KU NEWS SERVICE
LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas is recognizing 12 students with awards that honor community engagement, leadership and academics.
Students were notified they received 2018 University Awards when the “prize patrol” showed up in their classes after spring break. Office of Student Affairs leaders made the announcements in front of the winners’ professors and peers.
The University Awards are among the most prestigious awards presented at KU. These awards were established to recognize students who embody service excellence, dedication or whose academic achievements are stellar.
The students also will be recognized at an awards reception May 12.
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.
Taylor Zabel is a senior in biochemistry from Smith Center. He is a 2017 Harry S. Truman Scholar and as a sophomore was named a Kansas Idea Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (K-INBRE) scholar. At KU, Zabel spent two years as a research assistant in the KU Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering Research Laboratory, and in summer 2016 he was a research assistant at the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health.
Zabel has served the university on committees and task forces tackling topics like tuition, student fees, and diversity, equity and inclusion. After earning a medical degree, Zabel plans to serve his hometown community and continue advocating for rural health and sustainability.
Zabel said that his work on the Counseling and Psychological Services Student Advisory Board was one of the most fulfilling committees he served on during his collegiate career.
“Counseling and psychological services are a desperately needed option for college students as they transition into adulthood, and many are left with few — if any — options outside of campus,” he said. “Although there will always be a push for expansion of services as awareness and demand for CAPS increases, I was pleased to be a member of a group that advocated for and received a nearly $500,000 revenue increase to hire additional mental health professionals.
“We also finalized an agreement with Bert Nash, the mental health facility serving Lawrence and the surrounding communities, which allows KU students to pay a reduced rate for services in an effort to provide options and accessibility to mental health services off campus. Dr. Michael Maestas, the director of CAPS, has been an exceptional adviser for me, and his dedication to the KU community has shown me the true value of public service.”
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.
Tammy Nguyen is a chemical engineering major from Russell. Nguyen is president of Engineering Student Council and a member of the SELF Engineering Leadership Fellows Program. She recruits prospective students as an engineering ambassador and actively participates in STEM outreach in the Lawrence and Greater Kansas City areas.
“I’ve placed a strong emphasis in the community I’m a part of within the School of Engineering at the University of Kansas,” Nguyen said. “Serving as the president of Engineering Student Council has been an incredible experience to actively support and empower my peers to take active roles within student organizations, represent KU at national competitions and participate in STEM outreach to inspire the next generation of engineers.
“I wanted to give back to the community of students and mentors that have positively impacted my career and success. I hope to continue to reach out to my fellow engineers and play an active role as an alumna. My heart will forever bleed crimson and blue, and I am so grateful for the experiences I have had during my time at KU.”
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.
Sana Cheema is a senior in biology from Hays and a KU Ex.C.E.L. Award winner. Since Cheema was a freshman, she has been part of the Student Alumni Leadership Board, where she’s worked to diversify the membership and increase KU student participation in the Student Alumni Network.
In addition to serving in leadership roles for Mortar Board and the KU Pre-Medical Society, Cheema started a new organization, KU Friends of Pakistan. The group’s mission is to facilitate learning of Pakistani culture, history, heritage and its people.
“KU has done so much for me, and I want to give back to this great university as an alumna,” Cheema said. “I hope to serve KU by being involved in the KU Alumni Association. As part of the Student Alumni Leadership Board, I have seen firsthand what the alumni do for KU and how their involvement can have positive impacts on students. I also hope to serve by being a mentor to students interested in medicine and leadership.”