2022 Student Activities & Leadership Awards
THE EARL SLOCUM BAND AWARD
Recipient: Joe Figliolo
This award honoring Earl Slocum, Director of Bands from 1935 to 1956, is given annually to the senior member of University Bands who has demonstrated meritorious achievement with regard to musicianship, leadership, and academic excellence, and who also has made a significant contribution to the growth and success of the University Band program.
“Joe has been a leader in our group since he arrived on campus as a first-year student. He has been a pep band conductor, operational assistant, drum major, and section captain. He has also played in our concert bands and has provided musical leadership in those settings. He will be graduating this spring with a Bachelor of Music degree having completed the teacher certification process. He plans to attend graduate school in the fall to pursue an advanced degree in conducting.”
THE CLASS OF 1938 JOSEPH F. PATTERSON, JR. AND ALICE M. PATTERSON INTERNATIONAL LEADERSHIP AWARD
Recipient: Anna Manocha
Established in 1977, this award is presented to the undergraduate who has made the most significant contribution to increasing international awareness and understanding. Given by the Class of 1938, the award consists of a monetary prize and a book.
THE CLASS OF ‘56 GEORGE R. LIVAS AWARD
Recipient: Braxton Nowell
The George Livas Outstanding Nursing Student Award is presented to a senior nursing student selected by faculty in the School of Nursing who best exemplifies scholarship, leadership, and nursing excellence.
“Braxton Nowell embodies the spirit of the Livas Award – an excellent student, completing a scholarly honors project and an exceptional student leader. He serves in multiple student organizations and, in his exceptional work as the Vice-Chair of the UG Student Governance Council, he has organized multi-session career preparation endeavors and emphasized a significant need for additional education on LGBTQ+ healthcare concerns within the SON curriculum. He has elevated the culture of learning in the SON and will elevate the culture of nursing practice.”
THE EDWARD McGOWAN HEDGPETH AWARD
Recipient: Amelia Curtis
Established in 1964, this award is given by the Beta Chapter of Alpha Epsilon Delta, International Premedical Honor Society. It is named for a charter member and advisor of Beta Chapter, a physician who served for thirty years as director of the Student Health Service and for fifteen years as chairman of the admissions committee of the Medical School. The award is given annually to two undergraduate members of Alpha Epsilon Delta who are voted most outstanding in service to the campus and community through the society.
“Amelia has been an incredibly dedicated member of the AED community for the past 4 years. Since her sophomore year, she has served on the AED executive board and is currently the President of UNC’s chapter. Her service to her community is evident through her interactions, whether it is communicating with her exec board or introducing potential new members to the community of AED. All in all, Amelia serves her AED community not only through her amazing leadership but through her thoughtfulness towards others.”
THE EDWARD McGOWAN HEDGPETH AWARD
Recipient: Chris Lung
Established in 1964, this award is given by the Beta Chapter of Alpha Epsilon Delta, International Premedical Honor Society. It is named for a charter member and advisor of Beta Chapter, a physician who served for thirty years as director of the Student Health Service and for fifteen years as chairman of the admissions committee of the Medical School. The award is given annually to two undergraduate members of Alpha Epsilon Delta who are voted most outstanding in service to the campus and community through the society.
“Chris is a Senior on the pre-PA track. Here is a quote from a current AED member detailing their support:”Chris, as my co-NMC, has put his all in being a devoted leader in bringing in new members to AED. His vibrant personality and intense dedication to the position has led to an incredible 2 years of new members and legacy of passion for healthcare through academics, service, and social natures in and around the UNC community. He has always shown compassion and ambition in his position and been an amazing supporter to me, his co-chair, as well as all of the new members he has mentored.”
THE INTERFRATERNITY COUNCIL MAN OF THE YEAR AWARD
Recipient: Danny King
Established by the Panhellenic Council, the National Pan-Hellenic Council, the Interfraternity Council, and the Multicultural Greek Council, these awards are presented annually to undergraduates who have made the most significant contributions in the areas of leadership, scholarship, service to their individual chapters, and Greek and University Communities.
PANHELLENIC COUNCIL WOMAN OF THE YEAR AWARD
Recipient: Emma-Blake Byrum
Established by the Panhellenic Council, the National Pan-Hellenic Council, the Interfraternity Council, and the Multicultural Greek Council, these awards are presented annually to undergraduates who have made the most significant contributions in the areas of leadership, scholarship, service to their individual chapters, and Greek and University Communities.
NATIONAL PAN-HELLENIC COUNCIL AWARD
Recipient: Jordyn Earl
Established by the Panhellenic Council, the National Pan-Hellenic Council, the Interfraternity Council, and the Multicultural Greek Council, these awards are presented annually to undergraduates who have made the most significant contributions in the areas of leadership, scholarship, service to their individual chapters, and Greek and University Communities.
THE MULTICULTURAL GREEK COUNCIL AWARD
Recipient: Jakob Jackson
Established by the Panhellenic Council, the National Pan-Hellenic Council, the Interfraternity Council, and the Multicultural Greek Council, these awards are presented annually to undergraduates who have made the most significant contributions in the areas of leadership, scholarship, service to their individual chapters, and Greek and University Communities.
THE MARTY POMERANTZ SPORT CLUBS COUNCIL ACHIEVEMENT
Recipient: Ross Whipkey
Established in 1979, this award is named in honor of Marty Pomerantz, who served as the Director of Campus Recreation for 22 years. It is given annually to the undergraduate who demonstrates leadership, commitment, and makes the greatest positive contribution to the strength and vitality of the sport clubs program.
“Ross has been a huge asset to the leadership of the Sport Clubs Council Executive Board in addition to his positive impact on Men’s Team Handball as the organization president. With Men’s Team Handball, his leadership, enthusiasm, and organization have been extremely influential in the success of their program. He has been key in emphasizing to multiple sport clubs the need to make sure their club membership and involvement remains accessible to all students, regardless of their background or socioeconomic status.”
THE J. MARYON SAUNDERS AWARD
Recipient: Jillian Heard
Established by the UNC General Alumni Association (GAA), this award is presented to the member of the graduating class who, as an undergraduate student, has contributed most to the preservation and enhancement of loyalty and goodwill between The University of North Carolina and its students, alumni and friends. This award is in honor of J. Maryon “Spike” Saunders (class of 1925) who led the GAA for 43 years.
“Jillian Heard is a Biology and EXSS major. In her role as President of the organization and Pit Chair, Jillian has fostered relationships between and among current students and alumni and made her organization strong for generations to come. After Covid-19 resulted in cancellations, she passionately built a team of excited students to bring student homecoming celebrations back to campus in Fall of 2022. Jillian creatively poured into committee chairs to set up this organization for success in future years.”
THE RODGER A. DAVIS MEMORIAL AWARD
Recipient: Cara Kuuskvere
This award, established in 1966, is given in memory of Roger A. Davis who, as a student, was active in the formation of the residence colleges. It is given by the Residence Hall Association to the undergraduate judged to have given outstanding service to the University, especially through residence hall leadership. The recipient will receive a framed certificate and a monetary award.
“Cara has dedicated hundreds of hours to the Residence Hall Association, going from a community government member to the Director of Sustainable Projects on the Executive Board for the last three years. The way she is able to make connections and create relationships with the people she is around, is unparalleled, ensuring that people are heard and acknowledged. Beyond her work on RHA, Cara has served as an Undergraduate LA for Econ 101, a member of the Kenan Scholars Program, and a research assistant on the Alabama house Hookworm project. “
THE ERNEST H. ABERNETHY PRIZE IN STUDENT PUBLICATION WORK
Recipient: Clay Morris
Ernest H. Abernethy, Class of 1922, established this award in 1941. A plaque and monetary award are presented annually to the undergraduates judged by a special committee to have done the most distinctive work during the current year in the field of student publications.
THE ERNEST H. ABERNETHY PRIZE IN STUDENT PUBLICATION WORK
Recipient: Praveena Somasundaram
Ernest H. Abernethy, Class of 1922, established this award in 1941. A plaque and monetary award are presented annually to the undergraduates judged by a special committee to have done the most distinctive work during the current year in the field of student publications.
THE JAMES O. CANSLER SERVICE AWARD
Recipient: April Turner
James Cansler served UNC students for 37 years, first as a Baptist Chaplain, and later as Dean of Men and Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs. He was dedicated to helping students strengthen their faith and enlarge their vision of service concurrent with their educational pursuit. This award is presented annually in his memory to a student whose faith has inspired outstanding service to the needs of humanity.
THE JIM TATUM MEMORIAL AWARD
Recipient: Rachel Jones
This award was established in 1959 in honor of James M. Tatum, head football coach in 1942 and 1956 through 1958. It is presented under the sponsorship of The University of North Carolina Athletic Association to the varsity intercollegiate athlete who has performed with distinction in their sport and who has contributed to the University community through constructive participation in co-curricular activities.
“University of North Carolina Women’s Soccer Forward and Midfielder Rachel Jones is an exemplary student and athlete at UNC. Throughout her time at Carolina, Rachel has earned multiple honors for her academic excellence, including recognition on the ACC Academic Honor Roll, UNC Deans List, and spots on the ACC All-Academic Team. In addition to her academic accolades, Rachel has also engaged in extensive leadership and community service opportunities including the Carolina Leadership Academy, the Student-Athlete Advisory Council and work within UNC Hospitals and local elementary schools.”
THE ALGERNON SYDNEY SULLIVAN AWARD
Recipient: Sneha Makhijani
Established in 1928, this award is bestowed annually upon two members of the senior class who have best demonstrated unselfish interest in human welfare. The emphasis of the award is on humanitarian contributions.
THE ALGERNON SYDNEY SULLIVAN AWARD
Recipient: Brady Hanshaw
Established in 1928, this award is bestowed annually upon two members of the senior class who have best demonstrated unselfish interest in human welfare. The emphasis of the award is on humanitarian contributions.
THE CORNELIUS O. CATHEY AWARD
Recipient: Sarah Torzone
This award was established in 1987 in memory of Cornelius O. Cathey, Professor of History from 1947 to 1974 and Dean of Student Affairs from 1963 to 1972. It is given annually to the student who has made the greatest contribution to the quality of campus life through sustained, constructive participation in established student programs, or through creative, persistent effort in development of new student programs.
THE ROBERT B. HOUSE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD
Recipient: Montia Daniels
Established in 1980 by the Rho Chapter of Alpha Phi Omega National Service Fraternity in honor of the first chancellor of the University and one of its most revered leaders, this award is presented to a student who best exemplifies the = spirit of unselfish commitment through service to the University and the surrounding community.
THE ROBERT WHITE LINKER AWARD
Recipient: Madison Soler
This award was established in 1960 in honor of Professor Robert White Linker, who helped to organize the Society of Janus Chapter of the National Residence Hall Honorary. It is given annually by the Society to the most outstanding undergraduate residence hall officer. This award is based on leadership criteria of initiative, creativity and effectiveness, and on lasting contributions to residence hall living.
“Madison is a rising senior from Mission Viejo, California. She is a Business Administration and Psychology double major and serves as the Recognition Chair for the National Residence Hall Honorary. According to her nomination, Madison always has a positive attitude and has a real skill for showing appreciation for support systems on campus. She is incredibly effective at serving the National Residence Hall Honorary’s mission of recognition to a diverse group of people.”
THE GEORGE MOSES HORTON AWARD FOR MULTICULTURAL LEADERSHIP
Recipient: Ahmed Belghith
This award honors a nineteenth-century poet and friend of students and faculty on this campus. He used funds generated through his popular verse to buy time away from the Chatham County farm where he was enslaved. The award recognizes the senior who has demonstrated outstanding leadership, initiative, and creativity in multicultural education programs. This award is given by the Sonja Haynes Stone Center for Black Culture and History.
THE FEREBEE TAYLOR AWARD
Recipient: Quintyn Bobb
Inaugurated by the Class of 1982 as its gift to the University, this award recognizes the principle of honor as one of the University’s most hallowed ideals. It is given in honor of Ferebee Taylor, Chancellor of the University, 1972-1980, under whose leadership and commitment the judicial reform movement and the revitalization of the Honor Code were brought to fruition. The award is given annually to the member of the senior class who has made the greatest contribution to the continued vitality and strength of the Honor Code in the community.
“Quintyn, who goes by ‘Q,’ is graduating this year majoring in Psychology B.S., Classics B.A., and a Conflict Management minor. Q has exhibited perseverance in leading the Honor System and translating feedback and concerns from stakeholders into tangible change. This year, Quintyn spent a significant time creating standard practices for communicating promptly with accused students and utilizing his passion for technology to streamline case management. The integral changes enacted by Quintyn will surpass his tenure.”
THE BOKA W. HADZIJA AWARD FOR DISTINGUISHED UNIVERISTY SERVICE
Recipient: Kate Brandt
Professor Boka Hadzija exemplified excellence in scholarship, leadership and service to Carolina, earning the 2005 C. Knox Massey Distinguished Award and no fewer than 39 awards for teaching excellence from the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy and the University. Dr. Hadzija, who passed away unexpectedly in 2013, is remembered for her strong mentorship, her generous support of students and her outstanding leadership. In her memory, this award recognizes the graduate or professional student who has been judged most outstanding in character, scholarship and leadership.
“Kate Brandt is an active graduate student leader pursuing her PhD in Geography. She currently serves as the Vice President for Advocacy and Government Affairs for the Graduate and Professional Student Government, and she chaired the graduate advisory committee to the Provost and co-chaired the student advisory committee to the Chancellor. Beyond her impressive leadership and service, Kate has excelled in teaching and is a leader in transformative research on health and infectious disease.”
THE E. EUGENE JACKSON AWARD
Recipient: Charlie Robinette
This award was established by the Class of 1989 in honor of E. Eugene Jackson, whose contributions to the University were a model of selfless service. It is given annually to the member of the graduating class whose leadership and selfless dedication have strengthened class pride and University loyalty, enriched the lives of seniors, and made a significant contribution to the University.
THE JANE CRAIGE GRAY MEMORIAL AWARD
Recipient: Awele Asianah
Established in 1954, this award is presented annually in memory of Jane Craige Gray by the local chapter of Kappa Delta Sorority. It is given to the woman of the junior class who has been judged most outstanding in character, scholarship and leadership.
THE IRENE F. LEE AWARD
Recipient: Dalal Azzam
Irene F. Lee, who served as hostess and counselor in Cornelia Phillips Spencer Hall from 1925 to 1948, established this award in 1955. The award is presented annually to the woman of the senior class who is judged most outstanding in leadership, character and scholarship.
THE WALTER S. SPEARMAN AWARD
Recipient: Samuel Timmons
The Walter S. Spearman Award was established in 1984 by Chi Psi Fraternity. Given in memory of a journalism professor who was noted as a distinguished teacher, journalist, and mentor of students, it is presented to a man in the senior class whose academic achievements, co-curricular activities, leadership qualities, and strength of character are considered by a panel of judges to be most outstanding. (Note: Prior to 1984, this award was known as the William P. Jacocks Award, which was established in 1967.)
THE JOHN JOHNSTON PARKER, JR. MEDAL FOR UNIQUE LEADERSHIP IN STUDENT GOVERNMENT
Recipient: Drew Benzaia
This award was established in 1941 by Judge and Mrs. John J. Parker in memory of their son, John Johnston Parker, Jr., Class of 1937, who served with distinction as president of the then Student Council. A medal is awarded annually to that member of the senior class who has demonstrated the highest qualities of leadership in perpetuating the spirit and honor of student self-government.
THE FRANK PORTER GRAHAM AWARD
Recipient: Juan Castro
This award, established in 1963, is presented to the graduating senior who has made the most outstanding contribution to a realization of the human ideals of equality, dignity and community. The award is given in memory of Dr. Frank Porter Graham, past president of the Campus Y and past president of this University. Dr. Graham’s devotion to the improvement of the quality of human life continues, through generations, to inspire striving for the ideals here recognized.
THE EDWARD KIDDER GRAHAM AWARD
Recipient: Benjamin Gorman
Named for Edward Kidder Graham (president of the University of North Carolina, 1914-1918), this award honors the graduating senior who has made the most outstanding contribution to the University through his or her work as a member of an officially recognized student organization. The recipient will have demonstrated consistent leadership, dedication, and innovation within the organization, contributed to the organization’s strength, vitality, and longevity, and assisted the organization in supporting the overall mission of the University.
THE BRENDA W. KIRBY AWARD
Recipient: Raymond Palma
Brenda W. Kirby served as Secretary of the University from 1980 to 2012. In that role, Ms. Kirby was special assistant to six Chancellors, constantly bridging communication between students and the Chancellor, as well as other parts of the University. Acknowledging her unique gift of creating invaluable bonds of communication, this award, established in 2012, recognizes annually the student who has most effectively worked to establish a community of cooperation and service between students and constituents of the larger University that might include administrators, faculty, staff, students, trustees, and alumni.
THE KEITH SHAWN SMITH AWARD FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND MENTORSHIP
Recipient: Miguel Reyna
The Department of Housing and Residential Education created this award in 2007 in remembrance of Keith Shawn Smith, who served as a Resident Advisor in Stacy Hall in the Old Campus Lower Quad Community. The award is granted to a Resident Advisor or Resident Advisor Mentor who has created a strong community, meaningful mentoring relationships, and campus connections. The recipient must have made a positive impact on the lives of the residents served, developing his or her community to an exemplary level and providing significant mentorship to the members of the community.
“Miguel’s leadership as an RA truly has an impact on the lives of his residents. He creates amazing programs that have had great success in helping people meet each other. Miguel recognizes the struggles and challenges that his residents face and, even though he has his own, doesn’t hesitate to be there for his community.”
THE ERNEST L. MACKIE AWARD
Recipient: Greear Webb
This award was established in 1978 by the Order of the Old Well in memory of one of its charter members, Ernest L. Mackie, professor of Mathematics. Dr. Mackie also served as dean of students, dean of student awards and distinctions, and secretary-treasurer of Phi Beta Kappa. The award is presented to the man of the junior class who has been judged most outstanding in character, scholarship and leadership.
WILLIAM S. CARLTON INTRAMURAL SPORTS EMPLOYEE AWARD
Recipient: James Garner
The William S. Carlton Intramural Sports Employee Award recognizes a Sport Programs student employee at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill who officiates Intramural Sports and consistently exceeds expectations. This individual goes above and beyond their duties and responsibilities to provide a great service to participants and assist other staff members. The recipient of this award contributes significantly to the overall success and strength of UNC’s Campus Recreation Sport Programs through their leadership and dedication to Intramural Sports.
“Jay has been an outstanding new leader in Sport Programs this year. As a newer employee, he has brought enthusiasm, passion and enjoyment to the program and to those around him. He has been an amazing Intramural Sports official and student leader this year. He has embraced the position and works to create an environment where everyone around him thrives. We look forward to experiencing his continued development and involvement in Intramural Sports and Campus Recreation moving forward.”