The 52ndAnniversary Awards and Appreciation Reception, hosted by the Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities (RCPD), was held on April 12, 2024 at the MSU Kellogg Center. This reception recognizes and honors the outstanding achievements of scholarship recipients, exceptional faculty and staff, and generous donors who support the RCPD mission. The reception welcomed 125 in-person attendees and 40 viewers virtually.
For 52 years, the RCPD has championed the abilities of people with disabilities, connecting thousands to the lifelong benefits of an MSU education. RCPD celebrates the diversity of the students and faculty registered with the organization, and recognizes that everyone can achieve success, despite their separate challenges, through a variation of strategies.
The reception was opened with remarks from Michael Hudson, RCPD Director. Then Mandy Marsili, Junior, studying Acting in Stage, Screen, and New Media, and Emily Willerick, Senior, studying Neuroscience, took the stage as the events emcees. Many students, faculty, staff, and volunteers receive scholarships and awards each year for their outstanding achievements at this reception. This year the RCPD presented 22 scholarships totaling $83,000. Since 1993 over $1.135 million in scholarships have been awarded. The theme for this year’s reception was Connecting, Growing, Serving and the event featured artwork from RCPD registered students in which guests could view.
Along with notable RCPD programs and efforts being recognized, other awards were provided to faculty and students during this ceremony, including the Outstanding Alumni Award, Spirit of Ability Award, and the Student Leadership and Service Award.
The Outstanding Alumni Award recognizes the accomplishments, leadership and dedication of MSU graduates who make significant contributions to their field. This year’s recipient, Allen Beeuwkes, exemplified the theme of this year’s awards event by connecting, growing, and serving. He is intent on Maximizing Ability and Opportunity.
The Spirit of Ability AwardCommemorates the empowering heritage of founders who saw beyond disabilities and is awarded to someone who has made a positive difference in their time at MSU. Tiffany Owen, this year’s recipient, proved she makes a difference in the lives of graduate students whom she works with by ensuring they shine to their fullest ability.
The Student Leadership and Service Award recognizes outstanding leadership of students and organizations within the RCPD and broader community. These students uphold MSU core values of quality, inclusiveness, and connectivity as they prepare for lives of purpose. Karem Algarash is an example of impactful leadership and altruistic service, fostering inclusiveness and connectivity. His dedication to eradicating educational barriers for underprivileged students aligns with the award’s ethos and is why Karem is this year’s recipient of the Student Leadership and Service Award.
The RCPD Annual Awards and Appreciation Reception is held annually in the Spring. To learn more about how you can apply for an RCPD scholarship, click here, or to nominate someone for one of RCPD’s Legacy Awards, click here.