Citizen Scholars Graduates 16 More Students

This spring, 16 more MSU College of Arts & Letters students will graduate from the Citizen Scholars program while earning their undergraduate degrees. 

“Graduation is a moment in time – a brief, fleeting pause – where the Citizen Scholars can both appreciate the past and look forward to their continuing growth as citizens in a global community of lifelong learners,” said Stacia Moroski-Rigney, Director of the Citizen Scholars program. “The CS program, as our mission statement explains, is meant to prepare students for a lifetime of social justice, human rights, global awareness, community engagement, and equity work in the arts and humanities. We are so proud of our graduates and can’t wait to see the positive changes they make through both their careers and their personal lives.”

Graduation is a moment in time – a brief, fleeting pause – where the Citizen Scholars can both appreciate the past and look forward to their continuing growth as citizens in a global community of lifelong learners.

Stacia Moroski-Rigney, Director of the Citizen Scholars program

Launched in Fall 2016, the Citizen Scholars program is a collaboration between all departments within the College of Arts & Letters that cultivates commitments to diversity, inclusiveness, social justice, and the positive transformation of self and society. The program helps undergraduate students identify and achieve their goals while preparing them for meaningful careers and leadership roles in this complex and interconnected 21st-century world.

Citizen Scholars gain experience in high-impact learning environments such as study abroad, study away, internships, service learning, and civic interactions. Students who complete the program receive a $5,000 scholarship to be used for study abroad, study away, undergraduate research, internships, or other enrichment opportunities. 

The Spring 2021 Citizen Scholar graduates join the 16 other graduates of the program, for a total of 32 Citizen Scholar alumni since the program first began.

Spring 2021 Citizen Scholar Graduates:

  • Jayla Anderson, B.A. in Humanities Pre-law
  • Elena Bulthuis, B.A. in French and B.A. in Experience Architecture
  • Abby Brasher, B.A. in Interdisciplinary Humanities
  • Kaitlin Copenhaver, B.A. in Theatre
  • Aria Frawley, B.A. in Art History and Visual Culture
  • Devin Heard, B.A. in Humanities-Prelaw
  • Alia Jones, B.A. in Humanities-Prelaw
  • Kayla Katona, B.F.A. in Acting and B.A. in Media and Information
  • Emily Keller, B.A. in Spanish
  • Jamie Lien, B.A. in Theatre
  • Gabrielle Mack-Blamy, B.A. in Theatre
  • Jenna Merony, B.A. in Professional and Public Writing and English
  • Jillian Schupbach, B.A. in Theatre and B.A. in English
  • Carla Simone, B.A. in Spanish
  • Emma Stubbs, B.A. in Apparel Textile and Design
  • Garion Van Fleet, B.A. in Japanese