Congratulations to our 2024 Award Recipients!
Ufer Award - Mary Petrovich
Post Graduate Scholarship - Andrew Vastardis
Raeder’s Raiders Spirit Award - Dylan Stanton
Honorary M - Doug Karsch
The Letterwinners MClub is delighted to announce that Mary Petrovich, an esteemed alumna and accomplished business leader, has been selected as the recipient of the prestigious Ufer Award. This accolade is a testament to her outstanding contributions to the University of Michigan and her exceptional achievements in both her professional career and community service.
Mary Petrovich’s journey is a story of perseverance story. Growing up in Birmingham, Michigan, she faced significant challenges following the early loss of her father. Determined to support her family, Mary became a caddie at Franklin Country Club, a role that helped shape her strong work ethic and commitment to excellence. Her dedication paid off when she earned the Evans Scholarship, allowing her to pursue higher education at the University of Michigan.
At Michigan, Mary walked on to the Michigan softball team in 1981 while working toward her Engineering degree. Her leadership skills quickly became evident, and she served as the team captain in 1985. Mary’s academic and athletic prowess led her to further her education with an MBA from Harvard, paving the way for a remarkable career in business.
Mary has achieved significant success as a partner at the Carlyle Group, where she has demonstrated exceptional business acumen by successfully leading several companies. Her professional achievements are complemented by her unwavering commitment to giving back to her alma mater. As president of the Letterwinners M Club from 2011 to 2013, Mary spearheaded efforts to increase membership and annual dues, substantially benefiting the organization.
Her generosity extends to various facets of the University of Michigan. Mary has made substantial contributions to the athletic department, supporting softball, golf, and basketball facilities. The Petrovich Family Endowed Scholarship for Michigan softball aids student-athletes studying business or engineering who also demonstrate leadership skills. Additionally, she established the Mary L. Petrovich Endowed Scholarship Fund for Future Leaders and the Leadership Program Fund, enhancing the experience of female engineering students at Michigan.
Mary’s philanthropic efforts also include significant support for Michigan Medicine as she created the Mary L. Petrovich Artificial Intelligence in Gastroenterology Fund to develop less invasive diagnostic solutions. Her ongoing dedication to the Evans Scholars program underscores her commitment to helping others achieve their educational goals.
In recognition of her contributions, Mary has received numerous accolades, including the University of Michigan's Hermelin Award for fundraising leadership and the Engineering Alumni Merit Award. She has also been named one of the most influential women in business by Crain’s Detroit.
Mary Petrovich exemplifies the spirit of the Ufer Award through her remarkable leadership, dedication to service, and commitment to excellence. The University of Michigan is honored to celebrate her achievements and grateful for her continued support and generosity.
The Letterwinners M Club is proud to announce that Andrew Vastardis, an exemplary student and former varsity football team captain, has been awarded The Letterwinners M Club Postgraduate Scholarship. This honor recognizes his outstanding academic achievements, leadership qualities, and commitment to community service.
Andrew Vastardis has a notable academic background, holding a Bachelor of Science in Movement Science and a Master of Science in Physiology from the University of Michigan. He is currently in his first year of medical school at the University of Michigan Medical School, with an anticipated graduation date in 2027. Andrew’s journey through rigorous academic programs, coupled with his extensive research and volunteer experience, has prepared him well for a successful career in medicine
During his undergraduate years, Andrew distinguished himself not only academically but also as a dedicated member of the University of Michigan football team. As a walk-on, he quickly rose through the ranks to become the starting center and was elected team captain twice, a testament to his leadership and teamwork skills. His athletic performance earned him multiple accolades, including All-Big Ten honors and the prestigious Joe Moore Award.
Andrew's commitment to service extends beyond the football field. He has actively participated in numerous volunteer activities, ranging from mentoring children at local schools to supporting patients at the C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital and the Ann Arbor VA Hospital. His dedication to improving the community and providing support to those in need underscores his compassionate nature and readiness to make a positive impact in the medical field.
In addition to his volunteer work, Andrew has made significant contributions to research at Michigan Medicine, where he worked as a Research Assistant. His efforts have resulted in co-authorship on several manuscripts and abstracts, highlighting his proficiency in data analysis and research methodology.
Andrew’s exceptional achievements have not gone unnoticed. He has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Academic All-American and the Senior CLASS Award finalist, which honor his excellence in community, classroom, character, and competition. He has also been nominated for the Wuerffel Trophy and the Burlsworth Trophy, further showcasing his dedication to both academics and service.
Receiving the postgraduate scholarship will allow Andrew to focus more on his studies and the myriad of opportunities available at the University of Michigan Medical School. This scholarship will support his continued involvement in research, professional mentorship, and volunteer activities, all of which are integral to his development as a future physician.
Andrew Vastardis exemplifies the qualities of a dedicated student, a committed athlete, and a compassionate community member. The Letterwinners M Club is honored to support his journey towards becoming a physician, confident that he will continue to make significant contributions to the medical field and the community at large.
Dylan Stanton is a standout senior third baseman for the University of Michigan baseball team, known not just for his performance on the field but also for his remarkable character and leadership. Despite battling persistent lower back pain that has significantly limited his playing time, Dylan’s impact on the team and the program has been profound.
Tracy Smith, the head coach, highlights Dylan's resilience and unwavering commitment to the team. Coach Smith admits that he seldom nominates players for awards, reserving such accolades for those he deems truly worthy. Dylan is a rare exception.
When Coach Smith joined the team, he quickly learned about Dylan's exceptional potential, often talked about by his peers, but unfortunately overshadowed by chronic back issues. Despite facing a career-threatening condition, Dylan's dedication to the sport and his teammates never wavered.
Dylan's journey has been marred by continuous cycles of rehabilitation and recurring pain. At one point, the severity of his condition led to discussions about retiring and transitioning to a student coaching role. However, Dylan chose to persevere, pushing through rehab to contribute whenever possible.
What sets Dylan apart is his attitude and approach. He never complained about his limited playing time or his pain. Instead, he focused on supporting his teammates, offering guidance and sharing his experiences on being a Michigan Baseball player. His influence extended beyond the field, impressing recruits and their families during campus visits, earning him widespread admiration.
Dylan’s leadership qualities were recognized by his peers, who unanimously elected him captain for the past season, a testament to the respect he has earned from his peers. His contributions, both on and off the field, make him a key asset, often delivering crucial performances off the bench.
Coach Smith’s nomination underscores Dylan's qualities: a dedicated athlete, a diligent student, a respected leader, and an exemplary human being. Dylan's ability to positively impact his team despite his physical challenges embodies the spirit of the award he has received.
Dylan Stanton's story is one of perseverance, leadership, and unwavering commitment. His journey through adversity and his significant contributions to his team, both as a player and a mentor, exemplify the qualities of a true leader and role model. As a graduating senior at the University of Michigan, Dylan's legacy will undoubtedly inspire future generations of athletes.
Doug Karsch, the beloved radio play-by-play voice of Michigan Football, has been selected as an Honorary 'M' by the Letterwinners M Club, recognizing his unwavering dedication and significant contributions to Michigan Athletics over the past three decades.
Doug Karsch’s affiliation with Michigan Athletics dates back to the 1990s when he joined Ann Arbor’s local radio station WTKA. Since then, he has become a household name among Michigan sports fans, currently holding the prestigious role at WXYZ 97.1 FM The Ticket. His extensive coverage of Michigan sports through various media outlets, including Michigan Sports Weekly, Fox Sports Detroit, and the Big Ten Network, has made him a trusted and respected figure in the sports broadcasting community.
Beyond his professional achievements, Doug Karsch is renowned for his genuine passion and commitment to Michigan Athletics and its student-athletes. His traits of sacrifice, commitment, teamwork, leadership, and work ethic mirror those of a Michigan letterwinner, making him a fitting recipient of this honorary distinction. Doug's dedication to the Michigan community extends far beyond the microphone, as he has cultivated meaningful relationships with numerous letterwinner alumni across multiple sports programs.
Ryan Kelley, a former Michigan baseball player from 1996-1999, highlights Doug’s impact on the Michigan community in his nomination letter. He describes Doug as a loyal teammate, stating, "Many student-athlete alumni, including myself, view Karsch as a teammate through his loyalty to our experiences and programs. His genuine care, passion, and commitment to Michigan student-athletes past and present far outweigh his professional support of Michigan Athletics."
Doug Karsch's selection as an Honorary 'M' by the Letterwinners M Club is a testament to his significant role within the Michigan Athletics family. His contributions have not only amplified the stories of Michigan sports but also fostered a sense of unity and pride among the Michigan community. Doug’s commitment to the university and its athletes exemplifies the core values of a Michigan letterwinner.