"I’m humbled to receive this award," Woodruff said in a press release. "I have had the honor and pleasure to work with so many students and collaborators throughout my career. My fundamental belief is science should help tomorrow’s patients be treated better than today’s."

Prior to her time at MSU, Woodruff made scientific strides at Northwestern University in studies centered in molecular science, reproductive medicine and cancer research, before creating a new field of science: oncofertility, a medical field that combines oncology and reproductive health. 

MSU President Kevin Guskewicz credited Woodruff as "an outstanding scientist, leader and humanitarian." 

"Her oncofertility research has given thousands of patients and their families hope for a better future," Guskiewicz said in a press release. "Along the way, she has mentored hundreds of students at every level and at every opportunity. And of course, Spartans around the world appreciated her service as interim president of MSU. I have been honored to follow in her footsteps."

Woodruff was appointed interim president of MSU from 2022 to 2024 after the resignation of former MSU president Samuel Stanley. Beforehand, she served as provost from 2020 to 2022. 

She is now a research foundation professor in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology in the College of Human Medicine and the Department of Biomedical Engineering in the College of Engineering.

During her tenure as interim president, Woodruff navigated several university challenges, including the Feb. 13, 2023 campus shooting that killed three and injured five students, sexual assault allegations surrounding former MSU head football coach Mel Tucker, Board of Trustees conflicts and the removal of former MSU Business Dean Sanjay Gupta. 

U.S. President Joe Biden also awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, to NBA and Michigan State men's basketball legend Ervin "Magic" Johnson, among the 19 recipients at a ceremony held at the White House on Saturday. 

According to The White House, the award is typically awarded to "individuals who have made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other significant societal, public or private endeavors."

Before becoming a five-time NBA champion, Johnson played for MSU's men's basketball team from 1977 to 1979. Under the guidance of head coach Jud Heathcote, he helped lead the Spartans to the national championship in 1979, before being drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers the following year. After retiring from the NBA, Johnson expanded his entrepreneurial ventures and dedicated himself to giving back to various communities, including his hometown of Lansing.

"I am so humbled and overwhelmed with emotion right now. It is an absolute honor and privilege that President Joe Biden selected me for the esteemed Presidential Medal of Freedom award," Johnson said via social media. "I accept this honor with a deep sense of responsibility. It serves as a reminder of the work still ahead and the change we can all help bring about! I promise to keep working to make a positive difference for our country and the world."

The list of Medal of Freedom recipients also included the late former Michigan governor George Romney, who served three terms from 1963 to 1969. Following his governorship, he became the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development under President Richard Nixon. His son, former Utah Senator Mitt Romney, accepted the award on his father's behalf.