Many students, faculty, staff and volunteers receive scholarships and awards each year for their outstanding achievements at the annual RCPD Awards and Appreciation Reception. Scholarship applications and award nominations are typically live between December and January.
Students and the community are encouraged to help us recognize and celebrate outstanding achievement through nominations for any of our faculty/staff, student and alumni awards. We welcome students and faculty to nominate individuals who have made a difference in making MSU a more inclusive place.
The RCPD would like to extend a thanks to all donors and partners for their financial investments in helping students excel in academics and explore new opportunities.
Established by MSU alumni Jim and Judy DeLapa, the Samaritan Foundation has generously assisted students since 2003.
The Robert L. Decker and Benjamin Muns Friendship Memorial Scholarship is awarded in memory and recognition of two Ford Motor Company executives who worked together and, as friends, died together in a small airplane crash in June, 1990. The two men were committed to increasing productivity while enriching the quality of the workplace environment. Their wives created this scholarship to facilitate the continuance of the zest for life, concern for others, ideals and goals held by the two.
This Fellowship honors Katrina Tagget. During her time at MSU, Katrina engaged in numerous co-curricular opportunities. Service to others was one of her most meaningful accomplishments. She served as an RCPD mentor helping others with disabilities maximize their potential. On September 20, 2008, Katrina Tagget left her place on earth. She remains highly regarded at the RCPD for her service to others, careful planning, pleasant demeanor, and academic capabilities. She made a difference in her brief life.
This scholarship is awarded through the RCPD in memory and recognition of Anita Giampalmi, elementary education major and teacher. In April of 1995, Anita died of complications due to cystic fibrosis. Anita’s life symbolized the values of education, hard work, and the pursuit of life goals. She was known for her courage, tenacity, sense of humor, and integrity.
Shawn Koch, College of Arts and Letters alum, was known for his voracious appetite for knowledge. Shawn lost his battle with brain cancer at 34 years of age. Family and friends established the Shawn M. Koch Memorial Fund to recognize students whose lives have been directly impacted by cancer and who share Shawn’s intellectual curiosity, leadership skills, work ethic, tenacity, and ability to positively impact the world.
This scholarship supports the students of Tower Guard, the sophomore honor organization that has, since 1934, facilitated academic success for MSU students. They are scholastically dedicated, consistently active, hard-working students who pledge to volunteer at least 120 hours supporting disabled students access exams and other print materials and making MSU an accessible home to all Spartans.
This scholarship is funded in partnership with MSU Office for Education Abroad. This scholarship recognizes the value of studying abroad and international travel, activities that lead to acquisition of important personal skills and knowledge resulting in a more competitive resume for a future job market.
To be eligible for consideration you must:
The Victor Troubalos Scholarship was established by Victor’s late sister, Anastasia. The son of Michigan State University alumnus, Dr. Stephen Troubalos (MSU ’40), Victor was born in 1951 in Milford, Connecticut. Victor experienced significant brain trauma at birth, causing cognitive and learning difficulties throughout his short sixteen-year life. Victor enjoyed spending time with family and friends, especially his sister Anastasia.
Trent Pysarchik arrived at MSU as a freshman in 2004 and passed away in 2011 due to complications from the health conditions that initiated his RCPD involvement. He is remembered as loving, caring and determined and is celebrated for maintaining a positive outlook throughout the challenges he faced.
Students who are registered with the RCPD will be eligible to receive this award. Preference will be given to students who are residents of the Northeast United States (Maine, New York, New Jersey, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Hampshire, and Pennsylvania). Recipients will generally be selected during the Spring semester, with awards to be effective in the following Fall semester.
Albert Vadon, Jr. is a proud graduate of Michigan State University having earned his Bachelor’s degree in Communication in 1989 and his Masters in 1991. He went on to receive another Master’s degree from Kean University where he currently teaches as well as at Bergen Community College. Al has developed a skill for identifying students with disabilities and helping them reach their full potential through his teaching and encouragement. He has even helped some students find help diagnosing disabilities that they had been unaware of. Al learned about MSU’s Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities (“RCPD”) and is excited to designate this gift as an extension of the work he has done as a teacher supporting students with disabilities.
The RCPD is pleased to partner with MSU programs and colleges to offer disability-related scholarships thus extending partnerships in support of academic excellence. Please contact our office with questions.
(formerly known as the Spirit of Ability Award)
The Spartan Disability Access Award was created in honor of:
Students and faculty are encouraged to nominate faculty and staff around campus who have made a positive difference in their time at MSU.
The Student Leadership and Service Award recognizes outstanding leadership within the RCPD and broader community. These students uphold MSU core values of quality, inclusiveness and connectivity.
The Student Leadership and Service Award was created in honor of:
The Outstanding Alumnus Award recognizes the accomplishments, leadership and dedication of MSU graduates who make significant contributions to their field.