Scholars News Desk
Scholars Honored for Leadership and Academic Achievement
May 12, 2008
College Park, Md. – May is the month for campuses to publicly acknowledge the achievements of students. At the University’s 27th Annual Awards Banquet, the following College Park Scholars were honored for their accomplishments:
Kerri Pinchuk was recognized as one of the Top-Ten Freshmen by Omicron Delta Kappa leadership honor society. A first-year student in the Scholars American Cultures program, Kerri is a communication major and serves on the Scholars Student Advisory Board. She is the Fundraising Chair for Delta Phi Epsilon Sorority and is active in Best Buddies and Hillel.
Jenna Brager was recognized, again by Omicron Delta Kappa, as Sophomore Leader of the Year. Jenna is an American Studies major. She is active in the Stamp Student Union’s Office of Multicultural Involvement and Community Advocacy, and in campus media, such as WMUC, Unwind, and The Diamondback. Jenna is the Director of Programming for the Pride Alliance and a member of Feminism without Borders. In addition to being a sophomore American Cultures Scholar, Jenna is active in the Jimenez-Porter Writers’ House.
Annika Betancourt received the Michelle Y. Angyelof Award for Outstanding Service to Off-Campus Students. A government and politics senior, Annika has tutored and taught English as a Second or Other Language (ESOL) in the Lessons from Abroad Spanish Language Program. Also an SGA legislator, Annika has served as the Vice President and Project Coordinator for World CARP, and was instrumental in implementing the Off-Campus Student Appreciation Week this year. Annika earned her Scholars Citation in International Studies, in 2006.
Sidrah Kahn received the Office of Multi-Ethnic Student Education’s Martin Luther King, Jr., Community Service Award. A sophomore Physiology and Neurobiology major, Sidrah tutors for OMSE in chemistry and mathematics. She also tutors in the Scholars Lakeland Stars program. Sidra is completing her citation requirements as a sophomore in the Scholars Earth, Life and Time program.
Iris Ferrufino received the La Raza Unida Award. A senior, sociology major, Iris has been actively involved in the Latino Student Union, having served in a number of leadership positions. Iris has also been a resident assistant and helped organize the Hispanic Heritage Coalition. Iris received her Scholars Business, Society and the Economy Citation in 2006, and participated in the Hinman CEO Program.
The Department of Resident Life identifies Resident Assistant of the Year Awards, for each of the six residential communities. This year, Junior Earth, Life and Time Scholars Jessica Jacques received the Resident Assistant of the Year Award for the Cambridge Community. A neurobiology and physiology major, this was Jessica’s second year as an RA. She is also President of the Charles R. Drew Pre-Med/Health Society and Director of Community Outreach Initiatives for Leaders in Action.
One former Scholar became a member of the Maryland Medallion Society. Jesse Chen, a senior majoring in Information Systems and Operations Management, served two terms as President of the Smith Undergraduate Student Association. He has also assumed several leadership roles in the Residence Halls Association and has been a tour guide with Maryland Images. Jesse received the Patricia Mielke Citizenship Award from the Business, Society and the Economy Scholars program, in 2006.
The Office of Campus Programs (OCP) supports and complements the University's academic mission by enhancing the educational experience of students through exposure to, and participation in social, cultural, recreational, intellectual, and governance activities. Together with the Sigma Circle of Omicron Delta Kappa, OCP presents the leadership awards program annually. Images of these and other awardees are available through the Stamp Student Union’s Photo Archive.For more information on this press release or on College Park Scholars, contact Kevin Baxter at (301) 314-1522, or bax@umd.edu.
