May 10, 2006
VCU Leadership and Service Awards honors students for outstanding achievement
Share this story
Virginia Commonwealth University recently held its Leadership and Service Awards ceremony to salute those students who represent the best in both qualities.
“Their giving of time and talents is an outstanding expression of generosity,” said VCU President Eugene P. Trani, Ph.D. “As unique and talented individuals, these young men and women represent our future.”
The ceremony was sponsored by the Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Services and was held in the University Student Commons' Commonwealth Ballroom.
Awards and honorees include:
• Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges - presented to the country’s outstanding campus leaders. Recipients are selected on the basis of academic achievement, service to the community, leadership in extracurricular activities and future potential.
Brandes S. Ash, English
Bryan J. Banning, Exercise Science
Sonya C Briggs, Mathematical Science
Sarah S. Carney, Forensic Science
William R. DeHaven, Economics
Suleyman Demirci, Public Policy and Administration
Radesha R. Dixon, Mass Communications
Kristin A. Dowman, Social Work
Robert D. Filler, Biomedical Engineering
Stephanie M. Gruss, Public Policy and Administration
Rachel A. Harris, Psychology & Women's Studies
Sunil S. Iyer, Pharmaceutical Science
George P. Jacob, Psychology
Hiren H. Kotak, Business Administration
Monica R. Leisey, Social Work
Rajshri Mainthia, Chemistry
Ian Martin, Neuroscience
Kathleen R. Martin, Nursing
Zachary A. McCluskey, Health Administration
Holly S. McGuire, Information Systems
Myo Thwin Myint, Medicine
Mital M. Patel, Biomedical Engineering
Hong-Yen H. Pham, Biology & Business Administration
Tammy Pham, Broadcast Journalism
Rachel A. Podolsky, Fashion Design
Sandipan Pramanik, Electrical Engineering
Christina M. Rodi, Mechanical Engineering
Ali Semir, Real Estate
Shivani Shodan, Psychology
Sarah E. Skelly, Nursing
Cynthia Starnes, Social Work
Raymond P. Yeager, Pharmacology& Toxicology
• University Emerging Leader Awards - presented to students who have demonstrated distinguished service in their first leadership roles at VCU and exhibited potential for continued leadership.
Melissa Bollbach, Mechanical Engineering
Sheena C. Jeffers, Print Journalism and English
William C. Moehl, Intentions in Accountancy
Bruce J. Vann, Business Management
• University Service Awards - presented to students who have distinguished themselves by demonstrating outstanding service and commitment to student organizations, university committees and the university community while maintaining academic excellence.
Holly S. McGuire, Information Systems
Myo Thwin Myint, Medicine
Jessica C. Shook, Education
Jithin R. Veer, Biology
• University Leadership Award - presented to students in leadership roles in student organizations or university committees who have distinguished themselves by demonstrating outstanding leadership ability and commitment to their organizations.
Ashley R. Bacon-Ward, Political Science
Esraa I. Bani, Allied Health
George Jacob, Psychology
Jeremy D. Kidd, Biology/Religious Studies
Kristen A. Layne Religious Studies/Psychology
Rajshri Mainthia, Chemistry
Myo Thwin Myint, Medicine
Kristen M. Ondecko, Medicine
Megan R. Shandelson, Biology
Jithin R. Veer, Biology
• Distinguished Service Awards - presented to outstanding students by their college or school. The recipients have a distinguished record of service in their college or school, performed well scholastically and provided outstanding leadership in student organizations.
College of Humanities and Sciences
Arti Jani, Biology
School of World Studies
Julia Von Briesen , Religious Studies
School of Allied Health Professions
Angie Tucker, Graduate Award
Meredith Whitehurst, Professional Award
School of Education
Heather M. Miller, Teaching & Learning
School of Engineering
David West, Electrical Engineering
Brian Pristera, Mechanical Engineering
Christina Kao, Chemical & Life Science Engineering
Aaron Dandy, Computer Science
Andrew Cotter, Biomedical Engineering
Nontraditional Studies Alumni Council Achievement Award
John Maxwell, Interdisciplinary Studies
L Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs
Susan Dasher, Political Science
School of Mass Communications
Ashlee Thomas, Mass Communications
School of Pharmacy
Brandon Jennings, Pharmacy
• William H. Duval Award for Student Involvement - presented to students who have provided exemplary service, beyond normal expectations, in student activities, student groups and/or organizations and are in good academic standing.
Shivani Shodhan, Psychology
• Division of Student Affairs Award - presented to students who have provided distinguished service to the Division of Student Affairs & Enrollment Services and/or the university and who have been involved in the organized student community while maintaining at least a 2.74 GPA.
Ashlee Thomas, Mass Communications
• VCU Alumni Association Award - presented to a Monroe Park Campus senior who has exhibited exemplary characteristics in the areas of scholastics, leadership and service to VCU and the Richmond community.
Benita Panigrahi, Biology/ Psychology
• Board of Visitors Award & Certificate of Recognition - presented to an outstanding sophomore, junior or returning senior who has distinguished himself/herself scholastically and provided outstanding leadership and service to the university and Richmond community. The recipient of this award receives a one-year scholarship in an amount covering in-state tuition and fees. The award is sponsored by VCU's Board of Visitors.
Jaime M. Bennett, Social Work
Certificate of recognition
Sera Tabb
Holly McGuire
Subscribe to VCU News
Subscribe to VCU News at newsletter.vcu.edu and receive a selection of stories, videos, photos, news clips and event listings in your inbox.