On September 29, SER Metro-Detroit commemorated its 50th Anniversary at the Marriott Hotel in Downtown Detroit at its Annual Amigos de SER Business Recognition Luncheon. Over 600 people were in attendance as SER Metro-Detroit, also known as The Unified SER Family, recognized its business, community, and funding partners and presented awards to several program graduates for their academic achievements. Mayor Duggan gave greetings and a congratulatory message. Comerica Bank was the Event Sponsor, and Mr. Curtis C. Farmer, Chairman, President, and CEO of Comerica Incorporated and Comerica Bank, delivered the keynote address.
“It was great to finally hold an in-person event after over two and a half years of dealing with this global pandemic,” said Eva Garza Dewaelsche, President and CEO of SER Metro. “It gave us the opportunity to express our gratitude to our partners, and to celebrate SER’s critical work of enriching countless lives of those facing economic, education, and employment barriers.”
Four SER graduates received Journey to Success Awards including Aron Castlin, Wesley Dominguez, Ivory Frith-Walker, and Tracey Riggs. In addition, two graduates, Johanna Flores and Onyekachi Olisakwe received a $1,000 scholarship from SER’s Frank D. Stella Scholarship program presented by his daughter, Mary Ann Stella. Comerica Bank was recognized as SER’s Amigo of the Year and Magna Seating received the Employer of the Year Award. A special tribute was given to Ignacio Salazar, current President of SER National who was President and CEO of SER Metro-Detroit from 1975-2007.
Photo credits: Jose Juarez and Alejandro Ugalde
