Skip to main content

Maryland Medallion Society Members

The Maryland Medallion Society is a community of students who have shown exceptional leadership and integrity. These students are also the finalists for the University’s top two prestigious awards: the University of Maryland Model Citizenship Prize and the Wilson H. Elkins Award.
  • MODEL CITIZENSHIP PRIZE - 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.
  • 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. 

Photo of the recipient, Matthew Adjodha

Matthew Adjodha

Matthew Adjodha is a Senior Public Health Science and Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics dual degree student from Rockville, Maryland. He hopes to earn an MD/PhD to apply epigenetics and genetic epidemiology research to medicine, advocacy, and policy to reduce chronic disease disparities and support universal healthcare for all.


Photo of the recipient, Ishaan Antani

Ishaan Antani 

Ishaan Antani is a Banneker/Key scholar majoring in Cell Biology and Genetics. He has served as Drumline Section Leader for the Mighty Sound of Maryland marching band, Recovery Leader for the Food Recovery Network, and Teaching Assistant in the ILS Honors College. Ishaan aspires to attend medical school after graduation.


Photo of the recipient, Eileen Chen

Eileen Chen

Eileen Chen is a dual-degree student studying Finance and Information Systems at UMD’s Robert H. Smith School of Business. Through her work with the Center for Social Value Creation and leadership roles, she has advanced sustainability, experiential learning, and student advocacy aligned with UMD’s mission to use business for good.


Photo of the recipient, Urszula Cieslak

Urszula Cieslak 

Urszula Cieslak is a dual-degree student in Finance and Accounting from Kensington, Maryland. Currently, Urszula serves as the Experiential Learning Assistant for the Schanwald Sports Management Program and as Lead Teaching Assistant, while previously holding positions within the Interdisciplinary Business Honors Program, Women in Business Association and Student Alumni Leadership Council. 


Photo of the recipient, Manuel Alejandro Custodio

Manuel Alejandro Custodio

Manuel Alejandro Custodio is a first-generation Microbiology and Public Health double major interested in the intersection of science and community health. As President of the Coalition of Latinx Student Organizations and a Research Assistant in family health, he is passionate about the betterment of the Latino community on and off UMD's campus.


Photo of the recipient, Peter Delalio

Peter Delalio

Peter Delalio is a Senior Economics, Mathematics, and Chemistry major and History Minor from Olney, Maryland. He worked for the CP City Hall, Federal Trade Commission, and Maryland Department of Commerce and is passionate about public service. He hopes to pursue a law degree and career in international public law.


Photo of the recipient, Jasmine

Jasmine Flores

Jasmine Flores is graduating with a B.A. in Public Policy, focused on Family Law. On campus, she serves primarily in SGA, USJ, University Senate, and as a Student Ambassador. Beyond campus, she has pursued public service through Congress, the Maryland General Assembly, FEMA, and nonprofit work.


Photo of the recipient, Shulamit Frenkel

Shulamit Frenkel

Shulamit Frenkel  is a Senior studying Criminology and Criminal Justice, with minors in Demography and Global Poverty. She is a student leader involved in advisory boards, honor societies, cultural organizations, academic initiatives, and student governance. After graduation, Shulamit plans to attend law school and pursue a career in child advocacy.


Photo of the recipient, Gabrielle Hester

Gabrielle Hester

Gabrielle Hester is an Immersive Media Design major from Rockville, Maryland, and a leader in design, advocacy, and student life at UMD. This RA has held roles at the Honors College, SEE, Hack4Impact, Startup Shell, Technica, and Verritas Short Film Club. Gabrielle is cofounder of The Petal Project, a six week campaign combatting relationship abuse in young adults


Photo of the recipient, Maha Idsassi

Maha Idsassi

Maha Idsassiis a Neuroscience and Human Development student and a nationally certified EMT. She serves as an EMS Sergeant, conducts emergency medicine research at Children’s National Hospital, and advocates for mental health through leadership and community initiatives focused on service, healthcare access, and mentorship.


Photo of the recipient, Ela Jalil

Ela Jalil

Ela Jalil is a Senior from Potomac, Maryland pursuing a dual-degree in Journalism and PPE. Her leadership interests are community, service and journalism focused, which has allowed her to create networks throughout UMD's campus. Some of her involvements include Omicron Delta Kappa, The Diamondback, Images, Global Fellows, and her honors college program. After graduation she will be interning at the IRW and Washington Post and hopes to become a business/data journalist.


Photo of the recipient, Saili Khorjekar

Saili Khorjekar

Saili Khorjekar is a Public Health Science student and student leader committed to advancing health equity. Through research, policy work, and community initiatives, she works to improve access to care and plans to pursue a career in medicine.


Photo of the recipient, Rohita

Rohita Krishnakumar

Rohita Krishnakumar is an International Business major with a minor in Nonprofit Leadership who is passionate about student advocacy and community development. As a student leader at the University of Maryland, she has helped expand collaborative programming opportunities, support student organizations, and create inclusive campus experiences. She hopes to pursue a career in law focused on advancing equity and representation. 


Photo of the recipient, Jefferny Lin

Jefferny Lin 

Jefferny Lin is majoring in Cell Biology and Genetics, with an interest in pursuing medicine. She is passionate about student advocacy and creating supportive campus communities. Through leadership roles, she empowers others to navigate challenges and thrive. She hopes to continue this work after graduation by serving marginalized communities and advancing health equity.


Photo of the recipient, Ronja Markoff

Ronja Markoff

Ronja Markoff is pursuing a double degree in Public Policy and Technology & Information Design. She previously served as President of the Panhellenic Association and now leads Order of Omega. She is a Public Policy Ambassador, a member of Delta Phi Epsilon and Omicron Delta Kappa, and a former Health Justice Representative.


Photo of the recipient, Dhruvak Mirani

Dhruvak Mirani

Dhruvak Mirani serves as Student Body President and a member of the university system's Board of Regents, appointed by Governor Moore. He is a 2025 Truman Scholar and 2026 Marshall Scholar. Dhruvak previously served as Student Liaison to College Park City Council, where he helped create a first-of-its-kind housing assistance program.


Photo of the recipient, Naomi Nicholas

Naomi Nicholas

Naomi Nicholas is a Senior earning a B.A. in English literature and Language with a History minor. On campus, she serves in multiple leadership roles and has been very involved in campus organizations. She has also received her honors citation and a citation in writing arts.


Photo of the recipient, Sean Smith

Sean Smith

Sean Smith is a Senior majoring in Business Management. He is a purpose-driven leader dedicated to uplifting others, fostering community, and making a lasting impact. Through his experiences in business, community engagement, and organizational leadership, he has honed skills in strategic planning, event management, and team development. More than just leading – he is committed to building a legacy where others can succeed, grow, and thrive.


Photo of the recipient, Emma Steinhause

Emma Steinhause

Emma Steinhause is a Senior studying Operations Management and Business Analytics. Throughout college, she has led student organizations, supported campus dialogue, and worked to build inclusive, values-driven communities. She strives to lead with integrity, empathy, and accountability while creating spaces where others feel heard, supported, and empowered.


Photo of the recipient, Anna Tovchigrechko

Anna Tovchigrechko

Anna Tovchigrechko is a double major in Psychology and Criminology & Criminal Justice from Olney, Maryland. She is a member of the Honors Humanities and Criminology & Criminal Justice Honors programs and researches the developmental and social impacts of parental incarceration in the Psychology and CCJS Departments. She is a Research Assistant at the Restoring H.O.P.E. Lab. Anna is the Founder and President of the Do Good Fund-winning UnLocked Project, where she facilitates peer support groups and advocacy efforts for students impacted by familial incarceration.

Back to Top