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15 MSU psychology graduates receive Board of Trustees’ Award for academic excellence, 4.0 GPA

April 20, 2026 - Michigan State University

Fifteen MSU Department of Psychology graduates accomplished something many students dream of — a perfect college 4.0 GPA. 

During its April 10 meeting, the MSU Board of Trustees presented the graduating seniors with the Board of Trustees’ Award, recognizing their achievement of the highest scholastic average one can receive: a 4.0 GPA. 

Along with the board recognition, students will also be acknowledged during the spring commencement ceremonies. 

The psychology students honored for this achievement include: 

  • Nicole E. Becker, who earned a bachelor’s in psychology from the College of Social Science and is from Blacklick, Ohio. 
  • Rachael L. Blanchard, who earned a bachelor’s in psychology from the College of Social Science and is from Warren, Michigan. 
  • Jacky T. Cao, who earned a bachelor’s in psychology from the College of Social Science and is from Sterling Heights, Michigan. 
  • Jack A. Domenicucci, who earned a bachelor’s in psychology from the College of Social Science and is from East Lansing, Michigan. 
  • Evelyn L. Fairbanks, who earned a bachelor’s in psychology from the College of Social Science and is from Brighton, Michigan. 
  • Sophia M. Futo, who earned a bachelor’s in psychology from the College of Social Science and in criminal justice from the College of Social Science, is a member of the Honors College from Uniontown, Ohio. 
  • Abigail M. Garrett, who earned a bachelor’s in psychology from the College of Social Science, is a member of the Honors College from Bentonville, Arkansas. 
  • Aurelia J. Guest, who earned a bachelor’s in psychology from the College of Social Science and is from Cedar, Michigan. 
  • Kierra A. Jursch, who earned a bachelor’s in biology from Lyman Briggs College and in psychology from the College of Social Science, is a member of the Honors College from Gladstone, Michigan. 
  • Carol E. Massey, who earned a bachelor’s in criminal justice and in psychology from the College of Social Science, is a member of the Honors College from Weatherford, Texas. 
  • Robin T. Petelin, who earned a bachelor’s in criminal justice from the College of Social Science and in psychology from the College of Social Science, is a member of the Honors College from Summerfield, Ohio. 
  • Christina Pettinger, who earned a bachelor’s in psychology from the College of Social Science and is from Lombard, Illinois. 
  • Hannah N. Podsiadlik, who earned a bachelor’s in psychology from the College of Social Science and is from Troy, Michigan. 
  • Madelyn K. Schurman, who earned a bachelor’s in psychology from the College of Social Science and is from Rochester Hills, Michigan. 
  • Perla Yaldo, who earned a bachelor’s in psychology from the College of Social Science and is from Sterling Heights, Michigan. 

 

The full list of all 315 university awardees can be found here. 

A version of this story was originally published in MSU Today.