Bottom Row (left to right): Ava N. Parsons, Ross Rogers, Thea R. Walerski, Samuel T. Wright
A version of this story originally appeared on MSUToday.
Eight James Madison College graduates from the Class of 2026 have accomplished something many students dream of: a perfect college 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 also will be acknowledged during the spring commencement ceremonies.
The Madison students honored for this achievement include:
- Caroline E. Beckrow, who earned a bachelor’s in social relations and policy from JMC and in human biology from Lyman Briggs College, is a member of the Honors College from Stevensville, Michigan.
- Medini Bidare, who earned a bachelor’s in international relations from JMC and is from Novi, Michigan.
- William T. Castanier, who earned a bachelor’s in international relations from JJMC, is a member of the Honors College from Ann Arbor, Michigan.
- Jack C. O’Brien, who earned a bachelor’s in political theory and constitutional democracy from JMC and is from Holland, Michigan.
- Ava N. Parsons, who earned a bachelor’s in comparative cultures and politics from JMC, is a member of the Honors College from Shelby Township, Michigan.
- Ross Rogers, who earned a bachelor’s in social relations and policy from JMC and is from Plymouth, Michigan.
- Thea R. Walerski, who earned a bachelor’s in political theory and constitutional democracy from JMC, is a member of the Honors College from Macomb, Michigan.
- Samuel T. Wright, who earned a bachelor’s in international relations from JMC and is from Grand Rapids, Michigan. Wright is JMC's Spring 2026 student commencement speaker.
View the full list of MSU's Class of 2026 Board of Trustees' Award recipients via MSUToday.