4/17/12

The Universities at Shady Grove (USG) honored 25 graduating seniors from undergraduate programs offered at USG for academic excellence and leadership in their communities during the 8th Annual Student Achievement and Leadership Breakfast on Friday, April 13.


View and download photos from the 2012 Student Achievement and Leadership Breakfast

“These 25 students are among the best and brightest at USG and represent the next generation of leaders in our region,” said Dr. Stewart Edelstein, Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs for the University System of Maryland and Executive Director of USG. “We are so proud of each of them for their academic achievement and dedication to their community, and we know they have bright futures ahead of them."

Student Academic Achievement Awards were presented to one outstanding senior from each undergraduate degree program offered at USG, who has demonstrated academic excellence. Award recipients are selected on the basis of grade point average, participation in internships and honor societies, and contributions to their program of study.

Student Leadership and Service Awards were also presented to four seniors who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, service and dedication to the Universities at Shady Grove and the community at large. These recipients were selected based on participation in extracurricular activities, community service and commitment to their fellow students.

Dr. Rohini Anand, Senior Vice President and Global Chief Diversity Officer, Sodexo, delivered the keynote speech at the event, urging students at USG “to be pioneers, step into the unknown, and dream big.”

The 2011-2012 Undergraduate Student Academic Achievement Awardees are:

  • Ravinder S. Arneja, II of Gaithersburg, Md. – University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), Political Science.
  • Tetyana Bezbana of Rockville, Md. – University of Maryland, College Park; Robert H. Smith School of Business, International Business.
  • Janina Maya Brugada of Washington, D.C. – Towson University, Early Childhood Education.
  • Giselle Darlene Carillo of Frederick, Md. – University of Maryland, College Park; Robert H. Smith School of Business, Accounting.
  • Vana Mari Derderian of Rockville, Md. – University of Maryland, College Park, Public Health.
  • Kyle Ehret of Germantown, Md. – University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES), Construction Management Technology.
  • Abdul Hafeez of Chesterfield, Md. – University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES), Hotel and Restaurant Management.
  • Autaum Hollinger of Chevy Chase, Md. – University of Maryland, College Park, Communication.
  • Scott Holman of Frederick, Md. – University of Baltimore, Simulation and Digital Entertainment.
  • Melissa Ann Nelson of Annapolis, Md. – University of Maryland, College Park; Robert H. Smith School of Business, Marketing.
  • Daniela Nogales of Germantown, Md. – University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), Psychology.
  • Jon Carl Norris, II of Frederick, Md. – University of Baltimore, Health Systems Management.
  • Darryl Maurice Parker, II of Gaithersburg, Md. – University of Maryland, College Park, Criminology & Criminal Justice.
  • Emilija Milijkovic Renke of Chevy Chase, Md. – University of Maryland, College Park, Biological Sciences.
  • Elba Rivas Retana of Silver Spring, Md. – University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), Political Science.
  • Vena Sasu of Gaithersburg, Md. – University of Maryland University College (UMUC), Business Administration.
  • Shannon Strube of Frederick, Md. – Towson University, Elementary and Special Education.
  • Josephine Ta of Germantown, Md. – University of Maryland, Baltimore, School of Nursing.
  • Torry Wannenwetsch of Queenstown, Md. – University of Maryland, College Park; Robert H. Smith School of Business, Management.
  • David Weingrad of Gaithersburg, Md. – University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), History.
  • Selamawit Woldeargay of Silver Spring, Md. – Salisbury University, Respiratory Therapy.

USG’s 2011-2012 Student Leadership and Service Awardees are:

  • Zofia Klosowska of North Potomac, Md. – University of Maryland, College Park, Public Health Science.
  • Thulani Tickotsane of Silver Spring, Md. – University of Maryland, College Park; Robert H. Smith School of Business, Accounting.
  • Katherine Toohey of Bowie, Md. – Towson University, Early Childhood Education.
  • Mark Izben Daniel Williams of Rockville, Md. – University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), Psychology.

Kendall Service Awards:

In additon to student awards, each year at the Student Achievement and Leadership Breakfast, the Kendall Service Awards are presented to one faculty member and one staff member who have performed exceptionally in supporting student success at the Universities at Shady Grove.

Kendall Excellence in Teaching Award was awarded to Jennifer Todd, Program Director and Professor, University of Maryland, College Park, Public Health Science at USG.

Kendall Outstanding Service to Students Award was awarded to Ilona Faulks, Daytime Office Supervisor, USG Office of Student Services.