Congratulations to the five recipients of this year’s Tower Guard Endowment Scholarship. All applicants made such an impact on the organization and contributed to its legacy. These five students went above and beyond in their words and actions to show their commitment to Tower Guard. Please meet our scholarship winners!
Devangi Deoras is a sophomore majoring in Supply Chain. She participated in multiple events and programs throughout the year including helping coordinate the homecoming float, tutoring, a member of the PR team and Big Sibs, as well as other committees. “[Tower Guard] has allowed me to deepen my understanding of accessibility and the various social and academic challenges that come with having disabilities. After almost a year of working with the RCPD and its various extraordinary students, I have realized the importance of having equality of opportunity to grow and succeed in life. As someone who is not disabled, I took my abilities to commute, study, and thrive socially for granted before I joined Tower Guard. Today, I can confidently say that Tower Guard has made me more aware of my privilege,” states Devangi.
Agrim Gupta is a sophomore majoring in Astrophysics. He did an excellent job fulling the e-board position of Historian, documenting the growth and experience of Tower Guard. “One of the most significant ways that Tower Guard has changed me is by broadening my understanding of diversity and inclusion. Serving as the Historian, I had the opportunity to document and participate in a wide range of events and activities that were designed to support persons with disabilities. Through these experiences, I gained a deeper appreciation for the challenges that persons with disabilities face, and learned how to be a more empathetic and compassionate person,” explains Agrim.
Emily Willerick is a sophomore majoring in Neuroscience. Emily was the President of the organization and did a great job leading its members this year. “Being a part of Tower Guard has been a truly eye-opening experience that has given me an awareness of accessibility and has got me thinking about what I can do to help make MSU and my other communities more accessible. I will continue to serve beyond this Tower Guard year by continuing to help in future years, as well as raising awareness of MSU RCPD and accessibility to those around me,” states Emily.
Morgan Willis is a sophomore majoring in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. She managed the finances of the student organization as its Treasurer. Morgan plans to apply her experiences and stated, “I plan to attend medical school and work in the healthcare field as my career, where I can continue to serve those in the community through medicinal practice, and work closely with patients to address and understand individualized needs and accommodations.” Her favorite part of Tower Guard “was the Shamrock 5K. The run chairs and 5K committees put so much work into the event, and it was so amazing to be a part of the planning, and the actual event as well. We had a great turnout, even with the rain, and it was so fun to hand out waters and greet the runners at the finish line with Sunyoung [run chair and fellow member]," explains Morgan.
Delaney Flavin is a sophomore majoring in Neuroscience. She dedicated her time during Tower Guard as a tutor, Spartan Study participant, and a Shamrock 5K committee leader. “It is important to me to empower young individuals coming to college for them to exceed to the best of their ability using their strengths. One of the reasons I love tutoring is because it is important to me to work hard and continue to learn throughout life always. Growth is so important and tutoring helps push students gain confidence and realize that they have the power to succeed,” expressed Delaney.
Congratulations again to the winners and to the Tower Guard 2022-2023 group for a successful year of service and kindness!