Jennifer Kirk, an instructor in the MSU Biological Science Program, is the recipient of the 2023 RCPD Spirit of Ability Award. This award is given to leaders within the MSU community who are compassionate and who create welcoming and inclusive environments that provide opportunities for all.
Christina Whetsel, a College of Veterinary Medicine student (CVM), will receive the Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities 2023 Student Leadership and Service Award for her contributions that bring awareness, inclusion, and accessibility to the greater MSU community.
Megan Weil, a Zoology major who graduates in May 2023, will receive the Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities 2023 Student Leadership and Service Award for her contributions that bring awareness, inclusion, and accessibility to the greater MSU community.
Each year, the MSU Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities recognizes the accomplishments, leadership, and dedication of notable alumni. This year, Dr. Robyn Limberg, DMV, was nominated by Virginia Martz, RCPD Lead Ability Access Specialist, to receive the prestigious Outstanding Alumni Award.
We are honored to announce that our very own Colleen Floyd, Ability Access Specialist with RCPD who works with neurodivergent staff and students at Michigan State, was awarded the Disability Service Provided Award. In addition to her contributions as an Ability Access Specialist, Colleen is the staff co-advisor for the Council for Students with Disabilities (CSD) and works with our staff members on expanding disability education and accessibility to the MSU community!
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Danielle Atangana, Katrina Tagget Memorial Fellowship Recipient
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Danielle Atangana is the recipient of the RCPD 2021 Katrina Tagget Memorial Fellowship who studied abroad in Dubai over winter break of 2022. Danielle shares a snapshot of her experience while in Dubai below:
The Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities (RCPD) hosted their 50th Anniversary Awards and Appreciation Reception on April 29th, 2022 at the Kellogg Center. This reception recognizes and honors the outstanding achievements of scholarship recipients, exceptional faculty and staff, and generous donors supporting the RCPD mission. The reception welcomed 86 in-person attendees and 66 viewers virtually. 14 students were awarded with scholarships that totaled over $63,000.
Dr. Jonathan Weaver, Assistant Professor and Director of Online Learning in the MSU Psychology Department, is the recipient of the 2022 RCPD Spirit of Ability Award. This award is given to leaders within the MSU community who are compassionate and who create welcoming and inclusive environments that provide opportunities for all.
Shantele Wilkinson, front desk reception assistant for the Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities, was awarded the MSU Student Employee of the Year Award on April 12, 2022. Shantele has been a front desk student receptionist for the RCPD since September 2019 and has served as a pillar of support for anyone who has entered the office doors.
Every year, the MSU Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities recognizes the dedication and leadership of notable alumni who have made significant contributions to their field. The achievements of these alumni represent the importance of education and innovation. This year, Dr. Chad Klochko, M.D., was nominated by Virginia Martz, RCPD Ability Access Specialist, to receive this prestigious award.
Mandy Zuckerman, Tower Guard alumna from the class of 2020-2021, will be receiving the Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities 2022 Student Leadership and Service Award for her contributions towards making Beaumont Tower more accessible.
For many, being faced with a life-changing health diagnosis brings uncertainty, but it can also help to positively shift life perspectives and bring about meaningful change. Ariel Dempsey, a graduating MD student from the MSU College of Human Medicine, shared her powerful message of hope, strength, and perseverance at the TEDxMSU Talk at the Wharton Center on Wednesday, March 11th, 2020.
Shawn lost a brave 18-month battle with brain cancer in 2011, at just 34 years of age. Although he isn't physically here, his legacy continues as an embodiment of Spartan leadership.
An alumni of the College of Arts and Letters at Michigan State University, Mr. Shawn M. Koch, was known for his voracious appetite for knowledge. Family and friends established the Shawn M. Koch Memorial Fund as a means to keep his formidable legacy alive. Read more on how the RCPD is commemorating Shawn Koch by providing a new financial resource to students battling the effects of cancer.
The Annual Awards & Appreciation Reception celebrated the many accomplishments and contributions of students, faculty, and staff in the RCPD and larger MSU community!
Two RCPD students are following their passions and interests through their dedication to service and helping others as Tagget Fellows. Read about what they have done so far and their plans for the rest of the semester!
As summer approaches, the RCPD reflects on a year of growing community relationships, applauding outstanding students and staff and expanding programming opportunities. The annual Awards and Appreciation Reception marked 40 years of success.
Michigan State University's Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities will celebrate 40 years of maximizing ability and opportunity at the annual Awards and Appreciation Reception Friday, April 13.