EMU students and student organizations honored at the 27th annual Gold Medallion Awards

The Student Gold Medallion awardees
The 2023 Gold Medallion awardees

YPSILANTI - Eastern Michigan University hosted the 27th annual Student Gold Medallion Awards on March 28. Gold Medallion awards recognize and celebrate the students, student organizations, and organization advisors who make Eastern Michigan University an exceptional place to work, live, and learn.

Here are the 2023 honorees, along with exerpted comments from nominators:


Outstanding Volunteerism by a Student award, which recognizes a student who has demonstrated exemplary commitment, vision and passion for community, in service to the campus or local community.

Rylee ClairdayOutstanding Volunteerism, Undergraduate Student: Rylee Clairday
Rylee is a Junior, majoring in Psychology from Onsted, Mich.

"When she is not serving with an organization, she goes out of her way to make an impact as an individual. She donates blood, clothing, food, and even books to Free Little Libraries. She has volunteered her time hosting a youth talent show, running a pumpkin decorating booth at a fall festival, helping with the eRace Stigma 5k, and collaborating with the Lions Club. As the Treasurer of Circle K International, she helped lead service events with Habitat for Humanity, Leuk's Landing (a shelter for cats with feline Leukemia), and roadside cleanups in Ypsilanti."

Outstanding Volunteerism, Graduate Student: Maha Casey
"As an expert in helping women who have experienced violence or assault she has encouraged and uplifted women on and off campus who open up about their stories. She helps students who have struggled with their classwork as well as in their social lives. Her nominator shared that she 'has exhibited extraordinary commitment to EMU and has constantly displayed passion for helping students from all walks of life.'"


Outstanding Professionalism by a Student Employee award, which recognizes an outstanding undergraduate or graduate student employeAmy Coomere who exhibits exemplary professionalism in their duties. 

Outstanding Professionalism, Undergraduate Student: Amy Coomer
Amy is a Senior, majoring in History from Clarkston, Mich.
"She is a natural leader, making strategic and thought-out decisions. She is a producer, efficient and organized. She has been responsible for training peers and they view her as a positive role model. She has a sense of responsibility that is beyond her years and is one of the most hardworking, honest, and driven students I have ever supervised."

Lindsay SchimlerOutstanding Professionalism, Graduate Student: Lindsay Schimler
Lindsay is in the College Counseling program and is from Wyandotte, Mich.
"More than one nominator shared that they sometimes forget that she is a graduate student and not a full staff member in their office. She is described as “always willing to help and does so with compassion, understanding, and kindness” and one nominator noted that she “distinguishes herself with impeccable communication skill, resourcefulness, and professional judgement.”


Outstanding Leadership by an Undergraduate Student recognizes a student who has shown extraordinary commitment, vision and passion for leadership on behalf of the division or the University.

Kifaya NabilsiOutstanding Leadership, Undergraduate Student: Kifaya Nabilsi 
Kifaya is a Junior is the Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Major and is from Ann Arbor, Mich.
"This year’s award recipient received 5 glowing nominations. As the Vice President of the Minority Association for Pre-Med Students, Vice President of the Pre-Med Club, and Treasurer of the Neuroscience Interdisciplinary club this current academic year, she spends alot of her time leading within the pre-med community. One nominator states that 'what sets her apart is her unwavering commitment to her team and their work… always taking time to offer support and feedback… always wiling to lend a helping hand.'"

Outstanding Leadership, Graduate Student: Nandika Talwar
Nandika is in the Master of Science in Human Resources and Organization Development program and is from Temperance, Mich.
"Her nominators shared that she has led the organization in many innovative projects, a speaker series, and had an integral role in organizing a virtual mock interview and mentoring program. One nominator stated that she 'makes sure that everyone contributes to discussions and decisions,' and is 'passionate about contributing to the community,' regularly volunteering."


Outstanding Mentorship recognizes a graduate or undergraduate student who has fostered the spirit of mentoring, by aiding in the developmePanida Khuansanguannt of another student's leadership skills, social integration and scholarly achievement.

Outstanding Mentorship, Undergraduate Student: Panida Khuansanguan
Panida is a senior majoring in Biochemistry and is from Canton, Mich.
"Whether helping peers secure volunteer opportunities to assist their professional progression, or working with charity fundraisers, this individual is an example to others. She spends her summers mentoring young Asian American girls in Macomb school district, encouraging them to embrace their heritage and to pursue higher education. She is also involved in numerous campus organizations and maintains an impressive academic record."

Camila Henriquez MoraOutstanding Mentorship, Graduate Student: Camila Henriquez Mora
Camila is in the Applied Economics program and is from Lima, Peru
"One nominator shared that she 'made sure to make me feel included and welcomed into a new environment,' and another nominator wrote that she always 'treats everyone with the utmost respect and kindness.' Whether as a tutor, as a participant in the economics club, or in her role as a GA, our award recipient has demonstrated a commitment to helping others understand and navigate their EMU experience." 


Eagle Ambassador award, which recognizes students who have served as a goodwill emissary, positively and consistently representing EMU on campus and off. 

Eagle Ambassador, Undergraduate Student: Hamzah Dajani
Hamzah is a Sophomore, Finance Accounting Major. He is from Jordan.
"One nominator was on the fence about attending EMU until they were convinced by our award recipient that EMU is one of the most underrated universities in the country. Another nominator wrote 'he never fails to disappoint with his knowledge, advice, connections and overall energy, and I hope that he finally gets the recognition he deserves.'"

Najd Al JarbaEagle Ambassador, Graduate Student: Najd Al Jarba
Najd is in the Masters of Business Administration program and is from Amman, Jordan.
"A longtime supporter of the International Student Association, she has been an advocate for international students since her sophomore year as an undergraduate. As a GA she has become recognized as an ambassador for the office and the university to international students. Because of her, our international students can feel exceptionally cared for."


The Glenna Frank Miller Award for Collegiate Leadership recognizes a student with senior academic standing who has demonstrated exemplary leadership throughout their time at EMU.  This award was created to recognize a student who has shown exemplary leadership, consistently and extensively, throughout their EMU career.

Kaitlyn WillisGlenna Frank Miller Collegiate Award for Leadership: Kaitlyn Willis
Kaitlyn is an Early Childhood Education major from Virginia Beach, Va.
"The nominator for this year’s award recipient’s describes her as 'a catalyst, a leader, and an advocate for creating impactful educational spaces that uplift and value the people she has the opportunity to work with.' Whether in the classroom, or serving as a student teacher… as an assistant in the office of the ombuds, as an active leader within EMU’s Kappa Delta Pi, or an e-board member of EMU’s Tau Sigma, this year’s award recipient 'exemplifies the servant leadership approach and a culture of care for the individuals she interacts with.'"


The award for Outstanding Student Organization celebrates a recognized student organization that has demonstrated exemplary commitment to their organization’s vision, contributing positively to the campus community.

Outstanding Student Organization: Black Honors Student Organization
"Our award recipient this year has hosted numerous events over the course of the year that engage and support students. They are dedicated to fulfilling the needs of current and prospective Black students and students of color and to promoting unity among all students. The organization hosts biweekly study tables, held an event to provide a fun, relaxing night for students during midterms and to connect students from various organizations on campus that support students of color. They had an active role with the Black Homecoming and MLK Celebration Committees, and are currently conducting a book drive for local Ypsilanti schools. With this organization's assistance, the proportion of students of color in The Honors College has increased by a factor of 150 percent."


The award for Outstanding Student Organization Program recognizes an outstanding student organization program for its substantial contributions to the quality of life and campus engagement at EMU. 

Outstanding Student Org Program: Super Smash Bros Club’s Summer Of Love Tournament
"Our award winning program this year goes to a student organization that was nominated for multiple programs across several nominations. One nominator notes that this organization has 'continued to maintain and expand its amazing, diverse, and friendly community filled with students, non-students, faculty, and alumni alike.' The winning program was the largest of its kind in the United States, with over 180 attendees. The organization hosted a tournament that brought a positive spotlight to EMU and, unlike others of its kind, did not require entry fees… the organization believed that removing financial barriers would foster a more inclusive environment."


Outstanding Advisor: Advisors to student organizations spend many hours trying to help student groups grow and successfully meet their goals. This is in addition to their day-to-day jobs as faculty or staff and comes with no additional compensation.  These advisors are crucial to the success of our student organizations

Esther GunelStudent Org Advisor: Esther Gunel, Director of the Office for International Students and Scholars and advisor of the International Student Association
"Our award recipient in the Outstanding Advisor category has been advising her organization for over 20 years. She can often be seen coming back to campus after her already late work hours to attend events that the organization sponsors. She is an unwavering advocate for international students, their needs, and their ability to be a part of our campus community. She advises without interfering and has created such a caring connection to the students that many refer to her as 'mama.' One nominator shared that she has 'helped hundreds of EMU students feel connected to home' and supports them at all times. Truly a committed and above-and-beyond advisor, it is hard to capture all of her hard work and dedication in a simple paragraph."

 

About Eastern Michigan University
Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves more than 14,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and its graduate school. National publications regularly recognize EMU for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. Visit the University’s rankings and points of pride websites to learn more. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website. To stay up to date on University news, activities and announcements, visit EMU Today.

April 05, 2023

Written by:
Darcy Gifford

Media Contact:
Melissa Thrasher
mthrashe@emich.edu
734-487-4401