The Riedmann family received the award during halftime of the football game on Family Day on Sept. 19.
Wayne State College and the Wayne State Foundation recognized the Riedmann family as the recipient of the 2026 Family of the Year Award. Now in its second year, the award recognizes a family whose commitment to Wayne State spans generations and reflects the spirit of the Wildcat community through student involvement, service, engagement, and lasting support of the College.
The Riedmann family's connection to Wayne State College stretches across several generations and includes graduates, former and current students, scholarship support, volunteer leadership, and service to the College and Wayne community.
The family's relationship with Wayne State began with Al Riedmann Jr. and Shirley Riedmann, who were longtime supporters and promoters of the College. Their six children all attended Wayne State for at least one semester, establishing a family tradition that continues today.
Five members of that generation earned degrees from Wayne State: Al Riedmann III ’79, Mary Kay Riedmann Hansen ’79, Shirley Riedmann Manthey ’84, Coleen "Cokie" Paulison Riedmann ’76, and Mike Riedmann ‘76, Lorene Riedmann Magoulas and Theresa Riedmann Johnson also attended Wayne State before beginning their careers. Additional family members from this generation also earned degrees from WSC, including Susan Ruter ‘78, Kathleen Kemler ’82, and Geraldine Paulison ’76.
The family's connection to Wayne State continued into the next generation. Luke Riedmann ’05 is a Wayne State graduate, and his wife, Pam Carlson Riedmann, also attended WSC. Pam's father, Dave Carlson ’78, is a Wayne State graduate, and her mother, Jacque Wagner Carlson, also attended the College.
A new generation of the family has continued the Wildcat tradition. Addie Riedmann ’25 and Ayden Riddle ’25 graduated from Wayne State in December 2025. Cody Riddle attended WSC for two and a half years, while Katie Knoop-Troullier and Ray Riddle each attended for a year. Jacob Riedmann is enrolled at Wayne State this fall, with Cole Riddle and Jared Riedmann expected to continue the family's Wayne State tradition in the years ahead.
The Riedmann family's commitment to Wayne State extends well beyond attending the College. Al Riedmann III, Krissy Riedmann, Cokie Riedmann, and Mike Riedmann established the Riedmann Family Endowed Scholarship to provide opportunities for future generations of Wayne State students. Krissy, Cokie, and Mike continue to support the scholarship.
The family has also provided significant volunteer leadership to Wayne State. Cokie Riedmann and Mike Riedmann serve as Trustees of the Wayne State Foundation, and Mike serves on the Foundation's Executive Committee.
Mike's contributions and achievements have previously been recognized by Wayne State through his induction into the WSC Athletic Hall of Fame and his receipt of the Alumni Achievement Award.
"The Riedmann family's story represents what the Family of the Year Award is intended to celebrate – generations of people whose connection to Wayne State extends far beyond earning a degree," said Dr. Bob Machovsky, CEO of the Wayne State Foundation. "Their commitment can be seen in the number of family members who have called Wayne State home, their service and leadership, their support of students through scholarships, and their continued involvement in the life of the College and community."
The Family of the Year Award recognizes families whose support plays an important role in the success of Wayne State students. Families are nominated for the honor, with nominations reviewed by a committee of alumni, students, and staff.
The Riedmann family was recognized during halftime of Wayne State's Family Day football game Saturday, Sept. 19. A permanent plaque will honor the family and commemorate its contributions to Wayne State College.
The Riedmanns are the second family to receive Wayne State College's Family of the Year Award, which was established in 2025. The Carter "Cap" Peterson family of Wayne was selected as the inaugural recipient.
About the Wayne State College Family of the Year Award
Wayne State College established the Family of the Year Award to recognize the important role families play in the success of WSC students and the broader Wildcat community. Selection is based on nominations reviewed by a committee of alumni, students, and staff. Criteria include student involvement outside the classroom, family engagement with the College and community, commitment to academic success, service to Wayne State, and an ongoing commitment to the College.