2022 Awards Year

The Division of Student Affairs in partnership
with Adele H. Stamp Student Union & Omicron Delta Kappa
are proud to present

The 41st Annual University of Maryland

Student Leadership Awards

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.

RECIPIENT:

GABRIELA WINTER

Supply Chain Management and Marketing

Gabriela Winter is a Terp legacy graduating with a B.S. in Supply Chain Management and Marketing. Having a huge love for UMD since she was young, Gabriela has been actively involved throughout many campus organizations including the Student Alumni Leadership Council, Public Leadership Scholars, Alpha Omicron Pi, Omicron Delta Kappa and more. She has worked diligently during her time at UMD to enhance the University and its community. Following graduation, Gabriela is excited to begin her career as a part of Capital One’s Management Rotational Program.

MODEL CITIZENSHIP PRIZES

The University of Maryland Model Citizenship Award, is the most prestigious University award presented to two members of the graduating senior class who during their collegiate career has most nearly typified the model citizen and have contributed significantly to the general advancement of the interests of the University.

RECIPIENTS:

MARJORIE JUSTINE ANTONIO

History and American Studies

Marjorie Justine Antonio is a graduating History and American Studies student whose life work is in the arts and Asian American studies. Her involvements span from Asian American advocacy to creative and performing arts. Antonio's most recent curatorial work "alternate universe: visualizing queer futurisms" is on display at STAMP Gallery.

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.

FINALISTS:

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.

CALVIN BURNS

When it comes to being an active member of the university community, Calvin Burns sets the bar high. He has been a resident assistant and a member of the Resident Hall Association’s Executive Board. He served on the University Senate, Engineering Senate, and Epsilon Eta, UMD’s professional fraternity for environmental science. In addition, he served on the Sustainability Fund Review Board before moving to the Student Facilities Fund Review Board, where he now weighs in on proposed campus projects.

ANJALI DHAMSANIA

Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

Anjali Dhamsania is a senior Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering major from Gaithersburg, Maryland. This Gemstone Honors student serves as President of Maryland Masti and Public Relations Chair for Omicron Delta Kappa. Anjali will be attending law school next fall, in order to continue to make an impact on underserved communities.

KYLE DINEEN

Kinesiology

Kyle Dineen is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology. He was a teaching and clinical research assistant in the Kinesiology and Biological Science Departments, and an executive officer in Omicron Delta Kappa, Service Learning Certificate Program, MHEC and USM Student Councils, and is in the Student Alumni Leadership Council.

UMAILLA FATIMA

Public Policy and Biology

Umailla Fatima is a senior pursuing degrees in Public Policy and Biology. She has been involved with the Honors College, Federal Fellows, the Student Health Advisory Committee, Combating Overdoses in Rural Areas, and SGA. Umailla plans to pursue a career in medicine and health policy to continue addressing issues in health equity.

GRANT HANDLEY

Grant Handley was born and raised in Cecil County Maryland works full-time as a Chief of Staff for a Maryland State Delegate. While employed he is active in the betterment of the School of Public Policy through various positions.

MADELYN HARRIS

Psychology

Madelyn Harris is graduating with a B.S. in Psychology with honors and will pursue a PhD in counseling psychology beginning in the fall of 2022. As a counseling psychologist, she will create adequate spaces for historically excluded communities of color in psychological research literature, teaching, interventions, and practice.

TALIA HARTMAN

Biology

Talia Hartman is a student-leader involved in many aspects of the UMD community, including as director of the Camp Kesem chapter and a member of Omicron Delta Kappa leadership society. As a General Biology graduate, Talia will begin medical school, and intends to work with medically underserved communities focusing on pediatric health.

KAYLEIGH HASSON

Criminology-Criminal Justice & Economics

Kayleigh Hasson is a Criminology & Criminal Justice and Economics double major from Ellicott City, Maryland. She is involved on campus with Student Legal Aid, Guided Study Sessions, Mock Trial, and Vintage Voices, among other organizations. Kayleigh will be a Teach for America Corps member after graduation.

DAHYE KANG

Biology and Criminology-Criminal Justice

Dahye Kang is a senior double majoring in Biology and Criminology & Criminal Justice, with a minor in Asian American Studies. On campus, she is actively involved in various Asian American advocacy spaces, Alpha Phi Omega national service fraternity, the Banneker/Key Community Council, and the Maryland Mentor Corps.

EMILY LEO

Bioengineering

Emily Leo is a Bioengineering major and student in the DCC Honors program, QUEST, and RISE. She is co-president of Ballet Company M, Women in Engineering Department intern, an RA, and a researcher in the Kuo lab. She is involved with the Society of Women Engineers, Alpha Omega Epsilon, the Student Alumni Leadership Council, Tau Beta Pi, and ODK. Following graduation, she will be working as a process engineer at CRB.

ARSEMA NEGASH

Passionate about inclusion, Arsema Negash began her journey as an Orientation Advisor and a peer mentor in University Honors and TOCSL. Since then, she has become a Resident Assistant and Team Lead on her staff. She hopes to teach abroad after graduation and continue her commitment to community service overseas.

NABILA PRASETIAWAN

Philosophy, Politics, & Economics and Women’s Studies w/ Asian American Studies minor

Nabila Prasetiawan is graduating with a double degree in Philosophy, Politics, & Economics and Women’s Studies with a minor in Asian American Studies. She is from Frederick, Maryland and is a proud daughter of Indonesian immigrants. Nabila is interested in the intersection of justice, equity, race, and gender. She hopes to pursue a career in human rights to continue advocating for marginalized communities and survivors of violence.

JOSIE SHAFFER

Government and Politics

Josie is a senior Government and Politics Major from Pikesville, Maryland. Josie's passion for the campus community can be seen through her four years in SGA where she now serves as Vice President as well as involvement in ODK, Delta Phi Epsilon Sorority, BSOS Ambassadors, and Facilities Student Advisory Subcommittee.

ABHIRAMI THAIVALAPPIL

CBMG and MIDCM

Abhirami (Ami) Thaivalappil is a CBMG and MIDCM student at UMD. During her time on campus, she has worked as a CARE Peer Advocate, GSS leader, and undergraduate researcher. Ami is excited to build on her passions for social equity and research, and ultimately pursue a career as a physician-scientist.

ALYTHIA VO

Alythia Vo is the Co-President of AASU and Recruitment and Community Outreach Chair of the ODK. She is a research assistant for Johns Hopkins and UMSOM, volunteer for COVID-19 vaccine research trials, and health policy intern for the US Senate. Alythia hopes to become a physician to combat health disparities.

TIFFANY ZHENG

General Biology

Tiffany Zheng is a General Biology major from Easton, Maryland. She has been involved on campus as a Resident Assistant, a Student Ambassador, and Orientation Advisor. She is a proud member of DEM and ODK. Currently working as a scribe for plastic surgery and oncology, she fuels her passion for medicine.

UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND GRADUATE STUDENT DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD

This award celebrates graduate students who have made outstanding contributions to the University community in the areas of scholarship, leadership, involvement and service.

RECIPIENT:

BLAKE O'NEAL

Teaching and Learning

Blake O’Neal Turner is a doctoral candidate in the Teaching and Learning, Policy and Leadership Urban Education specialization. She has served as an educator for over ten years in public schools and higher education. She was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin but lived across the United States as a Navy Brat.

FINALISTS:

DAMILOLA AJAYI

Public Health Practice and Policy Program

Damilola (Lola) Ajayi was born and raised in Silver Spring, MD, and is currently a graduate student in the Master of Public Health in Public Health Practice and Policy Program. She also has been working at NIH for the last three and a half years and is currently a management analyst at National Cancer Institute. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling all over the world.

KAYLA BILL

Education Policy

Kayla Bill is a doctoral candidate in Education Policy and Leadership at the University of Maryland, College Park. Her research uses mixed methods to examine equity issues in U.S. education systems, focusing on how political dynamics shape the advancement and outcomes of policies intended to redress racial inequities. She earned her M.S. in Sport and Exercise Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and her B.S. in Health and Exercise Science from Syracuse University.

JESSICA PARKER

Special Education

Jessica Parker is pursuing a Masters of Education in Special Education. Jessica teaches a section of UNIV 100 each semester, is an active member of the College Senate, and is the College liaison for Undergraduate Student Groups while serving as a member of the COE Graduate Student Organization (GSO).

AUTUMN PERKEY

Government and Politics

Autumn Perkey is a 3rd year Ph.D. student in Government and Politics focusing on International Relations and American politics from Hebron, Ohio. She received her Bachelor's degree in Political Science from Ohio State University in 2019. Her research focuses on the intersection between political psychology, conflict processes, and public opinion.

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

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.

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 in 1937-1938.

RECIPIENT:

M Pease

Psychology

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.

FINALISTS:

STEVEN N. BERIT

Government & Politics and Computer Science w/ Data Science

Steven is a double degree in Government and Politics and Computer Science with a concentration in Data Science major from Newtown, Pennsylvania. You may recognize Steven as the poster boy for Orientation around campus, but he is also involved in many student organizations including the Student Government Association as the Speaker Pro Tempore and the Student Alumni Leadership Council as the Terps Under 30 Chair.

SARA L. BLAU

Business Managment

Sara is a Business Management major from New York. This College Park Scholars International Studies student devotes her time to the Real Estate Club and Tamid Group in addition to being a Ramah Campus Coordinator and Israel21c Ambassador. In her free time, she runs a non-profit called Game Changers.

JESSICA P. YE

Economics and Government & Politics International Relations

Jessica is an Economics and Government & Politics International Relations double major from Columbus, Ohio and Bethesda, Maryland. This Presidential Scholar and College Park Scholars International Studies Peer Mentor is a Managing Editor for the Maryland Undergraduate Law Review and tries to be a cheeky opinion columnist at the Diamondback.

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.

RECIPIENTS:

ANNA BROCKMEYER

Physiology and Neurobiology

Paisley is a Physiology and Neurobiology major from Joppa, Maryland. She serves as a representative to the Student Government Association. She also serves as Chair of the Student Facilities Fund and as Representative at Large to the Title IX Advisory Board.

ALEXIS FAUCETTE

Business Management w/ French minor

Alexis is a Business Management major and French minor from Bowie, Maryland. She is a Public Leadership Scholar and a QUEST Honors student who serves as the Vice President of the Black Business Association and committee member for the Student Success Leadership Council. She looks forward to interning with Deloitte this summer.

STEPHANIE M. FISHKIN

Sociology and Social Data Science w/ Public Leadership minor

Stephanie is a Sociology and Social Data Science dual-degree major and Public Leadership minor from Baltimore, Maryland. A Banneker/Key Scholar in Gemstone, she is also active in Student Alumni Leadership Council, Mezumenet A Capella, and is a Hillel Repair the World intern. She is passionate about social justice and education.

VALERIE GRAHAM

Government and Politics w/ Human Development minor

Valerie is a Government and Politics major and Human Development minor from Silver Spring, Maryland. She is a member of the Honors College and the Government and Politics Honors Program. She is a legislator in the Student Government Association.

NIKITA KALE

Philosophy, Politics, and Economics

Nikita is a Philosophy, Politics, Economics major from Ellicott City, Maryland. This Banneker/Key Scholar in the Honors Humanities program currently serves as an intern at the Maryland General Assembly. She also founded and serves as Editor-in-Chief of the Observer, an undergraduate political publication.

RYAN KHAN

Economics and Mathematics w/ Spanish minor

Ryan is an Economics and Mathematics dual-degree major and Spanish minor from Severna Park, Maryland. This high school valedictorian is an Executive Member of the Honors College SPC, an Honors Humanities student, a Distinguished Dean’s Scholar, and UMD’s first ever freshman President of the Economics Association of Maryland. He is also both a university and private Math tutor.

JAHNAVI KIRKIRE

Government & Politics International Relations and Public Policy w/ History and Law & Society double minor

Jahnavi is a Government & Politics International Relations and Public Policy dual-degree major and History and Law & Society double minor from Brookeville, Maryland. She is a Public Policy Ambassador, a member of the HC Programming Council, the incoming VP of the HoHum Council, and a staffer in SGA.

NICHOLAS MARKS

Secondary Education and Government & Politics

Nick is a Secondary Education and Government & Politics double major from Baltimore, Maryland. He serves as the College of Education Representative in SGA and is involved with RHA, TEAMS, and the College of Education Student Assembly. He also advocates for cyclists on campus.

HANNAHLISE WANG

Psychology w/ Violin Performance minor

Hannahlise is Psychology major and Violin Performance minor from Salisbury, Maryland. She is a Banneker/Key Scholar in the DCC Honors program, a Help Center trainee, and a Junior Officer for the Taiwanese American Students Association. Her manuscript on YPAR will be published in the Journal of Participatory Research Methods.

HELEN WANG

Economics

Helen is an Economics major from Baltimore County, Maryland. She currently serves as the incoming Funding Director for Student Entertainment Events, USG of Logistics for UMUNC, and is a Layout Editor for the Undergraduate Law Review. Additionally, Helen is an International Exchange Alumni and volunteers with the non-profit MathTrekz.

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

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

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.

RECIPIENT:

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.

RECIPIENT:

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.

RECIPIENT:

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.

RECIPIENT:

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.

RECIPIENT:

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.