On October 11th 2017, Prof. Sosnovsky received the Ernest Spaights Plaza award for his outstanding contribution to UWM.

Chancellor Mark Mone presented this award to George Sosnovsky, who is known as one of the most influential faculty that transformed UW-Milwaukee from a teaching university to a top-tier research university. The legacy of his work in organic chemistry and commitment to excellence had a major role in UWM becoming a R1 university. Decades ago, his vision laid the framework for the UWM Chemistry Department including the current building design that he sketched into a working model. His legacy will be visible for future generations at the  Ernest Spaights Plaza.