Ask almost anyone on the McNichols Campus if they have heard of Semaj Shelton, chances are they will say yes. He is an academically-talented student-athlete and an active volunteer.
Semaj joins ReBUILD alumna, Amber Abram, who earned the award in 2021.
On and off the track, where he is a strong sprinter, Semaj is a humble servant leader. As a ReBUILDetroit scholar and Biology major, he has served as a research assistant for four years. He also became a teaching assistant, a position he uses to help younger students transition into college, showing them by example how to give and be their best.
Semaj did not let early academic struggles get him down. Instead, he dug deep and drew upon resources to turn his performance around. He uses those skills and his story to inspire those he tutors through ReBUILDetroit and at Loyola High School Detroit.
A tireless volunteer, he can be seen in a leadership role in service-learning and through his work with a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping people with autism. He includes everyone in his very large, culturally diverse circle. Everyone he meets is already a friend.
It is for his inspirational leadership, welcoming presence and servant leadership that University of Detroit Mercy presents the 2022 Vivere ex Missione award to Semaj Shelton.