Mark K. Shriver Addresses Students at Event Honoring Ninth Graduating Class from the Universities at Shady Grove
Rockville, Md.—The Universities at Shady Grove (USG) honored outstanding graduating seniors at its “Tribute to the Stars” 6th Annual Student Achievement and Leadership Breakfast on Friday, April 16. Mark K. Shriver, vice president and managing director of U.S. Programs for Save the Children, addressed dozens of students representing the best and brightest of the ninth graduating class from institutions participating in the Universities at Shady Grove partnership. Parents, faculty and staff also were present at the breakfast.
“We are excited to recognize these 23 deserving students and their families as we celebrate their impressive academic and leadership accomplishments achieved within our undergraduate degree programs from nine respected institutions within the University System of Maryland,” said Stewart Edelstein, Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, University System of Maryland and Executive Director at USG. “Many of these students also work and balance a variety of responsibilities, which makes their commitment to academics and leadership that much more notable.”
One outstanding senior from each undergraduate program offered at the Universities at Shady Grove who has demonstrated academic excellence received the Student Academic Achievement Award. Recipients are selected on the basis of grade point average, participation in internships and honor societies, and contributions to their program of study. Student Leadership and Service Awards also were presented to three seniors who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, service and dedication to the Universities at Shady Grove and the community at large. These recipients were selected based on participation in extracurricular activities, community service and commitment to their fellow students.
The 2009-2010 Student Leadership and Service Awardees are:
- Anna Ramirez of Boyds, Md.- University of Maryland, Baltimore County at USG Psychology Program
- Stephanie Wallis of Derwood, Md.- Towson University at USG Elementary Education/Special Education Program
- Muhammad Waqar of Silver Spring, Md.- University of Maryland, College Park at USG Robert H. Smith School of Business, International Business Program.
The 2009-2010 Undergraduate Student Academic Achievement Awardees are:
- Ernest Agyekum of Silver Spring, Md.- Salisbury University at USG Respiratory Therapy Program
- Megan Koehn of Gaithersburg, Md.- Towson University at USG Early Childhood Education Program
- Lauren Martinho of Rockville, Md.- Towson University at USG Elementary & Special Education Program
- Jason Denner of North Potomac, Md.- University of Baltimore at USG Health Systems Management Program
- Jenny Lees of Colesville, Md.- University of Baltimore at USG Simulation and Digital Entertainment Program
- Kathryn Compton of Gaithersburg, Md.- University of Maryland, Baltimore at USG School of Nursing Program
- Allen McConeghey of Kensington, Md.- University of Maryland, Baltimore County at USG Political Science Program
- Rebecca Mullan of Gaithersburg, Md.- University of Maryland, Baltimore County at USG Psychology Program
- Vanessa Merlo of Germantown, Md.- University of Maryland, Baltimore County at USG Social Work Program
- Bronessa Fernandes of Gaithersburg, Md.- University of Maryland, College Park at USG Biological Sciences Program
- Roni Benzvi of Kensington, Md.- University of Maryland, College Park at USG Communication Program
- Erwin Hesse of Rockville, Md.- University of Maryland, College Park at USG Criminology & Criminal Justice Program
- Nadine Bou Debs of Boyds, Md.- University of Maryland, College Park at USG Robert H. Smith School of Business – Accounting Program
- Stella Da Costa of Gaithersburg, Md.- University of Maryland, College Park at USG Robert H. Smith School of Business-Entrepreneurship Program
- Preetinder Kaur of Derwood, Md.- University of Maryland, College Park at USG Robert H. Smith School of Business – Intl. Business Program
- Rachel H. Quinones of Gaithersburg, Md.- University of Maryland, College Park Robert H. Smith School of Business – Marketing Program
- Karina Gallegos of Olney, Md.- University of Maryland Eastern Shore at USG Construction Management Technology Program
- Minkyung Kim of Alexandria, Va.- University of Maryland Eastern Shore at USG Hotel & Restaurant Management Program
- Ellen Windom of Silver Spring, Md.-University of Maryland University College at USG Business Administration Program
- James Dean of Rockville, Md.- University of Maryland University College at USG Information Systems Management Program
The Universities at Shady Grove partner institutions include Bowie State University; Salisbury University; Towson University; University of Baltimore; University of Maryland, Baltimore; University of Maryland, Baltimore County; University of Maryland, College Park; University of Maryland Eastern Shore; and University of Maryland University College.
The Student Achievement and Leadership Breakfast was sponsored by EagleBank, The Gazette, Human Genome Sciences, Social & Scientific Systems, Inc., and Sodexo. Students and staff from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore Hotel and Restaurant Management program provided catering services.