David Pruder named 2026 Outstanding Senior in Geography

April 21, 2026

David Pruder with a large auger in a field.

The MSU Department of Geography, Environment, and Spatial Sciences is proud to announce David T. Pruder as the Outstanding Senior in Geography. This prestigious award recognizes David’s exceptional academic record, his contributions to the department, and his ability to balance rigorous scholarship with high-level extracurricular commitments.

A native of East Lansing and an Honors College student, David’s journey at MSU is a testament to the power of finding one's passion. Despite a schedule that would daunt most, David maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA, earning him an MSU Board of Trustees' Award for academic excellence while serving as a Student Manager for the MSU Men’s Basketball team under Coach Tom Izzo all four years of his undergraduate career.

David Pruder receiving a hug from MSU Basketball Coach Tom Izzo as Lupe Izzo looks on.

"Being named the outstanding geography senior means the world to me," David said. "Coming into college, I didn't know exactly who I was or what I wanted to do for my life, but I have really found my place here in Geography. I’m proud that I have been able to balance my commitment to the basketball team with my academics and research."

Like many in the field, David’s interest began with National Geographic atlases and road-trip trivia, but it evolved into a deep fascination with the "uniqueness of place."

"No matter where you are, the environment and people are different, and it is something to appreciate and grow from," David shared. "You’d be surprised what a place can show you."

Photo taken by David Pruder of the Salina River Valley

David credits his time in the department with providing life-changing experiences, specifically highlighting Dr. Alan Arbogast’s GEO 407: Regional Geomorphology field trip to the Great Plains. Among his favorite memories are watching the sunset at Wilson Lake Reservoir and overlooking the Salina River Valley, moments that solidified his connection to the physical landscape.

While David has excelled in many courses, he notes GEO 333: Geography of Michigan and the Great Lakes Region with University Distinguished Professor Dr. Randall Schaetzl as a personal favorite. David expressed profound gratitude for the mentorship of Dr. Arbogast, Dr. Theuerkauf, and especially Dr. Schaetzl, who served as his undergraduate advisor.

"Dr. Schaetzl has pushed me to be the best version of myself in the classroom, on the podium, and in the lab," David noted. "I wouldn't be who I am as a geographer if it weren’t for his commitment and belief in me."

David’s time as a Spartan is just the beginning. Following graduation this May, he will head to a different MSU, Minnesota State University, to pursue an M.S. in Geography. His long-term goal is to work for a state or federal geological survey as a surficial geology mapper.

The department congratulates David on this well-deserved honor and thanks him for his dedication to the Spartan geography community. We wish him the very best in Minnesota and beyond!