Hard work both inside and outside of the classroom was recognized during the 70th honors convocation held at the Ella Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center on Thursday.
Yeganeh Mansourian (School of Agricultural & Natural Sciences), Romina Vacca (School of Education, Social Sciences and the Arts), Derionah Abner (School of Pharmacy & Health Professions), and Tranita Barnett (School of Business & Technology) were named Awards of Excellence winners for their respective schools based on their track record in both academics and leadership on and off campus.
The convocation, which is the second one with in-person attendance since the COVID-19 pandemic, celebrated the academic achievements of 605 undergraduate students from the four undergraduate schools.
As with tradition, the four award recipients had no knowledge they were chosen for the recognition.
Mansourian, a senior biology/pre-med major who also tutors biology, chemistry, and math, is also a member of the Richard A. Henson Honors Program, and is a member of the Honors Vanguard.
“I was shocked, I was surprised, and so excited,” Mansourian said. “I was kind of expecting it, because I had worked so hard to achieve this award and I am so happy.”
Mansourian said she wasn’t sure there was a definitive thing that played a role in her receiving the award.
“I did so many things because I enjoyed them,” she said. “I helped my classmates in their classes when they were struggling, not just for tutoring or for the financial part, but to just help people in need and my peers, because that’s all that matters in life.”
Vacca, a junior psychology major from Buenos Aires, Argentina, who plays on the volleyball team was one of two teammates who received the honor.
“I think it was just putting the work in and getting things done that you need to, she said.
Vacca said sharing the stage with her teammate Abner shows that student-athletes are able to uphold both ends of their respective roles.
“We not only work hard on the court, but also it’s good to see us work hard outside the court, and I’m very proud of my teammates and they are really deserving of it because they did work hard all season.”
Abner, a senior rehabilitation psychology major from Orlando, FL, was complimentary of the selection committee.
“I was surprised definitely, but I was overwhelmed with gratitude and thanks because I wouldn’t be in this position without my professors and glory to God to keep me disciplined in my studies,” she said.
Prior to coming to UMES, Abner attended Daytona State College for two years. Her move to Princess Anne was two-fold.
“The (psychology) program for rehabilitation was one of the best in the state of Maryland, let alone the whole nation,” she said. “And also, the opportunity to play volleyball. I’m a student-athlete as well, so having that sports scholarship definitely pushed me to come here as well.”
Barnett, a senior hospitality management major who interned at the Frederick Douglass Library last summer to aid efforts in digitizing the special collections and archives, was at a loss for words.
“I’m very honored that I was picked out of my whole school and my department,” she said. “I knew that I had a job to do when I got here and it was getting my degree, being a campus leader, and giving back
Keynote speaker Akiima Price, a 1996 UMES alumna, and a nationally respected thought leader at the intersection of environmental issues and social justice discussed her journey, which included her beginnings in Washington, D.C., to Princess Anne, and the importance of helping others in their respective communities.
“The person who loves their ideal community will destroy their community, while those who love those around them will build community,” she said.
As she closed her speech, Price reflected on the growth of the campus since her days as a student nearly 30 years ago and sees the school’s potential.
“UMES is growing, prospering, and bigger, and better,” she said.
