2025 Clarence Beckwith Distinguished Alumni Award: Dr. John Marcelletti

Dr. John Marcelletti has made substantial contributions to precision medicine, autoimmune disease research, and cancer diagnostics. His groundbreaking work led to FDA approval of Abreva®, an anti-herpes simplex virus therapeutic marketed by GlaxoSmithKline, and advanced regulated drug and biomarker bioanalysis using immunological methods.

A Lawrence, Michigan, native, John began his academic journey at Lake Michigan College in 1968, where he was a Phi Kappa Nu fraternity member. He credits LMC with building the educational foundation that prepared him for success at major research institutions and biotechnology companies.

After LMC, John earned a B.A. from Wayne State University (WSU), followed by a Ph.D. from WSU School of Medicine’s Department of Immunology and Microbiology, and an M.B.A. from Western Michigan University. Over 35 years, he founded four biotechnology companies and held key positions including Vice President of Large Molecule Bioanalysis at BioAgilytix San Diego.

John’s bibliography includes over 80 scientific publications and multiple patents covering biomarker analyses and diagnostic algorithms. His research was funded by the National Institutes of Health, American Cancer Society, and Leukemia Society of America.

From LMC student to visionary scientist, Dr. Marcelletti embodies the curiosity and perseverance he nurtured at Lake Michigan College.