Exceptional CSM Students Honored at Academic Excellence Awards Ceremony

Academically exceptional students at the College of Southern Maryland (CSM) were lauded for their outstanding achievements on May 7 at the La Plata Campus, surrounded with loved ones, friends, family, and classmates to cheer on their accomplishments as they head into the future.  

CSM President Dr. Yolanda Wilson told the students at the ceremony, “To our Hawks receiving an Academic Excellence Award this evening: You have been selected as the best of the best by your professors for academic achievement and for your character and contributions to the classroom. That is a remarkable accomplishment.”  

She continued, “I know the sacrifices that you have made to reach this moment – late nights, early mornings, and tough choices. Tonight is a celebration of that journey. I hope you soak in every minute of this recognition and take deep pride in the very personal path you took to get here. 

“By earning an Academic Excellence recognition, you represent not only your own talents, perseverance and hard work you also represent your family and those in your support system who are with you tonight,” she said.  

“And now, you also represent CSM. At the College of Southern Maryland, we are deeply committed to fostering a student-first culture – one that prioritizes your success, your growth, and your future. You are the reason we do what we do. Your achievements inspire us, and your determination motivates us to continually strive for excellence in every facet of our work,” Dr. Wilson concluded.  

Vice President of Learning Dr. Suzanne Summers told the students, “I want you to know that your achievements are a source of inspiration to your peers, your families, and to all of us here at the College of Southern Maryland. You have set a high standard, and your success is a reminder that with determination, hard work, and support, anything is possible. 

“As you move forward, remember that this award is not just a culmination of your efforts, but a steppingstone to a rich and meaningful life,” she continued. “Continue to pursue your dreams with the same vigor and enthusiasm that brought you here today. The world is waiting for your talents, your ideas, and your contributions.”  

 School of Liberal Arts:  

Outstanding Art Student of the Year: Annabelle Wick  

Distinguished Honors in Music: Erich Donnelly  

Outstanding Achievement in History: John Tate  

Outstanding Achievement in Psychology: Erika G. Velasco 

Outstanding Achievement in the Social Sciences: Tracy D. Hurt   

Outstanding Achievement in Early Childhood Development: Akeera D. James  

Outstanding Achievement in Teacher Education: Stefanie L. Chaney  

John Lamiman Award for Excellence in Academic Writing: Lily Bennear  

Wayne Karlin Award for Excellence in Creative Writing: Larrissa Wolford  

Distinguished Honors in Communication: Kathryn Dolan, Erin Mairs, and Brenda Seger  

Thomas V. Mike Miller Center for Leadership Award: Angelica Aguilar, Emilee Brewer, Anna Delgado, Kathryn Dolan, Abolfazl Dohaei, Natalie Filbey, Aniya Gaskins, Reshena Johnson, Diante Keita, Ange Keugne, Keziah MacKall, Aliya McLamb, Mary Kyza Nacua, Mia Randolph, Imani Spencer, and Gabriela Gomero Toscano  

School of STEM and Professional Studies:  

Business Administration Academic Excellence Award: Alyssa M. Henderson, Sydney Verhaagh, and Nicholas A. Wyandt  

Business Management Academic Excellence Award: Cadence M. Tolbert 

Ed Shauf Award for Outstanding Criminal Justice Student: Katelyn R. Tkach  

Outstanding Cloud and Information Technology Student: Carlos Omar Torres  

Outstanding Information Services Technology Student: Masafa Abdullah   

Outstanding Computer Science Student: Ava Downing and Jakob Dietrich Kunz  

Outstanding Cybersecurity Student: Jacob Eric Harris and Navesh Panta  

Outstanding Data Science Student: Matthew Ian Davis  

Outstanding Information Systems Student: Matthew Katulich  

Outstanding Mathematics Student: Oscar Ruiz and Naiyanna Proctor  

Outstanding Engineering Student: Nicole Carron  

Outstanding Achievement in Biology: Madison Jury  

Outstanding Achievement in Chemistry: Loralei Osterhouse  

Outstanding Physics Student: Patience Yeh  

Outstanding Environmental Studies Student: Kara Gray  

School of Health:  

Academic Achievement in Nursing: Abolfazl Dohaei  

Achievement in Nursing: Jazlyn Hernandez  

Outstanding Physical Therapist Assistant Graduate: Angelica Santolaya  

Outstanding Health Information Management Graduate: Michele Gibson  

Outstanding Exercise and Sports Science Student: Linwood E. Battle III  

Outstanding Sports Management Student: Zoi Whitsett  

To see photos from the ceremony, visit https://csmphoto.zenfolio.com/academicexcellence25.