Posted on 4/17/13

Hear from the award winners! Students share their experiences at USG and plans for the future.
View event photos on Flickr!

The Universities at Shady Grove (USG) honored 25 graduating seniors from undergraduate programs at USG for their outstanding academic achievement, drive to excel outside of the classroom, and commitment to serving the community during the USG 9th Annual Student Achievement and Leadership Breakfast.

“These 25 students are among the best and brightest at USG and represent the next generation of leaders in our region,” said Dr. Stewart Edelstein, Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs for the University System of Maryland and Executive Director of USG. “USG is proud to serve these outstanding students, who understand the value of both academic success and community engagement. We know they are going to have bright futures ahead of them.”

Outstanding seniors from undergraduate degree programs offered at USG, who have demonstrated academic excellence, received the Student Academic Achievement Award. Award recipients were 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.

Montgomery College President, Dr. DeRionne Pollard, served as the keynote speaker for the event, congratulating students on their achievement and highlighting the success of Montgomery College’s partnership with USG in increasing access to higher education in the Montgomery County region. “Your education is powerful, and it is necessary for this community,” said Dr. Pollard.

The 2012-2013 Undergraduate Student Academic Achievement awardees include:

  • Lobelande Lintiso of Takoma Park, Md. - Salisbury University; Respiratory Therapy
  • Luiza Danciu of Germantown, Md. - Towson University; Early Childhood Education
  • Batya Toso of Frederick, Md. - Towson University; Elementary Education/Special Education
  • Janelle Peters of Damascus, Md. - University of Baltimore; Health Systems Management
  • Brandon Van Haren of Gaithersburg, Md. - University of Baltimore; Simulation and Digital Entertainment
  • Allison Branchaw of Derwood, Md. - University of Maryland, Baltimore; School of Nursing
  • Susan Philpott of Gaithersburg, Md. - University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), History
  • Hannah Whalen of Boyds, Md. - University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC); Political Science
  • Briana Garrett of Germantown, Md. - University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC); Psychology
  • Atefeh Fathnezhad of Germantown, Md. - University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC); Social Work
  • Theresa Price of Silver Spring, Md. - University of Maryland, College Park; Biological Sciences
  • Leilani Fryauff of Gaithersburg, Md. - University of Maryland; College Park; Communication
  • Jeffrey Nugent of Gaithersburg, Md. - University of Maryland, College Park; Criminology and Criminal Justice
  • Selene Tituana of Takoma Park, Md. - University of Maryland, College Park; Public Health Science
  • Brandy Davis of Frederick, Md. - University of Maryland, College Park; R.H. Smith School of Business – Accounting
  • Aaron Elson of Glen Burnie, Md. - University of Maryland, College Park; R.H. Smith School of Business – Management with a specialization in Entrepreneurship
  • Caren Andrango of Laurel, Md. - University of Maryland, College Park; R.H. Smith School of Business – International Business
  • Solomon Molla of Lanham, Md. - University of Maryland, College Park; R.H. Smith School of Business – Marketing
  • Shaddy Aridi of Gaithersburg, Md. - University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES); Construction Management Technology
  • Yongkyoung Park of Potomac, Md. - University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES); Hotel and Restaurant Management
  • Ruth Baldwin of Rockville, Md. - University of Maryland University College (UMUC)
  • Ivan Carrera of Olney, Md. - University of Maryland University College Information Systems Management

USG’s 2012-2013 Student Leadership and Service Awardees are:

  • Jennifer Cossette of Rockville, Md. - Towson University Elementary Education/Special Education
  • Aboubacar Bah of Burtonsville, Md. - University of Maryland, College Park; R.H. Smith School of Business – Accounting
  • Priyanka Raj of Derwood, Md. - University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC); Political Science