2023 Student Activities & Leadership Awards
THE EARL SLOCUM BAND AWARD
Recipient: Cassidy Dellinger
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.
“Cassidy has been involved in the UNC Bands the past four years and is a leader within the organization. As a member of the concert and athletic bands, she has demonstrated exceptional musicianship and a commitment to excellence. “
THE CLASS OF ’56 GEORGE LIVAS AWARD
Recipient: Joe Jones
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.
“In the words of his nominator, “Joe epitomizes what it means to be a Carolina nurse.” Joe has served as the elected Chair of the Undergraduate Student Governance Council and Co-Chair and Co-Founder of the SON Pride Interest. Additionally, he works as a certified nursing assistant and administrative coordinator at UNC Health. “
THE INTERFRATERNITY COUNCIL MAN OF THE YEAR AWARD
Recipient: Andrew Cook
Established by the Interfraternity Council, this award is presented annually to an undergraduate member who has made the most significant contributions in the areas of leadership, scholarship, and service to their chapter, council, and the Carolina/Chapel Hill community.
“Andrew is given this award for his outstanding service to the interfraternity community, which he has led with the utmost integrity and diligence. Some of his accomplishments include successfully starting the IFC intramural basketball league and helping to revamp the yearly Rush Kickoff event.”
PANHELLENIC COUNCIL WOMAN OF THE YEAR AWARD
Recipient: Hailey Hudson
Established by the Panhellenic Council, this award is presented annually to an undergraduate member who has made the most significant contributions in the areas of leadership, scholarship, and service to their chapter, council, and the Carolina/Chapel Hill community.
“It is Hailey’s persistent leadership, undeniable reliability, and love for Panhellenic that led to her receiving this award. Throughout the past year, Hailey bettered her organization by forming close relationships with the Panhellenic Executive Board, members of the Panhellenic community, and campus leaders.”
NATIONAL PAN-HELLENIC COUNCIL AWARD
Recipient: Righteous Keitt
Established by the National Pan-Hellenic Council, this award is presented annually to an undergraduate member who has made the most significant contributions in the areas of leadership, scholarship, and service to their chapter, council, and the Carolina/Chapel Hill community.
“Righteous served on the executive board of the National Pan-Hellenic Council as Secretary of External Affairs this past term and he never failed to excel inside and outside of his role. Righteous leads with kindness and dedication and never allows an obstacle to obscure success.”
MULTICULTURAL GREEK COUNCIL AWARD
Recipient: Zianne Richardson
Established by the Multicultural Greek Council, this award is presented annually to an undergraduate member who has made the most significant contributions in the areas of leadership, scholarship, and service to their chapter, council, and the Carolina/Chapel Hill community.
“A Morehead-Cain Scholar, Zianne is also a member of Alpha Pi Omega Sorority and is an enrolled citizen of the Haliwa-Saponi Indian Tribe. Zianne is an exceptional leader who embodies the values of Alpha Pi Omega Sorority as well as the values of the Multicultural Greek Council.”
THE MARTY POMERANTZ SPORT CLUBS COUNCIL ACHIEVEMENT
Recipient: Olivia Romine
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.
“Olivia is an outstanding participant and leader in the Sport Clubs program. She currently serves on the Sport Clubs Executive Board and represents Sport Clubs on the Campus Recreation Advisory Council… all while competing in a record number of four Sport Clubs! “
THE J. MARYON SAUNDERS AWARD
Recipient: Keisha Solanki
The J. Maryon Saunders Award was 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.
“Keisha is the current Vice President for the Class of 2023 and it’s because of her exceptional leadership skills and commitment to fostering a collaborative environment that she receives this award. “Collaborative, kind, funny and reliable” are just a few words Keisha’s nominator used to describe her.”
THE ROGER A. DAVIS MEMORIAL AWARD
Recipient: Mary Miller
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.
“Mary is an exceptional model of what residential government leadership should be, which is the basis for this award. Mary continually leads by example and with compassion, whether it is in her role as President of the Residence Hall Association or as a Kennan Scholar at the Kennan Flagler School of Business.”
THE WILLIE P. MANGUM MEDAL IN ORATORY
Recipient: Callie Stevens
This oldest student award was established in 1877 in memory of Willie Person Mangum, Class of 1815, who had a distinguished career in politics including three terms in the U.S. Senate and a leading role in the Whig Party. It is continued by the family of Mangum Turner, Class of 1900. A gold medal is awarded to the member of the senior class who, in the opinion of a group of judges, gives the best oration at an annual contest. The award is administered by the Dialectic and Philanthropic Societies.
“Callie was judged to have the best oration at an annual contest and is therefore, presented with this award. Her winning speech spoke of memories and recall, and used carefully-chosen words to demonstrate her high rhetorical and storytelling abilities.”
THE ERNEST H. ABERNETHY PRIZE IN STUDENT PUBLICATION WORK
Recipient: Guillermo Molero
Ernest H. Abernethy, Class of 1922, established this award in 1941. A plaque and monetary award are presented annually to the undergraduate judged by a special committee to have done the most distinctive work during the current year in the field of student publications.
“Guillermo is the kind of journalist who runs toward the story. As The Daily Tar Heel editor-in-chief, Guillermo has led, with distinction, a staff of almost 150. The Daily Tar Heel has improved greatly under his leadership, with better headlines, deeper coverage, and more watchdog journalism.”
THE JIM TATUM MEMORIAL AWARD
Recipient: Madison Orobono
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.
“Her nominators believe that Madison represents Carolina in a very positive way as she has excelled academically, athletically, and through outreach to the Carolina community. In addition to her many athletic accolades, Madison is the co-leader of Morgan’s Message, which strives to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health within the student-athlete community.”
THE ALGERNON SYDNEY SULLIVAN AWARD
Recipient: Ethan Phillips
Established in 1928, this award is bestowed annually upon one man and one woman of the senior class who has best demonstrated unselfish interest in human welfare. The emphasis of the award is on humanitarian contributions.
“Ethan has served in multi-faceted roles across campus that focused primarily on improving the mental wellbeing of students. He took the initiative to tackle a difficult campus issue and help uncover potential campus-wide solutions.”
THE ALGERNON SYDNEY SULLIVAN AWARD
Recipient: Eszter Rimanyi
Established in 1928, this award is bestowed annually upon one man and one woman of the senior class who has best demonstrated unselfish interest in human welfare. The emphasis of the award is on humanitarian contributions.
“Eszter has drawn on her upbringing in Hungary and transformed obstacles into a passion for research and epidemiology. She hopes to utilize her learning to improve health conditions domestically and abroad.”
THE CORNELIUS O. CATHEY AWARD
Recipient: Maliha Bhuiyan
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.
“Maliha has worked tirelessly to create new opportunities for students, especially focusing on developing more equitable organizations. Particularly, Maliha is the co-founder of Culinary Medicine at UNC and served as the co-president and one of the founding members of the Bengali Student Association.”
THE ROBERT B. HOUSE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD
Recipient: Nicole Osborne
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.
“Nicole has served over 860 public service hours including promoting rural access to health services, organizing bake sales for Western Wildfire Disaster Relief, and working with The Jackson Center in Carrboro to host a community cookout. Nicole is described as “a remarkable and effective leader who is committed to service and leadership.”
THE ROBERT WHITE LINKER AWARD
Recipient: Parker Darden
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.
“Parker was selected as the recipient of this award for her strong record of service and exemplary leadership to the residence halls. She has served as a member of the executive board in both NRHH and RHA where she has helped foster new connections with other schools across the country.”
THE GEORGE MOSES HORTON AWARD FOR MULTICULTURAL LEADERSHIP
Recipient: Julia Clark
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
“Julia founded the campus memorial committee for James Cates, Jr. and it was through her tireless efforts, along with the Cates family and others in the community, that led to Mr. Cates receiving a place of honor on the UNC campus. In a profile of Julia featured in UNC Black Ink, the writer sums up their efforts: Collective action works. Disruption works.”
THE FEREBEE TAYLOR AWARD
Recipient: Vanessa Chazal
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.
“Vanessa serves as the undergraduate student attorney general for the Honor System. She has contributed to promoting and continuing the vitality and strength of the Honor Code in the community and provides exceptional leadership to members of the Honor System.”
THE BOKA W. HADZIJA AWARD FOR DISTINGUISHED UNIVERSITY SERVICE
Recipient: David Aponte-Diaz
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.
“David is described as “representing the voice of his community” and has dedicated his time to promoting diversity in STEM. He has shown genuine care for his peers and exhibits the qualities associated with this award and Dr. Hadzija, who it is in memory of: strong mentorship, generous support and outstanding leadership.”
THE E. EUGENE JACKSON AWARD
Recipient: Rayna Young
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.
“Rayna is the founder and president of Ignite, a student organization that empowers young women to become political leaders. She founded the organization during her sophomore year, and it was the first chapter of the organization in North Carolina.”
THE JANE CRAIGE GRAY MEMORIAL AWARD
Recipient: Isabella Gamez
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.
“Isabella’s outstanding work in the Science Olympiad makes her the perfect recipient for this award, which focuses on character, scholarship and leadership. Within Isabella’s daily life she is regarded as a trailblazer that cares deeply for those whom she serves.”
THE IRENE F. LEE AWARD
Recipient: Violet Kehoe
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.
“Violet is highly regarded by her instructors and has shown selflessness by amplifying the voices of those who are marginalized. Her nominators describe her as “not seeking recognition, validation, or awards, which speaks to her noble character.””
THE WALTER S. SPEARMAN AWARD
Recipient: Raymond Palma
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.)
“Raymond organized donor events that raised more than $600,000 to establish Carolina’s first dedicated space for Asian-American students. In addition to being the UNC Association of Student Governments President, he serves as the sole student member of the UNC Board of Governors.”
THE JOHN JOHNSTON PARKER, JR. MEDAL FOR UNIQUE LEADERSHIP IN STUDENT GOVERNMENT
Recipient: Callie Stevens
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.
“Callie serves as the Ethics Chair within the Undergraduate Student Senate. She has consistently gone above and beyond her duty as a senator to serve her constituents, the general student body, and UNC-Chapel Hill.”
THE FRANK PORTER GRAHAM AWARD
Recipient: Simon Palmore
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.
“Simon is a model citizen and student who has consistently worked to exemplify dignity, work towards equality, and build community. He’s done this through his service as Board of Elections chair, with an internship at the UNC Center for Civil Rights, and as a member of the Chapel Hill Community Policing Advisory Committee.”
THE EDWARD KIDDER GRAHAM AWARD
Recipient: Awele Asianah
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.
“Awele established One Africa to foster inclusion for international African students on campus, which has been described as “a staple within the black and African community.” Her leadership is displayed throughout her interactions in the club as she ensures that all voices are heard.”
THE BRENDA W. KIRBY AWARD
Recipient: Zuzelle Ramos
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
“Zuzelle bridges the relationship between students and constituents of the larger University with her work alongside the University Library staff to ensure that DEI is part of all spaces in Carolina. In addition, she was the student representative to the Administrative Board of the Library meeting with the Provost advocating for the needs of her peers.”
THE KEITH SHAWN SMITH AWARD FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND MENTORSHIP
Recipient: Junye Ou
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 their community to an exemplary level and providing significant mentorship to the members of the community.
“With three separate nomination letters and an additional seven letters of support, the impact Junye has had on the residents of the Kenan Community is clear. It’s through his positive and tenacious attitude, along with his ability to build personal connections, that Junye has become an invaluable leader to both first-year residents and upper-division students.”
WILLIAM S. CARLTON INTRAMURAL SPORTS EMPLOYEE AWARD
Recipient: Autumn Weeks
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.
“A tremendously valuable member to Sport Programs, Autumn officiates Intramural Sports and consistently exceeds expectations as a Sport Programs leader. Autumn goes above and beyond to support other staff members and bring energy, adaptability, and competence to the Campus Recreation team.”