TC student leaders were celebrated for their contributions to the Teachers College community during the Provost’s Student Excellence Awards on Thursday, May 1. Hosted by TC’s Office of Graduate Student Life & Development in the College’s Smith Learning Theater, the annual event celebrated over 115 students and initiatives, as yet another academic year nears a close.

I"t brings me immense joy to celebrate you all and reflect on all that you have done as student leaders to bring our community together this year,” shared KerryAnn O'Meara, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Provost, and Dean of the College. “Over the past year, our student organizations have orchestrated over 300 events, from workshops on wellbeing and mental health to engaging discussions on AI, from department mixers to knitting circles, from career panels to festive celebrations of Eid, Lunar New Year, Dia de los Muertos, and International Week of the Deaf.”

Recognizing student-led programs that fosters intercultural competence and social responsibility, the Outstanding Community Program Award was awarded to “Exploring the HBCU Experience,” organized by TC’s Black Student Network (BSN), Office of Residential Services, and TC students Danielle Daniels and Kennedy Owens, and the annual “Iftaar Banquet,” hosted by TC’s Muslim Students Association (MSA).

Carousel

(Pictured: Coalition of Latinx Scholars.)

(Pictured: Organization & Human Development Consulting Club (OHDCC))

(Pictured: Queer TC)

(Pictured: Society for International Education (SIE))

The Exemplary Impact Award uplifts student groups that have championed impact in the TC community through excellence in achievement, while engaging and empowering all members. Awarded groups included: Coalition of Latinx Scholars (CLS), Organization & Human Development Consulting Club (OHDCC), Queer TC and the Society for International Education (SIE).

Carousel

(Pictured:  Bemsi Nkuo)

(Pictured: Brenda Payan Medina)

(Pictured: Christina Torres)

(Pictured: Ghipsel Cibrian)

(Pictured: Jude Fomeche)

(Pictured: Maria Susan Guarino)

(Pictured: Maeghan Sill)

(Pictured: Sarina Alavi)

(Pictured: Zaakirah Rahman)

(Pictured: Zheyan Li)

The Shirley Chisholm Trailblazer Award recognizes students who have made leading contributions to the TC community in the spirit of TC alumna Shirley Chisholm and her remarkable legacy. Recipients included: Bemsi Nkuo, Brenda Payan Medina, Christina Torres, Ghipsel Cibrian, Jude Fomeche, Maria Guarino, Maeghan Sill, Sarina H. Alavi, Zaakirah Rahman and Zheyan Li.

In recognition of a student who embodies exceptional leadership, service and true spirit of the Columbia community, the Columbia Alumni Association Campbell Award honored Vik Joshi. Each year, the prestigious award honors a graduating student who demonstrates outstanding leadership, reflecting the values of the late Bill Campbell ('62 CC, '64 TC), University Trustee Chair Emeritus and co-founder of the CAA.

Vik was honored for his involvement at Teachers College as Community Assistant in the Office of Residential Services, the Director of Research & Strategic Partnerships in Project Belonging, a member of the Bard Prison Initiative, among other achievements. 

Reflecting on the many TC student leaders who were graduating, Provost O'Meara concluded: "Leaders enter new spaces and make the most of the opportunities and face the challenges they experience at that particular time. Then, having contributed their time and talent they pass the baton to the next in line. Thank you for all you have TC in your time with us. We are a stronger community because of your investment. Because you were here."