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Office of Minority Student Affairs Hosts 26th Annual Minority Students Awards Ceremony
The Office of Minority Student Affairs (OMSA) honored Rensselaer undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, and staff during the 26th annual minority students awards ceremony April 17. The annual ceremony honors academic and leadership achievements and celebrates individual students, student organizations, faculty, and staff who have worked to support minority students at Rensselaer.
More than 70 individuals were honored at the ceremony including: Kashmir Supersad, recipient of the Norwood C. Davis Award given to a Higher Education Opportunity Program senior who has demonstrated outstanding qualities in academic achievement and leadership; Olushola Lawal, Joel Branch, and Kayla Hales, recipients of the Dr. Paul B. Zuber Recognition Award given to African American students who have demonstrated outstanding scholastic achievement and exemplified the leadership qualities associated with Zuber; Jordy Estevez, recipient of the Simon Bolivar Student Award given to a Latin student who best demonstrates the qualities of leadership and unity within the minority student community; and Lynnette Koch, associate director of financial aid, recipient of the Martin Luther King Jr. Faculty/Staff Award in recognition of her continued contribution of service and devotion to the advancement of the minority community at Rensselaer.
In remarks to the award recipients, President Jackson applauded their contributions to the Rensselaer community and encouraged them to continue pursuing excellence in academics, leadership, service, and personal character. "We honor your accomplishments here at Rensselaer, and, in so doing, we celebrate the promise you represent in the days and years ahead. Continue to pursue excellence in all that you do, set lofty goals, persevere through adversity, but above all, be sure to leave yourself open to the wonderful, unexpected opportunities that await you."
OMSA provides support services — academic, personal, financial, and career — to underrepresented groups in the sciences, technology, and engineering professions, according to Karen Ferrer-Muniz, associate dean of students and director of OMSA. It was founded in 1979 by Vice President for Student Life Eddie Ade Knowles, who also spoke at the event.
"The minority student affairs ceremony is an opportunity to recognize students, faculty, and staff who are focused on fostering academic excellence and leadership skills as a means of advancing the minority community at Rensselaer," said Ferrer-Muniz, who delivered closing remarks. "The achievements of the students, faculty, and staff help to inspire the current and future minority student community at Rensselaer to continue striving for excellence."
The keynote address was delivered by Celia Gonzalez '92, of the New York State Comptroller's Office. |
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