Media Advisory: WSU alumni, community members honored at 46th Annual Arts Achievement Awards

What: Wayne State University's College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts will honor prestigious alumni, educators, and civic leaders in their respective fields during the 46th Annual Arts Achievement Awards. In total, six outstanding recipients will be recognized for their artistic achievements and dedication to the arts.

The Arts Achievement Awards originated in 1975 and has been a long standing Presidential level ceremony to celebrate the outstanding career achievements of Wayne State University alumni and former students from the programs that comprise the College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts.

Exceptional career achievement appropriate for recognition includes research, creative work, performance, publication, advocacy, composition, exhibition, education, discovery, management and /or leadership in their profession or artistic practice.

Reporters are welcome to interview the honorees and selected representatives from CFPCA.

Who: Below is the list of this year's honorees. Click here to read their detailed bios.

• Shiva Ahmadi | James Pearson Duffy Department of Art, Art History, and Design
• Dr. Jane Fitzgibbon | Department of Communication
• Julien Labro | Department of Music
• Deborah Joy Winans Williams | Maggie Allesee Department of Theatre and Dance
• Dr. Mayowa Lisa Reynolds | Dean's Arts Educator
• Rochelle Riley | Dean's Arts Advocate

When: Media are welcome to attend the Arts Achievement Awards from 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 16. A private reception for honorees, friends and family will be held from 5 to 6 p.m., with interview availability.

Where: Media are invited to capture footage at the Gretchen C. Valade Jazz Center (map), located at 4743 Cass Ave, Detroit, 48202, directly next to Old Main and most accessible via W. Hancock St.

Contact: Media planning to attend should RSVP to Shawn Wright at [email protected].