Honors History

History of the Honors Community

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.

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

Created in 1972
Provided full tuition to more than 4,500 students demonstrating superior academic achievement
Continues today as the Presidential Scholars program

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