Kerry Thompson is a born leader. In addition to his service to the University, as a Campus Ambassador and participant on many advisory boards, he's been actively engaged with student organizations. In the American Marketing Association, he led the team to second place in a case competition. As president of Student in Free Enterprise (SIFE), Kerry transformed the organization into one that promotes education and community outreach by leveraging the positive power of business. In 2009 alone, the group recorded a tremendous impact: reaching 4,782 people via 6,100 volunteer hours through the efforts of more than 65 registered SIFE members.

Academically, Kerry seeks projects that will make a significant impact, too. His work has included partnering with local non-profits such as Vista Maria, Young Detroit Builders, United Way, and the Capuchin Soup Kitchen. Kerry’s contributions are highlighted in some impressive results: When he was co-chair of the Inaugural Professional Development Week, 278 students received free training on skills such as resume-writing, networking, and credit management; the Entrepreneurship Academy is now the flagship program of SIFE—awarding over $10,000 annually to area high school students; the Ideal Group Mentoring Forum has helped build small businesses of Kerry’s peers; and interns he placed in the Community Impact Program wrote a grant proposal that helped Young Detroit Builders win one-third of 100 houses slated for deconstruction. Given his work ethic and vigor, there is no doubt Kerry will continue to be a Difference Maker in the future.