The Michigan State field hockey alumna and Strategic Communication Online M.A. student was recognized for her leadership and advocacy efforts supporting bone marrow donor registration and cancer patients.
When Maddie Lawlor arrived at Michigan State University's Spartan Academic Excellence Gala in April, she believed she was there to be recognized as Michigan State's recipient of the Big Ten Jackie Robinson Community & Impact Award.
Instead, she left as the national winner.
"I was showing up to the gala thinking I was just getting recognized for Michigan State," Lawlor said. "Then the Big Ten commissioner got on stage and announced I was the national winner. It didn't even sink in at first."
Lawlor, a graduate student in Michigan State University's Strategic Communication Online Master of Arts program and former Spartan field hockey captain, was selected as the national female recipient of the 2026 Big Ten Jackie Robinson Community & Impact Award. The award recognizes student-athletes who make a meaningful impact in their communities while exemplifying leadership, service and advocacy.
For Lawlor, the honor is deeply connected to her work with the National Marrow Donor Program, or NMDP, and her family's experience with leukemia.
"This organization means a lot more to me than just a volunteer program," Lawlor said. "My grandpa has leukemia, so it was kind of a full-circle moment. I really wanted to be a part of it because of that."
During her time at Michigan State, Lawlor helped lead campus donor registry drives and educate fellow students about the donation process. Her involvement eventually led her to become a donor herself after being identified as a match for a patient in need.
"People volunteer because they want to do something selflessly," Lawlor said. "But I'm happy this award has helped bring attention to the organization because it's something where people can actually help save someone's life."
Lawlor said one of the most rewarding parts of the experience has been seeing others get involved after learning about the cause.
"It's a way people can actually help," she said. "Everyone knows somebody who's been affected by cancer. This is something where people can take action."
While balancing athletics, volunteer work and graduate studies, Lawlor completed the Strategic Communication Online M.A. program, which she says strengthened her communication skills and prepared her for the next stage of her career.
A former communication and multicamera production double major, Lawlor began pursuing the master's degree after completing her undergraduate studies early while still competing as a student-athlete.
She credits the program's flexibility and supportive faculty with helping her succeed while managing a demanding schedule.
"I haven't had a bad class," Lawlor said. "Every single professor has been amazing. Online courses can seem very disconnected at times, but every course I've taken, I felt super connected with the professor."
Lawlor also appreciated the program's emphasis on applying coursework to real-world experiences.
"The professors give you the opportunity to connect assignments to your personal life and your work," she said. "I'm learning as I'm still working, so it's been really beneficial."
As she prepares to complete her final course this summer, Lawlor hopes the attention surrounding the award continues to raise awareness for marrow donation and inspire others to advocate for causes they care about.
"The whole thing about Jackie Robinson is being a trailblazer for what you believe in," Lawlor said. "People can take whatever they're passionate about and just go for it."
Michigan State University's Strategic Communication Online M.A. program helps working professionals build leadership, communication and strategic decision-making skills through a flexible, fully online format. Learn more.
By Claire Dippel