Prior to commencement on May 4, the Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine (MSUCOM) held its annual Banquet and Awards Ceremony to celebrate outstanding faculty, staff and graduating students.
Class of 2023 award winners were recognized for their leadership, advocacy and distinguished community service, and for their exceptional academic and professional achievements. During their four years at the college, the Class of 2023 graduates demonstrated an exemplary commitment to the osteopathic profession and to the people and communities they serve. Congratulations to the following students on their well-deserved recognitions:
Student Awards
The Richard L. Alper Memorial Award
Justin Romualdo Abadejos, D.O.
Established in memory of Richard L. Alper, who died in a tragic plane crash in 1975, shortly before his graduation. Presented to a MSUCOM graduate for distinguished service to the community.
The Carnegie Medal for Academic Excellence
Nicole Zuckerman, D.O., and Elizabeth Ann Deming, D.O.
Awarded to graduating students with the best overall academic scores from non-clinical courses.
Dean’s Recognition Award
Derek Scott Versalle, D.O.
Presented to a graduate who has demonstrated leadership and advocacy for the college and the osteopathic profession and who exemplifies the best professional qualities of an osteopathic physician.
The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award
Sister Mary Luke Feldpausch, D.O., RSM
Awarded to the graduating student who has helped meet the needs of people from all walks of life.
The Excellence in Public Health Services Award
Jose Alexandre Rodrigues, D.O., Ph.D.
Awarded to the graduating student who has advanced the public health and safety of our Nation.
Family and Community Medicine Achievement Award for Clinical Performance
Justin Romualdo Abadejos, D.O.
Awarded to the graduating student who has most clearly exemplified an ongoing interest and proficiency in the field of family medicine.
The Donna Jones-Moritsugu Award
Naomi Dawood, partner of Alyssa Soules, D.O. and Dr. Rochelle Versalle, partner of Derek Scott Versalle, D.O.
Awarded to the partners of graduating students who best exemplifies the role of a professional’s partner.
The Annette Kabara Family Endowed Fund Award
Immanuel Anani Jackson, D.O.
Awarded to a graduating student who is a parent having faced special challenges.
The Paul S. McCord, D.O., Memorial Award
Philip van Huigenbos, D.O.
Awarded to a graduating student on the basis of commitment to community service, primary care disciplines and service to medically underserved areas.
Osteopathic Profession Service Award
Anh-Dao Thi Tran, D.O.
Presented to the graduate who has promoted the college and the osteopathic profession through public service and community engagement.
Veronica M. Maher – J. Justin McCormick DO/PhD Award
Patrick O’Connell, D.O., Ph.D.
The D.O.-P.h.D. Program was co-directed by Drs. Maher and McCormick who were world-renowned scientists. This award is presented to the graduate that best exemplifies their vision of a physician-scientist through exceptional scholarship and academic achievement, while also demonstrating leadership and advocacy for both scientific and osteopathic medical training.
The Michigan Osteopathic Association Outstanding Graduating Senior Award
Courtney Elizabeth Merlo, D.O., RD, CNSC
Awarded to a student in good academic standing who is actively involved in the MOA, AOA, SOMA or student government, and who has made significant extracurricular contributions to the college.
Walter C. Mill, D.O., FACOS, Award for Excellence in Surgery
Zachary Brennan, D.O.
Awarded to the graduating student who best exemplifies excellence in surgery, the surgical subspecialties and anesthesiology.
Fred L. Mitchell Sr., D.O., FAAO, Memorial Award
Benjamin Edward Bolcer, D.O., Taylor J. Casey, D.O., and Philip van Huigenbos, D.O.
Awarded to graduating students for exceptional achievement in the field of osteopathic manipulative medicine.
The Clinical Neuroscience Award
Alexis Lauren McKay, D.O.
Awarded to the graduating student who has shown the most promise in didactic training and clinical skills in neuroscience.
The Judith K. Weiswasser Memorial Award
Melissa Anderson-Chavarria, D.O., Ph.D., M.S.
Established in memory of Judith K. Weiswasser, who died in a tragic plane crash in 1975, shortly before her graduation. This award recognizes the MSUCOM graduate deemed to be outstanding academically, professionally and personally.
Faculty and Staff Awards from the Class of 2023
Basic Science Faculty Award
Stephen DiCarlo, Ph.D.
Professor, Physiology
Awarded to a faculty member who has demonstrated excellence in teaching basic science and seeks to integrate basic science education with clinical medicine.
Clinical Science Faculty Award
Graham Atkin, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Radiology
Awarded to a faculty member who was deemed the best role model and instructor of clinical medicine.
Dedication to Teaching Award
David J. Strobl, D.O.
Professor, Osteopathic Medical Specialties
Awarded to a faculty member who has demonstrated dedication to excellence in teaching integrated clinical science in system courses.
Distinguished Lecturer Award
Paul Kowalski, M.D.
Assistant Professor, Physiology
Awarded to the faculty member whose lectures are most clear, coherent, instructive and well presented.
Distinguished Mentor Award
Howard S. Teitelbaum, D.O., Ph.D., MPH
Professor, Family and Community Medicine
Awarded to the faculty member for their devotion to mentorship and dedication for mentee success.
Osteopathic Faculty Award
Lori A. Dillard, D.O.
Assistant Professor, Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine
Mark R. Gugel, D.O.
Associate Professor, Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine
Terri A. Steppe, D.O.
Assistant Professor, Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine
Awarded to faculty members for excellence in the teaching and practice of osteopathic manipulative techniques.
Student Support Award
Arie Armbruster, M.A.
Advisor, Academic and Career Advising
Brooke-Lynn Vij, M.Ed.
Advisor, Academic and Career Advising
Wendy Wilson
Administrative Assistant, DMC
Awarded to faculty, staff and administrators who have worked above and beyond the call of duty to provide support and assistance to individual students or student organizations.