Construction management alumnus receives Donnelly Award from Wayne State Alumni Association
The Wayne State University Alumni Association announced Marcus Keys, a recent graduate of the College of Engineering, as one of two recipients of the esteemed Howard A. Donnelly Award. This accolade is bestowed annually to an exemplary student who demonstrates outstanding academic achievement, leadership and community service.
Keys graduated Summa Cum Laude from Wayne State in May with a bachelor’s in construction management. He is currently pursuing his master’s in construction management while working full time as an estimating coordinator for Walbridge, where he also completed a pair of internships during his undergraduate studies.
A United States Marine Corps veteran, Marcus brought advanced leadership skills to Wayne State. He was a board member for the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) senior capstone project, collaborating closely with the groups trade partner, Hatzel & Buehler, Inc.
As a resident of the New Center area of Detroit, Keys also played a pivotal role in the Neighborhood Advisory Committee (NAC) for a significant local development project. His efforts contributed to negotiating the largest benefits package in the history of the Community Benefits Ordinance, totaling $602 million. This package included crucial provisions for housing, community building, health care, education, career development and environmental commitments.
"I am immensely proud of the positive impact our committee has had on our community," said Keys. "This journey has deepened my understanding of our neighborhood and the complex processes of development."
The Howard A. Donnelly Award was established in 1927 at the request of Donnelly, a longtime Wayne State supporter, and conveys the highest esteem and distinction. Keys and co-recipient Marcus Cunningham, ’24, from the College of Nursing will each receive a $350 stipend, a recognition plaque and the honor of being identified as a preeminent Wayne State student role model.