Michigan State Student-Athlete Support Services Spartan Academic Excellence Gala Celebrates 25th Anniversary
4/12/2022 6:16:00 AM | Baseball, Cross Country, Football, General, Men's Basketball, Men's Cross Country, Men's Golf, Men's Ice Hockey, Men's Soccer, Men's Tennis, Softball, Track and Field, Women's Basketball, Women's Cross Country, Women's Golf, Women's Gymnastics, Women's Soccer, Women's Tennis, Volleyball, Wrestling, Field Hockey, Gymnastics, Women's Rowing
EAST LANSING, Mich. – Michigan State's Student-Athlete Support Services (SASS) celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Spartan Academic Excellence Gala on Monday evening at the Breslin Center. It marked the first time since 2019 the event was held in-person on campus.
The event was dedicated to the late Jim Pignataro, the former Executive Associate Athletic Director for Student-Athlete Services who passed away in August 2021 after a lengthy, valiant battle with cancer, and his wife Alana and their two children, Alison and Jimmy, in honor and recognition of all he gave to the Academic Gala during his career and to Michigan State University.
To qualify for the academic gala, student-athletes must be in at least their third semester at MSU and have obtained a minimum 3.00 cumulative grade point average (GPA) or have earned a 3.00 or higher GPA during the 2021 calendar year. In addition, graduates are recognized as well.
Former Michigan State baseball and football All-American Kirk Gibson was the keynote speaker for the event.
PRESIDENT'S AWARD
The President's Award – the most prestigious individual academic honor in the athletic department – is given to the male and female graduating senior with the highest cumulative grade point average and who has exhausted their eligibility and completed their degree in the 2021-22 academic year. This year, three student-athletes earned the President's Award: Sarah Flowney (rowing), Carson Gates (men's tennis) and Melanie Helder (women's track and field/cross country).
Flowney has made an impact on the water, in the classroom, and in the community. A three-time College Rowing Coaches Association Scholar Student-Athlete, she holds a 3.98 cumulative grade point average while majoring in human biology and minoring in bioethics. As a member of the MSU Pre-PA Club she has given back to the community by assisting at numerous blood drives and attending fundraising events for the local Children's Hospital. In addition, she has displayed her leadership skills by participating in a variety of activities such as the Student-Athlete Women's Leadership Council, the Spartans Rebuilding Michigan Fundraising Committee, and serving as a Spartan Mask Initiative Lead. Her passion for medicine and her strong leadership qualities have led Flowney to become part of the inaugural class of the MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine Physician Assistant Medicine Program upon graduation this spring.
Gates exemplifies what it means to be a successful student-athlete at Michigan State University. He is a three-time Big Ten Distinguished Scholar and Academic All-Big Ten honoree and carries a perfect 4.0 cumulative grade point average while majoring in physiology and minoring in cognitive science. The 2021-2022 men's tennis co-captain is a member of the Honor's College and Osteopathic Medical Scholars Program. Gates' leadership has been prevalent not only on the court and in the classroom, but in the athletic department and university as well. He has served on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee as a tennis representative as well as the Secretary and Vice President. Additionally, he has represented all student-athletes as an Associated Students of MSU General Assembly Representative. A four-time Intercollegiate Tennis Association Scholar Athlete, Gates has also made a profound impact in the community. He has been an active volunteer in local medical facilities, including pediatric wards, an emergency department and hospice care, served as a virtual pen pal, and helped coordinate a shoe drive for the homeless. Upon graduation, Gates will begin his journey towards his goal of becoming a physician when he enrolls at the University of Missouri School of Medicine.
Helder's collegiate career is noted not only for her athletic accomplishments, but also for her excellence in the classroom and the community. A four-time Big Ten Distinguished Scholar and five-time Academic All-Big Ten recipient, Helder carries a 3.98 cumulative grade point average while majoring in kinesiology and minoring in health promotion. When she is not in the classroom or running, Helder is found giving back to the community by participating in the Student-Athlete Support Services' Putting Athletes and Community Together (PACT) Program, as well as volunteering at physical therapy clinics. Helder will embark on her journey toward her goal of becoming a physical therapist this fall when she begins the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at the University of Evansville.
ATHLETIC DIRECTOR'S AWARD
The Athletic Director's Award is presented to the male and female team with the highest cumulative grade point average after the fall 2021 semester.
The men's tennis team continues to set the standard for excellence in the classroom, winning the Athletic Director's Award for a remarkable 16th time under head coach Gene Orlando, more than any other sport on campus. The team posted a department-high 3.702 grade point average and had four student-athletes post a
perfect 4.0 grade point average. In addition, all eligible members of the team qualified for the academic gala.
The women's golf team's hard work and dedication continues to propel them to success in the classroom and on the course under head coach Stacy Slobodnik-Stoll. The team has won the Athletic Director's Award an impressive nine times, more than any other women's team. Additionally, the team has captured the Big Ten Championship title six of those same nine years. The team boasts a 3.695 grade point average, with all eligible members qualifying for the gala.
GWENDOLYN NORRELL COMMUNITY SERVICE AND LEADERSHIP AWARD
Jack Winkler of the men's tennis team was this year's recipient of the Gwendolyn Norrell Community Service and Leadership Award. The award is presented to the student-athlete who has demonstrated the highest level of commitment to impacting the areas of leadership and community service.
Over the course of his career, Winkler has excelled at the highest levels of academics, athletics, leadership and service. Through his positions as the men's tennis team captain, SAAC President, and Big Ten SAAC Representative, Winkler has been able to be a voice for student-athletes at every level. He has taken part in numerous community service initiatives including March is Reading Month, the Student-Athlete Food Drive, and the Green Bandana Project for mental health awareness while maintaining a 3.76 grade point average.
Most impressive, however, is that Winkler has accomplished all of this while overcoming adversity and setbacks in his own personal health journey. His example of leadership, determination, and resilience throughout has been an inspiration not only for his teammates and other student-athletes but anyone who has followed his journey. He has become the embodiment of the term Spartans Will. Upon graduation, Winkler will begin his career at Okta in San Francisco, California.
DIVERSITY AND LEADERSHIP AWARD
For the second year in a row, women's track and field student-athlete Brooke Bogan is the recipient of the Diversity and Leadership Award. The award is presented to the student-athlete who exhibits strong leadership in diversity initiatives within athletics, on campus and in the community.
Student-athletes are afforded the opportunity to have a platform that inspires thought and discussion. Bogan has used her passion and platform to foster inclusion and engagement throughout the Department of Athletics, the University, and the Big Ten community. Through her involvement with the Athletic Department's Diversity and Leadership Committee, Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, and the Big Ten Equity Coalition, where she serves as one of only two student-athletes on the Executive Board, Bogan has shown tremendous leadership aimed at creating an environment where her peers can have impactful conversations about diversity. Her involvement has been central to improving the student-athlete experience and has promoted student-athlete engagement within the greater campus and Big Ten community. Upon graduation, Bogan will continue to gain professional experience in the pursuit of a career in medicine.
A longstanding tradition of the gala is the musical entertainment provided by MSU's own student-athletes, highlighting the talents that stretch beyond competition and the classroom. This year, field hockey sophomore Ashley Harlock, who holds a 4.0 in neuroscience and is a member of Lyman Briggs and the Honors College, performed "Put Your Records On" by Corinne Bailey Rae during the gala. Harlock's musical gifts and achievements rival those of the classroom and the field. Beginning with the violin at age three and guitar at eight, she has been in over 25 musicals, including seven professional performances with Midwest theater companies and has even made a Broadway stage appearance. Additionally, she has appeared in two movies and won a recording scholarship with a Nashville producer at the age of 15. In her short time at MSU, Harlock has also shown her commitment to leadership and service. She serves on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and has participated in the MSU Athletics/Red Cross Blood Drive, March is Reading Month, and the Green Bandana Project where she raises awareness for mental health.
SCHOLAR-ATHLETE AWARD WINNERS
The Scholar-Athlete Awards are presented to the individual from each team who has reached at least junior academic status, has received a minimum of one varsity letter, has competed during the 2021-22 season, and while meeting these requirements, maintains the highest cumulative grade point average on their team.
BASEBALL: Casey Mayes
MEN'S BASKETBALL: Steven Izzo
WOMEN'S BASKETBALL: Moira Joiner
MEN'S CROSS COUNTRY: Steven Stine
WOMEN'S CROSS COUNTRY: Melanie Helder
FIELD HOCKEY: Lori Mack
FOOTBALL: Darius Snow
MEN'S GOLF: Landon Ernst
WOMEN'S GOLF: Nina Rissi
GYMNASTICS: Lea Mitchell
HOCKEY: Mitchell Mattson
ROWING: Sarah Flowney
MEN'S SOCCER: Jack Beck
WOMEN'S SOCCER: Abby Gardiner
SOFTBALL: Caitie Ladd
MEN'S TENNIS: Carson Gates & Nick Williams
WOMEN'S TENNIS: Tia Mukherjee
MEN'S TRACK & FIELD: Trevor Stephenson
WOMEN'S TRACK & FIELD: Calli Ostapowicz
VOLLEYBALL: Rebecka Poljan
WRESTLING: Cameron Caffey
The event was dedicated to the late Jim Pignataro, the former Executive Associate Athletic Director for Student-Athlete Services who passed away in August 2021 after a lengthy, valiant battle with cancer, and his wife Alana and their two children, Alison and Jimmy, in honor and recognition of all he gave to the Academic Gala during his career and to Michigan State University.
To qualify for the academic gala, student-athletes must be in at least their third semester at MSU and have obtained a minimum 3.00 cumulative grade point average (GPA) or have earned a 3.00 or higher GPA during the 2021 calendar year. In addition, graduates are recognized as well.
Former Michigan State baseball and football All-American Kirk Gibson was the keynote speaker for the event.
PRESIDENT'S AWARD
The President's Award – the most prestigious individual academic honor in the athletic department – is given to the male and female graduating senior with the highest cumulative grade point average and who has exhausted their eligibility and completed their degree in the 2021-22 academic year. This year, three student-athletes earned the President's Award: Sarah Flowney (rowing), Carson Gates (men's tennis) and Melanie Helder (women's track and field/cross country).
Flowney has made an impact on the water, in the classroom, and in the community. A three-time College Rowing Coaches Association Scholar Student-Athlete, she holds a 3.98 cumulative grade point average while majoring in human biology and minoring in bioethics. As a member of the MSU Pre-PA Club she has given back to the community by assisting at numerous blood drives and attending fundraising events for the local Children's Hospital. In addition, she has displayed her leadership skills by participating in a variety of activities such as the Student-Athlete Women's Leadership Council, the Spartans Rebuilding Michigan Fundraising Committee, and serving as a Spartan Mask Initiative Lead. Her passion for medicine and her strong leadership qualities have led Flowney to become part of the inaugural class of the MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine Physician Assistant Medicine Program upon graduation this spring.
Gates exemplifies what it means to be a successful student-athlete at Michigan State University. He is a three-time Big Ten Distinguished Scholar and Academic All-Big Ten honoree and carries a perfect 4.0 cumulative grade point average while majoring in physiology and minoring in cognitive science. The 2021-2022 men's tennis co-captain is a member of the Honor's College and Osteopathic Medical Scholars Program. Gates' leadership has been prevalent not only on the court and in the classroom, but in the athletic department and university as well. He has served on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee as a tennis representative as well as the Secretary and Vice President. Additionally, he has represented all student-athletes as an Associated Students of MSU General Assembly Representative. A four-time Intercollegiate Tennis Association Scholar Athlete, Gates has also made a profound impact in the community. He has been an active volunteer in local medical facilities, including pediatric wards, an emergency department and hospice care, served as a virtual pen pal, and helped coordinate a shoe drive for the homeless. Upon graduation, Gates will begin his journey towards his goal of becoming a physician when he enrolls at the University of Missouri School of Medicine.
Helder's collegiate career is noted not only for her athletic accomplishments, but also for her excellence in the classroom and the community. A four-time Big Ten Distinguished Scholar and five-time Academic All-Big Ten recipient, Helder carries a 3.98 cumulative grade point average while majoring in kinesiology and minoring in health promotion. When she is not in the classroom or running, Helder is found giving back to the community by participating in the Student-Athlete Support Services' Putting Athletes and Community Together (PACT) Program, as well as volunteering at physical therapy clinics. Helder will embark on her journey toward her goal of becoming a physical therapist this fall when she begins the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at the University of Evansville.
ATHLETIC DIRECTOR'S AWARD
The Athletic Director's Award is presented to the male and female team with the highest cumulative grade point average after the fall 2021 semester.
The men's tennis team continues to set the standard for excellence in the classroom, winning the Athletic Director's Award for a remarkable 16th time under head coach Gene Orlando, more than any other sport on campus. The team posted a department-high 3.702 grade point average and had four student-athletes post a
perfect 4.0 grade point average. In addition, all eligible members of the team qualified for the academic gala.
The women's golf team's hard work and dedication continues to propel them to success in the classroom and on the course under head coach Stacy Slobodnik-Stoll. The team has won the Athletic Director's Award an impressive nine times, more than any other women's team. Additionally, the team has captured the Big Ten Championship title six of those same nine years. The team boasts a 3.695 grade point average, with all eligible members qualifying for the gala.
GWENDOLYN NORRELL COMMUNITY SERVICE AND LEADERSHIP AWARD
Jack Winkler of the men's tennis team was this year's recipient of the Gwendolyn Norrell Community Service and Leadership Award. The award is presented to the student-athlete who has demonstrated the highest level of commitment to impacting the areas of leadership and community service.
Over the course of his career, Winkler has excelled at the highest levels of academics, athletics, leadership and service. Through his positions as the men's tennis team captain, SAAC President, and Big Ten SAAC Representative, Winkler has been able to be a voice for student-athletes at every level. He has taken part in numerous community service initiatives including March is Reading Month, the Student-Athlete Food Drive, and the Green Bandana Project for mental health awareness while maintaining a 3.76 grade point average.
Most impressive, however, is that Winkler has accomplished all of this while overcoming adversity and setbacks in his own personal health journey. His example of leadership, determination, and resilience throughout has been an inspiration not only for his teammates and other student-athletes but anyone who has followed his journey. He has become the embodiment of the term Spartans Will. Upon graduation, Winkler will begin his career at Okta in San Francisco, California.
DIVERSITY AND LEADERSHIP AWARD
For the second year in a row, women's track and field student-athlete Brooke Bogan is the recipient of the Diversity and Leadership Award. The award is presented to the student-athlete who exhibits strong leadership in diversity initiatives within athletics, on campus and in the community.
Student-athletes are afforded the opportunity to have a platform that inspires thought and discussion. Bogan has used her passion and platform to foster inclusion and engagement throughout the Department of Athletics, the University, and the Big Ten community. Through her involvement with the Athletic Department's Diversity and Leadership Committee, Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, and the Big Ten Equity Coalition, where she serves as one of only two student-athletes on the Executive Board, Bogan has shown tremendous leadership aimed at creating an environment where her peers can have impactful conversations about diversity. Her involvement has been central to improving the student-athlete experience and has promoted student-athlete engagement within the greater campus and Big Ten community. Upon graduation, Bogan will continue to gain professional experience in the pursuit of a career in medicine.
A longstanding tradition of the gala is the musical entertainment provided by MSU's own student-athletes, highlighting the talents that stretch beyond competition and the classroom. This year, field hockey sophomore Ashley Harlock, who holds a 4.0 in neuroscience and is a member of Lyman Briggs and the Honors College, performed "Put Your Records On" by Corinne Bailey Rae during the gala. Harlock's musical gifts and achievements rival those of the classroom and the field. Beginning with the violin at age three and guitar at eight, she has been in over 25 musicals, including seven professional performances with Midwest theater companies and has even made a Broadway stage appearance. Additionally, she has appeared in two movies and won a recording scholarship with a Nashville producer at the age of 15. In her short time at MSU, Harlock has also shown her commitment to leadership and service. She serves on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and has participated in the MSU Athletics/Red Cross Blood Drive, March is Reading Month, and the Green Bandana Project where she raises awareness for mental health.
SCHOLAR-ATHLETE AWARD WINNERS
The Scholar-Athlete Awards are presented to the individual from each team who has reached at least junior academic status, has received a minimum of one varsity letter, has competed during the 2021-22 season, and while meeting these requirements, maintains the highest cumulative grade point average on their team.
BASEBALL: Casey Mayes
MEN'S BASKETBALL: Steven Izzo
WOMEN'S BASKETBALL: Moira Joiner
MEN'S CROSS COUNTRY: Steven Stine
WOMEN'S CROSS COUNTRY: Melanie Helder
FIELD HOCKEY: Lori Mack
FOOTBALL: Darius Snow
MEN'S GOLF: Landon Ernst
WOMEN'S GOLF: Nina Rissi
GYMNASTICS: Lea Mitchell
HOCKEY: Mitchell Mattson
ROWING: Sarah Flowney
MEN'S SOCCER: Jack Beck
WOMEN'S SOCCER: Abby Gardiner
SOFTBALL: Caitie Ladd
MEN'S TENNIS: Carson Gates & Nick Williams
WOMEN'S TENNIS: Tia Mukherjee
MEN'S TRACK & FIELD: Trevor Stephenson
WOMEN'S TRACK & FIELD: Calli Ostapowicz
VOLLEYBALL: Rebecka Poljan
WRESTLING: Cameron Caffey
Players Mentioned
Sprints/Hurdles
/ Track and Field
/ Wrestling
/ Men's Golf
/ Women's Rowing
M
/ Women's Soccer
/ Men's Tennis
M
/ Field Hockey
Distance
/ Track and Field
G
/ Men's Basketball
G
/ Women's Basketball
2B
/ Softball
F
/ Men's Ice Hockey
OF
/ Baseball
All-Around
/ Women's Gymnastics
/ Women's Tennis
Jumps
/ Track and Field
MB
/ Volleyball
/ Women's Golf
LB
/ Football
Jumps
/ Track and Field
Distance
/ Track and Field
/ Men's Tennis
/ Men's Tennis
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