LA PLATA, Md. – The College of Southern Maryland (CSM) honored students for their exceptional performance in the classroom during its Academic Excellence Awards Reception on May 13.
Honorees were selected by CSM faculty members who recognized their dedication to academic achievement and growth in their programs.
CSM President Dr. Yolanda Wilson congratulated the honorees on their achievements and wished them continued success in whatever opportunities come next.
“Academic excellence is not only about grades, but also about persistence, curiosity, and preparation,” Dr. Wilson said. “Your integrity with your work and your willingness to keep learning when the work is demanding will serve you far beyond the College of Southern Maryland.”
Dr. Bernice Brezina, interim vice president of Division of Learning, applauded the students who continued to thrive in their academic programs, despite balancing that work with life responsibilities and overcoming challenges.
“Your success is a source of inspiration to your peers, family, and everyone here at CSM,” Dr. Brezina said. “This award is not just a culmination of your achievement but a stepping-stone. Continue to pursue your goals with the same determination and drive that brought you here.”
Dean of Division of Learning Dr. Stephanie McCaslin encouraged the students to embrace curiosity and continue pushing themselves out of their comfort zone. She said the awards reflect the students’ perseverance and ability to keep learning, qualities that will help guide them toward bigger goals and brighter futures.
“Growth requires humility, it’s that willingness to admit what you don’t actually know,” Dr. McCaslin said. “It’s good to be uncomfortable sometimes and to struggle with the unfamiliar. The struggle is proof that you know how to learn. You persisted, figured it out, and learned. I hope whatever your next steps are you keep learning and keep asking questions.”
Below is the full list of awards winners.
School of Liberal Arts
- Outstanding Art Student of the Year: Hope Kloiber-Hirshman
- Distinguished Honors in Music: Mahrush Hakim
- Outstanding Achievement in History: Jennifer W. Crow
- Outstanding Achievement in Psychology: Markala Pharr
- Outstanding Achievement in Human Services: Timothy B. Rabalais
- Outstanding Achievement in the Social Sciences: Genesis Ingal
- Outstanding Achievement in Teacher Education: Jason Pink
- Outstanding Achievement in Early Childhood Development: Charli Scott, Avis Martin, Christina Pulley
- John Lamiman Award for Excellence in Academic Writing: Michael McGrath
- Wayne Karlin Award for Excellence in Creative Writing: Jalen Jackson
- Distinguished Honors in Communication: Angelica Del Carmen Aguilar
Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr. Center for Leadership Award
Logan Pring, Leah Starrin, Jonathan Allie, Eman Raza, Darryl Amai Allen, Ariana Thomas, Maya Suarez, Mercury Cole, Darlyn Rodriguez Alberto, Shealyn Stone, Christopher Gleghorn, Lolisa Wind, Deondra Russell, Jeffery Havenner, Alyssa Bartnick, Jenna Meador, Ryan Davis.
School of STEM and Professional Studies
- George Flynn Memorial Accounting Award: Elizabeth Rowan
- Business Administration Academic Excellence Award: Semaj Thomas
- Business Management Academic Excellence Award: Jarred Haynes
- Ed Shauf Award for Outstanding Criminal Justice Student: Emily Weaver
- Outstanding Cloud and Information Technology Student: Kevin Wilkerson
- Outstanding Cybersecurity Student Alexander M. Rieman
- Outstanding Computer Science Student: Samuel Stine
- Outstanding Computer Science Student with Cloud: Teagan Levy
- Outstanding Mathematics Student: Daniel Katulich
- Outstanding Progress in Mathematics Student: Sanaa Thomas
- Outstanding Engineering Student: Steven McPhee
- Outstanding Achievement in Biology: Natalie Vandevander
- Outstanding Achievement in Chemistry: Rehoboth Mumuney
- Outstanding Physics Student: Michael McGrath
- Outstanding Environmental Studies Student Kyle Jenks
School of Health Sciences
- Academic Achievement in Nursing: Miriam Requeno-Payes
- Achievement in Nursing: Loren Eiland
- Outstanding Health Information Management Graduate: Daijona Rollocks
- Outstanding Exercise and Sport Science Student: James Hans-Moevi Akue