Resource Center for Persons

with Disabilitie

s

Celebrating Forty-Two

Years of Maximizing Ability and Opportunit

y

Approaching Disability by

Specialty

RCPD: Renee CraigPsychiatric & Autism Spectrum Disabilities Specialist

Shani FeyenChronic Health Specialist

Elaine HighLearning Disabilities Specialist &Study Strategies Tutor

Team

Virginia MartzDeaf/HOH &Mobility Disabilities Specialist

Approaching Disability by

Specialty

RCPD: Team John Pedraza

Psychiatric Disabilities Specialist & Disability Resource Coordinator for Employees

Virginia RutanLearning Disabilities & Brain Injury Specialist & Student Athlete Liaison

Darryl SteeleLearning Disabilities Specialist

Angela SebaldBlindness/ Visual Impairment & Media Access Specialist

Al PuzzuoliInformation TechnologySpecialist

George MorrisonCareer Services Consultant

Michael HudsonDirector

Technical Leadership

RCPD: Team

Beverly Stehlik Budget/Personnel & Assistant to the Director

Anna Osborn Receptionist & Alternative Testing

Facilitator

Stephen BlosserAssistive Technology Specialist

Classroom Services for

People Who are Deaf or Hard of

Hearing

RCPD: Team

Shelly MartinezReal-Time Captioner

Kate McAlpineReal-Time Captioner

Denise HartmanReal-Time Captioner

Thank you!

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 PopeReceptionist,

Alternative Test Facilitator

Valerie NilsonLearning

Disabilities Specialist

RCPD: Retirees of the

Thank you!RCPD:

Retirees of the

Tom HwangMedia Access

Blindness/Visual Impairment

Karen CalhounReal-Time Captioner

They are a part of the RCPD’s historical legacy of

making a difference at MSU.

To lead Michigan State University in maximizing ability and opportunity for full participation by

persons with disabilities.

RCPD: Mission

RCPD: PhilosophyDisabilities 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.

RCPD: Philosophy

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.

Renowned theoretical physicist and Nobel

Prize winner Albert Einstein

was dyslexic.

Did You Know?

RCPD:

RCPD: Functions

Assess and document disability, academic,

and workplace needs

Build and facilitate individual plans for reasonable

accommodation

Link individuals with technology, education, and

resources

Extend independence through auxiliary aids,

disability related information, and self-advocacy

Michigan State University is a leader in…

• Maximizing independence through the use of technology

• Accommodating comprehensive assistive technology centers located in:o Bessey Hallo 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

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: Vision Statement

“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.”

-Michael HudsonDirector

Did You Know?RCPD:

The first Sudoku puzzle was created

by a blind Swiss physicist named

Leonard Euler.

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: RCPD Students by Degree Status

2% Other2% Deaf/Hard of Hearing

7% Mobility

4% Brain Injury

40% Learning Disability

23% Psychiatric

16% Chronic Health

3% Blindness/Visual Impairment

2% Autism Spectrum

RCPD: Disability Prevalence Among RCPD Registered Students

*Data based on students enrolled during Fall semester 2012A total of 1,393 students were registered during the 2012-2013 academic year.

*Data based on students enrolled during Fall semester 2013

RCPD: RCPD Students by Area of Study

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: RCPD Student Disability Trends

74-75 79-80 84-85 89-90 94-95 99-00 04-05 09-10 12-130

200

400

600

800

1000

1200

1400

97136

184

306

416

626

954

1147

1393

Axis

Titl

eRCPD:

MSU Disability Population Over Time

• 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: Population

• 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: Population

• 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: Ability and Opportunity in Action

• 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: Ability in Opportunity and Action

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: Trend of Growth Continues

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: Meeting the Demand

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: External Funding

The Tower Guard Honor Society began reading textbooks and classroom materials to blind students.

RCPD:History

1930’s

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: History

1972

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: History

1998

The name of the office changed to the Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities, reflecting the expanding mission and new “person-first” language.

RCPD: History

1999

The EmpowermentFund was created tofurther educational,employment, and

extra-curricular

opportunities through financial contributions for persons with disabilities.

RCPD: History

2001

• 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: ASL Interpreters and Real Time Captioners

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.

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: Accessible Textbooks and Media

Visit the AssistiveTechnology Center

• The RCPD Assistive Technology Center is a multifunctional computer lab offering:o Voice and Braille outputo Text enlargemento Voice inputo Reading equipmento Talking tactile mapo Guidance GPSo Note-taking solutions

Technologies available for a variety of disabilities

RCPD: Assistive Technology Center

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: Awards and Appreciation Reception

Offers social and communication development to students with autism spectrum disorders through:

• Social outings• Peer mentoring• Skill development workshops• Individualized curriculum programming

RCPD: Building Opportunities for Networking and

Discovery

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 Concernso Connecting Students with Job and Internship

Resourceso Interview Practice and Preparationo Resume Critiques and Assistanceo Vocational Testing Referrals

RCPD: Careers and Accessibility

“The mark of a successful life is not what happens to a person, but what he chooses

to do with the circumstances that have been set before him.”

-Cecile, Samaritan Scholar

• 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: Carlson Accessible Media Program

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: Carlson Accessible Media Program

• 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: Engineering Design Day Partnership

• 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: Explorations and Ability & Support on Site (SOS)!

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: Project Venture

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: Project Venture

• 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: STATE Program

• 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: State Vocational Rehabilitation

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: Study Abroad

RCPD works closely with the Office of Study Abroad to help make programs accessible.

Ireland 2011

RCPD: Study Abroad

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: Study Abroad

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.

“For the rest of my life I will not only bleed green

first, but I will find my truest alliance with the

RCPD and how it bettered my life.”

-Joshua, RCPD Alumni

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: Tower Guard

As MSU’s oldest active student organization, the Tower Guard selects its members from the top 5% of the freshman class.

RCPD: Tower Guard

2013-2014 Tower Guard

The Shamrock Run/Walk/Roll is an annual race organized by the Tower Guard to benefit RCPD and Tower Guard collaboration.

RCPD: 14th Annual Shamrock Run-Walk-and-Roll 5K

•  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: TRIO

“I can see how much giving a generous gift can

help someone achieve their goals; I know it

means the world to me.”

-Marissa, Samaritan Scholar & Katrina Tagget Memorial Fellow

MSU was honored with a daVinci Award

in 2001 for innovative accessible pedestrian

intersections.

Did You Know?RCPD:

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: Veterans with Disabilities

Virginia Rutan talking to MSU student during the Fall 2013

Veterans Day Reception

LouAnna K. Simon speaking at the Fall 2013 Veterans Day

Reception

RCPD: Veterans Day Reception

• 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: Welcome Orientation Workshop (WOW)

Students actively engaged at the 2013 Welcome Orientation Workshop

• "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..."

-MSU RCPD student

RCPD: Welcome Orientation Workshop (WOW)

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: Emerging Opportunities Endowment

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: Emerging Opportunities Endowment

“RCPD scholarships and awards are the lifelines that allow me to set a

goal of graduating.”

-Daniel, Samaritan and Giampalmi Scholar

• 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 readinesso Leadership developmento Assistive technologyo Audiovisual educational material accessibilityo Disability awareness

RCPD: Persons with Disabilities Empowerment Fund

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: Empowerment Fund

• 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: Wolchholz Endowment

“RCPD has helped me manage, accept my condition, & excel in school, while surrounding

me with people who are empathetic & understanding as to what surpassing limitations

means.”

-Monica, Decker/Muns Friendship Memorial Scholar

From the age of 8 years old,

President Harry Truman

was virtually blind unless he wore

corrective glasses

Did You Know?RCPD:

“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

“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

State of Michigan Student Employee of the Year

AwardsRecognize 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

Spirit of Ability AwardMaximizing Potential-Advancing Excellence

The 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.

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: Spirit of Ability Award

2013 Spirit of Ability Award Recipients

RCPD: 2013 Spirit of Ability Award Recipients

Student Leadership & Service AwardMaximizing 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.

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: Student Leadership & Service Award

2013 Student Leadership and Service Award Recipients – Council of Students with Disabilities

RCPD: 2013 Student Leadership & Service Award Recipients:

Council of Students with Disabilities

Outstanding Alumnus AwardMaximizing 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.

• 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: Outstanding Alumnus Award

Michigan State University :• Ph.D., Linguistics-1997• M.S., Computer Science-1996 • M.A., Linguistics-1990Professional• 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: Outstanding Alumnus: Dr. Daehee Lee

Samaritan Scholar AwardMaximizing 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.

“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: Samaritan Scholar Award

2013 Samaritan Scholars with Judy DeLapa & Staff

RCPD: Samaritan Scholars with Judy DeLapa & Staff

“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: Samaritan Scholar Award

Decker-Muns Memorial Scholarship

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. 

• 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: Robert L. Decker and Benjamin Muns Friendship

Memorial Scholarship

• 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: Robert L. Decker and Benjamin Muns Friendship

Memorial Scholarship

2013 Robert L. Decker and Benjamin Muns Friendship Memorial Scholars with MaryBeth Decker- Trunk, Dr.

Margaret Muns & Staff

RCPD: Robert L. Decker and Benjamin Muns Friendship Memorial

Scholars with MaryBeth Decker-Trunk, Dr. Margaret Muns & Staff

“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

Katrina Tagget Memorial FellowshipA 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.

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: Katrina Tagget Memorial Fellowship

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: Katrina Tagget Memorial Fellowship

2013 Katrina Tagget Memorial Fellows with the Tagget Family & Staff

RCPD: 2013 Katrina Tagget Memorial Fellows with the

Tagget Family & Staff

Anita Giampalmi Cystic Fibrosis Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to students with cystic fibrosis who

demonstrate academic achievement, educational and life

goals, and leadership.

• 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: Anita Giampalmi Scholarship

RCPD: 2013 Anita Giampalmi Scholars & Staff

Study Abroad Quality Funds Scholarship

This 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

RCPD: Study Abroad Quality Funds Scholarship

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.

RCPD: 2013 Study Abroad Quality Funds Scholars with

Morgan Swartz & Staff

Athletes with Disabilities Network Scholarship

Multiple 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.  

RCPD: 2013 Athletes with Disabilities Network

Scholarship Recipients & Staff

Did You Know?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.

RCPD: 2013-2014

Highlights from

the year!

RCPD: 2013-2014

Staff and Student

involvement

The 28th president of the United States and

founder of what eventually became the

United Nations,

Woodrow Wilson,

had a learning disability.

Did You Know?RCPD:

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: What’s Your Story?

We would like to extend a heartfelt

Thank You to each person who

has helped to support

the Resource Center for Persons with

Disabilities.

Thank You!

RCPD:

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!

Thank You, Donors!

RCPD:

Thank you to the Michigan State University Federal Credit Union for your sponsorship and

continued support of RCPD students

Thank You, Sponsors!

RCPD:

Visit the Featured News section of our website to learn more about

how we are advancing the efforts of persons

with disabilities.

Check Us Out!

RCPD:

What will we say about

you?

Make a differenc

e!

[Your Name Here]

RCPD:

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