Michigan State Vice President/Director of Athletics Alan Haller speaks at the 26th annual Spartan Academic Excellence Gala on Monday inside the Breslin Center.
Spartan Academic Excellence Gala Celebrates Student-Athletes
4/10/2023 10:38:00 PM | General
EAST LANSING, Mich. – Michigan State's Student-Athlete Support Services (SASS) hosted the 26th annual Spartan Academic Excellence Gala on Monday evening at the Breslin Center. The event recognized the academic success of Spartan student-athletes during the 2022-23 academic year.
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 2022 calendar year. In addition, graduates are recognized as well.
FOX Sports broadcaster Jenny Taft, who also was a student-athlete at Boston University playing four years of lacrosse, 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 2022-23 academic year. This year, three student-athletes earned the President's Award: Monique Karoub (women's tennis), Annika Linzmeier (women's track and field/cross country) and Parker Jamieson (men's golf).
As a top student-athlete, Monique Karoub has experienced tremendous success at Michigan State University. The three-time Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) Scholar-Athlete and three-time Big Ten Distinguished Scholar maintains a 4.0 grade-point average in human biology. She has been on the Dean's List each semester since beginning at MSU and has earned Academic All-Big Ten honors three times. Karoub also serves as a representative for her team on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee where she spends time giving back to the community. In addition, Karoub has been very active with MSU's Adaptive Sports and Recreation Club where she volunteers with their Wheelchair Tennis Club. Upon graduation, she plans to attend medical school.
As a top student-athlete, Annika Linzmeier has embraced every aspect of her college experience. The four-time Big Ten Distinguished Scholar and six-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree carries a perfect 4.0 grade-point average while pursuing her master's in clinical social work. Linzmeier also finished her undergraduate degree with a 4.0 GPA double majoring in kinesiology and psychology with a minor in cognitive science. In addition to all her success in the classroom, Linzmeier still finds time to be actively involved within the community. She has served as a volunteer at MSU's Adaptive Sports and Recreation Club, helped with Teams for Toys, and read to elementary school children during March is Reading Month. After graduation, she will begin her career as a mental health therapist.
Over the course of his Spartan career, Parker Jamieson has excelled at the highest levels of academics, leadership, and community service. Jamieson holds a 3.988 grade-point average in finance and has been honored on the Dean's List every semester since starting MSU. In addition to being named a three-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree and a three-time Big Ten Distinguished Scholar, he was also named a 2023 Auto Owners Insurance Champion in the Classroom. His leadership has been prevalent not only on his team, as the 2022-2023 men's golf captain, but also through his position as the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee President. Jamieson has been able to be a voice for student-athletes at every level. He has taken part in numerous community service initiatives including the Student-Athlete Food Drive, Operation Christmas Child, and March is Reading Month. Upon graduation, Jamieson will begin his career at Plante Moran in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
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 2022 semester.
As first-time winners of the Athletic Director's Award, the men's golf team's commitment to the classroom has paid off. The team posts a 3.535 cumulative grade-point average. In addition, all eligible members of the team qualified for the Gala.
The women's golf team continues to set the standard for excellence both academically and athletically at Michigan State, winning the Athletic Director's Award an impressive 10th time, more than any other women's team. Additionally, the team captured the highest cumulative grade-point average in MSU history with an impressive 3.852 GPA with all eligible members qualifying for the Gala.
GWENDOLYN NORRELL COMMUNITY SERVICE AND LEADERSHIP AWARD
Presented to the student-athlete who has demonstrated the highest level of commitment to impacting the areas of leadership and community service.
DIVERSITY AND LEADERSHIP AWARD
Presented to a student-athlete who exhibits strong leadership in diversity initiatives within athletics, on campus, and in the community.
Wrestling student-athlete Rayvon Foley has demonstrated a strong commitment to the delivery of diversity and leadership programming within the Department of Athletics and campus community. Through his involvement with the Athletic Department's Diversity and Leadership Committee (DLC), Foley has demonstrated outstanding leadership in fostering inclusion and engagement. Most notably, he was a leader with his efforts in the DLC's social media campaigns for the NCAA Week of Inclusion and Black History Month. In addition to Foley's impressive athletic career at MSU, he has also taken part in numerous community service initiatives including Chuck-A-Puck Fundraiser for Pediatric Cancer, Salvation Army Toy Distribution, and Operation Christmas Child.
HAROLD & RAYNOR SHNIDER OFFICE OF THE PROVOST AWARD
Presented to the outstanding male and female freshman or sophomore student-athlete who embodies the characteristics promoted by Student- Athlete Support Services. Emphasis is placed on academic performance, community involvement, and leadership ability.
It has not taken long for sophomore Gabrielle Stephen to make an impact as a student-athlete at Michigan State University. Stephen carries a 3.723 grade-point average in criminal justice and has earned a spot on the Dean's List two semesters. Additionally, she is a two-time Women's Collegiate Gymnastics Association Scholastic All-America award recipient. Her accomplishments carried over to the gym where she was named Big Ten Freshman of the Week three times as well as First-Team All-Big Ten, and she earned an individual berth to the NCAA Women's Gymnastics Championships. Stephen has made a positive impact in the community where she has participated in Teams for Toys, Accessible Trick-or-Treating, and the Red Cross Sound the Alarm-Save a Life event.
While only a sophomore, Jaden Akins has shown dedication to excellence in the classroom, in the community, and on the basketball court. This rising leader carries a cumulative grade-point average of 3.75 and is a three-time Dean's List member. The 2023 Big Ten Sportsmanship award winner also spends his time giving back to the community by participating in the Student-Athlete Clothing Drive, Virtual March is Reading Month, and the Shawn Respert Charity Golf Classic.
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 2022-23 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: Jayla James
Men's Cross Country: Andrew Nolan
Women's Cross Country: Annika Linzmeier
Field Hockey: Ashley Harlock
Football: Samuel Edwards
Men's Golf: Parker Jamieson
Women's Golf: Nina Rissi
Gymnastics: Sydney Hayashi
Ice Hockey: Pierce Charleson
Rowing: Danielle Carlson
Men's Soccer: Kellan Landefeld
Women's Soccer: Raegan Cox
Softball: Ashley Miller
Men's Tennis: Anthony Pero
Women's Tennis: Monique Karoub
Men's Track and Field: Trevor Stephenson
Women's Track and Field: Nala Barlow
Volleyball: Emma Monks
Wrestling: Blake Noonan
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 2022 calendar year. In addition, graduates are recognized as well.
FOX Sports broadcaster Jenny Taft, who also was a student-athlete at Boston University playing four years of lacrosse, 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 2022-23 academic year. This year, three student-athletes earned the President's Award: Monique Karoub (women's tennis), Annika Linzmeier (women's track and field/cross country) and Parker Jamieson (men's golf).
As a top student-athlete, Monique Karoub has experienced tremendous success at Michigan State University. The three-time Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) Scholar-Athlete and three-time Big Ten Distinguished Scholar maintains a 4.0 grade-point average in human biology. She has been on the Dean's List each semester since beginning at MSU and has earned Academic All-Big Ten honors three times. Karoub also serves as a representative for her team on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee where she spends time giving back to the community. In addition, Karoub has been very active with MSU's Adaptive Sports and Recreation Club where she volunteers with their Wheelchair Tennis Club. Upon graduation, she plans to attend medical school.
As a top student-athlete, Annika Linzmeier has embraced every aspect of her college experience. The four-time Big Ten Distinguished Scholar and six-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree carries a perfect 4.0 grade-point average while pursuing her master's in clinical social work. Linzmeier also finished her undergraduate degree with a 4.0 GPA double majoring in kinesiology and psychology with a minor in cognitive science. In addition to all her success in the classroom, Linzmeier still finds time to be actively involved within the community. She has served as a volunteer at MSU's Adaptive Sports and Recreation Club, helped with Teams for Toys, and read to elementary school children during March is Reading Month. After graduation, she will begin her career as a mental health therapist.
Over the course of his Spartan career, Parker Jamieson has excelled at the highest levels of academics, leadership, and community service. Jamieson holds a 3.988 grade-point average in finance and has been honored on the Dean's List every semester since starting MSU. In addition to being named a three-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree and a three-time Big Ten Distinguished Scholar, he was also named a 2023 Auto Owners Insurance Champion in the Classroom. His leadership has been prevalent not only on his team, as the 2022-2023 men's golf captain, but also through his position as the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee President. Jamieson has been able to be a voice for student-athletes at every level. He has taken part in numerous community service initiatives including the Student-Athlete Food Drive, Operation Christmas Child, and March is Reading Month. Upon graduation, Jamieson will begin his career at Plante Moran in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
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 2022 semester.
As first-time winners of the Athletic Director's Award, the men's golf team's commitment to the classroom has paid off. The team posts a 3.535 cumulative grade-point average. In addition, all eligible members of the team qualified for the Gala.
The women's golf team continues to set the standard for excellence both academically and athletically at Michigan State, winning the Athletic Director's Award an impressive 10th time, more than any other women's team. Additionally, the team captured the highest cumulative grade-point average in MSU history with an impressive 3.852 GPA with all eligible members qualifying for the Gala.
GWENDOLYN NORRELL COMMUNITY SERVICE AND LEADERSHIP AWARD
Presented to the student-athlete who has demonstrated the highest level of commitment to impacting the areas of leadership and community service.
DIVERSITY AND LEADERSHIP AWARD
Presented to a student-athlete who exhibits strong leadership in diversity initiatives within athletics, on campus, and in the community.
Wrestling student-athlete Rayvon Foley has demonstrated a strong commitment to the delivery of diversity and leadership programming within the Department of Athletics and campus community. Through his involvement with the Athletic Department's Diversity and Leadership Committee (DLC), Foley has demonstrated outstanding leadership in fostering inclusion and engagement. Most notably, he was a leader with his efforts in the DLC's social media campaigns for the NCAA Week of Inclusion and Black History Month. In addition to Foley's impressive athletic career at MSU, he has also taken part in numerous community service initiatives including Chuck-A-Puck Fundraiser for Pediatric Cancer, Salvation Army Toy Distribution, and Operation Christmas Child.
HAROLD & RAYNOR SHNIDER OFFICE OF THE PROVOST AWARD
Presented to the outstanding male and female freshman or sophomore student-athlete who embodies the characteristics promoted by Student- Athlete Support Services. Emphasis is placed on academic performance, community involvement, and leadership ability.
It has not taken long for sophomore Gabrielle Stephen to make an impact as a student-athlete at Michigan State University. Stephen carries a 3.723 grade-point average in criminal justice and has earned a spot on the Dean's List two semesters. Additionally, she is a two-time Women's Collegiate Gymnastics Association Scholastic All-America award recipient. Her accomplishments carried over to the gym where she was named Big Ten Freshman of the Week three times as well as First-Team All-Big Ten, and she earned an individual berth to the NCAA Women's Gymnastics Championships. Stephen has made a positive impact in the community where she has participated in Teams for Toys, Accessible Trick-or-Treating, and the Red Cross Sound the Alarm-Save a Life event.
While only a sophomore, Jaden Akins has shown dedication to excellence in the classroom, in the community, and on the basketball court. This rising leader carries a cumulative grade-point average of 3.75 and is a three-time Dean's List member. The 2023 Big Ten Sportsmanship award winner also spends his time giving back to the community by participating in the Student-Athlete Clothing Drive, Virtual March is Reading Month, and the Shawn Respert Charity Golf Classic.
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 2022-23 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: Jayla James
Men's Cross Country: Andrew Nolan
Women's Cross Country: Annika Linzmeier
Field Hockey: Ashley Harlock
Football: Samuel Edwards
Men's Golf: Parker Jamieson
Women's Golf: Nina Rissi
Gymnastics: Sydney Hayashi
Ice Hockey: Pierce Charleson
Rowing: Danielle Carlson
Men's Soccer: Kellan Landefeld
Women's Soccer: Raegan Cox
Softball: Ashley Miller
Men's Tennis: Anthony Pero
Women's Tennis: Monique Karoub
Men's Track and Field: Trevor Stephenson
Women's Track and Field: Nala Barlow
Volleyball: Emma Monks
Wrestling: Blake Noonan
Greg and Dawn Williams Make Historic $401M Commitment to Michigan State and Spartan Athletics | Dec 5th 2025
Friday, December 05
2025 Varsity S Awards
Monday, September 15
2025 Hall of Fame - Caroline Powers Induction
Monday, September 15
2025 Hall of Fame - Kori Moster Induction
Monday, September 15