Crystal Awards

The 2023 Crystal Awards winners. Learn more about this year's recipients here.

The History of the Crystal Awards

The East Lansing Crystal Awards first started in 1988 as a way to honor individuals who have made significant contributions to community life in the City of East Lansing. The Crystal Awards continue to honor individuals, businesses, organizations and community groups that have made an outstanding contribution in East Lansing each year. Crystal Award recipients are dedicated to enhancing the East Lansing community. They demonstrate a passion and commitment to creating a healthy and vibrant community and serve as an inspiration to others. In 2023, the Crystal Awards began honoring community members in two new categories: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging and a Spirit of East Lansing.  

View past recipients (1998-2020). 

The Mission of the Crystal Awards

The Crystal Awards program, hosted by the East Lansing City Council, strives to honor and uplift individuals, businesses, organizations and community groups that have, over time, enhanced life in the City of East Lansing and made it a more welcoming and affirming place to live, work and do business.  

Nominations & Selection Criteria

Community members are invited to nominate individuals, businesses, organizations and community groups that meet the criteria for a Crystal Award. All community nominations are reviewed by a community selection committee and four recipients are selected on an annual basis and honored at a community reception. 

Crystal Awards recipients are dedicated to enhancing East Lansing. They demonstrate a passion for and commitment to creating a healthy and vibrant community and serve as an inspiration to others. 

Learn more about the Crystal Awards Categories & Selection Criteria here.