now the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
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1931: Karyatides, a womens honor society, is established.
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1981: Mackenzie and Karyatides are merged; combined program becomes David Mackenzie Honor Society.
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David Mackenzie Honor Society continues to induct several top graduating seniors and one honorary member annually.
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Past honorary members include journalist Helen Thomas '42 and Wayne State president emeritus Irvin D. Reid.
1959 | Monteith College
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Founded in 1959
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Offered students (known as Monteith Scholars) the advantages of a small college within a large university
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Home to some of Wayne State's most innovative faculty members and students during the '60s and '70s
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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
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Created in 1972
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Provided full tuition to more than 4,500 students demonstrating superior academic achievement
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Continues today as the Presidential Scholars program
2008 | Irvin D. Reid Honors College
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Founded in 2008
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Named for former Wayne State President Irvin D. Reid
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Highest-achieving undergraduates are invited to join an engaged and dynamic academic community