Reflecting on years of excellence, we recall the investments of many in support of full participation by people with disabilities. MSU is exceptional and its success can be attributed to the outstanding leadership, dedication and expertise of faculty, staff, employees, students, alumni and volunteers.
Student award and scholarship recipients are not included on this page in order to guard the confidentiality of these individuals. However, it is important to note that these students have also made significant contributions to MSU and have made remarkable achievements maximizing ability and opportunity as students with disabilities.
Students and the community at large are encouraged to help us recognize and celebrate outstanding achievement through nominations for any of our faculty/staff, student and alumni awards. Students and faculty are encouraged to nominate individuals who have made a difference in making MSU a more inclusive place for them.
Spirit of Ability Award
An award created in 2013 to commemorate the empowering heritage of founders who saw beyond disabilities.
- Dr. Jonathan Weaver, Assistant Professor, Psychology Social Science - 2022
- Jennifer Arbogast, Specialist, Social Work - 2019
- Carrie Moylan, Assistant Professor, Social Work - 2019
- Vashti Sawtelle, Assistant Professor, Lyman Briggs - 2019
- Margo Glew, Associate Professor, Teacher Education - 2018
- Janice Siegford, Associate Professor, Animal Science - 2018
- The Wharton Center - 2018
- Laura Symonds, Associate Professor, Neuroscience - 2017
- Paul Kotula, Associate Professor, Art, Art History, and Design - 2017
- Johanna Schuster-Craig, Assistant Professor, German - 2017
- Kiwon Kang, Associate Professor, Economics - 2016
- Lisa Laughman, Employee Assistance Counselor - 2016
- Stacy Dickert-Conlin, Professor, Economics - 2015
- Xuefeng Jiang, Associate Professor, Accounting and Information Systems - 2015
- Ben Schmidt, Assistant Professor, Mathematics - 2015
- Dr. Nathan Moore, Assistant Professor, Geography - 2014
- Vi'Nessa Webster, Information Technologist, IT Services Teaching & Learning - 2014
- Judy DeLapa, Samaritan Scholar Award Founder - 2013
- Sharon Halpert Davis, Eli Broad College of Business - 2013
- Susan Jackson, Center for Integrative Studies - 2013
Student Leadership and Service Award
Recognizes outstanding leadership from students who uphold MSU core values of quality, inclusiveness, and connectivity. Individual names of students will be withheld to protect the privacy of students.
- Mandy Zuckerman - 2022
- Samantha Shebib - 2019
- Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) - 2019
- Kelsie Luokkala - 2018
- Maria R. - 2017
- Katelynn R. - 2016
- Holly S. - 2015
- Catherine F. - 2014
- The Council of Students with Disabilities - 2013
Outstanding Alumni Award
This award celebrates the accomplishments, leadership and dedication of MSU graduates who have made significant contributions to their field.
- Dr. Chad Klochko - 2022
- Natalie Grupido - 2018
- Brett Kopf - 2017
- Dr. Christopher Dunckle - 2016
- Kurt Driscoll - 2015
- Dr. Daehee Lee - 2014
- Ed Rogers - 2013
- Michael Henry - 2012
- Jordan Levin - 2011
- Brenda Flanagan - 2010
- Daniel Beitz - 2009
- Brian Black - 2008
- Harold & Phyllis Wochholz - 2007
- Jim Renuk - 2006
- Rebecca (Browne) Camargo, J.D. - 2005
- James Francis-Bohr - 2004
- Charmane Corcoran - 2003
- Nicholas Catanzarite - 2002
- Roger Yake - 2001
- David Sanderson - 2000
- Darrin Fowler J.D. - 1999
- Deb Wiese - 1998
- Dr. Len Sawisch - 1997
- Dr. Robyn K. Limberg-Child - 1996
- Gerald Such - 1995
- Duncan Wyeth - 1994
- Scott B. Durren - 1993
- Richard Smith - 1992
- Nan Elizabeth Smith - 1992
- Helen Schneiderman - 1990
- Jeffrey R. Peters - 1989
- Chuck Webb - 1987
- Charlene Hunter-Bozarth - 1986
Legacy Awards
In 2015, RCPD streamlined our awards to reinvent and reconnect with foundational leaders in a way that celebrates the passion and dedication of current vivid leaders making MSU a more accessible and inclusive place. The following list commemorates the vision and contributions of those who were recipients of past awards prior to 2015 - we are grateful for their legacy of service.
Judy K. Gentile Award
In acknowledgement of outstanding leadership in developing a spirit of ability to succeed and promoting programmatic accessibility for persons with disabilities, Judy was one of the first student wheelchair users on campus and she fought for campus wide accessibility for all students with disabilities. As the first Director of the Office of Programs for Handicapper Students (1972-1993), Judy led the unit to become a model of excellence in academic and student services.
- Richard McNeil - 2012
- Valerie Nilson - 2011
- Dr. Thomas Wolff - 2009
- Marybeth Decker-Trunk - 2007
- Dennis Hansen - 2006
- Tony Filippis, Sr. - 2005
- Aaron Scheidies - 2004
- Dr. Bernard Finifter - 2003
- David Holstius - 2002
- Tower Guard - 2001
- Florence Harris - 2000
- Mary Tregoning - 1998
James B. Hamilton Award
The highest RCPD tribute for an outstanding MSU faculty/staff or administrative leader in developing an environment of opportunity and excellence, James B. Hamilton (Assistant Provost) was instrumental in establishing the department then known as the Office of Programs for Handicapper Students in 1972. He realized the capacity for greatness in people despite disability and hired Judy Taylor as the first Director of the office. Toward the end of his career, he became a person with a disability as a result of ALS and persisted as a great academic leader despite his changing physical condition.
- Dr. Charles H. Webb - 2008
- Dr. John Eulenberg - 2003
- Dr. Paul Hunt - 2001
- Dr. Maurice Crane - 2000
- Dr. Barbara C. Steidle - 1999
- Dr. Jack Shingleton - 1998
- Dr. Patricia Enos - 1997
- Dr. Joy Curtis - 1996
- Dr. Lee June - 1995
- Dr. Lou Anna K. Simon - 1994
- Dr. Gordon Guyer - 1993
- Dr. John DiBiaggio - 1992
Dorothy Millbrook Staff Award
In memory of Dorothy Millbrook a former department receptionist/secretary, this award recognizes an MSU employee whose dedication towards the advancement of persons with disabilities exemplifies the spirit of Dorothy Millbrook, going above and beyond her responsibilities to assist others.
- Gene Orlando - 2012
- Stephanie Cross - 2011
- Debra Dotterer - 2010
- Samuel Drake - 2009
- Anna Harms - 2008
- Patricia Newcombe - 2007
- Wendy Buckwalter - 2007
- Dr. David Boechler - 2006
- Dr. Charles Ballard - 2005
- Brenda Nelson - 2004
- Roger Cargill - 2003
- Cindy Chalou - 2002
- James Renuk - 2001
- Paulette Granberry-Russell - 2000
- Linda Trevarthen - 1999
- Dr. Virginia Johnson - 1998
- Denise Forro - 1998
- Dee Dee Johnson - 1997
- Dixie Platt - 1996
- Mr. & Mrs. Henrik Christiansen - 1995
- Laurie Bush - 1994
- Renee Firestone - 1993
- Awarded Posthumously May 12, 1986 to Dorothy Millbrook
- Larry Barnum - 1992
- Shirley Brodrick - 1991
- Awarded Posthumously May 30, 1990 to Catherine Taylor
- Sally Szalach - 1989
- Mary Hatch - 1988
- Valerie Nilson - 1987
Margaret A. Chmielewski Volunteer Award
In recognition of volunteers who generously give their time and effort for the benefit of persons with disabilities. Marge was the Director of the RCPD from 1994-1999. Traditionally this award has been a gift certificate for the MSU Dairy Store-one of Marge's favorite places on campus.
- Elaine Brantley - 2011
- Student Book Store - 2010
- Nicholas Blank - 2009
- Cory S. Phare - 2006
- Dr. James Bristor - 2005
- Gerald Such - 2004
- Brian Bieber - 2002
- Matthew Goebel - 2001
- Dale Grover - 2000
- Mike Lagrange - 2000
- Paul Rummel - 2000
- Dr. Frank Beeman - 1999
- Kris Reader - 1997
- Dr. David Boechler - 1996
- Sally Kutzli - 1995
- Sean Keating - 1994
- Laurel LeClair - 1993
- Sean Taylor – 1992
Outstanding Faculty & Staff Award
For outstanding contributions to equal opportunities for achievement and providing an environment that encourages excellence, faculty and staff receiving this award are generally nominated by students with disabilities who have identified that person as someone who maximizes opportunities for academic or extracurricular achievement.
- Trish Caldwell - 2012
- Dr. Ellen Pollak - 2012
- Dr. Steven Patrick Walton - 2012
- Jean Brown – 2011
- Justin Jagger - 2011
- Dr. Amy Pollock - 2010
- Dr. Regina McNally - 2010
- Dr. Eileen Wilson - 2010
- Dr. William Falls - 2010
- Daniel Lee Clark - 2010
- Andrea Francis - 2009
- Dr. Kristie Dotson - 2009
- Dr. Pramod K. Pathak - 2009
- Dr. Diana Bello-DeOcampo - 2008
- Dr. Denise Troutman - 2008
- Dr. Heather Howard - 2008
- Dr. Fred Barton - 2008
- Dr. John McCracken - 2008
- Carrie La Ferle - 2007
- Susan Strouse - 2007
- Matthew Gerhardt - 2006
- Dr. Janet Lillie - 2006
- Dr. Erik Goodman - 2005
- Jeanne Drewes - 2004
- Dr. Linda Hunt - 2004
- Rachel Miller - 2004
- Dr. Scott Yoder - 2004
- Dr. Steven Gold - 2003
- Rajesh Lal - 2003
- Marilyn Mook - 2003
- Dr. Charles Ballard - 2002
- Dr. Kazuya Fujita - 2002
- Julie Cioni - 2001
- Dr. Ruth Hamilton - 2001
- Dr. Gail Dummer - 2000
- Dr. Jeanne Foley - 2000
- Dolly Mennare - 2000
- Dr. Evelyn Oka - 2000
- Dr. Lionel Rosen - 1999
- Women's Hockey Club and Team Coach - 1999
- Dr. Marilyn Amey - 1998
- Helen Erlandson - 1998
- Gary Reid - 1998
- Dr. William Cote - 1997
- Richard Hensh - 1997
- Dr. Patricia Julius - 1997
- Dr. J. Bruce Burke - 1996
- Dr. Joseph Marshall - 1996
- Dr. Roger Smeltekop - 1996
- Dr. Hans Lee - 1995
- Dr. Robert Nason - 1995
- Dr. Joseph Chartkoff - 1994
- Dr. Linda D. Gerard - 1994
- Dr. Barbara Abbott - 1993
- Dr. James Bristor - 1993
- Mary Beth Heeder - 1993
- Dr. Joseph Snow - 1993