The Wayne State University Alumni Association has recognized School of Social Work alumna Alice Thompson, MSW ’81 as the recipient of the 2021 Homer D. Strong Award.

The Homer D. Strong Award recognizes individuals who encourage alumni participation and benefit the university through volunteer leadership.

Thompson served as Chief Executive Officer at Black Family Development Inc. (BFDI) for 26 years. She retired in 2020, but remains CEO for the subsidiary BFDI Educational Services. As CEO, she established two subsidiaries, BFDI Educational Services, Inc. and BFDI Training Institute, focused on education, building relationships and repairing harm. BFDI Educational Services, Inc. is now a 501c3, and the BFDI Training Institute is an L3C. Thompson served for several years as an adjunct professor in the School of Social Work and now serves as chair of the School's Board of Visitors. Thompson currently serves as the third vice president of the Detroit Branch of the NAACP and holds positions on numerous area boards focused on education, workforce development, health, diversity, equity and inclusion, and the revitalization of Detroit.

Hear what drives Thompson to exemplify the Wayne State spirit of achievement, excellence and service via the video below.

Learn more about all recipients of the WSU Alumni Association Awards.