Allison Bertram
RCPD’s 44th Annual Awards and Appreciation Reception proved to be nothing short of a success. Approximately 200 guests gathered in the MSU Union Ballroom to celebrate the achievements of students, staff and faculty, generous donors, organizations, and well-deserving scholarship and award recipients.
Attendees were warmly welcomed by RCPD’s Director, Michael Hudson. He introduced this year’s theme, Spartans Will, on an energetic note with a video of the famous final play of the MSU vs U-M football game in 2015, as well as the video highlights from Alex’s Great State Race.
President Lou Anna K. Simon then took the stage and shared her thoughts on the positive impact of the RCPD at MSU, as well as the importance of providing an equal opportunity for education to all students.
The Alex Powell Spartan Experience Leadership Endowment became officially endowed as of this year, and Michael Hudson presented the Endowment Rock to the Powell family. The Powell family’s good friend and former neighbor, Coach Mark Dantonio, was in attendance. He took the podium and shared his beloved memories with the late Alex Powell, and his thoughts on determination through tough circumstances.
(Left) The Powell family accepts the Endowment Rock from Michael Hudson. (Right) Coach Mark Dantonio addresses the crowd.
That wasn’t the only new endowment; the Shawn M. Koch Memorial Scholarship was also presented with an Endowment Rock, as it achieved its full endowment status earlier this year. Shawn Koch’s family and friends accepted the Rock and presented the yearly award to MSU Medical Student, Ariel.
In addition to the two new endowments, recipients were awarded six additional scholarships. In total, the RCPD successfully awarded $76,500 to deserving and talented students this past year. A blend of laughter, tears, and delight came over the audience as recipients took the opportunity to express their gratitude to the generous families and donors.
(Left) This year's masters of ceremony, Caitlin and Ben. (Right) Jordan, this year's artistic talent, playing the saxophone.
Spartan students weren’t the only ones moving beyond expectations. Community members and faculty/staff also had the opportunity to be recognized for their hard work and positivity in the Spartan community.
The Spirit of Ability Award was presented to Lisa Laughman, an employee assistance counselor, and Kiwon Kang, a professor of Economics, for their outstanding efforts and compassionate spirit empowering persons with disabilities. Kang commented, “In all my years of teaching, I’ve never received an award like this.”
A former Spartan and Lansing, MI native was also recognized for his numerous achievements with the Outstanding Alumnus Award. Since graduating from Michigan State, Dr. Christopher Dunckle has proved to be a leader in the Engineering field as the Senior Process Engineer at Intel Corporation. John Pedraza had the honor of nominating and awarding his former student. They had a joyous reunion, as they hadn’t seen each other in person since Dr. Dunckle’s last meeting with John nine years ago.
The event made for an enjoyable afternoon for all, as everyone was reminded of the many ways Spartans have Will.