Broad Spartans honored at MSU’s 77th Alumni Grand Awards

On Nov. 3, two Broad Spartans were honored by the Michigan State University Alumni Office at the 77th Alumni Grand Awards. Each year, Spartans who positively reflect and enhance the prestige of MSU are recognized with these awards, which are given to alumni who rise above and make an impact in their professions, in their communities and for MSU.

Matthew Cantwell (B.A. Accounting, M.S. Professional Accounting ’04) and his wife, Sarah (B.A. MSU James Madison College, ’03), received Alumni Service Awards. This award is presented to alumni who have demonstrated service to MSU and/or meritorious public service on a local, state, national or international level. The Cantwells have provided significant leadership and support in the expansion and enhancement of SpartyBall, an alumni gala that has raised significant support for Chicago Spartans’ MSU scholarship funds.

Both the Cantwells have remained involved in MSU-related organizations, including the Alumni Advisory Board, MSU Alumni Club of Metro Chicago, the Phi Sigma Pi National Honor Fraternity, MSU Alumni Club of Greater New York and the Kedzie, Spartan Bold, Captains Club, JMC Lifetime Founders Circle and Landon Legacy giving societies.

Alexandra Clark (B.A. Hospitality Business ’10) was honored with the Young Alumni Award. This award is presented to alumni age 40 or younger who have distinguished themselves through a high level of professional accomplishment early in their career.

After leaving MSU, Clark received a certification in chocolate from the French Pastry School of Chicago; she then attended New Zealand’s Massey University on a full scholarship to complete a postgraduate diploma in agricultural commerce. Clark returned to Michigan to study under master pastry chefs at Schoolcraft College and opened her business, Bon Bon Bon, an artisan chocolate company, in 2014. Her work has received acclaim from Bon Appetit, Food & Wine, Martha Stewart, Crain’s and Forbes.

Clark continues to challenge the status quo as founder and president of Bon Bon Bon while also growing a small portfolio of like-minded businesses from publishing to household supplies. She has appeared on the cover of Spartan magazine and has generously given her time to MSU students and alumni through various programs and events.

This honor comes not long after Clark’s spouse and fellow Broad Spartan, Kyle Welch (B.A. Hospitality Business ’09), received the Young Alumni Award in 2021. Despite completing the same bachelor’s program, the two never had classes together. When they finally met at a Broad event in 2017, they realized that their many connections went beyond both being Broad alumni — their grandfathers had been friends decades earlier! Today, they’re each shining examples of entrepreneurial success.

With these recent honors and awards, it’s evident that Broad Spartans continue to inspire as they make positive impacts to their communities. Congratulations to the 2023 Alumni Grand Awards recipients!