2023 Hermelin Awards

By Ann Marie Aliotta | Photos by Marc-Grégor Campredon

The David B. Hermelin Award for Fundraising Volunteer Leadership is an esteemed tradition at U‑M, going back nearly 20 years. The recipients have demonstrated their commitment to the University of Michigan by helping raise funds for various schools, colleges, and units; serving on national, regional, or school fundraising committees; inspiring others to be involved; and hosting events that help advance the university’s objectives.

The award is named for the late David Hermelin (BBA ’58, HLLD ’00), Detroit-area entrepreneur and philanthropist, and former United States ambassador to Norway. It was created in 2004 to honor Hermelin’s memory and his tireless and exuberant volunteer service to the university. 

Here are the recipients of the 2023 Hermelin Awards:

Mark Gerstein 
Highland Park, Illinois

Mark D. Gerstein (AB '81) exemplifies the characteristics embodied in the prestigious Hermelin Award through his extensive record of volunteerism, committee membership, fundraising efforts, advisory roles, and his own philanthropic benefaction. Mark has an outstanding sense of the dean's vision and priorities, and he takes his role as LSA ambassador seriously. LSA considers Mark an extremely valuable fundraising volunteer for both the LSA Opportunity Hub and the Department of Political Science.  

J. David Heller
Chagrin Falls, Ohio

David Heller (BBA ’87) is a dynamic volunteer and an incredible university ambassador. He has provided indispensable help in creating meaningful opportunities for donors to engage with students, faculty, and staff at U‑M. He has exceptional critical thinking skills and is an expert at making thoughtful connections that advance U‑M’s strategic and fundraising goals. In addition to serving on several boards at Ross, he also co-led the last two Cleveland campaign councils. He has signed countless fundraising letters, hosted events in his home, activated his network of friends and alumni to support U‑M, and always has thoughtful feedback and support.

Curtis Mack
Atlanta, Georgia

Curtis Mack (LLM ’73) is the definition of a passionate volunteer and fundraiser. He makes the right connections, with alumni of both the Law School and the wider university. Mack works quietly, and not so quietly (in a good way), to build networks of donors and volunteers. He has incredible radar to perceive when someone is both open to efforts and has capacity to give, and he connects these individuals and organizations with the school.

Kathleen and Bryan Marsal
Bedford, New York

Kathleen (ABEd ’72) and Bryan (BBA ’73, MBA ’75) Marsal have been conscientious and engaged volunteers in multiple units across the university for more than 20 years, as well as generous donors for more than 30. The Marsals volunteered by serving on the Victors for Michigan National Leadership Board in the last campaign, and their fundraising volunteerism has played out in more informal ways for each of the three units where they've been most engaged—Education, Athletics, and Business. In all cases, they are eager to help make introductions to potential donors and to host university leaders in their homes, their football suite, or elsewhere for fundraising or other purposes.

Andrea and Lawrence Wolfe
Bloomfield Hills, Michigan

Andi (ABEd ’70) and Larry Wolfe have demonstrated unwavering passion and dynamism as volunteer fundraisers within the University of Michigan community. Larry's active participation on the Michigan Medicine Advisory Group since 2012 showcases his commitment to advising and advocating for Michigan Medicine's fundraising initiatives. Andi's role on the Rogel Cancer Center National Advisory Board, starting from its inception in 2018, highlights her dedication to promoting the center and encouraging community involvement. They exemplify the qualities of behind-the-scenes influencers and outstanding university ambassadors. Their influence and ability to motivate donors and volunteers are exceptional.