2021 Zell Lurie Student Awards

June 3, 2021

Each year, awards are given to deserving University of Michigan students who have exhibited strong entrepreneurial leadership and academic prowess. Given the difficult circumstances of the past year, these students have remained steadfast and consistent in their pursuit of their academic and entrepreneurial goals. Being able to employ these skills during challenging times, this group has demonstrated their ability to adapt to various situations while still innovating and invoking change. The Zell Lurie Institute would like to recognize their commitment and present the following awards to our graduating students for their exemplary work. 

Eugene Applebaum Family Entrepreneurial Excellence Award

Stew Kerr Zell Lurie Institute Michigan Ross MBAVarun Madan LeaseMagnetsAwarded for achieving academic excellence and exemplifying the entrepreneurial spirit.

Varun Madan, BBA ’21

Stew Kerr, MBA ’21

Valenti Award for Exceptional Entrepreneurial Development

Imani Rickerby Zell Lurie Institute Michigan RossAnastasia Bergeron Zell Lurie Institute Awarded for dedicated commitment to personal development as an entrepreneur.

Anastasia Bergeron, BA ’21

Imani Rickerby, MHSA ’21

Weiser Family Entrepreneur of the Year 

Hunter Phelps Michigan Ross BBA Zell Lurie Institute Kene Onourah Zell Lurie Michigan Ross MBAAwarded to one MBA and one BBA student for embodying the entrepreneurial spirit and serving as a positive entrepreneurial role model.

Kene Onuorah, MBA ’21 – Weiser Family MBA

Hunter Phelps, BBA ’21 – Weiser Family BBA

Weiser Family Social Entrepreneurship Leadership Award  

Stephen Goldberg Zell Lurie Institute Michigan Ross MBADan Zakon University of Michigan Ross Zell Lurie Institute Awarded for entrepreneurial leadership and commitment to creating value beyond economic impact.

Dan Zakon, BS ’21

Stephen Goldberg MD ’21

Zell Lurie Award for Entrepreneurial Engagement 

Thomya Goode Zell Lurie Institute Michigan Ross MBAAbe Baca Michigan Ross Zell Lurie Institute Michael Bettis Michigan Ross Zell Lurie Institute Awarded for exceptional engagement with Zell Lurie Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies.

Abe Baca, MBA/MS ’21

Michael Bettis, MBA ’21

Thomya Goode, MBA ’21

Congratulations to the students listed above for their hard work and perseverance. These students have exemplified the pillars of ZLI’s entrepreneurial mindset as well as the drive to further their own endeavors.

The Zell Lurie Institute and its Center for Venture Capital and Private Equity Finance bring together a potent mix of knowledge, experience and opportunities from the front lines of entrepreneurship and alternative investments. The student learning experience is further enhanced through internship opportunities, entrepreneurial programs, and events that serve to provide viable networks and engage the business community.