2000 Recipients

Ms. Mazzie entered the professional acting ranks as an apprentice and earned her Equity card at the Barn Theatre in Augusta, Mich. In 1982, she moved to New York City and was soon performing in numerous Broadway productions, as well as several off-Broadway shows and national touring productions.

She received her first Tony Award nomination in 1994 for her portrayal of Clara in Passions, her second, in 1998 for her role in Ragtime, and her third, in 2000 for the dual role of Lilli and Kate in the revival of Kiss Me Kate.

A recipient of the Outer Critics' Circle Award, the University presented her with an honorary degree in 2000.

Mr. Hall also earned a master's degree from Wayne State University. He began his career as an entrepreneur, and then spent 16 years as a supervisor of systems analysis at the Ford Motor Company, before joining New Detroit, Inc. as an assistant vice president.

In 1992, he was named president of the Michigan Minority Business Development Council, which under his leadership became one of the premier minority business organizations in the country.

In 1998, he was selected chairman and CEO of Bridgewater Interiors, LLC, a first-of-its-kind joint venture in Detroit's Empowerment Zone.

A lifelong national advocate for minorities, the elderly and the low income, Mr. Simmons served as assistant secretary at HUD and provided leadership in the promulgation of the initial regulations implementing federal Fair Housing Laws.

As president and CEO of the National Caucus and Center on Black Aged, he developed $20 million of housing for seniors and successfully lobbied Congress and federal agencies to expand and improve entitlements for the low income and minority elderly.

A recipient of the prestigious Fleming Award, he was awarded an honorary degree by Western Michigan University in 1970.