Creativity, Generosity and Legacy Take Center Stage at CCS Scholarship Celebration Luncheon

Photo Credit: Elayne Gross

The College for Creative Studies welcomed donors, trustees, alumni, students, faculty and friends to the second annual Donor Appreciation Scholarship Celebration Luncheon on October 7, in the General Motors Auditorium at the A. Alfred Taubman Center for Design Education. The event honored the generosity of those who make scholarships possible and celebrated the creative futures those investments help shape.

Serving as emcee, Katie Rusak, Director of Advancement Operations, opened the program by thanking attendees for their belief in CCS students and in the power of creativity. “This event is about connection,” she said. “It’s a celebration of generosity in action, and of the students whose dreams are made possible because of it.”

A Celebration of Commitment and Creativity

Trustee Jody Ingle (’08, Industrial & Product Design) welcomed guests on behalf of the CCS Board of Trustees, recognizing the importance of scholarships and the community of support behind every student.

“Any graduate of CCS will attest, the journey to become a creative professional is not for the faint of heart,” Ingle said. “Every day, and very likely every night, students at CCS work. They compete, collaborate and create in a relentless pursuit to express their ideas, to push the boundaries and ultimately make the world a better place.”

His words set the tone for the afternoon, one of shared purpose and pride in CCS’ creative community.

President Don Tuski followed with remarks highlighting the enduring impact of donor generosity. “This luncheon captures what our College is all about, our students, our alumni, our faculty, and the generosity of donors and partners who believe in the power of creativity,” he said.

Tuski noted that 42 percent of CCS students graduate with no debt, crediting scholarships for empowering them to take creative risks and pursue careers with confidence. He also shared that emergency retention scholarships recently helped 73 students stay enrolled or graduate, a testament to how donor support changes lives in real time.

“Our graduates are shaping culture and industry at every level, from Detroit studios to Nike, DreamWorks and beyond,” Tuski said. “Your support makes those stories possible.”

Honoring the Legacy of Heinz C. Prechter

The luncheon also recognized a transformational moment in CCS’ philanthropic story. In 2024, Waltraud “Wally” Prechter made a $2 million endowed gift in memory of her late husband, Heinz C. Prechter, creating three endowed scholarships that will support generations of CCS students.

Wally and her daughter Stephanie Prechter spoke movingly about Heinz’s journey, from his early years in Germany to founding the American Sunroof Corporation (ASC) and revolutionizing the automotive industry.

“Heinz was a gifted innovator who believed in continuous improvement and the power of opportunity,” Wally shared. Stephanie reflected on her father’s creativity, faith and resilience, and on the family’s ongoing work to advance bipolar research at the University of Michigan. “We see his legacy living on through these scholarships,” she said. “It’s a gift for us to give back in his name.”

Guests were invited to explore original ASC marketing booklets on display near the entrance and to visit the Designing Detroit exhibition in the Valade Gallery, where a moonroof prototype and motor designed by Heinz is on loan from the Detroit Historical Museum.

Stories of Impact

The luncheon also featured reflections from two scholarship recipients whose stories illustrated how philanthropy directly shapes student success.

Chris Romero Hernandez (’27, Illustration), recipient of the Gilbert Family Foundation Endowed Scholarship, spoke about how the scholarship has lifted financial pressure and given him the confidence to pursue his dream of working in the entertainment industry.

“Receiving this scholarship has had one of the most significant financial impacts on my life,” Hernandez said. “It allowed me to focus more on my studies and less on worrying about how I would pay for college. With this scholarship, I not only gained financial assistance, but also received personal support and confidence in my work.”

He shared that the support has inspired him to aim higher: “It’s been my life’s dream to work for the Walt Disney Company as a concept artist. This scholarship was my extra push toward that dream – it was the boost I needed to succeed.”

The Gilbert Family Foundation, a transformational partner for both CCS and the city of Detroit, has invested deeply in creating multi-year scholarships that remove barriers and open doors for Detroit students to thrive in art and design. Their ongoing support has directly impacted students like Hernandez, whose talent and drive embody the mission of both organizations.

Denaja Smith (’26, Fashion Design), recipient of the Anna Sui Endowed Scholarship, shared her journey of returning to school while working full-time and raising her son.

“Being chosen for this scholarship made me feel seen,” she said. “It gave me the freedom to focus on my art, and it inspired me to want to give back one day, too.”

She reflected on how CCS has shaped her artistic identity, saying the experience helped her embrace her creativity in new ways and gain confidence as both a designer and an artist. The Anna Sui Endowed Scholarship was established to ensure that future fashion design students at CCS can pursue their education without financial barriers. Created by celebrated Detroit-born designer Anna Sui, the scholarship reflects her commitment to nurturing new voices in the field and expanding access to design education in her hometown.

The Power of Generosity

In closing, Rusak reflected on the spirit of the day, a gathering that linked legacy, philanthropy and creative ambition. “Your belief in our students empowers them to believe in themselves,” she said. “And their creativity reminds us why generosity matters, because it shapes not just careers, but the world we share.”

The afternoon concluded with conversation, connection and photos – a celebration of creativity sustained by generosity.

For more information about establishing a scholarship or supporting CCS students, please contact Katie Rusak at [email protected] or 313.664.7861. View the full photo gallery from the event here.