2024 Hermelin Awards

By Eric Gallippo | Photos by Marc-Grégor Campredon

For 20 years now, the University of Michigan has honored the dedication and service of its most committed fundraising volunteers with the David B. Hermelin Award for Fundraising Volunteer Leadership. Created in 2004, the award honors the memory and tireless enthusiasm of the late David Hermelin (BBA ’58, HLLD ’00), Detroit-area entrepreneur and philanthropist, and former United States ambassador to Norway.

During an awards dinner held at U‑M’s Ford Robotics building in the fall, President Santa J. Ono reflected on the vital contributions that this year’s recipients, as well as previous winners, are making as the university enters its most ambitious fundraising campaign to date: Look to Michigan.

“Truly, our tradition of excellence and impact has only been made possible by your service and generosity,” Ono said.

Highlighting the collaborative work of the campaign’s major priorities, Vice President for Development Tom Baird said the university is able to make a major impact on the world because of its committed volunteers.

“The Hermelin Award honors all of you, our amazing volunteers, who do so much to make U‑M the extraordinary place that it is,” Baird said.

Recipients have demonstrated their commitment to U‑M by helping raise funds for various schools, colleges, and units; serving on national, regional, or school fundraising committees; inspiring others to get involved; and hosting events that help advance the university’s objectives.

Here are this year’s recipients:

Jeff Blau

New York, New York

Jeff Blau (BBA ’90) gives the University of Michigan his time and counsel through his volunteer work with the Stephen M. Ross School of Business. He is a longstanding member of the Ross School Advisory Board and also serves on the Ross School’s Weiser Center for Real Estate Advisory Board. He has also been a member of the President’s Advisory Group since 2015. Jeff is a co-chair of the Look to Michigan campaign and the Tri-State Campaign Council, a position he also held during the Victors for Michigan campaign. He is an enthusiastic fundraising volunteer who is particularly excited to mobilize donors in the New York area.

Jim Hudak

Napa, California

Jim Hudak’s (MPP ’71) dedication to the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy is exemplified through his long-serving tenure and leadership on the Ford School Committee and his generous philanthropy. He has served in several campaign leadership roles, including recently joining the Look to Michigan Campaign Leadership Council. He has encouraged others to support the Ford School in multiple ways, from Giving Blueday challenges to honorific gifts for former deans. His own gifts have benefited student support, building construction, programmatic support, and endowing the James B. Hudak Professorship of Health Policy. Jim’s commitment to the mission of the Ford School and the University of Michigan is truly exemplary.

Paola Luptak

Boca Raton, Florida

Paola Luptak (AB ’88) has served in many fundraising volunteer capacities. She is a member of the Look to Michigan Campaign Leadership Council and chair of the Florida Campaign Council.  She is also a member of the Ross School’s Weiser Center for Real Estate Advisory Board, Mary H. Weiser Food Allergy Center Committee, and the University of Michigan Museum of Art Leadership Board. Paola helped create safe living and dining areas for students with allergies. She also worked to increase student visitors to the art museum by funding the UMMA Cafe. Paola works behind the scenes in many ways, including recently helping new men’s basketball coach Dusty May and his family get familiar with Ann Arbor.

George and Jan Pilko

Houston, Texas

George (BSECh ’71 & MBA ’73) and Jan Pilko are the definition of a dynamic volunteer couple, leveraging their enthusiasm and network to keep U‑M top of mind for donors in the Southern States. Their service to the university has directly helped build a philanthropic community in Houston and across Texas. George and Jan both serve on the Look to Michigan Campaign Leadership Council and as chair emeritus members of the Regional Houston Campaign Council. In addition to leveraging their own personal network, they are also eager to cultivate a new generation of donors for the university.

Steve Shindler

Darien, Connecticut

Steve Shindler (AB ’85) has been a passionate and tireless supporter of the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts and U‑M for nearly 40 years. In addition to serving on multiple advisory boards, Steve organizes the annual Michigan in Washington scavenger hunt in Washington, D.C., and has traveled the country promoting the LSA Opportunity Hub. Steve and his wife, Mary Kay Kosnik, are members of the Tri-State Key Constituents, raising funds and awareness. Steve is also an active member of the Alumni Association of the University of Michigan Board of Directors, where he makes connections between alumni engagement opportunities and undergraduate student needs.