Alumni Awards honor many in college community
The College of Natural Science at Michigan State University celebrated its alumni, faculty and students during the 2026 Alumni Awards Progam. This annual ceremony recognizes achievements that reflect the college’s long-standing commitment to research, teaching and service.
Hosted by Dean Eric Hegg, the annual ceremony marked the 46th year the college has honored individuals whose work and leadership have made a lasting impact on campus and beyond. The event brought together members of the college community to highlight excellence across disciplines and career stages, underscoring the college’s breadth as one of the largest and most diverse academic units at MSU.
Hegg also highlighted the college’s ongoing momentum through the university’s “Uncommon Will, Far Better World” campaign. With more than $81 million raised—60% of its goal—the campaign is expanding opportunities for students through scholarships, supporting faculty research and fostering collaborations aimed at addressing real-world challenges.
Nominations for the 2027 Alumni Awards will open this fall.
Visit the College of Natural Science Flickr album for more photos of the 2026 event.
The evening began with the presentation of the Dan Bolin Undergraduate Student Awards, which recognize juniors for outstanding leadership, community service and academic achievement. Selected by the Student Advisory Council, this year’s recipients were Kaitlan Balsam, Erika Bennett, Kaitlynn Nguyen and Benjamin Nketsiah. Each student was recognized for their deep involvement on campus and commitment to service, research and mentorship.
The Meritorious Faculty Award was presented to Daryl McPadden, an assistant professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy and a nationally recognized physics education researcher. McPadden’s work focuses on creating inclusive, active learning environments and reducing barriers in STEM education, particularly for students with disabilities.
Meredith Herman received the Recent Alumni Award, which honors graduates within the past 15 years who demonstrate exceptional professional growth. A rising figure in pathology, Herman has already earned national recognition during her residency and continues to mentor students while contributing to the field in innovative ways.
The Alumni Service Award was awarded to Mark Ehlert, whose career in medical manufacturing and ongoing involvement with the college have helped strengthen connections between academia and industry. As a member of the Dean’s Board of Advisors, Ehlert has supported initiatives in entrepreneurship and student development, while also contributing philanthropically through endowed scholarships.
The Outstanding Alumni Award, one of the college’s highest honors, was presented to Ronald Desrosiers. An internationally recognized virologist, Desrosiers has played a pivotal role in advancing understanding of HIV/AIDS and continues to pursue groundbreaking research aimed at long-term viral suppression.
Graduate students were also recognized through the Tracy Hammer Graduate Student Awards for Professional Development. This year’s recipients, Andre Payadnya and Ashley Fabry, were honored for their dedication to advancing mathematics education through research, teaching and community engagement.
The ceremony concluded with recognition of the Dean’s Research Scholars, a group of undergraduate students distinguished by their academic excellence and commitment to research. Both the current and incoming cohorts were introduced, highlighting the program’s role in preparing the next generation of scientific leaders.
Throughout the evening, speakers emphasized that the accomplishments celebrated were not only individual achievements but also reflections of the collaborative and supportive environment that defines the College of Natural Science.
- Categories: