In This Issue

• JMC’s expanded alumni awards program

• Alumni spotlight: Mike Wardian (IR ’96)

• College news, including JMC’s second consecutive Voyager Scholarship recipient

• Upcoming JMC events

• Alumni Notes, which celebrate recent professional updates from Madison graduates

Nominate an Outstanding Madisonian

In partnership with the Alumni Board of Directors, James Madison College is expanding its alumni awards program with two new opportunities to recognize Madisonians whose accomplishments, leadership and service reflect the values of JMC and Michigan State.

The JMC Alumni Board of Directors is now seeking nominations for four alumni honors:

• Distinguished Alumni Award: Recognizes a JMC alum who has achieved prominence in their field and demonstrated meaningful service to James Madison College.

• Alumni Service Award: Recognizes a JMC alum who has demonstrated outstanding service to James Madison College or meritorious public service at the local, state, national or international level.

• Honorary Alumni Award (new for 2027): Recognizes an individual who is not a JMC alum but whose efforts have contributed significantly to the progress and development of the college.

• Young Alumni Award (new for 2027): Recognizes a JMC alum age 40 or younger who has distinguished themselves through a high level of professional accomplishment early in their career.

Do you know a JMC graduate who is making an impact in their profession, community or beyond? Help us celebrate their contributions by submitting a nomination by Dec. 4, 2026. Contact Elizabeth Newman ([email protected]) with questions.

The James Madison College Alumni Board of Directors is accepting applications for up to four open Board seats to serve a three-year term. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to the college's strategic direction and support the success of our students, faculty, staff and alumni.

Apply via Google Forms by Nov. 13. Contact Elizabeth Newman ([email protected]) with questions.

Alum Spotlight: Mike Wardian

Before Mike Wardian (IR ’96) became a globetrotting ultrarunner, he was a JMC student and Spartan lacrosse player who started running during his final year at MSU. Three decades later, Wardian has completed more than 300 marathons and ultramarathons, earned 41 fastest-known times and set multiple Guinness World Records.

In this MSU Alumni feature story, Wardian credits his time at JMC, including studying abroad in Brussels, with broadening his perspective and opening his mind to new possibilities.

JMC student named Voyager Scholarship recipient

For the second consecutive year, a James Madison College student has earned the prestigious Obama-Chesky Voyager Scholarship for Public Service. Anabelle Sanchez, a junior majoring in Political Theory & Constitutional Democracy, is one of two MSU students selected for the 2026–2028 cohort. Sanchez follows Ashlin Stover (IR ’27), who became MSU’s first Voyager Scholarship recipient in 2025.

Sanchez plans to use the opportunity to further her work advancing educational equity for students in underserved communities. The scholarship provides financial support, travel opportunities and mentorship to students committed to careers in public service.

More JMC Student News

• Rhodes Scholarship nominees: JMC seniors Anastasia Breen, Eleanor Pugh and Ashlin Stover represent half of MSU’s six nominees for the U.S. Rhodes Scholarship. Six Madisonians have previously earned the scholarship, which supports graduate study at the University of Oxford.

• MSU Debate Win: In a first for MSU Debate, two JMC seniors won the University of Minnesota College Debate Invitational tournament earlier this month. The JMC duo of Zaria Jarman and Hina Shehzad bested a field of over 50 entries from all over the country.

• Marshall Scholarship nominees: Five of MSU’s 12 Marshall Scholarship nominees are Madisonians: Anastasia Breen, Isabel Buckles, Tarik Fermin, Eleanor Pugh and Ashlin Stover. The scholarship supports outstanding U.S. students pursuing graduate study in the United Kingdom.

• Public Affairs in Secondary Education: After being selected for the Public Policy and International Affairs Junior Summer Institute at Princeton University, JMC senior Ethan Pyscher is continuing to bring together his interests in teaching and public policy. Through JMC’s new Public Affairs for Secondary Education major, he is student teaching U.S. history while preparing for a career in education policy.

JMC Events

Globalizing International Relations: Mohammed Ayoob, MSU University Distinguished Professor Emeritus of International Relations, will speak in Case Hall on Oct. 29 at 3:30 p.m. His lecture will explore “Globalizing International Relations: Is there an Indian School of IR?”

Fall Visit Day: JMC’s Office of Outreach & Recruitment will host its final Fall Visit Day of 2026 on Nov. 6. These events welcome prospective students and families to Case Hall to learn more about studying public affairs at JMC, residential college living, future career paths and Madison student experiences.

Alumni Notes

JMC alumnus Brent Bushey (PTCD ’99) passed away in October 2026. Brent dedicated his career to expanding educational opportunities. He served as executive director of the Oklahoma Public School Resource Center before becoming the founding CEO of Fuel OKC, a nonprofit committed to increasing access to high-quality public education in Oklahoma City's urban core. Remembered for his optimism, leadership and commitment to public service, Brent made a lasting impact on students and communities throughout Oklahoma. James Madison College extends its deepest sympathies to his wife, Kirsten, their two daughters and all who knew him. View his obituary online on Dignity Memorial.

Congratulations to JMC alumna Yvette Efevbera (IR ’09), who was honored with the 2026 Innovator Award at the DC Spartans’ Green & White Gala earlier this month.

The award recognizes an MSU graduate who has distinguished themselves through significant professional accomplishment early in their career. A global health and gender equality leader, Efevbera has helped inform more than $100 million in investments worldwide. She is the founder and CEO of SHE Thinks Group LLC and an adjunct assistant professor at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health.

Among the many Madisonians celebrating Efevbera at the event were Portia Chana (SRP & PTCD ’24), who helped introduce Efevbera, and Kishan Modali (IR ’22), who presented the award.

Monica Evans Antonio (SRP ’97) recently earned her MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling along with a graduate certificate in Trauma Therapy. She is now a Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor (LGPC) in Maryland working in private practice supporting adolescents and adults through relational, trauma responsive and strengths-based approaches that integrate somatic awareness and values aligned growth. Monica also founded Whole Circle Consulting, where she collaborates with mission-driven organizations to advance workforce development, leadership capacity and holistic wellness initiatives. Monica also holds a Ph.D. in Educational Policy.

Emma Ayers (SRP ’25) recently started a new role as a paralegal at Hutcheson Bowers LLLP within their Eminent Domain team.

Sarah Mars Bowie (IR ’05) joined public relations firm FleishmanHillard in May 2026 as Senior Vice President, Public Affairs.

James Brandell (IR ’90) was named 2026 Top Lobbyist by the National Institute for Lobbying & Ethics. Brandell is Vice President of Global Government Policy with financial services company John Hancock.

Daniel LaBonte (PTCD ’20) is currently working as Senior Policy Advisor for U.S. Senator Gary Peters in Washington, DC.

Stephanie Mason (Urban ’84), township manager of Doylestown Township, PA, was recently selected as the 2026–27 president of International City/County Management Association (ICMA). ICMA is a non-profit professional organization representing more than 13,000 local government management professionals, city mangers, county administrators and staff worldwide.

Jasmine Moreland (PTCD & SRP ’14), Director of External Affairs and Responsible Gaming at the Michigan Gaming Control Board, has been named to the Emerging Leaders of Gaming 40 Under 40 Class of 2027. The national honor recognizes professionals under 40 who are making significant impacts in the gaming industry.

Jessica Newman (SRP ’08) has recently started as the co-director of the Michigan Education Justice Coalition, a statewide organization committed to advocating for equitable public education policies and funding to create safe and healthy learning environments.

Maren Nicolaysen (IR ’24) recently received the U.S. Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General’s Pathways Intern Award. In June 2026, she transitioned to a full-time position with the Office of the Inspector General and now serves as an Executive Resources & Talent Development Specialist.

Reginald Pacis (JMCD ’92) has been named to the Detroit Bar Association’s 2026 Class of Fellows. Fellows are selected based on their legal reputation, leadership and service to the Bar and community.

Sharmaake Sabrie (IR ’12) is founder and CEO of Ubuntu Brews, a coffee exporter based out of Nairobi, Kenya. Ubuntu Brews recently participated in the Specialty Coffee Association of Japan (SCAJ) Conference in October.

Ting Westra (CCP & SRP ’24) has been working as Client Associate with Wells Fargo Advisors since shortly after graduation.

Emma J. Young (IR & SRP ’22) was among nine 4-H alumni inducted into the 2026 class of the Michigan 4-H Emerald Clover Society at a ceremony in October. The society honors former Michigan 4-H members whose professional leadership and community service reflect the ultimate outcome of 4-H membership: extraordinary use of an individual’s head, heart, hands and health to make communities, the country and the world better places in which to live. Young currently serves as deputy director of policy in Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s administration.

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