Tony Rennpage an MSU senior in Recreation Management rode 72 miles from Gaylord, MI to Mackinac Island this summer by hand cycle, an apparatus that enables cycling using arm power instead of legs. It's an accomplishment he won't soon forget.
Surprises don't happen too often at the Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities. But last month's award ceremony for RCPD Director Michael Hudson was certainly a surprise for him. Michael had been awarded the MSU Outstanding Supervisor Award.
The RCPD's Assistive Technology Trainer Ben Wernette talksabout the potential for electronic books to advance accessibility for students at Michigan State. \The mass production of E-readers has made the technology more affordable and attainable"."
The RCPD recently hosted more than a dozen returning veterans and service members at the second annual MSU Student Veterans and Service Members Welcome Reception where veterans learned about on-campus resources available to them.
The MSU RCPD and Office of Supportive Services were awarded the TRIO Program funding grant that will continue the work of preparing dynamic student leaders, and innovative contributors to go out into the world and effect real change.
MSU's Aetna Student Insurance Plan will expand to include broader mental health benefits in Fall 2010, an effort applauded by the RCPD. The coverage areas include several elements that will facilitate better access to counseling, and primary care.
Thank you, Scott Durren, for your immeasurable contributions to the disability rights movement, and your extensive advocacy efforts on behalf of individuals with disabilities in the state and across the nation.
The RCPD showed its support at the second annual Braille-A-Thon by raising community awareness about our ability to produce Braille books and electronic texts, furthering the educational abilities of students who are blind or visually-impaired.
Michigan State University's historical leadership in accommodating deaf and hard-of-hearing students and staff continues to evolve through innovative partnerships and strategic investments.
The 26th annual Awards and Appreciation Reception brought together students, their families and friends, supporting faculty and staff members, and the RCPD's generous donors to celebrate the year and prepare for even more success.
The MSU Tower Guard assists students with visual and print-related disabilities. The dedication of its members earned it the Outstanding Volunteer Organization Award at the RCPD's 2010 Awards and Appreciation Reception.
At the RCPD Awards Reception in April, four MSU students received recognition from the Athletes with Disabilities Network for their admirable accomplishments and activities.
For Matt Carbary, the seemingly simple commitment to providing others with the opportunities that made a difference in his life led him to become the State of Michigan Student Employee of the Year- an award he was given in April 2010.
Melissa Ghislain, the 2009-2010 Katrina Tagget Fellow shares lessons she has learned during her time as a student at Michigan State. She highlights her past internships and urges her fellow students to take advantage of their time in college.
Katrina Tagget was an accomplished student, achieving academic excellence while balancing her service to others. In her memory, Katrina's family and friends established a generous fellowship to allow students to continue her legacy of service.
Every year, MSU Design Day challenges engineering students to think outside the box. Teams participate in one of MSU’s largest competitions, and creativity is the name of the game. The RCPD partners with many teams to create innovative products.
When Mike Nichols received a scuba diving class as a Christmas present in 2003, he never imagined it would take him around the world and back—to the MSU RCPD. Nichols will be teaching adaptive scuba at Michigan State starting in Summer 2010.
At one point in time, having a disability at Michigan State came with a unique set of circumstances. Accessible technology in classrooms was non-existent. For students with disabilities an education at MSU was an uphill battle. But, not anymore.
Gaining admission to Michigan State University is a prestigious accomplishment. For veterans of the United States Armed Forces, coming to campus after facing a different world in serving our country is a unique experience.