Teachers College honored outstanding student leaders for impact on the community at the annual Provost’s Student Excellence Awards held on April 30. Hosted by the Office of Graduate Student Life & Development in the Smith Learning Theater, the vibrant celebration recognized 17 students and initiatives as the academic year drew to a close.
The ceremony is designed to celebrate the inspiring ways in which students and organizations contribute to the fabric of the TC community. Chosen by a selection committee of staff from across the College, each award spotlights unique forms of co-curricular excellence, achievement and leadership. Learn more about this year’s honorees below.
Honoring student-led initiatives that demonstrate innovation, creativity and intercultural understanding, the Outstanding Community Program Award was presented to student-led programs that contribute to the development of intercultural competency and promote social responsibility through engagement in social justice, inclusion, and advocacy.
Members of TC's Feminist Circle. (Photo: Randal Mañago)
This year’s recipients included TC’s Feminist Circle for their production of “Feminist Circle Monologues,” a fully student-led show brought to life by a cast of 13 performers spanning programs across Teachers College and Barnard. The Monologues brought together a diverse cast and audience for a night of empowerment, education and empathy, and amplified survivor stories, celebrated gender diversity, and even connected attendees with vital support resources.
Members of TC's Muslim Student Association. (Photo: Randal Mañago)
TC’s Muslim Students Association (MSA) received the award for hosting their annual Grand Iftar Banquet. The Banquet brought together nearly 200 attendees to share in the spirit of Ramadan. The MSA has created a welcoming and intentional space that brings together students from diverse backgrounds, not only to learn about Muslim identity and culture, but also to engage in thoughtful dialogue around broader social issues.
TC's Brazilian Student Association. (Photo: Randal Mañago) TC SPACE. (Photo: Randal Mañago) TC's International Student Association. (Photo: Randal Mañago) Student Senate Committee. (Photo: Randal Mañago) Carousel
The Exemplary Impact Award recognizes student organizations that create lasting change at Teachers College through exceptional achievement, engagement, and collaboration. This year’s honorees include the Brazilian Student Association (BSA), which serves as both a home base for Brazilian students and a cultural bridge within the TC and Columbia community; the International Students Club, celebrated for championing inclusion and building cross-cultural connections among students; the Student Senate Committee; and the School Psychology Advocacy Collective for [Racial/Social] Equity (SPACE), which fosters inclusive partnerships and professional development opportunities. Each group was honored for advancing community initiatives, cultural celebration and meaningful campus impact.
KerryAnn O'Meara (center), Vice President for Academic Affairs, Provost and Dean, at the Provost Student Excellence Awards. (Photo: Randal Mañago.)
- Anna Rahmadianty: Rahmadianty was honored for her extraordinary leadership by building a thriving Muslim community at Teachers College from the ground up. As a leader of the Muslim Student Association, she organized tarawih prayers every single night for all 30 days of Ramadan, established consistent programming for Muslim students throughout the year, and secured dedicated prayer spaces and iftar gatherings on campus
- Chen-Hui Chu: As Co-President of the TC’s Taiwanese Club, Chu has successfully organized and led multiple cultural events that highlight diversity, identity, and community, all of which contribute positively to the student experience and help foster a more inclusive campus environment. Chu strives to bring together students from diverse backgrounds, which creates meaningful cultural exchange
- Chyanika K. Bajaj: In her role as International Student Senator, Bajaj has consistently brought the needs and experiences of international students to the forefront by initiating the International Student Listening Sessions with President Bailey. As one of the founders of the International Students Club, Bajaj aims to foster a meaningful community at TC where students connect, exchange resources and find belonging.
- Edith P. Middleton: Middleton founded the Feminist Circle in Fall 2023. She also gives back to the TC community as a Community Assistant with Residential Services where she helps foster a welcoming and inclusive environment for residents and guests. Her roles as a Global Policy Fellow, Student Teacher Supervisor and Adjunct Professor further show her dedication to education and to supporting others at TC.
- Hanna Chipman: Chipman serves as an editor for the Philanthropy & Education journal at TC, and sits on the faculty search committee for the HPSE program, a rare and important responsibility that demonstrates her dedication to the program’s future. Beyond these roles, Chipman leads lunches for TC’s Ph.D. cohort, a simple act that has had a significant impact on building community and connection among her fellow TC doctoral peers.
- Jimmy McCue: Beginning his time at TC serving as a Public Speaking Fellow for TC’s GSLD, McCue has gone the extra mile and created a bi-weekly Public Speaking Support Group, inviting guest speakers, organizing off-campus excursions, and planning the inaugural “TC Talks” event (modeled after Ted Talks) to offer students the opportunity to learn from experts, each other and showcase their weeks of learning to the TC Community.
- Kennedy: Kennedy has demonstrated leadership in her award-winning DCI grant program, “Exploring the HBCU Experience: An Inaugural Cross-Campus Social.” The program brought together a diverse panel of HBCU affiliates from across the Columbia University community to explore the socio-historic and contemporary importances of HBCUs. She also serves as the Vice President for the student organization First-Generation and/or Low-Income With Teachers College (FLI With TC), where she strives to build spaces where FLI students feel seen, heard, and empowered.
- Mandy Wai-Yee Lin: Serving for five consecutive years on TC’s Student Senate, Lin has been a vital bridge between the administration and the student body. During her time in Student Senate as the HBS Department Senator, the Parliamentarian, and, recently, the Treasurer, Lin has advocated for students under a wide range of issues, such as diversity on campus, academic support for international students, campus accessibility, strategies for helping students facing food insecurity and more.
- Patricia Santana da Silva: As one of the founders and the president of the International Students Club, da Silva created an institutional platform to represent and support international students. She is also co-founder of the Brazilian Students Association and co-lead of the Afro-Brazilian Alliance, where she builds culturally grounded communities and dialogue across TC. She also makes an impact through her work with the Black Education Research Center (BERC), the Center for Public Research and Leadership at Columbia Law School and the Collaborative of Community Programs for Youth and Families.
- Sydney Lee: As President of the TC’s Interdisciplinary Society (TCIPS), Lee helped shape TC into a more connected, courageous and intellectually expansive community by creating space for open-minded dialogue, professional development and student empowerment. Lee has strongly advanced the TCIPS mission not only by educating the student body about the therapeutic and medicinal potential of psychedelic substances, but also by helping to reduce stigma for students approaching the topic with curiosity. She has expanded TCIPS’s reach by bringing in speakers and perspectives from Indigenous communities and diverse backgrounds across the world.
Each year, the Shirley Chisholm Trailblazer Award honors students who have made outstanding contributions to the TC community, embodying the pioneering spirit and legacy of TC alumna Shirley Chisholm (M.A. ’52)—the trailblazing political leader and the first Black woman elected to Congress. This award recognizes students who enrich the TC student experience as advocates, innovators, and change-makers, reflecting Chisholm’s belief: “I have never cared too much for what people say. What I am interested in is what they do.”
Recipients receive a $500 grant in recognition of their leadership and impact. This year’s awardees included: Anna Rahmadianty, Chen-Hui (Chloe) Chu, Chyanika Bajaj, Edith Middleton, Hanna Chipman, Jimmy McCue, Kennedy, Mandy Lin, Patricia Santana da Silva, and Sydney Lee.
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Anna Rahmadianty. (Photo: Randal Mañago)
Chen-Hui Chu. (Photo: Randal Mañago)
Chyanika K. Bajaj. (Photo: Randal Mañago)
Edith P. Middleton (Photo: Randal Mañago)
Hanna Chipman. (Photo: Randal Mañago)
Jimmy McCue. (Photo: Randal Mañago)
Kennedy (Photo: Randal Mañago)
Mandy Wai-Yee Lin. (Photo: Randal Mañago)
Patricia Santana da Silva. (Photo: Randal Mañago)
Sydney Lee. (Photo: Randal Mañago)
In recognition of a student who exemplifies exceptional leadership, service, and the true spirit of the Columbia community, the Columbia Alumni Association Campbell Award was presented to RJ Wicks. This distinguished honor celebrates a graduating student who demonstrates remarkable leadership, upholding the values of the late Bill Campbell (M.A. ’64), former University Trustee Chair and CAA co-founder.
RJ Wicks. (Photo: Randal Mañago)
Wicks, a Zankel Fellow and student speaker at this year’s Convocation ceremony, was honored for his contributions to the College, including leading the “Making Democracy Real” initiative to promote civic engagement among Harlem’s youth. He also supports student life as a Community Assistant in Whittier Hall and an Administrative Fellow for Graduate Student Life & Development, while researching equity-focused reforms and international policy as a Graduate Research Assistant with NCREST.