OMA honors students for social justice and diversity
On Friday, April 25, the Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA) honored the following students during the ALANA Consortium Network Student Awards Ceremony, held at Worcester State University.
Students across the consortium (only five per institution) were honored for their outstanding achievements in the area of social justice and support of diversity. The awardees were selected by Bonnie Hall, director of multicultural affairs, in addition to a committee of administrators and staff.
The Quiet Influence Award recognizes students who put their heart and soul into everything they do, but often go unrecognized. They do not have to be in an administrative or leadership position, but have the following qualities: make a conscious effort and commitment to be involved in programs, meetings, and events; demonstrate sincere willingness to help in whatever capacity necessary; and demonstrate their capacity to go above and beyond their responsibilities and do so to enhance the overall organization and/or the campus community.
Winner: Andrew Osei
The Best Example of Teamwork Award recognizes students who foster cooperation, collaboration, and open communication. The individuals have the following qualities: encourage new ideas from others, build effective collaborative relationships across different groups within the university, work with a “can do” attitude, contribute to a group effort which has a significant impact on the ALANA Student Organization goals, accept responsibility and accountability in helping to advance the Organization’s endeavors, and are creative and unafraid to share opinions, ideas, and suggestions.
Winner: Veronica Vallenilla
The Diversity Award is presented to students who demonstrate a commitment to services and/or programs that promote a spirit of pluralism and help build an environment of inclusivity. Diversity includes all aspects of human difference including race, culture, ethnicity, religion, age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and ability. These students have illustrated both scholarly achievement and outstanding leadership qualities in the said college community overall, but especially in the arena of multicultural affairs. The students do not have to be affiliated with a specific on-campus student club, but have been strategically selected because they have participated in numerous co-curricular activities, educational endeavors, collaborative consortium student events, and endeavors set forth by the Office of Multicultural Affairs/diversity administrative office entity.
Winner: Phillip Simon
The Emerging Leader Award is for an ALANA freshman member who has made a significant impact outside of the classroom and to campus life by demonstrating leadership qualities and commitment. The individual has demonstrated traits that are complementary to WPI’s vision: service, diversity, community, and excellence. The student exemplifies potentials to be a role model and effective student leader for the rest of his/her tenure at the university.
Winner: Liliana Almonte
The Outstanding Leadership Award is presented to students who have increased the profile of the ALANA community by participating in leadership roles throughout their college career. This student exhibits exceptional leadership qualities and is recognized by her/his peers as a leader in the community.
Winner: Samuel Francois
