LIVONIA, MICH. – Madonna University presented awards to alumni and a community organization at its annual donor appreciation event, Deo Gratias, on Sunday, April 6, 2025.
The Livonia-Westland Chamber of Commerce received the Outstanding Community Partner Award in recognition of its exceptional collaboration with Madonna University and vital role in supporting the University. Dan West, Chamber President, and Chamber staff members were present to accept the award.
On behalf of the Chamber Board of Directors and the Chamber staff members, West expressed appreciation for the award, "We are grateful for the Outstanding Community Partner Award, and our years of working with the great people at Madonna University to make a difference in our business community."
The Emerging Leader Award went to Michelle Danou, who earned a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality & Tourism Management in 2015 and
a Master of Social Work and a certificate in non-profit leadership in 2018. This award
recognizes a graduate within the last 10 years who is making significant contributions
to their career or field of study.
While at Madonna, Danou received many honors, including the National Association of Social Workers Student of the Year. She began her social work career at the Monroe Community Mental Health Authority where she provided case management services to mentally ill and developmentally disabled individuals. Currently, she serves as a Michigan Long-Term Care Ombudsman working with and advocating for seniors in long-term care facilities. Danou also volunteers with various social service organizations in her community, such as Meals on Wheels, Trinity Health Livonia Hospital, and area food banks.
Danou said she was grateful for the support of the social work faculty who helped guide her and for the spirit of Madonna University.
“This is a reminder to … continue to contribute to my community and field of work and to uphold the values of the Felician Sisters.”
Remenson Tenor, who earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Leadership through
Madonna’s Haiti Educational Leadership program, in 2016, received the Outstanding
Service Award. This award recognizes a graduate who has made outstanding contributions
to the community and who embodies the Felician value of joyful service.
Tenor serves as the chief operating officer (COO) of Meds and Foods for Kids, a nonprofit in Haiti dedicated to treating malnourished children and mothers, training farmers, and creating jobs. As COO, Tenor leads the production of lifesaving Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food in the organization’s factory and collaborates with global organizations like UNICEF to distribute the food to vulnerable populations in underserved areas. In 2024, the organization treated over 1 million malnourished children in Haiti. Tenor has also helped his organization to significantly expand farmer training programs to create sustainable livelihoods for Haitian farmers.
In video remarks, Tenor voiced gratitude for his Madonna education.
“It is thanks to Madonna that I can be in the position I am in today. … The values of the Felician Sisters were instilled in me and I will continue on my path to serve my people, my country and the global community.”
The Professional Excellence Award was presented to Christopher Nickin, who earned a Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast & Cinema Arts in 2013 and a Master of
Science in Business Leadership in 2022. The Award recognizes a graduate, professionally
established for more than 10 years, who is making outstanding contributions to their
profession and community, and bringing honor to the University.
Nickin built a successful career in the film industry – directing films, music videos, sporting events and television shows and earning multiple awards – before bringing his wealth of experience back to Madonna. He currently serves as video production manager and teaches classes, including the Capstone Film class, which provides students the opportunity to work on a full-length feature film. Under Nickin’s mentorship, BCA students have achieved significant recognition and awards. Nickin volunteers with organizations including Institute on Human Trafficking Education, Urban Neighborhood Initiative, Focus Hope, and Arts & Scraps. He and his students have also volunteered video production services for other non-profits.
Nickin reflected on his Madonna journey and the joy he derives from working with students.
“One of my favorite moments as an educator is when my students end up teaching me something—because that’s how learning works. It never stops. We’re all students. We’re all teachers.”
Madonna’s Alumni Board solicited nominations for the Alumni Awards last fall. The Board received and reviewed nearly 50 nominations, said Lauren Nobles, president of the Alumni Board. “We were thrilled to hear from so many of our alumni and were inspired by their achievements,” said Nobles.
