1. Resource
Center for
Persons with
Disabilities

2. Celebrating
Forty-Two
Years of
Maximizing
Ability and
Opportunity

3. A p p r o a c h i n
g
D i s a b i l i t y
b y
S p e c i a l t y
RCPD:
Renee Craig
Psychiatric &
Autism Spectrum Disabilities
Specialist
Shani Feyen
Chronic Health Specialist
Elaine High
Learning Disabilities Specialist &
Study Strategies Tutor
Team
Virginia Martz
Deaf/HOH &
Mobility Disabilities Specialist

4. A p p r o a c h i n
g
D i s a b i l i t y
b y
S p e c i a l t y
RCPD:
Team
John Pedraza
Psychiatric Disabilities Specialist &
Disability Resource Coordinator
for Employees
Virginia Rutan
Learning Disabilities &
Brain Injury Specialist &
Student Athlete Liaison
Darryl Steele
Learning Disabilities Specialist
Angela Sebald
Blindness/ Visual Impairment &
Media Access Specialist

5. Al Puzzuoli
Information Technology
Specialist
George Morrison
Career Services
Consultant
Michael Hudson
Director
T e c h n i c a l
L e a d e r s h i p
RCPD:
Team
Beverly Stehlik
Budget/Personnel &
Assistant to the Director
Anna Osborn
Receptionist &
Alternative Testing Facilitator
Stephen Blosser
Assistive Technology
Specialist

6. C l a s s r o o m
S e r v i c e s
f o r P e o p l e
Wh o a r e
D e a f o r
H a r d o f
H e a r i n g
RCPD:
Team
Shelly Martinez
Real-Time Captioner
Kate McAlpine
Real-Time Captioner
Denise Hartman
Real-Time Captioner

7. T h a n k y o u !
The RCPD thanks staff who have
retired, after years serving the RCPD
community, raising awareness, and
leaving an indelible mark on every
student that they touched.
Donna Leahy
Sign Language
Interpreter
Pam Pope
Receptionist,
Alternative Test
Facilitator
Valerie Nilson
Learning Disabilities
Specialist
RCPD:
Retirees of the

8. T h a n k y o u !
RCPD:
Retirees of the
Tom Hwang
Media Access
Blindness/Visual Impairment
Karen Calhoun
Real-Time Captioner
They are a part of the RCPD’s
historical legacy of making a
difference at MSU.

9. To lead Michigan State
University in
maximizing ability and
opportunity for full
participation by
persons with
disabilities.
RCPD:M i s s i o n

10. RCPD:P h i l o s o p h yDisabilities need not
preclude the achievement of
goals and dreams.
Rather, they mandate a
greater level of creativity
and commitment and a
repertoire of compensatory
techniques.

11. RCPD:P h i l o s o p h y
The team of professionals at the
RCPD is ready to assist students,
employees and visitors with
resources that create an
environment of opportunity.
We value full integration of
persons with disabilities
throughout the university
mission, programs, and services.
We believe that persons with
disabilities at MSU are as much in
control of their educational/work
experience as a person without a
disability.

12. Renowned theoretical
physicist and Nobel Prize
winner
Albert Einstein
was dyslexic.
d Y o u K n o w ?
RCPD:

13. RCPD:F u n c t i
o n s
A s s e s s a n d d o c u m e n t
d i s a b i l i t y , a c a d e m i c ,
a n d w o r k p l a c e n e e d s
B u i l d a n d f a c i l i t a t e
i n d i v i d u a l p l a n s f o r
r e a s o n a b l e
a c c o m m o d a t i o n
L i n k i n d i v i d u a l s w i t h
t e c h n o l o g y , e d u c a t i o n , a n d
r e s o u r c e s

14. Michigan State
University is a leader in…
• Maximizing independence through the use of technology
• Accommodating comprehensive assistive technology
centers located in:
o Bessey Hall
o Main library
o Other campus locations
• Integrating various technologies on-campus via microlabs
• Connecting the community with the College of
Engineering to create new innovations for students of the
RCPD

15. Together, we create a welcoming environment, fortify capacity and
compassionately challenge each person to reach their fullest ability.
Disabilities need not preclude the achievement of goals and dreams;
rather, they mandate a greater level of creativity, commitment and
a repertoire of compensatory techniques.
We grow ambition into personal and professional success as we
connect MSU knowledge, self-advocacy, innovative technology and
community.
RCPD:V i s i o n
S t a t e me n t

16. “It is an honor to serve as
Director of the
internationally recognized
MSU Resource Center for
Persons with Disabilities. I
and others believe that a
disability in itself is not
disabling. Instead,
disabilities mandate
creativity and development
of alternative approaches
to common problems.”
-M i c h a e l H u d s o n
D i r e c t o r

17. d Y o u K n o w ?
RCPD:
The first Sudoku puzzle
was created by a
blind Swiss physicist
named
Leonard Euler.

18. Freshmen , 14.1%
Sophomore , 16.8%
Junior , 22.4%
Senior, 29.7%
Masters , 4.7%
Doctoral , 2.9%
Lifelong , 0.4%
Other, 8.9%
*Data based on students
enrolled during Fall
semester 2013
RCPD:R C P D S t u d e n t s b y
D e g r e e S t a t u s

19. 2% Other
2% Deaf/Hard of
Hearing
7% Mobility
4% Brain Injury
40% Learning
Disability
23% Psychiatric
16% Chronic Health
3% Blindness/Visual
Impairment
[VALUE] Autism
Spectrum
RCPD:D i s a b i l i t y P r e v a l e n c e A mo n g
R C P D R e g i s t e r e d S t u d e n t s
*Data based on students enrolled during Fall semester 2012
A total of 1,393 students were registered
during the 2012-2013 academic year.

20. *Data based on students enrolled during Fall semester 2013
RCPD:R C P D S t u d e n t s b y
A r e a o f S t u d y

21. 0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
Mobility Visual Auditory Learning Brain Injury Psychiatric Chronic Health
1974-1975
1979-1980
1984-1985
1989-1990
1994-1995
1999-2000
2004-2005
2009-2010
2010-2011
2011-2012
2012-2013
RCPD:R C P D S t u d e n t
D i s a b i l i t y
T r e n d s

22. 0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
1400
74-75 79-80 84-85 89-90 94-95 99-00 04-05 09-10 12-13
97 136 184
306
416
626
954
1147
1393
AxisTitle
RCPD:M S U D i s a b i l i t y
P o p u l a t i o n O v e r
T i me

23. • According to the 2012-2013 RCPD Annual
Report, 1,393 (2.8%) of the students at MSU are
registered with RCPD as having permanent
disabilities and received services from the RCPD.
• 106 (1%) - are registered with the RCPD.
RCPD:P o p u l a t i o n

24. • 6% of registered RCPD students are members of the
Honors College
• 54% of RCPD students have earned a cumulative GPA of
3.0 or higher
• 27% of RCPD students have earned a cumulative GPA of
3.75 or higher
• *Data based on students enrolled during Fall semester
2012
RCPD:P o p u l a t i o n

25. •6% of registered RCPD students are members of the
Honors College.
•54% of RCPD students have earned a cumulative GPA of
3.0 or higher.
•27% of RCPD students have earned a cumulative GPA of
3.5 or higher.
•13% of RCPD students have earned a cumulative GPA of
3.75 or higher.
*Data based on students enrolled during Fall semester 2012
RCPD:A b i l i t y a n d
O p p o r t u n i t y i n
A c t i o n

26. •RCPD students participate in a full range of campus
activities, clubs, and organizations.
•Many registered RCPD students participate in athletic
activities with nearly 5% of them representing MSU in
varsity athletics.
*Data based on students enrolled during Fall semester 2012
RCPD:A b i l i t y i n
O p p o r t u n i t y a n d
A c t i o n

27. This trend is supported by:
•Increasing realization that disabilities are best overcome with
education
• Reduced stigma as people demonstrate outcomes despite
disability
•Increased adaptations allowing greater independence
RCPD:T r e n d o f G r o w t h
C o n t i n u e s

28. RCPD growth is accompanied by unprecedented financial
challenges for higher education. We are meeting the demand
by:
•Retaining expert staff with passion for this work
•Individualized assessment of needs and tailoring of services
to meet these needs
•Leveraging technology for greater efficiency
•Involvement of volunteers
•Fundraising and endowment development
RCPD:M e e t i n g t h e D e ma n d

29. One USDE TRiO grant and nine endowments are expanding programmatic offerings
and extending innovation:
• Persons with Disabilities Empowerment Fund
• Friendship Memorial Scholarship
• Samaritan Scholar Award
• Stern Tutoring and Alternative Techniques for Education (STATE) Program
• Katrina Tagget Fellowship
• Carlson Accessible Media Program (CAMP)
• Tower Guard Scholarship
• Harold and Phyllis Wochholz Endowment for Persons with Disabilities
• Michael J. Hudson Emerging Opportunities Endowment
RCPD:E x t e r n a l F u n d i n g

30. The Tower Guard Honor Society began
reading textbooks and classroom
materials to blind students.
RCPD:H i s t o r y

31. Judy Taylor Gentile
served as director of the
Office of Programs for
Handicapper Students
for over twenty years.
The office was created
as part of MSU’s
campaign for equal
access to a university
education.
RCPD:H i s t o r y

32. The mission of
the department
broadened to
include services
for MSU
employees with
disabilities.
Assistive Technology Specialist Stephen
Blosser implements technology for employee
James Renuk
RCPD:H i s t o r y

33. The name of the office
changed to the Resource
Center for Persons with
Disabilities, reflecting the
expanding mission and
new “person-first”
language.
RCPD:H i s t o r y

34. The Empowerment
Fund was created to
further educational,
employment, and extra-
curricular opportunities
through financial
contributions for
persons with disabilities.
RCPD:H i s t o r y

35. • Michigan State University has a longstanding
tradition of meeting the unique communication
needs of Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals
• RCPD employs both sign language interpreters
and real-time captioners. RCPD sign language
interpreters are state or nationally certified
• RCPD provides credit-based classroom
interpreting and captioning at no cost to
students
RCPD:A S L I n t e r p r e t e r s a n d
R e a l T i me C a p t i o n e r s

36. RCPD’s Real-Time Captioners and
ASL Interpreters are an essential
part of the MSU experience for
students and employees who are
deaf or hard of hearing.
Above, an MSU student receiving Real-Time
Captioning services .
Donna Leahy, ASL interpreter (far left) and student
Brenda Flanagan.

37. Accessible Textbooks and Media
A core function of the MSU RCPD is disability
related services to the MSU community
• Alternative format materials provide access to information
and knowledge:
• Braille (literary and scientific)
• Audio
• Large print
• Tactile graphic
• Electronic formats
RCPD:A c c e s s i b l e
T e x t b o o k s a n d
M e d i a

38. Visit the Assistive
Technology Center
• The RCPD Assistive Technology Center is a
multifunctional computer lab offering:
o Voice and Braille output
o Text enlargement
o Voice input
o Reading equipment
o Talking tactile map
o Guidance GPS
o Note-taking solutions
Technologies available for a variety of disabilities
RCPD:A s s i s t i v e
T e c h n o l o g y
C e n t e r

39. Students and the community at large are
encouraged to help us recognize and celebrate
outstanding achievement through nominations for
any of our faculty/staff, student and alumni
awards.
• Spirit of Ability Award
• Student Leadership and Service Award
• Outstanding Alumnus Award
RCPD:A w a r d s a n d
A p p r e c i a t i o n
R e c e p t i o n

40. Offers social and communication development
to students with autism spectrum disorders
through:
• Social outings
• Peer mentoring
• Skill development workshops
• Individualized curriculum programming
RCPD:B u i l d i n g O p p o r t u n i t i e s
f o r N e t w o r k i n g a n d
D i s c o v e r y

41. RCPD focuses on guidance on career and employment
issues job search websites and disability
accommodation resources.
• The program offers a variety of career and
employment services including:
o Addressing Disability Accommodation Concerns
o Connecting Students with Job and Internship Resources
o Interview Practice and Preparation
o Resume Critiques and Assistance
o Vocational Testing Referrals
RCPD:C a r e e r s a n d
A c c e s s i b i l i t y

42. “T h e ma r k o f a
s u c c e s s f u l l i f e i s n o t
w h a t h a p p e n s t o a
p e r s o n , b u t w h a t h e
c h o o s e s t o d o w i t h t h e
c i r c u ms t a n c e s t h a t
h a v e b e e n s e t b e f o r e
h i m.”
-C e c i l e , S a ma r i t a n S c h o l a r

43. • Richard and Kathleen Carlson
established this endowment in 2008
with gratitude for the services
available to their daughter Margaret
as she earned a degree in General
Business at MSU.
• Building on their belief in the abilities
of people with disabilities, they
sought to increase availability of
accessible educational materials.
Richard and Kathleen Carlson with Director Michael Hudson as
their new endowment is recognized at the 2008 Awards and
Appreciation Reception.
RCPD:C a r l s o n
A c c e s s i b l e M e d i a
P r o g r a m

44. This endowment will accelerate
MSU advancement in a range of
educational media from electronic
textbooks, Braille (including
scientific and mathematic), and
large-print to emerging forms of
online media.
MSU student Wonsun Seo reading a Braille textbook.
RCPD:C a r l s o n
A c c e s s i b l e M e d i a
P r o g r a m

45. • Accessibility demonstration projects that address
disability challenges and raise awareness
• Collaborative partnership between The MSU RCPD
and College of Engineering with corporate and donor
support
• Fall 2013, students from EGR 100 (Intro to
Engineering Design) designed various projects
including a voting joystick, Braille maps for MSU’s
campus, and weights and pulleys for students with
blindness to understand physical concepts.
RCPD:E n g i n e e r i n g D e s i g n
D a y P a r t n e r s h i p

46. • We believe disability mandates a greater level of
creativity, commitment and a repertoire of compensatory
techniques, but reject the idea that it precludes the achievement of
goals and dreams. The RCPD team strives to create an environment of
opportunity in which persons with disabilities are fully integrated
throughout the university mission, programs and services, ensuring that
all are engaged in these explorations in ability.
– Support On Site (SOS!) offers students tips on stress relief, time management, and
staying healthy during the semester so that they can achieve all of their goals
regardless of a disability
– Explorations in Ability…
RCPD:E x p l o r a t i o n s a n d A b i l i t y &
S u p p o r t o n S i t e (S O S )!

47. As a student with a disability, considering college
comes with a mix of excitement and uncertainty.
RCPD hosts a pre-college experience through an
interactive adventure. The Project Venture
program is possible thanks to the generous
contributions of the Wochholz endowment.
RCPD:P r o j e c t V e n t u r e

48. Project Venture allows Students
to:
• Talk directly with current MSU students with disabilities who
have “been there”
• Consult with university disability specialists
• Experience firsthand the latest assistive technology
• Attend a college class, stay overnight, and build connections
with other high school students with disabilities
• Become aware of self-advocacy skills and resources for a
successful transition
• Explore the Possibilities!
RCPD:P r o j e c t V e n t u r e

49. • Generously funded by Mickey and Debbie
Stern, the Stern Tutoring and Alternative
Techniques for Education (STATE)
program, has provided innovative and
important assistance for students with
learning disabilities since 2004.
•Beyond traditional accommodation
concepts, STATE provides new disability-
specific instructional, tutorial, and peer-
mentoring components.
President Simon recognizes Mickey and
Debbie Stern at the 2006 STATE
Reception
RCPD:S T A T E P r o g r a m

50. • RCPD teams with the state Vocational
Rehabilitation agencies to provide or
enhance academic and employment support
services to individuals with disabilities
• These agencies support persons with
disabilities with services and resources that
increase the potential for employment
RCPD:S t a t e V o c a t i o n a l
R e h a b i l i t a t i o n

51. In today’s global society, it is imperative that
students acquire international skills. Study
Abroad affords an opportunity to develop
these skills and makes you more competitive
for employment. The RCPD offers its own
Study Abroad program: Disability in a
Diverse Society
RCPD:S t u d y A b r o a d

52. RCPD works
closely with
the Office of
Study Abroad
to help make
programs
accessible.
RCPD:S t u d y A b r o a d

53. Disability in a Diverse Society
• Four week program in
Dublin, Ireland
• Increases awareness, sensitivity
and understanding of various
aspects of disability in the U.S. and
abroad
• Students with and without
disabilities have a variety of
opportunities to explore their own
attitudes and beliefs
RCPD:S t u d y A b r o a d

54. Student Aaron Scheidies
uses a closed-circuit
television to help him
read his textbooks. The
Assistive Technology
Center contains several
computers and a variety
of assistive
technologies.
Aaron was President of
MSU’s Triathalon Club
from 2001-2004 and in
2007 became the first
blind athlete to finish an
Olympic distance
triathalon in less than
two hours.

55. “F o r t h e r e s t o f
my l i f e I w i l l
n o t o n l y b l e e d
g r e e n f i r s t , b u t
I w i l l f i n d my
t r u e s t a l l i a n c e
w i t h t h e R C P D
a n d h o w i t
b e t t e r e d my

56. The organization's main commitment is to
serve students with disabilities. Each member
upholds this tradition by dedicating a total of
120 hours of service by:
•Reading tests to students
•Conducting mobility orientation on campus to
blind/low-vision students
•Producing accessible textbooks and other
materials
RCPD:T o w e r G u a r d

57. As MSU’s oldest
active student
organization, the
Tower Guard
selects its
members from the
top 5% of the
freshman class.
RCPD:T o w e r G u a r d
2013-2014 T o w e r G u a r d

58. The Shamrock Run/Walk/Roll is an annual
race organized by the Tower Guard to
benefit RCPD and Tower Guard
collaboration.
RCPD:14t h A n n u a l S h a mr o c k R u n -
Wa l k -a n d -R o l l 5K

59. • The Student Support Services program
targets students with disabilities as well as
students from low income and first
generation college families. The mission is to
help these students enter college, achieve
success, graduate and move on to
participate more fully in America's economic
and social life.
RCPD:T R I O

60. “I c a n s e e h o w
mu c h g i v i n g a
g e n e r o u s g i f t
c a n h e l p
s o me o n e a c h i e v e
t h e i r g o a l s ; I
k n o w i t me a n s
t h e w o r l d t o me .”

61. MSU was honored with a
daVinci Award in 2001 for
innovative accessible
pedestrian intersections.
d Y o u K n o w ?
RCPD:

62. Beginning in the fall of 2009, Michigan State University's
Disabled Veterans Assistance Program promises new
levels of financial assistance to U.S. veterans with
service-related disabilities.
The RCPD is pleased to contribute to this initiative, as we
have a history of connecting with veterans with a range
of disabilities, helping them to reach a variety of
academic and professional goals.
RCPD:V e t e r a n s w i t h
D i s a b i l i t i e s

63. V i r g i n i a R u t a n
t a l k i n g t o M S U
s t u d e n t d u r i n g
t h e F a l l 2013
V e t e r a n s D a y
R e c e p t i o n
L o u A n n a K .
S i m o n
s p e a k i n g a t
t h e F a l l 2013
V e t e r a n s D a y
RCPD:V e t e r a n s D a y
R e c e p t i o n

64. • Program for incoming
students with
disabilities, hosted by
the Resource Center
for Persons with
Disabilities. This event
takes place during
welcome week and
introduces students to
the resources
available during their
time at MSU.
RCPD:We l c o me O r i e n t a t i o n
Wo r k s h o p (WO W)
S t u d e n t s a c t i v e l y
e n g a g e d a t t h e 2013
We l c o m e O r i e n t a t i o n
Wo r k s h o p

65. • "The WOW seminar was a greatly informative
meeting, I learned a lot about the resources provided
and the benefits of being a part of RCPD. One of the
greatest things I got out of it was the sense of
security...I left the meeting with a strong sense of
pride to say I was a member of RCPD; whereas a few
years ago, my pride is what kept me from asking for
the help I did need. For this, I thank you very much
as I feel much more confident in my academic
performance and also in communicating with the
faculty..."
-M S U R C P D
s t u d e n t
RCPD:We l c o me O r i e n t a t i o n
Wo r k s h o p (WO W)

66. Initiated by Dr. Thomas and
Ellen Maleck in 2009, the
Michael J. Hudson Emerging
Opportunities Endowment
provides funding in support
of team RCPD as they work
to address current and
emerging needs of
individuals and families
affected by disability.
Dr. Thomas and Ellen Maleck accept a rock for the RCPD
donor tree from Director Michael Hudson at the 2009
Awards and Appreciation Reception.
RCPD:E me r g i n g
O p p o r t u n i t i e s
E n d o w me n t

67. The endowment recognizes the special needs of their daughter Lynn,
developed as a result of service to her country as an army nurse in
Operation Desert Storm, and also honors the leadership of Michael J.
Hudson, Director of the Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities.
Director Hudson is passionate about MSU’s status as a global leader in
higher education and leads a team intent on maximizing ability and
opportunity for persons with disabilities. His intensive focus on ability,
skill development, and organizational efficiency aids his quest for
excellence despite his own blindness.
RCPD:E me r g i n g
O p p o r t u n i t i e s
E n d o w me n t

68. “R C P D s c h o l a r s h i p s a n d
a w a r d s a r e t h e
l i f e l i n e s t h a t a l l o w me
t o s e t a g o a l o f
g r a d u a t i n g .”
-D a n i e l , S a ma r i t a n a n d
G i a mp a l mi S c h o l a r

69. • This fund seeks to empower, motivate and promote
the success of students and employees with
disabilities, and to educate, support and inspire
those working with persons with disabilities.
• This fund will advance innovations in the following
areas:
o Career and employment readiness
o Leadership development
o Assistive technology
o Audiovisual educational material accessibility
o Disability awareness
RCPD:P e r s o n s w i t h
D i s a b i l i t i e s
E mp o w e r me n t F u n d

70. The Empowerment Fund
provides assistance to
students such as Song-Jae
Jo, shown here scanning print
material. The image
downloads to a computer
equipped with software
programs that read to him.
RCPD:E mp o w e r me n t F u n d

71. •In 2006, Harold (Hal) and Phyllis Wochholz
reached out from Arizona to commemorate the
significance of MSU in the lives of people with
disabilities. Hal, a 1958 and 1959 graduate of
MSU’s College of Engineering, endowed a
program to intensify and promote opportunities
at MSU.
•He used his education to transcend a nearly
lifelong disability and provide leadership within a
major aerospace corporation, demonstrating the
significance of his MSU education and the
accomplishment we strive to foster in each of our
students.
Hal and Phyllis Wochholz join the RCPD in a
visit to the Chandler Unified School District in
Arizona, to speak on the opportunities for
students with disabilities.
RCPD:Wo l c h h o l z
E n d o w me n t

72. “R C P D h a s h e l p e d me
ma n a g e , a c c e p t my
c o n d i t i o n , & e x c e l i n
s c h o o l , w h i l e s u r r o u n d i n g
me w i t h p e o p l e w h o a r e
e mp a t h e t i c &
u n d e r s t a n d i n g a s t o w h a t
s u r p a s s i n g l i mi t a t i o n s
me a n s .”
-M o n i c a , D e c k e r /M u n s F r i e n d s h i p M e mo r i a l S c h o l a r

73. From the age of 8 years
old,
President Harry
Truman
was virtually blind unless
he wore corrective
glasses
d Y o u K n o w ?
RCPD:

74. “I found there were
two paths for me to
choose, one of self
pity and one of self
determination to
succeed. I chose the
latter.”
David Rouse, Accounting
Major
2008 Samaritan Scholar
Award Recipient

75. “I o w e s o mu c h t o
t h e R C P D f o r
h e l p i n g me
u n d e r s t a n d my
d i s a b i l i t i e s , l e a r
n t o w o r k w i t h
t h e m, d i s c o v e r my
s t r e n g t h s , a n d
mi n i mi z e my

76. A w a r d s
Recognize those who have made a difference in
accommodating or facilitating your MSU education. Nominate
faculty, staff, alumni, or students from December through
February on the RCPD website.
rcpd.msu.edu

77. S p i r i t o f
A b i l i t y
A w a r d
Maximizing Potential-Advancing ExcellenceThe Spirit of Ability Award commemorates the
empowering heritage of founders who saw beyond
disabilities. They opened higher education to people
whose disabilities were commonly perceived to
preclude excellence. Honorees are contemporary
leaders who continue this MSU tradition of creating
vibrant environments that welcome, fortify, and
compassionately challenge each person to reach their
fullest ability.

78. The Spirit of Ability Award was created in honor of:
• May Shaw, 1934 founder of Tower Guard 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
vigorously advanced diversity and inclusion selecting Judy Gentile as founding
Director in turn opening the door for persons with significant disabilities to
pursue their dreams with an MSU education.
• Dorothy Milbrook (OPHS Receptionist 1979-1985) her 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.
RCPD:S p i r i t o f A b i l i t y
A w a r d

79. RCPD:2013 S p i r i t o f A b i l i t y
A w a r d R e c i p i e n t s

80. S t u d e n t
L e a d e r s h i p &
S e r v i c e A w a r d
Maximizing Potential-Advancing Excellence
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 as they prepare
for lives of purpose.

81. The Student Leadership and Service Award
was created in honor of:
• Jack Shingleton, World War II veteran, served MSU in many ways
including as Director of Placement, Assistant Director of
Personnel, Acting Athletic Director, Interim Director of Alumni
Relations, and MSU Trustee. His mentorship of each RCPD Director
emphasized the significance of leadership and service in creating
optimal organizational and professional success.
• Marge Chmielewski, RCPD Director 1994-1999 – A mentor to many.
RCPD:S t u d e n t L e a d e r s h i p &
S e r v i c e A w a r d

82. RCPD:2013 S t u d e n t L e a d e r s h i p &
S e r v i c e A w a r d R e c i p i e n t s :
C o u n c i l o f S t u d e n t s w i t h
D i s a b i l i t i e s

83. O u t s t a n d i n g
A l u m n u s
A w a r d
Maximizing Potential-Advancing Excellence
The Outstanding Alumnus Award recognizes the
accomplishments, leadership and dedication of MSU graduates
who make significant contributions to their field. Their many
achievements illustrate the power of education, persistence and
creativity in reaching life goals. We are honored to call them
Spartans and thank them for applying their education to the
betterment of society.

84. • In recognition of an RCPD
graduate who is successful in
his/her field and continues to
represent the abilities of
those in the disability
community.
• This individual is a model of
success for others with or
without disabilities and
demonstrates that disabilities
need not limit achievement.
Ed Rogers
MSU Graduate 1992, Owner of Northwest
Orthotics-Prosthetic, Inc., coach and mentor for
amputees who are adaptive sports participants
2013 Outstanding Alumnus Recipient
RCPD:O u t s t a n d i n g A l u mn u s
A w a r d

85. Michigan State University :
• Ph.D., Linguistics-1997
• M.S., Computer Science-1996
• M.A., Linguistics-1990
Professional
• Principal NLP Research Engineer
• Natural Language Understanding Lab
• Nuance Communications, Inc.
• Sunnyvale, California
• One of the first recipients of the Decker-
Muns Friendship Memorial Scholarship
• He is enabling computers to become
more humanlike in their ability to
listen, process and respond using
spoken language.
RCPD:O u t s t a n d i n g A l u mn u s :
D r . D a e h e e L e e

86. S a m a r i t a n
S c h o l a r
A w a r d
Maximizing Potential-Advancing Excellence
Established by MSU alumni Jim and Judy DeLapa, the Samaritan
Foundation has generously assisted students for more than two
decades. In 2003, the Foundation began offering scholarships
through the RCPD, providing educational support to
sophomores, juniors and seniors with disabilities, and
distinguishing itself by offering the first scholarship for MSU
undergraduate students with disabilities.

87. “How is an investment different than a
handout? An investment is something
that pays dividends. Each year when I
speak at the Awards Ceremony for the
Resource Center for Persons with
Disabilities, I emphasize the
expectation that someday, when the
recipients are in a position to do so, it
will be their turn to give back and help
pave the way for those who follow.”
-Judy DeLapa
RCPD:S a ma r i t a n S c h o l a r
A w a r d

88. RCPD:S a ma r i t a n S c h o l a r s w i t h
J u d y D e L a p a & S t a f f

89. “As we get older and have friends
experiencing various types of disabilities, it
is all too apparent that life is harder when a
person has disabilities of any kind. We
started thinking about the difficulty of
attending a university like MSU in a
wheelchair or with any other disability. We
hope this scholarship will ease the financial
burden for the student and his/her family
and perhaps enable the student to stay in
school even in this uncertain economy.”
-Judy DeLapa, Co-founder of the
Samaritan Foundation
RCPD:S a ma r i t a n S c h o l a r
A w a r d

90. D e c k e r -M u n s
M e m o r i a l
S c h o l a r s h i p
Maximizing Potential-Advancing ExcellenceThis scholarship is awarded in the spring to a qualified student with
a disability enrolled in a graduate degree program at Michigan
State University for the following fall, spring or summer semester.
Winners are selected by review of applicant achievement in a variety
of areas including: academics, quality of references, clear definition
of goals, pre-professional achievements including demonstrated
leadership ability, demonstrated financial need, and quality and
coherence of written essays.

91. • The scholarship is in memory and recognition of two Ford Motor
Company executives who died in a small airplane crash in June, 1990.
The two men, Robert L. Decker and Benjamin Muns were committed
to increasing the productivity of the workforce while enriching the
quality of the workplace environment.
• A scholarship fund was created, through an endowment offered by
the wives of Robert and Benjamin, to facilitate the continuance of
the zest for life, concern for others and ideals and goals held by the
two.
Robert L. Decker and Benjamin Muns Friendship
Memorial Scholarship
RCPD:R o b e r t L . D e c k e r a n d
B e n j a mi n M u n s F r i e n d s h i p
M e mo r i a l S c h o l a r s h i p

92. • Provides graduate study opportunities and recognizes potential
contributions of graduate students with disabilities
• Intended to encourage students who have demonstrated the capacity to
achieve educational and professional goals
Mary Beth Decker-Trunk, shown with Director Michael
Hudson, receives the Judy Gentile Award at the 2007
Awards Reception.
RCPD:R o b e r t L . D e c k e r a n d
B e n j a mi n M u n s F r i e n d s h i p
M e mo r i a l S c h o l a r s h i p

93. Margaret Muns & Staff
RCPD:R o b e r t L . D e c k e r a n d B e n j a mi n M u n s
F r i e n d s h i p M e mo r i a l S c h o l a r s w i t h
M a r y B e t h D e c k e r -T r u n k , D r . M a r g a r e t
M u n s & S t a f f

94. “I owe so much to the RCPD
for helping me understand
my disabilities, learn to
work with them, discover
my strengths, and minimize
my weaknesses.”
Matthew Carbary
2009 Decker-Muns Friendship Memorial
Scholarship Recipient
2010 MSU & State of Michigan Student
Employee of the Year

95. K a t r i n a T a g g e t
M e m o r i a l
F e l l o w s h i p
A legacy of scholarship and service excellence
In memory of Katrina Tagget, a 2008 senior majoring in Public
Administration and Public Policy with a specialization in Political
Economics.

96. As a senior majoring in Public
Administration and Public Policy with a
specialization in Political Economics,
Katrina Tagget achieved academic
excellence and balanced this with
service to others. She earned a place on
the Dean’s List every semester
beginning in the spring of her freshman
year. Seeking to transcend academic
success, Katrina engaged in numerous
co-curricular opportunities and grew to
realize service to others as one of her
most meaningful accomplishments.
RCPD:K a t r i n a T a g g e t
M e mo r i a l
F e l l o w s h i p

97. Throughout her last two years at MSU Katrina served as an
RCPD mentor, helping others with disabilities maximize
their potential. Reflecting on all the honors, awards and
accolades earned as a student, she cited her experience as
an RCPD mentor as one of her most important
accomplishments. On September 20th, 2008, Katrina
Tagget left her place on earth, but she continues to be
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.
RCPD:K a t r i n a T a g g e t
M e mo r i a l
F e l l o w s h i p

98. RCPD:2013 K a t r i n a T a g g e t
M e mo r i a l F e l l o w s w i t h t h e
T a g g e t F a mi l y & S t a f f

99. A n i t a G i a m p a l m i
C y s t i c F i b r o s i s
S c h o l a r s h i p
This scholarship is awarded to students
with cystic fibrosis who demonstrate
academic achievement, educational and
life goals, and leadership.

100. • Anita Giampalmi’s family and friends created
this scholarship in memory and recognition of
Anita, who received her bachelor’s degree in
Elementary Education from MSU in 1993 and
followed her dream to become a teacher. Her
life symbolized the values of education, hard
work in spite of physical challenges, and the
pursuit of life goals.
• Following her death from complications due to
cystic fibrosis, the scholarship was created to
recognize the efforts of a student with cystic
fibrosis who is also enrolled in the education
program at MSU.
The Giampalmi family, Joyce, Jack Jr. and
Jack, RCPD Specialist Shani Feyen, and
the 2011 Giampalmi Scholarship recipient
RCPD:A n i t a G i a mp a l mi
S c h o l a r s h i p

101. RCPD:2013 A n i t a G i a mp a l mi
S c h o l a r s & S t a f f

102. S t u d y A b r o a d
Q u a l i t y F u n d s
S c h o l a r s h i pThis scholarship recognizes recipients of the Study Abroad Quality
Funds Scholarships for participation in an MSU study abroad program. The
scholarship is funded by a grant from the MSU Quality Funds. The grant
recognizes that few students with disabilities participate in study abroad
programs or international travel, activities that lead to acquisition of
important personal skills and knowledge resulting in a more competitive
resume for a future job market.
rcpd.msu.edu

103. RCPD:S t u d y A b r o a d Q u a l i t y
F u n d s S c h o l a r s h i p
To be eligible for consideration you must:
• Be a student with a documented disability
• Have applied to an MSU study abroad program
• Meet the eligibility criteria for the program
• Priority will be given to students who have applied
for participation in the Disability in a Diverse
Society program and who have a demonstrated
financial need.

104. RCPD:2013 S t u d y A b r o a d Q u a l i t y
F u n d s S c h o l a r s w i t h M o r g a n
S w a r t z & S t a f f

105. A t h l e t e s w i t h
D i s a b i l i t i e s
N e t w o r k
S c h o l a r s h i pMultiple scholarships honor the exemplary achievements of persons
with disabilities who overcome obstacles on the court, field or
water while displaying enthusiasm and perseverance. A total of
$7,500 is offered on an annual basis to four athletes from a variety
of sports and academic disciplines.

106. RCPD:2013 A t h l e t e s w i t h
D i s a b i l i t i e s N e t w o r k
S c h o l a r s h i p R e c i p i e n t s &
S t a f f

107. d Y o u K n o w ?
RCPD:
Adaptive Sports on campus
include:
• Wheelchair tennis
• Wheelchair basketball
• SCUBA diving
• Beep baseball
• Demmer Center:
– Shooting sports
– Education
– Training Ask your specialist for more information.

108. RCPD:2013-2014
Highlights
from the
year!

109. RCPD:2013-2014
Staff and
Student
involvement

110. The 28th president of the
United States and founder of
what eventually became the
United Nations,
Woodrow Wilson,
had a learning disability.
d Y o u K n o w ?
RCPD:

111. Over the years, individuals have shared with us the many ways
that the RCPD has impacted their lives or that of someone they
know.
Your words help us become even better as we strive to serve the
MSU community. So tell us, what's your story?
Fill out our in-office form or visit rcpd.msu.edu.
RCPD:Wh a t ’s Y o u r S t o r y ?

112. We would like to
extend a heartfelt
Thank You
to each person who
has helped to
support
the Resource Center
for Persons with
Disabilities.
T h a n k Y o u !
RCPD:

113. Donor-supported
programs and services
provide
awareness, hope, and
expanded opportunity
for over 1,200
students, faculty, and
staff with disabilities.
Our portfolio has
expanded in nearly
unimaginable ways.
Thank you!
T h a n k
Y o u , D o n o r s !
RCPD:

114. Thank you to the Michigan State
University Federal Credit Union for your
sponsorship and continued support of
RCPD students
T h a n k
Y o u , S p o n s o
r s !
RCPD:

115. Visit the Featured News
section of our website to
learn more about how we
are advancing the efforts of
persons with disabilities.
C h e c k U s
O u t !
RCPD:

116. What will we say
about you?
Make a
difference!
[Y o u r N a me
H e r e ]
RCPD:

117. “With
courage, will and
persistence we
conquer the
toughest
challenges.”
-Anonymous Donor