The BIPOC Unity Center Senior Leadership Awards

Recognizing the Commencement of select students who exemplify leadership in programs with the BIPOC Unity Center or other programs across campus.
Announcing the 2024 BIPOC Unity Center Senior Leadership Award Recipients

We are thrilled to announce the winners of the 2024 BIPOC Unity Center Senior Leadership Awards. Each year during commencement weekend, we honor graduating students who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, academic excellence, service and promote social change. This year, with the merging of offices, we are also proud to present the First Generation Awards. Congratulations to all the exceptional students who have made significant contributions to our campus and community.

The Dubois/Mandela Award for Scholarship, Leadership & Service: Presented to students for their significant scholarly achievements (cumulative 3.5 GPA or above) coupled with exemplary contributions to the campus and local community through service and continued civic engagement.

Recipients: Mikayla Tolliver, Melanie Perez, Alexa Rahman, Jadyn Davis, Adriana Ramirez, Fabiha Khan, Amirah Torrence, and Utkarsh Maini

The Chung/Thorpe Leadership Award: Presented to students who have increased the profile of the community of color through continued participation in leadership roles throughout their Ithaca College experience.

Recipients: Aminatta Imrana Jallow, Anesha Sandiford, Viviana Morales, Jaevon Williams, and Nour Elshikh

The Chawla/Ochoa Academic Achievement Award: Presented to students who have shown a commitment to enhancing their educational experience through research, conference presentations, and published works, while maintaining a high level of academic achievement (cumulative 3.3 GPA or higher).

Recipients: Ranjini Iyengar, Sarake Dembele, Quinn Tufino, and Guadalupe Fanelli

The Chávez/Lorde Social Justice Award: Presented to students who have demonstrated a strong dedication to social change for the Ithaca College and local community through various platforms, projects, or initiatives.

Recipients: Manuella Asare, Olivia Celenza, Ashanti Ford, and Angela Russell

Dr. Gloria L. Hobbs Inspiration Award: Presented to students who have shown empathy, helpfulness, and a willingness to go above and beyond in support of their peers throughout their undergraduate experience.

Recipients: Inbaayini Anbarasan, Nathalie Molina, Vanivy Delaney, Pearl Hettich, Heaven Cuevas, Desoni Cooper, Anissa Borno, Liguori Flanagan, and Lisandra Espiritusanto Marte

The First Generation Dedication Award: Presented to an Ithaca College Staff Member who has routinely promoted the goals and supported the first generation community.

Recipients: Sam Elebiary & Cliff-Simon Vital

The First Generation Guardian Award: Presented to an Ithaca College Faculty Member who has routinely promoted the goals and supported the first generation community.

Recipients: Carlos Figueroa

The First Generation Senior Impact Award: Presented to first-generation graduating seniors who have proven to be dedicated members of the community through their mentorship to other first-gen students.

Recipients: Sarake Dembele, Ashanti Ford, Nathalie Molina

The First Generation Senior Leadership Award: Presented to first-generation graduating seniors who exemplify leadership qualities, strength of character, and serve as role models in their community throughout their time at Ithaca College.

Recipients: Anissa Borno, Adriana Ramirez, Nicole De La Mota, Jania Robinson, Melanie Perez, Skyler Cepek, Porter Lopata, Lisandra Espiritusanto Marte, Katelyn Matthews, and Jaime Kister

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all our award recipients. Your hard work, dedication, and leadership have made a lasting impact on our community. We are immensely proud of your achievements and look forward to celebrating your success at the upcoming awards ceremony.