KU recognizes 14 students with 2024 University Awards

LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas has awarded 14 students with honors that recognize community engagement, leadership and academics. The University Awards, among the most prestigious awards presented at KU, were established to recognize students who embody service excellence, dedication or whose academic achievements are stellar.

Class of 1913 Awards

These annual awards go to two graduating students who show evidence of intelligence, devotion to studies, personal character and promise of usefulness to society.

Fatima Asif 

Fatima Asif is a senior from Overland Park majoring in both biochemistry and English.

“I am honored to be recognized for my accomplishments at KU, which would not have been possible without the support of my family and professors throughout the last four years,” Asif said. 

“I would like to extend my sincerest gratitude to my mentors, who not only encouraged me to explore my wide-ranging interests but also inspired me to become a better scholar and person. 

“KU has provided me with invaluable opportunities to pursue meaningful work that I hope to continue in my future endeavors.”

Aditya Vargheese

Aditya Vargheese is a senior from Overland Park majoring in biochemistry and mathematics with a minor in business. Vargheese is thankful for professors, mentors, family and friends for their support.

“At KU, I had the opportunity to explore my interests academically while being a part of service organizations where I could get involved with the community,” Vargheese said. 

“These experiences helped me grow as both a student and as a leader, and I hope I have been able to inspire my peers to continue our work. 

“I am honored to receive this award and hope that I can carry the lessons I learned at KU with me in the future.” 

The Donald K. Alderson Memorial Award

The award goes to a graduating senior who has demonstrated loyalty to and interest in the university and who has been active in events and services that benefit other students. This award was established in memory of Alderson, former dean of men and dean of student services.

Curtis Nelson is a senior from Overland Park majoring in architectural engineering. 

“Serving the KU and Lawrence community has been incredibly fulfilling,” Nelson said. I'm deeply grateful for the support of my mentors, advisers and family empowering me to be the change and representation I want to see in the world. 

“I am thankful for Phi Iota Alpha, Theta Tau and TRIO/McNair scholars, which helped shape me into the proud Black engineer I am today.”

The Alexis F. Dillard Student Involvement Award

This award goes to two graduating students who have unselfishly contributed to the university through campus involvement. It was established in 1993 by Dillard’s family and friends to remember and honor him.

Hassan Ahad

Hassan Ahad is a senior from Overland Park majoring in microbiology with a minor in chemistry.

“I am eternally grateful for the mentors, peers and friends I have had the pleasure of interacting with here at KU,” Ahad said. 

“They continually inspire me to strive for personal greater heights and ultimately motivate me to give back to the community in whatever way I can. 

“I truly would not be the person I am today without my experiences at KU, and I hope to one day inspire others the way they have inspired me.”

Aisha Malik

Aisha Malik is a senior from Leawood majoring in speech-language-hearing. 

Malik said having been immersed in the Honors Program and in diverse interdisciplinary pursuits fostered deep engagement in the “vibrant tapestry” of campus life.

“I'm deeply thankful for the guiding light of God, the unwavering support of my family, the wisdom imparted by my professors and the invaluable mentorship I've received,” Malik said. 

“But above all, my time here has been defined by a clear sense of purpose: to uplift others, to serve my community and to inspire each person I encounter to strive for their fullest potential.”

The Rusty Leffel Concerned Student Award

This award annually goes to students who demonstrate a concern for furthering the ideals of the university and higher education. The award was established by a group of seniors in 1973 to honor their fellow student, Leffel.

Leslie Koffi 

Leslie Koffi is a senior from Denver majoring in architecture and with a minor in business. 

Koffi said that being a part of organizations like GEMS (Gifted, Empowered, Motivated Sisters), Black Student Union and others provided confidence and strength to become a better leader, student and person.

“I want to give a huge thank you and kudos to all the organizations that have welcomed me with open arms and pushed me to achieve more than I could ever imagine,” Koffi said. 

“Biggest thanks to my mentors and faculty members Nikita Haynie, Paige Freeman and Jordan Brandt. These are three women who have empowered me and believed in me in ways I could never explain.”

Cherin Russell

Cherin Russell is a senior majoring in English from Lawrence.

"I am thankful for all the support I've received from my mentors, family and friends who encourage me,” Russell said. 

“It is a blessing to represent my community and campus, and I'm so grateful for the trust and belief that many peers have shown me.” 

Aakanchcha Raj

Aakanchcha Raj is a doctoral student in architecture from India anticipating to graduate in December. 

“Having received this award validates my work as a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Kansas and motivates me to work even harder for the communities I engage with in my research,” Raj said. 

“The University of Kansas has provided me with a platform to bridge the gap between research and community participation, and I am grateful for this opportunity to give back to communities by listening to their stories and helping change the narrative for the better.”

The Caryl K. Smith Student Leader Award

This award goes to a graduating sorority or fraternity member who has demonstrated commitment to the local chapter, the KU sorority and fraternity community, the university and the Lawrence community. It was established in 1993 to honor Smith, a former dean of student life.

Libby Frost

Libby Frost is a senior from WaKeeney majoring in business administration. 

Frost said she is thankful for a support system of family, friends and mentors — including Caitlyn Gastfield and Keith Chauvin — for creating an “amazing” undergraduate experience.

“I also owe a huge debt of gratitude to my chapter, Alpha Delta Pi, for always lifting me up and being my ‘home away from home’ throughout college. The Panhellenic community at KU has been a constant source of encouragement and inspiration, and I feel so fortunate to have been able to serve it.”

The Kathryn Nemeth Tuttle Student Scholar Award 

This award is presented to a graduating senior scholarship hall student. Recipients have demonstrated academic focus, leadership in the scholarship hall and commitment to the KU and Lawrence communities.

Emma Jones

Emma Jones is senior from Platte City, Missouri, majoring in environmental studies with a minor in sport management. 

Jones said that being part of the scholarship hall community has been life-changing. 

“Here, I have met individuals who I will be friends with long after my time being a student Jayhawk,” Jones said. “Additionally, (I’ve been) able to continue the legacy of Elizabeth Miller-Watkins — whose mission was to support women in their academic endeavors by providing them with affordable housing — by serving as a member of the Watkins Hall Executive Board.”

The Agnes Wright Strickland Awards

These awards were established in 1953 in memory of Strickland, a member of the Class of 1887. They go annually to graduating seniors in recognition of their academic records, demonstrated leadership in matters of university concern, respect among fellow students and indications of future dedication to service in the university.

Rileigh Heeke

Rileigh Heeke is a senior from Dodge City majoring in both political science and history with a minor in women, gender & sexuality studies. Heeke said life-changing experiences, opportunities for growth and constant support at KU have come from places like the Department of History and the Student Ambassador Program.

“I cannot imagine what my undergraduate journey would look like without such an extensive community behind me along the way,” Heeke said. “They have offered the ability to develop academically and professionally, but most importantly, they have made me feel valued at an individual level. I am so incredibly fortunate to receive such an honor from the institution that I love from the bottom of my heart.”

Thanh Tan Nguyen

Thanh Tan Nguyen is a senior from Vietnam majoring in business. Having arrived in Lawrence in  fall 2020, Nguyen feels fortunate to be part of a strong college community that takes pride in uplifting each other. 

“My commitment to enriching the student experience at KU started with the support gifted upon me by my first-year roommates: Jackson Rauenzahn, Karson Mustain and Wyatt George,” Nguyen said. “They helped me understand what it felt like to be a Jayhawk and to help others. This award encourages me to do my best job in representing KU to the world and empowering aspiring Jayhawks.”

Campanile Award

The Campanile Award is given to a single graduating senior who has displayed remarkable leadership, character and respect for KU.

Eleazar Abraham

Eleazar Abraham is a senior from Indonesia majoring in both chemistry and molecular, cellular & developmental biology with a minor in global & international studies. Abraham said KU offered opportunities to be challenged and to excel. Abraham expressed gratitude for support from family, friends and KU faculty mentors and advisers. 

“From community service to scientific research, the opportunities at KU have shaped who I am and what I am excited to be in the future,” Abraham said. “The unmatched school spirit KU has instilled in me is something that I hold dearly. I am eternally grateful to be a Jayhawk and will always be a Jayhawk as I go through my next steps in life as an aspiring scientist.”