UM-Flint names 13 students as Maize and Blue Scholars for winter 2026

The University of Michigan-Flint has announced the recipients of the winter 2026 Maize and Blue Distinguished Scholar Award.

The Maize & Blue Award is the highest academic recognition for undergraduate students during commencement season. It is presented to at most 26 students per year who excel academically and exemplify intellectual maturity and depth, character, talent and service to the university and the community. A faculty committee selects the recipients, and both faculty and staff write letters of recommendation for students who apply for the award.

"This distinction celebrates more than strong academic performance," said Abby Parrill-Baker, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs. "It honors students who have pursued their education with curiosity, integrity and a commitment to improving the world around them. We are proud to recognize these scholars as examples of the excellence and promise found across our university."

The winter 2026 commencement ceremonies will occur at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., May 3, at the Dort Financial Center. The morning ceremony will feature graduates from the College of Arts, Sciences & Education and the College of Health Sciences. The afternoon ceremony will celebrate graduates from the College of Innovation and Technology, the School of Management and the School of Nursing.

The winter 2026 Maize and Blue Distinguished Scholar Award recipients are:

Braeden Burger
Computer Science with a minor in Music Composition

Monica Bussone
Health Sciences with a major concentration in Pre-Physician Assistant and a minor in Public Health

Alyssa Byrne
Health Sciences

Mackenzie Cowan
Elementary Education with a major concentration in Teaching Children PK-3

Hannah Fuentes
Anthropology with minors in General Business and Historic Preservation

Caroline Huffman
Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting

Marissa Mangino
Nursing BSN

Ibraheem Najjar
Biology with a major concentration in Pre-Medical and a minor in Public Health

Mylee Read
Psychology with a minor in Women's & Gender Studies

Katherine Schilling
Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting and a minor in Mathematics

Eloise Tesler
Business Administration