2020 Awards Year

MESSAGE FROM DR. MARSHA GUENZLER-STEVENS, DIRECTOR OF THE ADELE H. STAMP STUDENT UNION

The 39th Annual University of Maryland

STUDENT LEADERSHIP AWARDS

The 39th Annual University of Maryland Student Leadership Awards are a time honored tradition to recognize and honor all of the extraordinary achievements of our outstanding student scholar-leaders. These individuals exemplify the best of scholarly and community life here at the University of Maryland. Congratulations to all of our recipients and finalists!

THE AWARDS

We are honored to present the recipients of the following University awards who represent the best and brightest of the student campus community. We celebrate each and every one of these exceptional individuals and their accomplishments.

FINALISTS FOR THE BYRD/ELKINS AWARDS

We are honored to present the finalists of the Byrd/Elkins awards who represent the best and brightest of the student campus community. We celebrate each and every one of these exceptional individuals and their accomplishments.

H. C. BYRD AWARD

The Citizenship Prize for Men is an award presented annually as a memorial to the late President Emeritus H.C. Byrd. The award is given to the student of the Senior Class who, during his collegiate career, has most nearly typified the model citizen and has contributed significantly to the general advancement of the interests of the University.

SALLY STERLING BYRD AWARD

The Citizenship Prize for Women is an award presented annually as a memorial to Sally Sterling Byrd. The award is given to the student of the Senior Class who, during her collegiate career, has most nearly typified the model citizen and has contributed significantly to the general advancement of the interests of the University.

WILSON H. ELKINS AWARD

The Wilson H. Elkins Citizenship Award is presented annually to a graduating senior who displays outstanding involvement and leadership in campus activities, and who has contributed significantly to the general advancement of student affairs. The Award is named for Wilson H. Elkins who served the University as President from 1954 to 1978.

PAULA MOLINA ACOSTA

Women’s Studies

Paula Molina Acosta, a Women’s Studies major, is the President of Political Latinxs United for Movement and Action in Society and a member of the Jimenez-Porter Writers’ House. She has interned at Planned Parenthood of Metropolitan Washington, the National Partnership for Women & Families, and the offices of Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro and Maryland State Delegate Al Carr.

ALEXIS AMOS

Management and International Relations

Alexis Amos is a senior Management and International Relations double major with a Spanish minor. During her tenure at Maryland, she has been fortunate to have several international volunteer and professional experiences. She is an active campus leader, serving in the Maryland LEAD Program, Alternative Breaks, and Department of Resident Life.

CANDELA CERPA

Environmental Science & Policy

Candela Cerpa is an Environmental Science & Policy major and GIS minor originally from Uruguay. Her campus work has focused on advocating for the Latinx community, undocumented students, and environmental justice. After interning with the National Parks Service and NOAA, Candela hopes to pursue a career in natural disaster management.

KETKI CHAUHAN

Marketing, Psychology, and Management

Ketki Chauhan is a senior Marketing, Psychology, and Management triple major. On campus, Ketki works as a Resident Assistant and as a Recovery Marketing Assistant at the University Health Center. She enjoys watching movies (especially Bollywood films) and going to Starbucks to try their newest drinks.

LOGAN DECHTER

Psychology and Spanish

Logan Dechter is a senior Psychology and Spanish double major in the Honors Humanities program. He is an Honors Ambassador, Teaching Assistant and Social Media Intern. Logan is the Director of Camp Kesem, Maryland Images Tour Guide, Peer Counselor and Training Director for the Help Center, and member of ODK. This fall he will start his Masters in School Counseling program at the University of Maryland.

RECIPIENT - JACQUELINE DEPREY

Computer Science, Operations Management and Business Analytics

Jacqueline Deprey is a senior Computer Science, Operations Management and Business Analytics double major. This Gemstone and QUEST Honors Program mentor hosts Maryland Survivor, leads professional events for Alpha Omega Epsilon, tutors through the Iribe Initiative for Inclusion and Diversity, gives tours with Maryland Images and is Vice President of ODK.

NOAH ECKMAN

Chemical Engineering

Noah Eckman is a senior Chemical Engineering major. During his time at Maryland, he has served as a representative and executive for the Student Government Association, founded the UMD Student Facilities Fund, co-authored three journal papers and four conference papers, and played cello in the UMD Repertoire Orchestra.

WILLIAM GREEN

Physiology and Neurobiology

William Green is a senior Physiology and Neurobiology major. Raised in Nairobi, this Resident Assistant is Music Director for Mockappella, Teaching Assistant for both the Chemistry and Biological Sciences, and Senior Academic Committee Advisor for Delta Epsilon Mu, Pre-Health Fraternity. William is also a member of Club Swim, intramural volleyball and soccer, Ballroom Dance, and Omicron Delta Kappa.

SASHA KAHN - RECIPIENT

Architecture and Government and Politics

Sasha Kahn is a senior Architecture and Government & Politics double major. This Philip Merrill Presidential Scholar is an active member of the University Senate, SGA, his academic programs, and the Honors College. Sasha is the Digital Communications Chair for Omicron Delta Kappa, member of the President’s Commission on Disability Issues Student Advisory and the Provost’s Student Advisory Committee. He hopes to pursue law school after graduation.

IRELAND LESLEY

Government and Politics

Ireland Lesley is a senior Government and Politics major in the Honors College. During her time at UMD, she has been on the executive board of her sorority, Delta Phi Epsilon, President of Maryland Discourse, and was elected Student Body President of the Student Government Association last spring.

MARIO MENENDEZ

Information Systems and Marketing

Mario Menendez is a senior Information Systems and Marketing double major. Mario has served as a Resident Assistant and a member of the Smith School Dean’s Student Advisory Council. This CIVICUS student has held leadership positions with the Smith School’s Ambassadors Program, Coalition of Latinx Student Organization and Snider Undergraduate Research Engagement Program.

NIKHIL MODI

Accounting and Public Leadership

Nikhil Modi is a senior Accounting and Public Leadership major. This Spirit of Maryland recipient is the co-founder and past president of the CIVICUS Student Advisory Board, and has been Executive Vice President of Alpha Kappa Psi Professional Fraternity. Nikhil is also a member of the Smith Dean’s Student Advisory Council, Camp Kesem, Maryland English Institute, Terps for Change and Omicron Delta Kappa.

LAUREN MOYER

Bioengineering and Germanic Studies

Lauren Moyer is a senior Bioengineering and Germanic Studies double major. Lauren enjoys exploring the opportunities and challenges of global engineering. This culminated in a semester abroad at the Technical University in Munich, Germany. Lauren has also been able to foster diversity through interfaith activities, Language House, and Women in Engineering.

SENAM OKPATTAH

Public Policy and African American Studies

Senam Okpattah is a senior Public Policy and African American Studies double major. She currently interns for the House Committee on Oversight and Reform. She believes her efforts have contributed to a wider conversation about the well-being, safety, and equity of UMD students of color. Senam is also the Director of the Diversity and Inclusion Committee for the Student Government Association.

NINA PAREKH

Psychology and Theatre

Nina Parekh is a senior Psychology and Theatre double major. She is the Director of Maryland Mauj, President of the Undergraduate Theatre Artists Society, and is on the executive board of numerous other organizations. Nina is also an Undergraduate Program Manager, teaching assistant, and research assistant for the Department of Psychology.

SARA POHLAND

Electrical Engineering

Sara Pohland is a senior Electrical Engineering major with a 4.0 GPA. She is an active Gemstone student, having served as a TA and steering committee member for Gemstone courses. Sara is a part of the peer mentor leadership team, and both the undergraduate and general academic affairs committees. She is also a Math Success tutor, a Clark School Ambassador, and a member of Omicron Delta Kappa and Alpha Omega Epsilon.

CHRISTINE RHEE

Middle School Math and Science Education

Christine Rhee is a senior Middle School Math and Science Education major and a Spanish minor. On campus, she is a Resident Assistant in Denton Hall, an orientation advisor, an undergraduate senator in the University Senate, and a member of the Omicron Delta Kappa honor society.

ALEXANDRA SCHROEDER

Public Health Science

Alexandra Schroeder is a senior Public Health Science major. Originally from Puerto Rico, she grew up moving frequently from the forests of an Indian Reservation to the seacoast of New Hampshire. Her many different homes gave her a unique, multicultural perspective, which she fostered at UMD. Alexandra will apply this as a public health dentist, helping medically underserved communities.

DORON TADMOR - RECIPIENT

International Business and Operations Management

Doron Tadmor is a senior International Business and Operations Management double major and a Spanish and Technology Entrepreneurship double minor. He is President of ODK. After graduation, Doron will be pursuing a master’s in international management at Imperial College London to help him achieve his goal of improving economic inclusion of rural and indigenous populations in Latin America.

ANDREA WENCK

Broadcast Journalism and Leadership Studies

Andi Wenck is a senior Broadcast Journalism and Leadership Studies major. She is a student-athlete, goalkeeping for the University of Maryland women’s soccer team. She is passionate about people. Andi strives to create relationships and spread joy within her on-campus and off-campus organizations.

FINALISTS FOR
OUTSTANDING GRADUATE STUDENT DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD

We are honored to present the finalists of the Outstanding Graduate Student Distinguished Service Award who represent the best and brightest of the graduate student campus community. We celebrate each and every one of these exceptional individuals and their accomplishments.

NICOLE CATANZARITE

Neuroscience and Cognitive Science

Nicole Catanzarite is a doctoral student in the Neuroscience and Cognitive Science (NACS) program. She came to UMD from her hometown of Erie, Pennsylvania to research higher-level cognitive processes. The interdisciplinary nature of NACS has facilitated Nicole’s ability to serve in multiple capacities across campus and the greater DC area.

MICHAEL GOODMAN

Higher Education, Student Affairs, and International Education Policy

Michael Goodman is a graduating Ph.D. candidate studying higher education, student affairs, and international education policy. He has worked in the Undergraduate Legal Aid Office, Department of Fraternity and Sorority Life, taught in the leadership studies minor program, and served as GSG President. Michael is originally from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and currently lives in Washington, D.C.

JESUS RAMOS MIRAMONTES

Student Affairs

Jesus Ramos Miramontes was born in Chihuahua City, Chihuahua. He moved with his family to Colorado when he was 3. He earned his B.A. in Integrative Physiology from the University of Colorado Boulder. Currently, he is earning his M. Ed. in Student Affairs. Undocumented student experiences and institutional supports has been his main research interest since coming to UMD.

RECIPIENT - ANNIE RAPPEPORT

International Education and Policy

Annie Rappeport originally from Tucson, Arizona is a Ph.D. candidate in the International Education and Policy program. She lives a life dedicated to local and international service. Currently serving her second term as GSG President, Annie advocates for the 10,500+ graduate students at UMD at the institutional, state and federal level. Annie's Ph.D. work strives to advance peace-building as an international endeavor and public good.

AMY STEELE

Astronomy

Amy Steele is a first-generation American from Orlando, Florida, the first in her family to seek an advanced degree, and is currently a Ph.D. candidate in Astronomy. Amy has been an active presence in the astronomy department, serving on numerous committees and as the Team Lead for GRADMAP for two years.

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 that help to establish a sense of campus community; and have served as a leader for campus causes or organizations.

ELENA LEVAN

Psychology

Elena LeVan is an undergraduate student studying Psychology at the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences. She is a student writer and communications assistant in the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences as well as an executive cabinet member of the Student Government Association. Elena is the Director of Sexual Misconduct Prevention & Chair of the Womxn’s Caucus for the Student Government Association. She has worked with many entities in and outside of campus to organize events that reach thousands of students with speakers, tabling, and resources related to sexual misconduct prevention.

Finalists:

Briana Aldridge
Divya Kapoor

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.

ROHITH BATTINA

Biochemistry and General Business

Rohith is a senior from Boyds, Maryland, majoring in Biochemistry and minoring in General Business. As a Banneker Key Scholar, he has led the University Student Judiciary as its chair for one year and as a Presiding Officer for two years. He has been a researcher and manager with the iGEM Synthetic Biology Team and has been the Big 10 Academic Alliance Honors Conference Director.

COL. J. LOGAN SCHUTZ OMICRON DELTA KAPPA LEADER OF THE YEAR AWARD

The Sigma Circle of Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Society honors a member of the Circle who has demonstrated a peak standard of leadership within the Circle and on the campus. The leader is nominated and elected by the current undergraduates, graduates and faculty of Omicron Delta Kappa. The award is named in honor of Col. J. Logan Schutz, who was a supporter of the Sigma Circle and served as President, 1937-1938.

CHRISTINE RHEE

Middle School Math and Science Education

Christine Rhee is a senior Middle School Math and Science Education major and a Spanish minor. On campus, she is a Resident Assistant in Denton Hall, an Orientation Advisor, an undergraduate Senator in the University Senate, and a member of the Omicron Delta Kappa honor society.

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.

HANNAH ELDRINGHOFF

Biological Sciences: Physiology and Neurobiology

Hannah Eldringhoff is a graduating senior studying Biological Sciences: Physiology and Neurobiology. She is a member of Kappa Alpha Theta and previously served her sorority as Chief Operating Officer. Additionally, Hannah served last year as the President of the Panhellenic Association, a governing body of 16 social sororities and 2,000 women. Outside of her sorority, Hannah has worked in the Clinical Cognitive Neuroscience Lab and the Center for Addiction, Personality and Emotional Research on campus.

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.

AUDREY KRIMM

Anthropology

From Silver Spring, Maryland, Audrey is an Anthropology major who’s made Dean's List every semester and researches Environmental Justice in Maryland with the Gemstone Honors College. Audrey fosters an inclusive environment and eliminates barriers to outdoor recreation through her incredible work and commitment to the Adventure Program’s adaptive recreation program.

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. 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.

MONIQUE SMALL

Criminal Justice and Criminology

Monique Small is a Criminal Justice and Criminology major from Upper Marlboro, Maryland. She currently serves as a Student Ambassador for the Nyumburu Cultural Center and a moderator for the Nyumburu NewsBreak program. Monique is a paralegal intern for Prince George’s County State’s Attorney’s Office. She has been involved with Caribbean Students Association (CSA) since her freshman year, winning the title of Miss CSA, served as Programming Director and a member of the CSA Executive Committee.

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.

ELONNA JONES

Government & Politics

Elonna Jones is a Government & Politics major from Baltimore. She was the prior Activism Chairwoman (2018-2019) and current Chapter President of the UMCP Chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). Elonna interns as a Research Associate for Judge Alexander Williams’ Center for Education, Justice, and Ethics, and serves as a Coordinator for Phylicia Porter of the 10th District City Council in Baltimore. Upon graduation, she plans to apply to graduate school to secure her Juris Doctor degree.

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.

KAYLA FOSTER

Public Health Science

Kayla Foster is a Public Health Science major with a minor in Sustainability Studies from Bowie, Maryland. She is a Gemstone Teaching Assistant, research assistant and math tutor for high school aged incarcerated juveniles in Prince George's County Correctional Facility. Kayla works as a student supervisor at Eppley for RecWell, serving on the advisory boards for the University Libraries and the Honors College, and a facilitator with the MLEAD (Maryland Leadership Education and Development) program.

Finalists:

Gurbani Singh
Emily Berry

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.

ESMERALDA ESPINOZA-CASTILLO

American Studies

Esmeralda Espinoza Castillo is an American Studies major and U.S. Latina/o/x Studies minor. She proudly serves as the Community Organizing Intern for Latinx Student Involvement at the Multicultural Involvement and Community Advocacy Office, a mentor and team leader for Partners in Print, and is a McNair Scholar.

Finalists:

Candela Cerpa
Paula Molina Acosta

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 Linda Clement, 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.

NACIE GRIGSBY

Assistant Director

Nacie is the Assistant Director of Administration for the Department of Family Science. Since 2012, she has served as the Staff Advisor for the UMD Chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). She has advised and overseen the social and economic service work conducted by the organization for the last 8.5 years. Nacie’s interest in higher education retention theories and social justice drives her passion and her work with this organization.

Finalists:

Lauren Norris

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.

JAIME ATILANO

Marketing and Supply Chain Management

Jaime is a Marketing and Supply Chain Management double major in the Robert H. Smith School of Business. First recognized as an LGBT Rising Star in their freshman year, Jamie has since worked tirelessly to support LGBTQ+ communities through their involvement with Pride Alliance, the Student Government Association, and the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce.

Finalists:

Hannah Tralko
Linnea Warburton

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.

AUSTIN PLUMMER

Electrical Engineering

Austin is a senior Electrical Engineering major from Plainfield, New Jersey. He served as President of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity and NPHC, and received the Greek Chapter of the Year President’s Award. He volunteered for Martha’s Table, the Paint Branch Elementary School, and received the Howard L. Tutman Undergraduate Service Award.

Finalists:

Elonna Jones
Amira Walton

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.

PRIYA HAY-CHATTERJEE

English Language & Literature

Priya is a graduating senior from Silver Spring, Maryland, majoring in English Language & Literature with a Certificate in Women’s Studies. She serves as an intern at the Office of Multicultural Involvement & Community Advocacy, organizing around multiracial and gender identity, and serves as Head Lifeguard and Instructor at the Recreation and Wellness Center. Priya works as a Policy and Research Intern for reproductive justice legislation with NARAL Pro-Choice Maryland. She has been on the Dean’s List for 6 semesters during her undergraduate career.

OMICRON DELTA KAPPA SOPHOMORE LEADER OF THE YEAR

The University of Maryland Sophomore Leader of the Year is recognized by the Sigma Circle of Omicron Delta Kappa Leadership Society as the second year student who has demonstrated a diverse and high level of achievement in leadership and campus involvement. The recipient of this award best exemplifies the leadership qualities of the Sophomore Class.

MARJORIE ANTONIO

History & American Studies

Marjorie is a History & American Studies major from Baltimore. Marjorie is a CIVICUS Ambassador and Mentor, Music and Performing Arts Director and Treasurer for Stylus, and a member of Terpoets, Artsphere, and the Filipino Cultural Association. This Undergraduate Studies Dean’s Advisory Board member also spends time with the Stamp Gallery as a Gallery Docent and Social Media Coordinator.

Finalists:

Shoham Ghosh
Naomi Lichtenstien

OMICRON DELTA KAPPA TOP TEN FRESHMEN

The Sigma Circle of Omicron Delta Kappa Leadership Society recognizes the Top Ten Freshmen of the University of Maryland. These individuals have demonstrated a high level of achievement in leadership and campus involvement in their first year at College Park. The award is given in anticipation of the recipients’ continued involvement with the University in years to come.

ALEXANDER ‘AJ’ LAMAR

International Business and Marketing

AJ is a Criminology & Criminal Justice and Sociology double major from Kensington, Maryland. This Scholars student is a member of the Parliamentary Debate Society and the Jewish Student Union. AJ serves as the Vice President of Sustainability for the Cumberland Hall Council and as the Chair of RHA’s Sustainability Committee.

NATHAN BOYLE

Neuroscience and Persian Studies

Nathan is a Neuroscience and Persian Studies double major from Crownsville, Maryland. Nathan serves as the Freshmen Connection Representative for SGA, is a member of the Persian Flagship Program, and serves as a student-researcher in two labs.

NGOC BUI

Neurobiology & Physiology and English

Nora is a Neurobiology & Physiology and English double major from Rockville, Maryland (originally Vietnam). She serves on the Executive Board of the Office of Multiethnic Student Ambassador Program and the Hate-Bias Student Response Team. She is the Pre-PA Association's Secretary, an Alternative Breaks participant, and the Maryland Club Crew's Alumni Chair.

JUSTIN FOX

Government & Politics

Justin is a Government & Politics major from Brunswick, Maryland. Justin is an Army ROTC Cadet and Team Leader for America Reads. Justin serves on the University Student Judiciary Central Board, is a Freshman Connection Panelist speaker, and participates in UMD Club Running and UMD Democrats.

YING LIANG

Computer Engineering

Sherry is a Computer Engineering major from Rockville, Maryland. This Scholars student is a member of the Scholars Student Advisory Board and volunteers with the Food Recovery Network. She is a Worship Leader with Asian American Intervarsity, a member of the Cybersecurity Club, and holds membership in the Chinese Student Association and Taiwanese American Students Association.

NATASHA PANDUWAWALA

Government & Politics

Natasha is a Government & Politics major from Cordova, Maryland. She is the founder of Movement to Remember, a nonprofit centered on providing medical equipment to underprivileged Sri Lankans. Natasha is also a member of the Maryland Senior Classical League, SGA, and Phi Alpha Delta.

AYELETTE HALBFINGER

International Business and Marketing

Ayelette is an International Business and Marketing double major from Washington D.C. This Honors College student serves as the Graphic Designer for the National Hillel Basketball Tournament. Ayelette is also a member of the UMD Figure Skating Club, Hillel Freshmen Leadership Council, and as the Chair of External Affairs for TAMID Group at UMD.

NYAH STEWART

Government and Politics

Nyah is a Government & Politics major from Frederick, Maryland. This Honors College student serves as the Ellicott Representative for SGA, as an SGA representative on the HungerFree UMD Workgroup, and volunteers for Fresh Farm to help address food insecurity in D.C.

JOSEPHINE URREA

Public Policy and Chinese

Josie is a Public Policy and Chinese double major from Severna Park, Maryland. Josie serves on the Sexual Misconduct Prevention Committee and as the Public Policy Legislative Representative for SGA. She is a member of Kappa Omega Alpha and the School of Public Policy Dean’s Advisory Council.

GEORGE ‘WILL’ WILT

Management and Marketing

Will is a Management and Marketing double major from Westminster, Maryland. He serves as the Vice President of Fundraising for the Smith Undergraduate Student Association and the Director of Fundraising for UMD American Marketing Association. Will participates on the TerpThon Planning Team and is a member of the Global Communities Living Learning Program.

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 duties.

ALEXANDER DENNIS

Robert H. Smith School of Business

Alec is a doctoral student in the Robert H. Smith School of Business. Alec has served on GSG for two years and has without question been one of the most dedicated, reliable, caring and engaged GSG members. He serves on the Budget and Finance Committee, where he was recognized as an outstanding committee member, and has done incredible work through this spring on the Special Committee for the Review of the Constitution and Governing Documents.

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.

ELMER ‘JONATHAN’ GARCIA

Communications & Public Policy

Jonathan Garcia is a Communications & Public Policy major with a Law & Society minor. Originally from Rockville, Maryland, Jonathan is a Federal Fellow, Resident Assistant, an Images Tour Guide, a Teaching Assistant, a peer mentor for La Familia, and a member of NRHH.

SARAH WINNEMUCCA AWARD

The Sarah Winnemucca Award is named in honor of Paiute activist, educator and author Sarah Winnemucca and her tireless dedication in advocating for the rights of Native American communities. The award is presented to a member of the University of Maryland undergraduate community who has demonstrated a significant and ongoing commitment to Native American Indian and Indigenous communities.

JAZMINE DIGGS

Behavioral & Community Health

Jazmine is a sophomore from Severn, Maryland, in the Behavioral & Community Health major, specializing in Health Risk Behaviors, with a Certificate in Women’s Studies. She is a registered member of the Lumbee Tribe. On campus, Jazmine interns at the Office of Multicultural Involvement & Community Advocacy, focusing on Native Student Involvement. She also serves as Vice President of the American Indian Student Union. Jazmine is the recipient of the 2019 Youth of the Year Award from the Maryland Governor’s Commission on Indian Affairs.

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.

KAILA CHARLES

Communications

Kaila Charles is a Communications major from Glenn Dale, Maryland. She is a three-time All-American, earning honors from the Associated Press, the WBCA and the USBWA. Kaila is also a three-time First Team All-Big Ten honoree. She led the Terrapins in scoring and rebounding for the last three years and has started in every game of her career. She finishes her career with 1,984 points and 930 career rebounds, placing her in the top 10 of Terrapin record books.

JARED BERNHARDT

Criminology and Criminal Justice

Jared is a criminology and criminal justice major from Longwood, Florida. A three-time All-American, and 2019 Tewaaraton Finalist, he wears the No. 1 jersey at Maryland, bestowed to the player on the team who displays the upmost character and leadership on and off the field and truly lives the program’s motto “Be The Best” in his everyday life.

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.

TONY LI

Psychology

Tony Li is a sophomore Psychology major with the intent to double major in Criminology and Criminal Justice. This Maryland native is Treasurer of Beyond Shelter, a grassroots coordinator for a Juvenile Justice Campaign with UMD's MaryPIRG team, a club member of Active Minds, a tour guide with Maryland Images, a volunteer with Help Center, a peer-crisis counseling organization, and a member of College Park Scholar's Global Public Health program.

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.

HEATHER KIM

Broadcast Journalism

Heather is a senior Broadcast Journalism major and Asian American Studies minor. She is currently President of the Asian American Student Union and has worked for multiple publications including NPR and Capital News Service. Post-grad, she plans on pursuing photojournalism or running away to New Zealand to live with the sheep.

Finalists:

Samay Kindra
Linda Kuo

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 who served the University of Maryland for 27 years and 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.

NOAH ECKMAN

Chemical Engineering

CAREY CUSTOMER SERVICE AWARD

The Christopher Carey Customer Service Award recognizes a student employee who has demonstrated excellent or exceptional customer service to others in the campus community. Chris was a student employee of Dining Services and worked at Mulligan’s, the golf course restaurant. Each day that he came to work, Chris captured the essence of what we value in our department. This award, named in Chris’ memory, is a way of encouraging all employed in the University of Maryland Dining Services to strive for the same goals, to do so with pride….and ALWAYS with Chris’ great smile.

PATRICK MERKEL

Engineering

Patrick is a Junior Engineering major from Hyattsville, MD . He is a Student Manager for Concessions of Dining Services. He demonstrates exceptional customer service on Terrapin Game Days directly and indirectly to our students, faculty, staff and campus guests - including our nonprofit organizations! He leads by example and loves to teach others how to deliver the best service with a smile. Patrick is always putting himself in the guest's shoes. He works to his best abilities to help fans on game day, in the concession stand and around the stadium. All of his customer service driven attributes have taken him from being a special events employee, to a Stand Manager, to a full-time student employee, and now a Student Manager. We turn to him to teach and train our students, staff and off-campus groups and we trust him to run events on his own, while delivering the best guest experience.