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CLASS hosts annual recognition ceremony

Alumni, faculty and students receive distinguished service and academic awards from the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences

| Author: Sarah Buckley | Media Contact: Sarah Buckley

The College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences honored the recipients of distinguished alumni awards, faculty excellence awards, and student paper competitions during the annual CLASS Awards Ceremony Oct. 23 in the Biosciences Building at Central Michigan University. 

Alumni awards

The CLASS Alumni Awards of Distinction recognize our outstanding alumni and their contributions to our communities. Our four alumni award recipients are highly skilled practitioners in their fields, they make a positive impact with a global reach, and have broadened our understanding of the human condition through scholarly and creative endeavors.

  • Daniel Nikolits, '07, CLASS Alumni Award of Distinction for Global Engagement
  • Dr. LaMarcus Howard, '09, CLASS Alumni Award of Distinction for Professional Practice
  • Emily Rambo, '16, CLASS Alumni Award of Distinction for Public Service
  • Angeline Boulley, ’88, MPA ’01, CLASS Alumni Award of Distinction for Scholarly or Creative Activity

Daniel Nikolits

Closeup image of Dan Nikolits wearing a dark sweater with a white collar.The CLASS Alumni Award of Distinction for Global Engagement is awarded to alumni who make a global impact. Whether working domestically or abroad, these alumni have acquired the cultural proficiency and skills to improve the lives of people where they are and impact their lives in a significant way.

Dan Nikolits, '07, turned a CMU double-major in German and Anthropology into a life of global service. On campus he packed his days with discovery—Anthropology and German Clubs, University Theatre, MHTV—and even founded the After-Hours Improv Club. After a study-abroad in Germany and an internship at Minute Man National Historical Park, he spent a year with AmeriCorps—then, when the 2008 crash froze hiring, he pivoted to graduate school. Dan earned an MA in International Relations at UNC-Chapel Hill, including a year at Humboldt-Universität in Berlin. Since 2012 he’s been at the World Bank—now an External Affairs Officer—helping governments tackle long-term challenges from education and infrastructure to clean water and energy. His through-line is simple and bold: connect people, policy, and purpose to reduce poverty and expand opportunity worldwide.

LaMarcus D. Howard

Closeup image of LaMarcus D. Howard wearing a navy blue suit and maroon plaid tie.The CLASS Alumni Award of Distinction for Professional Practice is awarded to alumni who are highly skilled practitioners in their field. These are people who make a difference in the lives of people every day through their craft and deep understanding of the human condition.

Dr. LaMarcus, '09, Howard leads by centering student well-being. A CMU Bachelor of Social Work graduate who returned for a master’s in Educational Leadership, he earned his Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from Eastern Michigan University. Today, as Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs at North Carolina Central University, he oversees Student Health and Wellness: the Health Center, Counseling, Accessibility Services, and the Recreation & Wellness Center. His work is strategic and personal—building systems where students can access care, persist, and thrive. A scholar-practitioner, Dr. Howard publishes and presents nationally on access, persistence, and leadership development, translating research into real-world outcomes for students. His career shows what it looks like when equity, data, and compassion drive institutional change.

Emily Rambo

Closeup image of Emily Rambo wearing a black shirtThe CLASS Alumni Award of Distinction for Public Service is awarded to alumni who broadly serve the public good. Their involvement at the local, state or national level shapes public practices and they are effective change agents. These alumni value diverse perspectives and aim toward a more fair and just society.

Emily Rambo, '16, channels “Fire-Up Chips” energy into everyday problem-solving for Michigan families. After her CMU History degree—and a CMU master’s in Political Science—she served in the Michigan House for the 73rd District, tackling everything from WIC/SNAP access to coordinating with the DNR on, yes, difficult geese. A brief stint in the private sector clarified her calling: public service with impact. Since 2022 she has been Programming & Communications Director for the Michigan Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, supporting physicians who care for our state’s kids—organizing education, advocacy day, and the annual conference. Her proudest work centers youth mental health, suicide prevention, and gun-violence prevention—bringing top experts to Michigan pediatricians. She also serves her community as a Meridian Township Park Commissioner. 

Angeline Boulley

Closeup image of Angeline BoulleyThe CLASS Alumni Award of Distinction for Scholarly or Creative Activity is awarded to alumni who have contributed to our understanding of the human condition. They are experts in their field and share their knowledge widely.

Angeline Boulley, ’88, MPA ’01, is a CMU alumna whose stories have captivated readers around the world. A member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, she devoted much of her career to Indigenous education—culminating as Director of the Office of Indian Education at the U.S. Department of Education. Then came her breakout: Firekeeper’s Daughter, a New York Times best-selling YA thriller that weaves Ojibwe culture, community, and coming-of-age into something unforgettable—winner of the Printz Award and the Walter Dean Myers Award, and now headed to Netflix. Her follow-up, Warrior Girl Unearthed, became a bestseller too, cementing her place as a leading voice in contemporary literature. Through craft and advocacy, she opens doors for Native stories and young writers alike. 

Student awards

CLASS Student Paper Competition

The Student Paper Competition is awarded to students who submit papers written for classes at the 300 level and above within the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences. Applicants can submit research papers, essays, creative works, theoretical papers, reviews of research, or papers presented at professional conferences.

  • Asher Bloomfield (ANT 451), “Institutionalized Ablism in the Autistic Community: Advocacy and Autistic Identity.” Faculty Sponsor: Laura Cochrane (Anthropology)
  • Gracee Day (REL/WGS 303), “Aphrodite: Embracing Feminine Sexuality.” Faculty Sponsor: Laurel Zwissler (Religion)
  • Natalie Friend (SPN 377 WI), “La lucha entre el marianismo y el machismo: las vidas de las mujeres en Nicaragua, Brasil y Guatemala.” Faculty Sponsor: Krzysztof Kulawik (World Languages)
  • Ana Partridge (SPN 377 WI), “La violencia contra las mujeres en Latinoamérica: el factor de la Malinche.” Faculty Sponsor: Krzysztof Kulawik (World Languages)
  • Madison Rewitzer (REL/WGS 303), “The White Buffalo Calf Woman.” Faculty Sponsor: Laurel Zwissler (Religion)

Joyce Henricks Paper Prize in Women and Gender Studies

Named for the Women and Gender Studies program's founder, the Joyce Henricks Paper Prize in Women and Gender Studies honors excellent undergraduate work in the field. Submissions may take the form of a research paper or a creative endeavor that represents an original connection to the study of Women and Genders. The applicant does not have to be a WGS minor.

  • Jaiden Cregger (ART 435), “discovery.” Faculty Sponsor: Clark Most III (Art & Design)
  • Molly Patton (WGS 100), “Medical Misdiagnosis of Women.” Faculty Sponsor: Edward Clayton (Political Science)

Faculty awards

The CLASS Excellence in Teaching & Learning Awards recognize faculty members who go above and beyond what is expected in creating exceptional learning opportunities for our students. Our teaching awards recipients are experts in their fields, effective and creative in promoting student learning, inspire students to high achievement and receive high praise from them in return, and are admired advisors and mentors to future educators.

  • Nicole Sparling Barco, Department of English Language & Literature
  • Melissa Stanley, Department of History, World Languages, and Cultures

Nicole Sparling Barco

Nicole Sparling Barco is the 2024-2025 CLASS Maroon Award recipient. Her impact is perhaps best summed up with these words written by her students: 

“The most prominent thing that stuck with me was how she challenged us to stay deliberately engaged throughout our program. She encouraged us to think deeper, reflect more thoroughly, and ultimately understand the world through the necessary lens of critical global citizenship.”

"Dr. Barco exemplified everything a student needs to have a truly impactful and educational experience. She was intentional throughout the entirety of the course in making everyone feel comfortable, included, and genuinely seen. She showed deep and active care towards the students every single day, not just as students, but as human beings."

Nicole Sparling Barco wearing black stands in the middle of rows of her students seated at tables in her classroom.

Nicole Sparling Barco poses with her students after receiving the CLASS Excellence in Teaching Award.

Melissa Stanley

Melissa Stanley is the 2024-2025 CLASS Gold Award recipient. Her impact is perhaps best summed up with these words written by her students: 

"Dr. Melissa Stanley exemplifies what it means to be a transformative educator, combining expertise, empathy, and mentorship to equip students not just for academic success but for meaningful futures."

"Perhaps most invaluable was the sense of belonging she has cultivated. Whether through one-one-one conversations, collaborative projects, or student-led events, Melissa made each of us feel seen and valued.”

Melissa Stanley (center) wearing a red suit jacket sits at a desk in her classroom with students seated at desks next to her and behind her.
Melissa Stanley poses with her students after receiving the CLASS Excellence in Teaching Award.

 
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