The Spirit of Ability Award commemorates the visionary leaders who have made contributions in opening higher education to individuals with disabilities. These pioneers are recognized for creating inclusive environments and ensuring full access for disabled Spartans to participate in all aspects of the MSU campus.
The Spirit of Ability Award was created in honor of:
May Shaw
1934 founder of Tower Guard, an organization creating greater accessibility through service.
Judy Gentile
1971 founding Director of today’s RCPD. A dynamic leader and change agent with remarkable character, vision and leadership that transformed MSU.
James Hamilton
Associate Provost, researcher, and administrative leader who advanced diversity and inclusion. Dr. Hamilton selected Judy Gentile as the founding Director of RCPD, opening the door for persons with disabilities to pursue their dreams with an MSU education.
Dorothy Milbrook
OPHS (now RCPD) Receptionist 1979-1985. Dorothy's life ended early in a tragic automobile accident but her spirit lives on as one who empowered students through a warm, welcoming and affirming presence that made MSU and the RCPD home for new and returning students alike.
James Bristor
An energetic professor and community organizer who dedicated his teaching, research and service to ensuring people with disabilities engaged fully, especially in areas related to recreation and physical activity.
Caleb Sandoval
(RCPD Ability Access Specialist 2015-2022) An enthusiastic leader who considered RCPD as family. Caleb built strong partnerships across the Spartan community. He applied his personal experience to friendships and was appreciated for his empathy and insights. In Caleb’s memory, the Spirit of Ability Award will continue the MSU tradition of creating environments that welcome, fortify, and compassionately support disabled individuals.