• 6-Foot-6 forward recorded 35 points in 52 games with AHL’s Hartford Wolf Pack

The Detroit Red Wings today signed left wing Tim Gettinger to a one-year, two-way contract.

Gettinger, 25, spent the entire 2022-23 season with the American Hockey League’s Hartford Wolf Pack, recording 35 points (13-22-35), a plus-four rating and 26 penalty minutes in 52 games, in addition to eight points (2-6-8) in nine postseason contests. The 6-foot-6, 222-pound forward skated in eight games with the New York Rangers during the 2021-22 campaign and collected 25 points (10-15-25), a plus-nine rating and 39 penalty minutes in 45 games with the Wolf Pack. Originally selected by the Rangers in the fifth round (141st overall) of the 2016 NHL Entry Draft, Gettinger has logged one assist in 16 NHL games since 2018-19. He has also accumulated 133 points (62-71-133) and 126 penalty minutes in 237 AHL games with the Wolf Pack.

Prior to turning professional, Gettinger played four seasons with the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds of the Ontario Hockey League from 2014-18. He was named to the OHL First All-Rookie Team in 2014-15 after recording 25 points, a plus-10 rating and 13 penalty minutes in 54 regular-season games. In total, Gettinger compiled 187 points (91-96-187), a plus-67 rating and 125 penalty minutes in 242 OHL games, along with 35 points (13-22-35) in 53 playoff matchups. The Cleveland, Ohio, native also spent time with the U.S. National Team Development Program, netting two goals and six penalty minutes in four appearances with the under-17 team during the 2014-15 season. On the international stage, Gettinger played for Team USA at the 2015 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament, showing four points (2-2-4) and 30 penalty minutes in four games.

Tim Gettinger, Left Wing

Born Apr 14 1998 — Cleveland, OH

Height 6.06 — Weight 222 — Shoots L

Selected by New York Rangers round 5 #141 overall 2016 NHL Entry Draft

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• 2022 Stanley Cup Champion has recorded 194 points in 423 NHL games with Avalanche since 2016-17

The Detroit Red Wings today signed left wing J.T. Compher to a five-year contract with an average annual value of $5.1 million.

Compher, 28, spent the 2022-23 season with the Colorado Avalanche and ranked among the team leaders with 17 goals (T4th), 35 assists (5th), 52 points (4th), a plus-eight rating (T9th), 33 penalty minutes (7th), five power play goals (T6th), 14 power play points (6th), three game-winning goals (T4th) and 154 shots (7th) in 82 games. The 6-foot, 190-pound forward also recorded two points (1-1-2) in seven postseason contests. Compher logged 33 points (18-15-33), a plus-six rating and 25 penalty minutes in 70 games with the Avalanche during the 2021-22 campaign, in addition to eight points (5-3-8) and 10 penalty minutes in 20 playoff games to help the franchise win a Stanley Cup championship. Originally selected by the Buffalo Sabres in the second round (35th overall) of the 2013 NHL Entry Draft, Compher has tallied 194 points (88-106-194) and 150 penalty minutes in 423 regular-season games with the Avalanche since 2016-17, along with 29 points (14-15-29) and 20 penalty minutes in 70 playoff matchups. Compher also had 30 points (13-17-30) and 22 penalty minutes in 41 games with the American Hockey League’s San Antonio Rampage in 2016-17.

Prior to turning professional, Compher played three seasons at the University of Michigan from 2013-16, serving as team captain during his junior year. He helped the Wolverines capture a Big Ten Conference title in 2015-16 and was an All-Big Ten First Team selection after racking up 63 points (16-47-63), a plus-35 rating and 28 penalty minutes in 38 games. Compher was the inaugural Big Ten Rookie of the Year in 2013-14 after logging 31 points (11-20-31), a plus-13 rating and 22 penalty minutes in 35 contests. In all, Compher accumulated 118 points (39-79-118), a plus-45 rating and 90 penalty minutes in 107 games with the Wolverines. The Northbrook, Ill., native skated with the U.S. National Team Development Program from 2011-13. On the international stage, Compher represented Team USA at back-to-back IIHF World Championships in 2016 and 2017, totaling five points (3-2-5) in 18 games. He also played in five games at the 2015 IIHF World Junior Championship. Compher previously earned a silver medal at the 2013 IIHF World Under-18 Championship and a gold medal at the 2012 IIHF World Under-18 Championship.

JT Compher, Left Wing

Born Apr 8 1995 — Northbrook, IL

Height 6.00 — Weight 190 — Shoots R

Selected by Buffalo Sabres round 2 #35 overall 2013 NHL Entry Draft

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• Kostin Recorded 21 Points in 57 Games With Edmonton; Yamamoto Collected 25 Points in 58 Games With the Oilers in 2022-23

The Detroit Red Wings today acquired center Klim Kostin and right wing Kailer Yamamoto from the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for future considerations.

Kostin, 24, spent the majority of the 2022-23 season with the Oilers, recording 21 points (11-10-21), a plus-12 rating and 66 penalty minutes in 57 games. The 6-foot-3, 215-pound forward also collected five points (3-2-5) and nine penalty minutes in 12 postseason contests. Additionally, Kostin logged four points (2-2-4) and 15 penalty minutes in nine games with the American Hockey League’s Bakersfield Condors during the 2022-23 campaign. Kostin helped Avangard Omsk of the Kontinental Hockey League win a Gagarin Cup championship in 2020-21, accumulating 18 points (7-11-18), a plus-six rating and 50 penalty minutes in 43 games before adding nine points (5-4-9) and 44 penalty minutes in 24 playoff matchups. Originally selected by the St. Louis Blues in the first round (31st overall) of the 2017 NHL Entry Draft, Kostin has registered 32 points (16-16-32) and 89 penalty minutes in 103 NHL games with the Blues and Oilers since 2019-20. He has also compiled 92 points (34-58-92) and 263 penalty minutes in 207 AHL games with the San Antonio Rampage and Condors.

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A native of Penza, Russia, Kostin made his professional debut with Dynamo Moscow in the KHL during the 2016-17 season, finishing with a plus-one rating and 27 penalty minutes in eight games. Kostin also netted one goal and four penalty minutes in nine appearances with Dynamo Balashikha of the Supreme Hockey League (VHL) in 2016-17. On the international stage, Kostin captained Russia to a bronze medal at the 2019 IIHF World Junior Championship, notching six points (3-3-6) and 10 penalty minutes in seven games. He also competed at the 2018 IIHF World Junior Championship, showing eight points (5-3-8) and a plus-seven rating in five appearances. Kostin recorded seven points (4-3-7) and 29 penalty minutes in five games at the 2016 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament, along with four assists and four penalty minutes in five games captaining Russia at the 2016 IIHF World Under-18 Championship.

Yamamoto, 24, spent the entire 2022-23 season with the Oilers and tallied 25 points (10-15-25), a plus-12 rating and 24 penalty minutes in 58 games, in addition to four points (1-3-4) in 12 postseason appearances. The 5-foot-8, 153-pound forward set career highs in games played (81), goals (20), assists (21), points (41), penalty minutes (40), power play goals (3), game-winning goals (4) and shots (114) with Edmonton during the 2021-22 campaign, along with seven points (2-5-7) and 10 penalty minutes in 14 playoff matchups. Originally selected by Edmonton in the first round (22nd overall) of the 2017 NHL Entry Draft, Yamamoto has totaled 118 points (50-68-118) and 106 penalty minutes in 244 games with the franchise since 2017-18. He also had 34 points (18-16-34) and 32 penalty minutes in 50 contests with Bakersfield from 2018-20, representing the club at the 2020 AHL All-Star Classic.

A native of Spokane, Wash., Yamamoto played four seasons with the Western Hockey League’s Spokane Chiefs from 2014-18 prior to turning professional. In all, Yamamoto recorded 291 points (105-186-291), a plus-68 rating and 148 penalty minutes in 230 games with the Chiefs, in addition to 14 points (4-10-14) and 22 penalty minutes in 19 playoff matchups. He also spent time with the U.S. National Team Development Program, logging 14 points (7-7-14) in nine games with the under-18 team during the 2015-16 season and seven points (3-4-7) in seven games with the under-17 group in 2014-15. On the international stage, Yamamoto won a bronze medal with Team USA at the 2018 IIHF World Junior Championship, adding four points (2-2-4), a plus-three rating and four penalty minutes in seven games. He also won a bronze medal at the 2016 IIHF World Under-18 Championship, amassing 13 points (7-6-13), a plus-seven rating and 12 penalty minutes in eight contests at the 2016 IIHF World Under-18 Championship. Yamamoto previously collected seven points (4-3-7) and 14 penalty minutes in four games at the 2015 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament.

• Puck Drops on Thursday, Oct. 12 at New Jersey; Home Opener on Saturday, Oct. 14 vs. Tampa Bay
• Fans Can Sign Up for Single-Game Ticket Presale Today

The Detroit Red Wings today released their schedule for the 2023-24 season and the team’s 98^th overall in the National Hockey League. The Red Wings open the season on the road on Thursday, Oct. 12 at the New Jersey Devils before hosting the team’s Home Opener on Saturday, Oct. 14 against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Little Caesars Arena will host 18 weekend home games (three Fridays, 10 Saturdays and five Sundays), spanning through the regular-season finale on Tuesday, April 16 on the road at the Montreal Canadiens.

Ticket on-sale information for the preseason and regular season – in addition to Theme Nights and promotional giveaways – will be announced in the coming weeks. Fans can sign up for the Single-Game Ticket Presale List today for the opportunity to purchase tickets before the general public by visiting DetroitRedWings.com/Presale.

The presale is the best way for the fans of Hockeytown to secure tickets to the most marquee matchups throughout the season, including Opening Night against the Tampa Bay Lightning, the annual Thanksgiving Eve, and New Year’s Eve games, Original Six matchups against the Boston Bruins, Chicago Blackhawks, New York Rangers and much more.

This season’s 82-game slate features 26 games against Atlantic Division rivals, three games against the eight teams in the Eastern Conference’s Metropolitan Division (24 games) and two games against all 16 Western Conference foes (32 games).

Following the season opener in New Jersey on Thursday, Oct. 12, the Red Wings will play five of their next seven games at Little Caesars Arena – a stretch that includes nine of 15 games at home to start the season.

After a home tilt against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Saturday, Nov. 11, the Red Wings travel to Sweden to participate in the 2023 NHL Global Series – Sweden, featuring a pair of games against the Ottawa Senators (Thursday, Nov. 16) and Toronto Maple Leafs (Friday, Nov. 17) at Avicii Arena in Stockholm, Sweden. The Red Wings return to action in North America to host the team’s annual Thanksgiving Eve (Wednesday, Nov. 22) game at Little Caesars Arena against the New Jersey Devils.

December is the busiest month of the season for the Red Wings, as the club will play a total of 15 games (seven home, eight road). Detroit will also navigate a pair of back-to-backs during the month, two of 10 such occurrences on the season. The Red Wings will close the calendar year by hosting their annual New Year’s Eve game at Little Caesars Arena against the Boston Bruins at 5:00 p.m.

January kicks off with a three-game road trip to California before the Red Wings return home to play seven of 10 games at Little Caesars Arena to wrap up the month, including a five-game homestand from Jan. 21-31 featuring the lone visit of the year from the Stanley Cup Champion Vegas Golden Knights (Saturday, Jan. 27).

Detroit opens February with a nine-day break to accommodate the NHL All-Star Game. The club returns to action at Little Caesars Arena on Saturday, Feb. 10 against the Vancouver Canucks before departing for a four-game road trip through Western Canada that concludes with a President’s Day matinee in Seattle against the Kraken (Monday, Feb 19 at 3:30 p.m.). Detroit will then play four of its next five games at Little Caesars Arena to finish the month.

March features the most road games of the season, with the Red Wings playing nine of 14 contests away from Little Caesars Arena. The home slate for the month includes two Saturday contests (March 2 vs. Florida; March 16 vs. Buffalo) – the latter coming on the front side of a back-to-back which has Detroit traveling to Pittsburgh for a St. Patrick’s Day matchup on Sunday, March 17.

The Red Wings conclude their longest road trip of the season on Monday, April 1 at Tampa Bay – a five-game trip dating back to Saturday, March 23 at Nashville. Detroit will then play three straight games at home before wrapping up the regular season schedule with three games in four nights against Original Six foes, including a home-and-home against the Montreal Canadiens to finish the 2023-24 campaign (Monday, April 15 at Little Caesars Arena and Tuesday, April 16 at Bell Centre).

‍2023-24 SEASON MEMBERSHIPS NOW AVAILABLE

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* 2023 NHL Global Series – Sweden

• Second-Ranked International Defenseman Played With Sweden’s Skellefteå AIK in 2022-23

The Detroit Red Wings today selected defenseman Axel Sandin Pellikka in the first round (17th overall) of the 2023 NHL Entry Draft at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn.

Sandin Pellikka spent part of the 2022-23 season with Skellefteå AIK in the Swedish Hockey League, recording five points (2-3-5) and a plus-two rating in 22 games. His five points were the most of any defenseman 18 years of age or younger in Sweden’s highest professional league. The 5-foot-11, 180-pound blueliner logged a plus-one rating and two penalty minutes in seven Champions Hockey League games, helping Skellefteå AIK reach the quarterfinals of the competition. Additionally, Sandin Pellikka was named the best defenseman in Sweden’s top junior league after racking up 36 points (16-20-36), a plus-15 rating and 64 penalty minutes in 31 games with Skellefteå AIK’s under-20 team, along with one assist in two postseason appearances. He also contributed three points (2-1-3) in five playoff games with Skellefteå AIK’s under-18 squad. Sandin Pellikka entered tonight’s draft ranked second on NHL’s Central Scouting list among international defensemen.

A native of Gällivare, Sweden, Sandin Pellikka split the 2021-22 campaign between Skellefteå AIK’s under-20 and under-18 teams. He tallied three points (1-2-3), a plus-three rating and six penalty minutes with the under-20 group, in addition to 21 points (9-12-21) and 12 penalty minutes in 30 contests at the under-18 level. Sandin Pellikka has developed with Skellefteå AIK since 2019-20, notching 39 points (17-22-39), a plus-18 rating and 70 penalty minutes in 45 games at the under-20 level, 22 points (9-13-22) in 40 games with the under-18 team and 12 points (3-9-12) in 24 games for the under-16 squad.

On the international stage, Sandin Pellikka represented Sweden at the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship tallying one assist and six penalty minutes in seven games. He earned a silver medal at the 2023 IIHF World Under-18 Championship, compiling 11 points (2-9-11), a plus-eight rating in seven appearances. Sandin Pellikka also won a silver medal at the 2022 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, dishing out two assists in five games.

Detroit currently has eight picks for the second day of the 2023 Entry Draft: three in the second round (41st, 42nd and 43rd), one in the third round (73rd), one in the fourth round (117th), one in the fifth round (137th), one in the sixth round (169th) and one in the seventh round (201st).

• Seventh-Ranked North American Skater Recorded 78 Points in 68 Games With WHL’s Brandon Wheat Kings

The Detroit Red Wings today selected center Nate Danielson in the first round (ninth overall) of the 2023 NHL Entry Draft at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn.

Danielson captained the Western Hockey League’s Brandon Wheat Kings during the 2022-23 season and ranked among the team leaders with 33 goals (1st), 45 assists (1st), 78 points (1st), 38 penalty minutes (T10th), 13 power play goals (1st), 38 power play points (1st), three shorthanded goals (1st), five game-winning goals (T1st), 244 shots (2nd) in 68 games. His 78 points were the most by a Wheat Kings player since the 2018-19 campaign. The 6-foot-2, 186-pound forward was named to the WHL East Division’s Second All-Star Team and competed at the 2023 CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game.

Danielson also averaged over a point-per-game during the 2021-22 campaign, tallying 57 points (23-34-57), a plus-18 rating and 34 penalty minutes in 53 games, in addition to three points (1-2-3) in six postseason contests. Danielson made his WHL debut with Brandon in 2020-21, logging 15 points (3-12-15), a plus-one rating and eight penalty minutes in 24 appearances. In total, Danielson has compiled 150 points (59-91-150), a plus-seven rating and 80 penalty minutes in 140 WHL games.

A native of Edmonton, Alb., Danielson notched 10 points (6-4-10) and 10 penalty minutes in five games with the Red Deer Chiefs under-18 squad prior to the start of the 2020-21 WHL season. Danielson competed for Northern Alberta X-Treme Prep in the Canada Sport School Hockey League during the 2019-20 campaign, logging 60 points (26-34-60) in 27 games, along with five points (1-4-5) in two postseason contests. He played with the Red Deer Rebels AAA program from 2017-19, amassing 85 points (35-50-85) in 65 games at the under-15 level, along with 23 points (10-13-23) in 14 playoff matchups. On the international stage, Danielson won a bronze medal with Team Canada at the 2020 Winter Youth Olympics in Lausanne, Switzerland, recording three points (2-1-3) and a plus-four rating in four games.

Detroit currently has another selection in the first round (17th overall) and eight picks for the second day of the 2023 Entry Draft: three in the second round (41st, 42nd and 43rd), one in the third round (73rd), one in the fourth round (117th), one in the fifth round (137th), one in the sixth round (169th) and one in the seventh round (201st).

Eight-Game Schedule Features Two-Game Sets with Chicago, Pittsburgh, Toronto and Washington

The Detroit Red Wings today announced their 2023-24 preseason schedule.

The 2023-24 Red Wings will take to the ice for the first time when hosting the Pittsburgh Penguins on Tuesday, Sept. 26 at 7:00 p.m. at Little Caesars Arena. The Red Wings will then play a home-and-home against the Washington Capitals – traveling to Washington on Thursday, Sept. 28 for a 7:00 p.m. game before hosting the Capitals at Little Caesars Arena on Saturday, Sept. 30 at 7:00 p.m.

Detroit will open the month of October with a home tilt against the Chicago Blackhawks on Sunday, Oct. 1 at 7:00 p.m. The Red Wings will wrap-up the preseason with four games in five nights, including three straight road games. The first back-to-back features road tilts at Chicago on Tuesday, Oct. 3 at 8:30 p.m. and at Pittsburgh on Wednesday, Oct. 4 at 7:00 p.m. Detroit will conclude the preseason with a pair of games against the Toronto Maple Leafs – squaring off against the Original Six rival in Toronto on Friday, Oct. 6 at 7:00 p.m. and at Little Caesars Arena on Saturday, Oct. 7 at 7:00 p.m.

Ticket on-sale information for the preseason and regular season will be announced at a later date. Fans can sign up for the Single-Game Ticket Presale List to have an opportunity to purchase tickets before the general public by visiting DetroitRedWings.com/Presale.

The 2023-24 preseason schedule to date can be found below.

DETROIT RED WINGS 2023-24 PRESEASON SCHEDULE

                       DATE  DAY                                        SITE                                        TIME (ET)

September     26        Tue.     PITTSBURGH           Little Caesars Arena               7:00 p.m.

                       28        Thu.     at Washington          Capital One Arena                  7:00 p.m.

                       30        Sat.     WASHINGTON           Little Caesars Arena               7:00 p.m.

October          1          Sun.    CHICAGO                   Little Caesars Arena               7:00 p.m.

                       3          Tue.     at Chicago                 United Center                         8:30 p.m.

                       4          Wed.   at Pittsburgh              PPG Paints Arena                  7:00 p.m.

                       6          Fri.       at Toronto                  Scotiabank Arena                   7:00 p.m.

                       7          Sat.     TORONTO                  Little Caesars Arena               7:00 p.m.

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2023-24 SEASON MEMBERSHIPS NOW AVAILABLE

Winged Wheel Nation is the Detroit Red Wings Season Ticket Membership Program. Designed with your unique needs and interests in mind, Winged Wheel Nation membership offers unprecedented inside access, unforgettable experiences and exclusive benefits for the Red Wings’ most loyal fans on a year-round basis.

All members enjoy year-round benefits, including access to a flexible payment plan, a ticket exchange program, invitations to VIP events and much more. You can choose from multiple membership types tailored to your schedule and fandom. Learn more about becoming a member by clicking HERE or by calling the Red Wings’ Ticket Sales & Service Office at 313-471-7575.

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As the Tigers joined the Detroit Economic Club at MotorCity Casino Hotel, students from all over the state were excited to hear from members of the organization including president of baseball operations, Scott Harris and manager, A.J. Hinch. Kerry Carpenter (outfielder), Jake Rogers (catcher), and Spencer Torkelson (first baseman) also took part in a question and answer panel.

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• Thousands gathered in the historic Fox Theatre to honor the trailblazing businessperson

• Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer proclaimed May 8, 2024 ‘Marian Ilitch Day’ in honor of the first Little Caesars store opening, marking a significant milestone in entrepreneurism in Michigan

• National Hockey League proclaimed Marian Ilitch “The most impactful woman owner in the league”

Marian Ilitch, a powerful force in business, sports, public service and philanthropy for decades, was recently honored for her lifetime achievements and contributions to business and community. During a private event at the Fox Theatre – the national historic landmark that Marian and her late husband Mike lovingly restored – state, city and community leaders, colleagues, local students, family and friends gathered to celebrate Marian’s impact of the lives of so many.“

Mom, for over 90 years, it has been your nature to work hard, stay in the background, and humbly support others,” her son and CEO, Ilitch Companies, Chris Ilitch said to open the celebration. “Today, it is our honor to shine the spotlight on you and acknowledge and celebrate all you have accomplished over your lifetime to help your family, friends, franchisees, colleagues, and community.”

Born in Dearborn to Macedonian immigrants, Marian, a first-generation American, was raised on hard work, which she used to become one of the most successful businesswomen in the country.

During the event, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer declared May 8, 2024 ‘Marian Ilitch Day,’ explaining that the date represents the day in 1959 when Marian and Mike co-founded a small business, Little Caesars Pizza Treat. Through years of hard work, Little Caesars is now the third-largest pizza chain in the world.“

To honor Marian, I encourage every Michigander to shop at a small business on Marian Ilitch Day. There is no better way to honor the impact of Mrs. I than by uplifting the small business owners who are the backbone of our state’s economy,” said Whitmer. “Today, and every day, let’s work hard to follow in Marian’s footsteps and build a Michigan where everyone can succeed.”

Always entrepreneurs at heart, Marian and Mike expanded their interests over the years to include food, sports, entertainment, gaming and other industries. Today, under the leadership of their son Chris, the Ilitch Companies have grown to represent 12 businesses under common private ownership that employ thousands of people in the Detroit area and around the world.

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan noted that Marian and Mike’s passion for and belief in their hometown was the catalyst for tremendous growth in Detroit. “I don’t know that there is another organization driving more new construction here in Detroit, creating jobs for thousands of Detroiters and transforming our city’s skyline,” Duggan said.

In addition to Marian’s entrepreneurism and business acumen, she was a sports pioneer. As a hands-on owner of the Detroit Red Wings, Marian was the fourth woman to have her name engraved on the Stanley Cup. Today, there are just 18 women recognized with a Stanley Cup inscription. Marian’s name appears for those four championships, along with her daughters.

Longtime National Hockey League (NHL) Commissioner Gary Bettman took the opportunity to proclaim Marian as “the most impactful woman owner in the league,” acknowledging the role that she played in strengthening the league, the growth of youth hockey throughout the United States and improving the lives of the residents of her community.

Since 2000, Marian and Mike, the Ilitch Companies, and charitable affiliates have provided more than $250 million in grants and giving, with most of it directed at impacting the city of Detroit with impactful charitable platforms and support for more than 500 Detroit-based organizations.

In 2018 Mike and Marian made a $40 million gift to Wayne State University, and the Mike Ilitch School of Business opened. This gift remains the largest in the university’s history and demonstrated their continuing commitment to the city.

“These were not just gifts to Wayne State, they were gifts to Detroit and its residents and have an impact for generations,” said M. Roy Wilson, president of Wayne State University.

Wilson was joined on stage by Virginia Kleist, dean of the Wayne State University Mike Ilitch School of Business, as well as a collection of Mike Ilitch School of Business students.

“As president of Wayne State University and a member of the Detroit community for the past decade, I can say I have encountered few people as remarkable as Mike and Marian Ilitch. They are among the most generous, reinvesting in their community in meaningful and impactful ways for decades,” said Wilson. “It has been my distinct honor to call Marian a friend.”

Mike Ilitch School of Business two-time graduate Samantha Tirakian said, “The Mike Ilitch School of Business creates opportunities for all,” before speaking directly to Marian: “It is through your contributions to this business school that I and so many other Wayne State students have accessed opportunities that would have been unthinkable otherwise, and we cannot thank you enough.”

Inspired by Marian, commitment, service and longevity was also honored at the Ilitch Companies. Chris Ilitch pointed out that across the Companies, 2,051 colleagues have worked at least 10 years; 1,312 for more than 10 years; 943 for over 20 years; and 19 whose careers have spanned more than 40 years.

“From the very beginning, she set an example to follow…lifting others up, providing them with opportunity, and cheering them on as they flourished. And as a family company, she was right there alongside them, rolling up her sleeves, working hand-in-hand. Their success was her success, and vice versa,” Chris added.

In addition to her extensive professional success, family has remained paramount to Marian. She is the proud mother to seven children, and “baba” to 21 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. Throughout the event, Marian’s children and grandchildren shared personal stories and memories about how she made them feel loved throughout their lives.

“Thank you, mom, for setting an example that inspires all of us, and challenges us, to bring out the best not only in ourselves, but in and everyone we encounter. You have laid an incredible foundation for your family, your colleagues, and your beloved Detroit, to continue building on your kindness and your legacy,” said Chris in closing.