Skip to main content

MSU’s Center for Integrative Studies celebrates students at End‑of‑Year Awards Ceremony

April 24, 2026 - Kelly Smith

Faculty, staff and students gathering in a room.
On April 20, MSU’s Center for Integrative Studies in Social Science celebrated the achievements of its Interdisciplinary Studies (IDS) and Global and International Studies (GLIS) students during the annual End‑of‑Year Ceremony.

The event highlighted academic excellence, service, and the values that define integrative learning at Michigan State University. 

GLIS major Riley Gailey received the 2026 Outstanding Senior Award for demonstrating exemplary academic and extracurricular successes, and a strong sense of leadership, commitment, and dedication to MSU.  

The ceremony also honored recipients of the IDS and GLIS Values Awards, which recognize students who exemplify the program’s core values of exploration, connection, and inclusive excellence in their academic and personal lives. Recipients included:   

  • Josef Bulko - Curiosity Award 

  • Amber Theisen - Collaboration Award 

  • Galileia Dufty - Equity Award 

  • Rasmey Jones - Inclusion Award 

  • Hanna Kertes – Community 

Scholarship recipients were acknowledged, including Malik Murray for receiving the Fayyaz Hussain Scholarship, and A.J. Harris Scholarships were awarded to Jazzlynn Beard, Donovan Hollins, Mikayla Lewis, Haley Kurak, Nicholas DePauli, and Dakota Murdaugh.  

Finally, several Integrative Studies in Social Science (ISS) awards were presented. Holly Feist was recognized for her work as an Undergraduate Learning Assistant (ULA), specifically working with Center Director Dr. Brandy Ellison.  

The ISS Collaboration Award was presented to Stella Tatulli, Solana Peralta, Kenzie Armstrong, Addie Fenster, and Mikayla Princinsky for their work in Dr. Ellison’s Pursuit of Happiness Class. The team was tasked with creating ways to make MSU a happier place, and their project was chosen for curriculum implementation.  

Elena Roque received the ISS Curiosity Award. She was nominated by Dr. Emily Muhich, who noted, “Every time Elena raised her hand, I was thrilled. I knew a wonderful conversation was about to take place.” 

The Center also recognized Peter Styx, recipient of the newly established Service Award, for his meaningful contributions to the community.

View more photos in our Facebook album. 

Malik Murray standing with Dr. Fayyaz Hussein.  Three MSU award winners standing next to each other, holding their awards.  MSU student Peter Styx standing next to the Center for Integrative Studies banner.