MSU Sociology student Emma Huizenga wins this year’s Ruth Hamilton All University Award

May 1, 2025 - Karessa Weir

This year’s Ruth Hamilton All University Award has been presented to Sociology junior Emma Huizenga. 

“I’m incredibly honored and grateful to receive this award. Being recognized as an outstanding student at MSU means a great deal to me, it reflects the hard work and dedication I’ve put into my time here. This award feels like both a celebration of my efforts and a meaningful commitment to continue striving for excellence,” Huizenga said.  

The Ruth Hamilton Award is one of MSU's “All-University Awards for Excellence,” which has a perpetual endowment, and is named after Dr. Ruth Simms Hamilton, a distinguished sociologist whose work over decades made major contributions to the understanding of the African Diaspora. Dr. Hamilton also made significant contributions to sociological theory and to our understanding of international migration, urbanization, and inequality. 

“Emma is an incredibly high-achieving student in the Department of Sociology. She has been involved deeply in the Sociology program and College of Social Science including being the SOC Club Treasurer, a student researcher for several different faculty, a PURI recipient, a member of Alpha Kappa Delta (International Sociology Honor Society), and a member of the Dean’s Student Advisory Council (DSAC). We are honored to have Emma receive this Sociology All-University Award. I had the joy of having Emma in class as well as working closely with her as a research assistant. She is curious and bright and her impact on the world will be deeply meaningful,” said Sociology Undergraduate Program Director Dr. Sarah Prior. 
 
Huizenga also won a first place award for her research in this year’s University Undergraduate Research and Arts Forum. She was inducted into Alpha Kappa Delta, the international Sociology honor society in 2023. She currently serves on the SSC Dean’s Student Advisory Council (DSAC) and as treasurer of the MSU Sociology Club. 

“I’m drawn to Sociology because it helps me understand how institutions function and influence the ways we interact with one another. This perspective has deeply informed my own research, and I’m excited to continue applying these analytical skills in future academic and professional roles. I’m especially passionate about using this foundation to advance research on reproductive rights and trans rights, aiming to better understand and challenge the systemic barriers these communities face,” Huizenga said.