Scholarship Recipients 

Mudita Jagota - PhD, Counselor, Education 

“My educational journey was guided by a clear purpose. I always wanted to work at the intersection of disability and psychology to better serve disabled individuals like myself. Studying psychology and rehabilitation allowed me to combine lived experience with theory, research, and practice. It gave me language to name injustice, tools to support others, and frameworks to challenge systems that quietly exclude.”

Brooke Jeffery - PhD, Integrative Biology 

“Beyond shaping my academic path, my disability has driven my passion for disability advocacy in higher education and STEM. By sharing my experiences, I aim to make academic pathways more accessible. Throughout my career I will continue working to ensure disabled scholars have the support needed to find their seat at the academic/research table.”

Tiyanna Peterson - PhD, Education Policy 

“I turn difficulties into learning opportunities, and I approach problems critically, noticing where things could be improved for other students like myself.”

Frances O’Donnell - Masters Social Work 

“I was diagnosed with a learning disability in second grade, and from an early age, I discovered that success in school would require both persistence and self-advocacy.” 

Adam Sargent, Freshman, Mechanical Engineering 

“Working with the Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities has been essential in creating access. Living with a disability has not limited my potential. Instead, it has taught me how to learn intentionally, value community, and grow into an independent learner prepared for both academic and professional success.” 

Addison Stevens, Freshman, Biosystems Engineering 

“My life has done a complete 180 from what it was at the beginning of the fall semester. Yet this challenge has made me realize how strong and resilient I am and how very eager I am to get back to MSU, my friends, and my future!”

Alexandra Zetouna, Junior, Criminal Justice 

“I lost everything so fast, but I built up so much from that moment. I didn’t give up, I told myself that I can do anything I put my mind to. I was always a goal-setter, and that’s why I believe I am where I am today.”

Loren Finch, Freshman, Human Resources & Labor Relations 

“I am majoring in Human Resources & Labor Relations, and double minoring in Law, Justice, & Public Policy as well as Musical Theatre. My interdisciplinary degree plan will equip me with the vital skills needed to compete in the current job market. My intention is to work within all of the industries I am studying, because they are all my passions/interests career wise.”

Miryah Feliu, Junior Fish Ecology & Management 

“Together, my curiosity, leadership, strong work ethic, and tenacity shape both my academic identity and my future goals. They drive me to persist through challenges, take initiative in collaborative settings, and fully engage in opportunities that allow me to grow as a student and scientist.”

Ella Phillips, Junior, Psychology 

"I will always be an accepting, a safe person, and ready to adapt, learn, and love everyone in the way they need."

Kerina Jauregui-Reyes, Sophomore, Animal Science 

Kate Wood, Junior, Fish Ecology and Management 

“With persistent fundraising, outreach, and the work of those in the medical field, one day Cystic Fibrosis will stand for cure found.”

Leigh Anne Tiffany, PhD, Information and Media 

Katie Hamilton, Sophomore, Psychology

 “Through RCPD, I came to understand that accommodations are not about lowering academic expectations, but about removing barriers so I can demonstrate my abilities fairly.”

Matthew Grzelak, Sophomore, Food Science

“At Michigan State University, access to appropriate support has been critical to my academic progress. Using accommodations such as extended time, note-taking assistance, RCPD tutoring sessions, and clear written instructions has allowed me to demonstrate my true abilities rather than be limited by processing speed. Equally important has been developing self-advocacy skills, understanding my needs, and communicating them effectively to educators.”

Brooklyn Cross, Sophomore, Psychology 

“RCPD provided not only accommodations, but also affirmation that my experiences were important and deserving of support.”