Annual University Student Leadership Awards Program
The Annual University Student Leadership Awards program recognizes and celebrates the outstanding achievements of our student leaders and scholars. Through this program, we aim to acknowledge the exceptional academic performances and contributions to the University of Maryland community and surrounding neighborhoods made by our students.
Congratulations to all of the 2023-2024 award recipients and finalists!
Members of the Maryland Medallion Society and Model Citizenship Prizes/Elkins Finalists:
Read recipients and finalists bios here.
University of Maryland Graduate Student Distinguished Service Award Finalists:
Read recipients and finalists bios here.
Omicron Delta Kappa Awards:
Read recipients and finalists bios here.
University Awards:
Read recipients bios below:
Adele H. Stamp Memorial Award Recipient:
Autumn Perkey
Autumn Perkey is a 5th 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.
Camille K. Rajpat Memorial Award for Outstanding Member of the University Student Judiciary Recipient:
Bronwyn Morris
Bronwyn is a Criminology and Criminal Justice Major from Falmouth, MA. Bronwyn is a member of USJ, serving as a Presiding Officer and on its Executive Board. She is an ambassador for BSOS College and a Resident Assistant for Wicomico Hall. Bronwyn is currently researching how structural factors impact DC’s violent crime rates in the Criminology and Criminal Justice Honors Program.
Christopher Carey Customer Service Award Recipient:
Eugene Marfo Tutu
Eugene is a Computer Science major from Hyattsville who is a student supervisor at 251 North. He started working for dining services while still in high school and has continued working for us in various jobs and units because he is so dependable and talented with a "can-do" attitude. During the summer months, Eugene utilizes his guest service skills and personality to lead our efforts to recruit new students during new student orientation and is highly successful in getting incoming students to join our team.
Greek Leader of the Year Award Recipient:
Piper Jackson
Piper is a Public Policy major from Baltimore, Maryland. She served as the President of the Panhellenic Association from 2023–2024 and is a member of the Order of Omega Honor Society. Within her chapter, she served as the VP of Panhellenic Affairs, Chair of the DEI and Philanthropy Committees, and Historian. She also served as a Political Engagement and Advocacy Fellow and a Teaching Assistant. She held internships at a political consulting firm and the U.S. House of Representatives during her time at the University of Maryland.
James H. Kehoe and Ethel Kesler Award Recipient:
Nealofar Madani
Nealofar is a graduate student in the School of Public Health working towards her Masters in Public Health in Behavioral and Community Health and is involved with the University Career Center and the SKY at UMD Club. Nealofar is passionate about uplifting the health and wellbeing of UMD students. After graduation, she will continue working towards bringing holistic health practices into the U.S. healthcare system.
John B. Slaughter Outstanding Senior Award Recipient:
Sierra Hall
Sierra Hall, a senior with a 3.89 GPA majoring in Hearing and Speech Sciences from Westbury, New York. She is a member of the Maryland Gospel, Treasurer of SOUL (Sisterhood Of Unity & Love), Team Lead for the Latiino, Student Ambassador at the Nyumburu Cultural Center, and first runner-up in the Miss Unity Scholarship Pageant. Sierra was awarded and accepted a full scholarship from Purdue University to pursue a master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology with the objective of becoming a Medical Speech Language Pathologist.
James Otis Williams Cultural Leadership Award Recipient:
Mason Minus
Mason Minus is a junior government and politics major. He has been President of the Black Student Union for the past two years and tries to create a safe and inclusive atmosphere for Black students. Mason wants to go to law school after completing his undergraduate degree. In the future, he hopes to establish non-profit organizations focused on assisting disadvantaged communities and mentoring.
Kirwan Award Recipient:
Jahnavi Kirkire
Jahnavi is pursuing a dual degree in Government & Politics—International Relations and Public Policy—while minoring in History and Law & Society, with a 3.981 GPA. Jahnavi, a student leader at Bridge UMD, Resident Life, and Phi Alpha Delta, intends to go to law school and eventually work for the State Department.
La Raza Unida Award Recipient:
Gabriel Acevedo
Gabriel is an environmental science student studying soil science, ecosystem restoration, and conservation. Raised in the Dominican Republic and guided by the motto "If I don't, who will?” Gabriel has broken down barriers in the predominantly white field of agriculture sciences and encourages others to make a positive impact in their communities.
Linda Clement Outstanding Advisor Award Recipient:
Alireza Khaligh
Alireza Khaligh is a professor at the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and the Institute for Systems Research. He is the founding faculty advisor for the Terps Racing EV team. He is the author/co-author of more than 220 technical papers and the Editor-in-Chief of IEEE Transactions on Transportation Electrification.
Lorde – O’Leary Award Recipient:
Muntaha Haq
Muntaha Haq, an international business major (minor in sociology), serves as the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusions in the Student Government Association. With roles in various organizations, including the Asian American Student Union and the Environmental Justice Coalition, Muntaha exemplifies leadership in fostering inclusivity and advocating for marginalized communities.
Mary McLeod Bethune Award Recipient:
Derreck Boateng-Agyemang
Derreck is a senior mechanical engineering major. An Honors student, he is a Thermodynamics Teaching Fellow, a student researcher for the UMD Applied Research Lab, and a Quest student consultant. He serves as Executive Board Co-Chair for College Success Scholars, has been inducted into ODK and Tau Beta Pi, and is a student leader for Christ in Culture.
Mildred & Richard Loving Award Recipient: RECIPIENT:
Grace Mielke
Grace is a senior history major with a minor in leadership studies at the University of Maryland. She has done substantial educational work for the Multiracial Biracial Student Association (MBSA). She wants to incorporate her work into her future career, where she is seeking positions in the nonprofit sector. Grace has always been conscious of her biracial identity, but she did not have the language needed to perfectly encapsulate how she felt navigating Filipino and German American identities as a child. After attending several MBSA events and finding a strong community there, she became their Director of Cultural Competency.
Outstanding Graduate Student Assembly Member Award Recipient:
Divon Pender
Divon Pender is a first-year master's degree candidate from South Plainfield, NJ. While studying higher education, Divon supports the Office of Undergraduate Admissions as a Graduate Assistant for Diversity Initiatives. As a representative for the Graduate Student Government, Divon serves on the DEI Committee, Legislative Action Committee, and Community Development Committee.
Resident Assistant of the Year Award Recipient:
Julion Harris
Julion is a sophomore business major on a pre-law track from Brandywine, MD. He is a Pyon-Chen Hall Resident Assistant, UMD Orientation Advisor, and a former Pyon-Chen Hall Community Assistant. Julion is passionate about helping people and hopes to use this passion to one day practice family law.
Sarah Winnemucca Award Recipient:
Paulina Sophia Martinez
Paulina Sophia Martinez is a senior pursuing dual certification in elementary education and special education. She is the president of UMD’s Native American and Indigenous Student Union. She supports numerous Indigenous projects on campus like the UMD Powwow, the Native and Indigenous Cultural Center, and other year-round projects. As a Ronald E.McNair scholar, she conducted research on the representation and portrayal of Indigenous peoples in the elementary Maryland state curriculum under the mentorship of Dr.Bayley Marquez. She strives to advocate for Indigenous culture and history in the classroom.
Spirit of Maryland Award Recipient:
Lei Danielle Escobal
Lei Danielle Escobal is a double major in Sociology and American Studies with a minor in Asian American Studies from Glen Arm, Maryland. Her leadership and involvement experiences include the following activities: Co-President and Vice President of Internal Affairs of the Asian American Student Union, Co-Director of Public Relations of the Filipino Cultural Association, Research Assistant for the Department of Teaching and Learning, Policy, and Leadership.
Spirit of Maryland Award Recipient:
Lucas Frankle
Lucas Frankle is a bioengineering major from Huntingtown, Maryland. His leadership and involvement experience includes the following activities: Theta Tau Professional Engineering Fraternity President, Huang Bioengineering Laboratory Researcher, and Habitat for Humanity Spring Break Service Trip Participant.
Student Athlete of the Year Award Recipient:
Emily Sterling
Emily Sterling is a graduate student majoring in public health sciences. Emily is a standout goalie for the Maryland women's lacrosse team who has garnered multiple career honors, including the Tewaaraton Watch List, Big Ten Goaltender of the Year, and 2023 USA Lacrosse Magazine Preseason National Goaltender of the Year. Emily presently has a 4.0 GPA in her graduate program and has been recognized as a Big Ten Distinguished Scholar for the past three years.
Student Athlete of the Year Award Recipient:
Ajax Zappitello
Ajax Zappitello is a senior majoring in business management. Ajax plays center for the Maryland men's lacrosse team. Ajax has received multiple honors, including the 2024 Tewaaraton Watch List, Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week, and 66 career forced turnovers, which rank 14th all-time. Ajax was named an Inside Lacrosse Second Team All-American in 2023 and earned the historic #1 jersey prior to the 2024 season, becoming just the second close defenseman to do so.
Student Wellness and Mental Health Advocacy Award Recipient:
Keven Chavez Bonilla
Kevin, a Prince George's County native studying sociology with a degree in nonprofit leadership, is the service project coordinator for The Secular Student Alliance and a volunteer at The Help Center, where he promotes mental health, diversity, and inclusivity. He continues to advocate for homeless children in the DMV through his work with the Homeless Children's Playtime Project.
Vera Cruz-Kochiyama Award Recipient:
Rohana John
Rohana John is a senior majoring in psychology with minors in Asian American Studies and Spanish. She is very passionate about advocacy and equity. She aspires to continue exploring these two subjects in her future profession as a counselor who works with minority communities.
William L. Thomas Student Government Association Award Recipient:
Adrianna Giuliani
Adrianna is a government and politics major from Elkton, Maryland. This CIVICUS alum is a legislative representative and the Speaker Pro Tempore with the Student Government Association. She is also an executive member of Empowering Women in Law and holds membership in Omicron Delta Kappa and the Food Recovery Network.
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