For many students nearing the end of their nursing school journey, a defining moment often comes from a patient interaction, a meaningful lesson or a conversation with a professor.
For Outstanding Student Award winner Joey Belanger, one of his favorite memories, he says, was starting a tradition with his classmates early in the program that quickly became a constant.
“We made an agreement very early in NUR 2 that we would all sit at the front left table … my nursing friends and I collectively sat at what is now known as ‘Our Table,’” Belanger says.
That sense of community helped shape his experience. Belanger became heavily involved in research, earning the 2025 University Undergraduate Research and Arts Forum Grand Prize in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics category, while also serving as vice president of the Men in Nursing Student Association.
The College of Nursing felt like a “second family,” Belanger says, supporting his growth as both a nurse and a person. When asked what message he would share with his classmates before graduation, he said, “I would simply say I am so proud of my fellow Spartan Nurses and that it has been an honor getting to know all of them.”
Belanger is a part of the 99 BSN, 49 DNP and 3 PhD graduates from the Michigan State University College of Nursing graduating this spring.
Graduates by program this spring include:
Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (TBSN): 97 graduates
Bachelor of Science in Nursing for Registered Nurses (RN to BSN): 2 graduates
Nurse Anesthesiology: 19 graduates
Family Nurse Practitioner Graduates: 9 graduates
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner: 6 graduates
Post Masters DNP: 9 graduates
Clinical Nurse Specialist: 3 graduates
PhD: 3 graduates
In addition to in-person graduation and pinning ceremonies, the College of Nursing recognizes outstanding student achievements across all programs. Each academic track honors recipients of the Outstanding Student Award and Spirit Award, highlighting both academic excellence and the embodiment of the Spartan nursing spirit.
Board of Trustees Award
At the university level, students who maintain a perfect 4.0 GPA throughout their academic careers are recognized as 4.0 Honors recipients, an honor known as the Board of Trustees Award.
Board of Trustees Award recipients from the College of Nursing: Leah Alfred, Joey Belanger, Kathryn Forrest, Owen Fowler, Jaidan Gumtow, Alexis Karpenko, Heather McMenamin, Lyndsey Nicosia
Outstanding Student Award
This award recognizes graduates who have demonstrated exceptional achievement in academic excellence, clinical practice and leadership throughout their time in the program.
TBSN Outstanding Student Award Recipient: Joey Belanger
Post Masters, DNP: Christina Farrell
Psychiatric Mental Health Practitioner, Doctor of Nursing Practice: Marie Adkins
Family Nurse Practitioner, Doctor of Nursing Practice: Abigail Huizenga
Adult Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist, Doctor of Nursing Practice: Allison Pittius
Nurse Anesthesiology, Doctor of Nursing Practice: Kiersten Cutler
Spirit Award
This award is presented to a student who has gone above and beyond to support and uplift their peers, inspiring classmates to embody the College of Nursing’s mission while fostering a strong sense of community and positivity throughout the program.
TBSN Spirit Award Recipient: Heather McMenamin
The DAISY Award
This award honors nursing students who demonstrate compassion in action and a strong commitment to patient care, creating meaningful connections that enhance the healthcare experience.
Daisy Award Recipients: Emily Weiss and Desirae Jones
“I am so very proud of all our graduates. I am confident that they will each make a meaningful impact as they touch the lives of the people that they care for,” said Interim Dean Linda Weglicki. “I am equally proud to call them ‘colleagues’ as they join the nursing profession in their respective new roles. I hope they remain connected to their Spartan Nurse family, wherever their careers lead them.”
Published May 1, 2026.