Leadership Awards 2020 Ceremony: A Virtual Experience

Even a global pandemic couldn’t dampen the spirits of those who gathered, virtually, to celebrate the extraordinary finalists for this year’s Ed Snider Center Student Leadership Awards.

Like so much else during this unprecedented time, the ceremony was moved online. Instead of the usual banquet and awards ceremony, finalists, faculty, staff, and the finalists’ friends and families took to teleconferencing for the celebration.

“I’m thrilled to be here to recognize and celebrate the achievements of exemplary University of Maryland Students who are leading by example and positively contributing to our university, and society,” said Protiti Dastidar, Associate Professor and Associate Chair in the Department of Management and Organization, before introducing Rajshree Agarwal, the Executive Director of the Ed Snider Center for Enterprise and Markets.

“We celebrate today your efforts and activities in Innovation, Enterprise and Resilience,” said Agarwal. “Each of these attributes are key characteristics of effective leaders. And indeed, they stand for what the Ed Snider Center itself represents. You represent the growth mindset and entrepreneurial spirit that are not only leading yourselves but also leading others by example.”

The Ed Snider Center Leadership Awards are part of an annual program that recognizes outstanding student achievement in three categories: Innovation, Enterprise and Resilience. Students apply for the awards, submitting a letter of recommendation, a transcript, a resume and an essay that explains how the applicant’s achievements underscore the values in one of the three categories. This year twelve finalists were chosen from a strong applicant pool. “This year we received more applications than ever before,” noted Professor Dastidar. “And the job of selecting the finalists and winner of each category was not an easy task.”

Unlike years’ past, when awardees and their friends and families gathered together for a banquet, everyone tuned in from their homes. Dastidar remarked that it was good to see so many faculty members in attendance, as well as friends and family members of the awardees.

Delina Peter, one of the finalists in the Enterprise category, is a sophomore Business Management major, with a minor in International Development and Conflict Management. She was recognized for her work leading ROOTS Africa, a student-run organization that combats poverty and hunger in Liberia. “Thank you so much; I appreciate it,” Peter said, upon learning that she was a finalist. “It wouldn’t have been possible without the amazing team I work with.”

The top prize in the Enterprise category was given ultimately to Ariana Riske, a Senior majoring in Operations Management. “Ariana worked to effect positive change in the Smith School community as co-chair of the Dean’s Students Advisory Council,” said Professor Dastidar, when she announced Riske’s win. “Her work in DSAC led to a significant increase in the number of projects successfully completed within the scope of an academic year,” she continued, before congratulating Riske. “It’s been such an honor to work with you, Professor Dastidar,” Riske said, upon learning that she was the winner. “DSAC was the main thing that pushed me to grow throughout school…It couldn’t end on a better note.”

Andrew String was all smiles after taking the top prize in the Innovation category.  The Innovation category celebrates students who are highly creative, optimistic about the future and work to help an organization transform and grow.

Celebrating with his mother and sister from their home in New Jersey, String, a junior majoring in Government & Politics, and Economics, designed and rolled out a class called, “Designing Ethical Campaigns,” which aims to help students adhere to their personal beliefs as they learn how to become “change agents.” After learning of his win, String hugged his family, and thanked the selection committee. “Designing this course from scratch and seeing it through the Academy at Entrepreneurship has definitely been an experience to say the least,” String said.  “I’m so honored to have these transferrable skills pushed out to other UMD students so that they can be agents of change in their own passion communities.”

Before announcing the finalists and winner in the Resilience category, Professor Dastidar explained that students were recognized, “…who exhibit a remarkable ability to work through setbacks, barriers or limited resources; and who through their actions build trust and demonstrate a growth mindset.”

Finalist Alejandro Valdes, a Junior Biology/Biological Sciences major, overcame a number of personal and familial setbacks, eventually developing a partnership between the University and Prince George’s County Unified Sports, and becoming co-President of Healing Harmonies, a musical group that performs at hospitals. “Music is my life; thank you so much for the consideration,” Valdes said, after his name was announced. “And definitely thanks to my mom.”  Valdes’s mother, watching from her home, blew kisses at the screen. “Hi, Alejandro. Love you. Congratulations!”

Each of the finalists in the Resilience category have overcome significant obstacles in their college careers. Christian Zimmerman, the winner of the Resilience award, was certain that he would not be able to finish college. But he persisted and is set to graduate this year with dual degrees in Physics and Engineering. Zimmerman has a particular passion for sustainable power and worked on projects focused on solar energy.  “Thank you so much; it’s an honor,” said Zimmerman.

Each finalist receives a $300 monetary award, as well as a commemorative plaque. The winners in each category also receive a plaque, as well as a monetary award of $1200. Though the awardees weren’t able to be feted in the usual way, Dr. Agarwal explained that she hoped to bring them all to the ceremony next year. She then praised each of the students for their commitment to excellence. “I know that each and every one of you is making a huge impact,” she said. “During these unprecedented times, now more than ever, your positive and impactful leadership is really critical. Not only to you and the ongoing success of the University community, but to the world at large.”

Lia Kvatum is a freelance writer and producer based in Washington, DC.  In addition to the Ed Snider Center, her clients include The National Geographic Society, The Smithsonian Institution, PBS, and the Washington Post.  More of her work can be seen at LiaKComms.com.