University Awards
KIRWAN AWARD
The Kirwan Award is named in honor of William E. Kirwan who served as President of the University of Maryland from 1988 to 1998. Dr. Kirwan also served as Chancellor of the University System of Maryland from 2012 to 2015. The award is presented to a member of the junior class who has exhibited outstanding leadership and commitment to the college community during their collegiate career. Nominees are judged on the following criteria: involvement in student organizations and activities, service to the campus community, involvement in service to the broader community including community service and service learning, promotion of campus diversity or ethnic/race and international relations, outstanding academic performance, and leadership qualities including mentoring younger students.
RECIPIENT :
AMY RIVIERA
Criminology & Criminal Justice and Government & Politics
Amy Rivera is Criminology & Criminal Justice and Government & Politics double major and US Latinx Studies minor from Prince George’s County, Maryland. Her passion lies in social justice/advocacy, particularly in the areas of criminal justice and immigration reform. She intends to obtain a JD and become a public defender.
LA RAZA UNIDA AWARD
The La Raza Unida Award, which translates as “the people united,” is presented to the senior class student who has contributed most significantly to the advancement of the Latino(a) student community at the University of Maryland and in the broader community as well as the general interest of the University.
RECIPIENT :
VALERIA SALCEDO
Cell Biology and Genetics
Valeria Salcedo is an Ecuadorian-immigrant raised in Prince George’s County majoring in Cell Biology and Genetics. Throughout her undergraduate time at UMD, she has been the Latinx Student Union President and Treasurer for her sorority Hermandad de Sigma Iota Alpha Inc. (HER ma da day sigma iota alpha, inc.) She has worked as a bilingual COVID-19 tester and most recently as a Spanish Interpreter for Prince George’s County Public Schools.
LORDE – O’LEARY AWARD
The Lorde-O’Leary Award is named in honor of author and activist Audre Lorde and the late Professor Ron O’Leary of the University of Maryland Department of Theatre. The award is presented to the senior class student who has contributed most significantly to the advancement of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender student community at the University of Maryland and the general interest of the University.
RECIPIENT :
M PEASE
Psychology
M Pease is a senior Psychology major with minors in Asian American studies and Public Leadership. They engage in student leadership and research efforts towards social justice and equity especially focusing on mental health disparities. Post-graduation, M will pursue doctoral study in counseling psychology working in support of marginalized communities.
GREEK LEADER OF THE YEAR AWARD
Each year the Order of Omega Greek Leadership Honor Society selects a fraternity or sorority leader who embodies the high ideals and principles of Greek Life. The individual chosen has been an influential leader, an outstanding scholar, and an involved participant in the campus community.
RECIPIENT :
NOAH ABSALON
Neurobiology and Physiology
Born and raised in Prince Georges County, Maryland, Noah Absalon is a graduating senior earning his B.S. in Neurobiology and Physiology on the pre-med track. Following graduation, he plans to attend medical school and follow his passion and commitment towards helping others.
VERA CRUZ-KOCHIYAMA AWARD
The Vera Cruz-Kochiyama Award, named after labor activist Philip Vera Cruz and Civil Rights Activist Yuri Kochiyama, is presented to the senior class student who has contributed most significantly to the advancement of the Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi American student community at the University of Maryland and the general interest of the University.
RECIPIENTS :
JACQUELINE LIU
Biology and Women's Studies
Jacqueline Liu is a senior double majoring in Biology and Women's Studies. She has served on leadership in AASU, interned for MICA, completed an honor's thesis within the Women's Studies department, and has conducted research at the School of Public Health, UPenn School of Medicine, and the Kennedy Krieger Institute.
ADELE H. STAMP MEMORIAL AWARD
In 1983, the Union at the University of Maryland was named for Adele H. Stamp in honor of her outstanding work as Dean of Women from 1922 to 1960. In recognition of her many contributions to the University community, the Adele H. Stamp Student Union – Center for Campus Life is proud to give an award in her name to the undergraduate or graduate student who has worked to further similar causes. The individual receiving this award must have demonstrated personal commitment to high academic achievement; to providing programs, services or events within the Stamp which help to establish a sense of campus community; and have served as a leader for campus causes or organizations.
RECIPIENT :
KASSIDY JACOBS
Government and Politics
Kassidy Jacobs is a Government and Politics Honors student. She serves as Chair of the Student Affairs Committee of the University Senate and as a member of the BSOS Dean's Student Advisory Council. Kassidy is a first-generation college student. She has engaged in the community as a Terps for Change coordinator and as a participant in programs serving children, including En Camino and CARing Kids Mentorship program. Ms. Jacobs serves on the University of Maryland Police Department Student Advisory Council and is copy editor with the Mitzpeh newspaper.
MARY MCLEOD BETHUNE AWARD
The Mary McLeod Bethune Award is presented annually to the senior class student who has contributed most significantly to the advancement of the African American student community at the University of Maryland and the general interest of the University.
RECIPIENTS :
ALISON MCLURE
General Biology and Health Sciences
Alison is a senior General Biology and Health Sciences major, and serves as President of the Charles R. Drew Pre Medical/Pre-Health Society. She serves on the Student Success Leadership Council and supports student scholarships through the Gift of Giving Gala. She volunteers as a math tutor for PG County Schools and works with the Food Recovery Network.
LINDA CLEMENT OUTSTANDING ADVISOR AWARD
This award is presented annually to a University of Maryland faculty or staff member who has provided outstanding service as an advisor to a campus student organization. This advisor is a visible and integral part of the success of the student organization, contributes to the growth and development of individual students in the organization, and is considered a role model in terms of club advisement. It is named after the former Vice President for Student Affairs who provided exemplary leadership to the UMD campus community whose strong support for student organizations is one of her most significant legacies.
RECIPIENT :
DR. MARY BOWDEN
Senior Lecturer and Keystone Instructor
Dr. Mary Bowden is a Senior Lecturer and Keystone Instructor in the Aerospace Engineering Department at UMD where she specializes in teaching undergraduate Statistics, Mechanics, and Aerospace Structures courses. She is the advisor and Director of the UMD Nearspace Balloon Payload Program, started over 18 years ago and sponsored by the Maryland Space Grant Consortium, with the goal of giving students access to near-space by lofting experiments on weather balloons to the edge of the atmosphere. The Balloon Payload Program just accomplished its 110th tracked flight.
RESIDENT ASSISTANT OF THE YEAR AWARD
This award is presented to the Resident Assistant whose outstanding performance distinguished them among other staff members. The Resident Assistant makes a special contribution to their community, proven to be a role model for other staff, and provides significant leadership for community development while successfully managing their academic careers.
RECIPIENT :
OMER MOHAMED SHARIF
Computer Science
Omer Mohamed Sharif is a senior Computer Science major from Saudi Arabia. Omer is in his third year as an RA and is distinguished for serving as an RA to emergency housing students during the Covid-19 pandemic and mentoring new RAs as a Team Lead. In addition to being a UMD Parallel Computing research assistant, Omer is also a member of the Alpha Delta Lambda Honor Society.
CAMILLE K. RAJPAT MEMORIAL AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING MEMBER OF THE UNIVERSITY STUDENT JUDICIARY
The Camille K. Rajpat Award is given to the member of the University Student Judiciary who best exemplifies the ideals of truth, honesty, integrity, empathy, and compassion through their service to the USJ. The award is named in memory of Camille K. Rajpat who served on the Student Judiciary as a member and presiding officer of the Honor Council, 1997 – 1998. Camille had been elected secretary of the Honor Council when she died suddenly in October of 1998. The Student Judiciary, a long-standing tradition of student involvement at Maryland, is comprised of the Student Honor Council, Central and Resident Judicial Boards, Appellate Board, and Community Advocates.
RECIPIENT :
KAITLYN LEVIN
Criminology & Criminal Justice, Law & Society, and Professional Writing
Kaitlyn Levin is a senior studying Criminology & Criminal Justice, Law & Society, and Professional Writing. When she is not hearing cases about academic integrity and student conduct, Kaitlyn enjoys writing, playing card games, and visiting museums in DC. She is from San Jose, California and will graduate from UMD this December 2022.
STUDENT ATHLETE OF THE YEAR AWARDS
This award is presented to the outstanding male and female intercollegiate athlete each year. These students exemplify characteristics of the best definition of a student athlete, combining academic and athletic excellence as well as commitment to campus leadership.
RECIPIENTS :
BROOKE DEBERDINE
LOGAN WISNAUKAS
WILLIAM L. THOMAS STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION AWARD
The William L. Thomas Student Government Association Award is named after the late Vice President of Student Affairs. Bud Thomas served the University of Maryland for 27 years and he was lauded for his leadership in the institution. The Student Government Association gives this award to an SGA member who has exhibited outstanding leadership and service to the Student Government Association.
RECIPIENTS :
KISLAY PARASHAR
Computer Engineering
Originally from New Delhi, India, Kislay Parashar is a graduating senior from the Computer Engineering program in School of Engineering. In his time at UMD, Kislay has served as the Student Body President of the University. In addition, he is an Honorable Gordon R. England Engineering Scholarship recipient, and has been a member of the Senate Information Technology Council. After graduation, Kislay intends to work in the software technology industry for a few years before going back to school to get his MBA.
JAMES H. KEHOE AND ETHEL KESLER AWARD
The James H. Kehoe (Men’s Intramural Sports Director, (1947-1969) and Ethel Kesler (Women’s Intramural Sports Director, 1956 -1981) Award is presented by University Recreation and Wellness to the undergraduate or graduate student who has demonstrated the highest degree of encouraging and inspiring the university community to be active and live well.
RECIPIENT :
KATHERINE LORD
Environmental Science and Policy
Katherine Lord is an Environmental Science and Policy major from Towson, Maryland. She is a Program Assistant for the Maryland Adventure Program and a group fitness instructor at RecWell. In Katherine's four years at Maryland, she has enjoyed starting a sustainability club, working as a Teaching Assistant for the Global Fellows Program, and spending time outside rock climbing and kayaking.
JOHN B. SLAUGHTER OUTSTANDING SENIOR AWARD
The John B. Slaughter Outstanding Senior Award is named after Dr. John B. Slaughter who served as Chancellor (President) of the University from 1982 to 1988. The award is presented to a senior of the African Diaspora who has been active on the campus, has been an advocate for the needs of students, and has an outstanding academic career.
RECIPIENTS :
JOSIAH BEDFORD
Mechanical Engineering w/ Computer Science minor
Josiah Bedford is a senior in the A. James Clark School of Engineering from Baltimore City, Maryland, majoring in mechanical engineering with a minor in computer science. He has been heavily involved on campus, serving in organizations like the Black Engineers Society, Black Student Union, Maryland Gospel Choir, a Nyumburu Ambassador, Student Success Leadership Council, and Clark School Ambassadors. In addition, he is the co-author of the UMD Black Book, a comprehensive document of the UMD Black community designed to help incoming Black students successfully navigate Black student life. He currently works at Northrop Grumman as a systems engineering intern, where he plans to work full-time after graduation before returning to pursue a Masters in Robotics.
JAMES OTIS WILLIAMS CULTURAL LEADERSHIP AWARD
James Otis Williams served the University for 26 years, serving as the Director of the Nyumburu Cultural Center for 25 years. Williams touched the lives of thousands of students, faculty, and staff, as a professional and friend during his long tenure at the University. The James Otis Williams Cultural Leadership Award recognizes a student who has demonstrated outstanding leadership, dedication to cultural awareness, and a commitment to higher education for students of the African Diaspora.
RECIPIENT :
RACHELLE WAKEFIELD
Public Health Science and Public Policy
Rachelle Wakefield is a Senior, Public Health Science, Public Policy Dual Degree with a minor in Sustainability. She originates from Waldorf, Maryland and since her Freshman year, has been an active leader on campus. She previously served multiple leadership positions in the Black Student Union including serving as President and Vice President of Administrative Affairs. She currently serves as President of the National Pan-Hellenic Council at UMD, and is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Outside of her extracurricular activities, Rae is a part of Order of Omega Honors Society, and participated in multiple Fellows Programs at UMD.
MILDRED & RICHARD LOVING AWARD
The Loving Award, named in honor of Mildred and Richard Loving for their bravery and perseverance in invalidating miscegenation laws via the landmark Supreme Court decision in Loving vs. Virginia. This award is presented to a member of the University of Maryland undergraduate community who has demonstrated a significant and ongoing commitment to multiracial and cross-cultural causes and communities.
RECIPIENTS :
JAY LEE
Electrical Engineering
Jay Lee is a junior Electrical Engineering major from Leonardtown, Maryland. He has been active in the Multiracial Biracial Student Association and currently resides as President. Jay is also involved in Electrical & Computer Engineering (ECE) Peer Mentoring and Engineers Without Borders. Jay is an OMSE Academic Excellence Award recipient and a fierce multiracial community advocate.
STUDENT WELLNESS AND MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCACY AWARD
Counseling Center Award for Student Wellness and Mental Health Advocacy is to acknowledge a University of Maryland, College Park undergraduate student who has demonstrated commitment to college student mental health and wellness through their academic, co-curricular, and or social activities on campus. Students selected for this award have engaged in a variety of activities that promote mental health awareness, help-seeking, education, and/or stigma reduction. Their work reaches a broad demographic and embraces values of diversity, inclusiveness and social justice.
RECIPIENT :
M PEASE
Psychology
M Pease is a senior Psychology major with minors in Asian American studies and Public Leadership. They engage in student leadership and research efforts towards social justice and equity especially focusing on mental health disparities. Post-graduation, M will pursue doctoral study in counseling psychology working in support of marginalized communities.
OUTSTANDING GRADUATE STUDENT ASSEMBLY MEMBER AWARD
This award honors and recognizes an outstanding member of the Graduate Student Government Representative Assembly. The award is given to an Assembly member who has gone above and beyond the call of their position in discharging their duties.
RECIPIENTS :
DANIEL SMOLYAK LAURA
Computer Science
Daniel Smolyak is a 2nd year Ph.D. student in Computer Science from Columbia, Maryland, and his research focuses on the intersection of Machine Learning, Healthcare and Fairness. He is the Chair of the Elections Committee for the UMD Graduate Student Government, and a member of the Computer Science Graduate Council.
LAURA MCBRIDE
Chemistry
Laura McBride is a Ph.D. candidate in chemistry from Eagleville, Pennsylvania. Her research involves modeling global temperature projections and recovery of the ozone layer. She is the chemistry representative of the Graduate Student Government. Laura will be graduating this spring and become an Assistant Professor at Albright College in August.