LA PLATA, Md., May 7, 2025 — The College of Southern Maryland (CSM) recognized academically exceptional students at its annual Academic Excellence Awards ceremony on the La Plata Campus, where faculty, family, and friends gathered to celebrate the achievements of the institution’s top performers. The event honored students for their academic prowess, character, and contributions to their classrooms and communities, marking a significant milestone in their educational journeys.
CSM President Dr. Yolanda Wilson addressed the awardees, emphasizing their remarkable accomplishments. “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 said. Wilson highlighted the sacrifices made by the students, noting, “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.”
She further acknowledged the broader significance of their achievements, stating, “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.” Wilson concluded by affirming CSM’s commitment to a student-first culture, saying, “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.”
Vice President of Learning Dr. Suzanne Summers also praised the students, describing their achievements as inspirational. “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,” she said. Summers encouraged the awardees to continue their pursuit of excellence, adding, “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.”
The ceremony recognized outstanding students across three schools: the School of Liberal Arts, the School of STEM and Professional Studies, and the School of Health. In the School of Liberal Arts, awards included Outstanding Art Student of the Year to Annabelle Wick, Distinguished Honors in Music to Erich Donnelly, and Outstanding Achievement in History to John Tate. Other recipients were Erika G. Velasco for Psychology, Tracy D. Hurt for Social Sciences, Akeera D. James for Early Childhood Development, and Stefanie L. Chaney for Teacher Education. Literary awards went to Lily Bennear for the John Lamiman Award for Excellence in Academic Writing and Larrissa Wolford for the Wayne Karlin Award for Excellence in Creative Writing. The Thomas V. Mike Miller Center for Leadership Award was presented to 16 students, including Angelica Aguilar, Emilee Brewer, and Anna Delgado.
In the School of STEM and Professional Studies, Alyssa M. Henderson, Sydney Verhaagh, and Nicholas A. Wyandt received the Business Administration Academic Excellence Award, while Cadence M. Tolbert earned the Business Management Academic Excellence Award. Katelyn R. Tkach was honored with the Ed Shauf Award for Outstanding Criminal Justice Student. Technology-related awards went to Carlos Omar Torres for Cloud and Information Technology, Masafa Abdullah for Information Services Technology, Ava Downing and Jakob Dietrich Kunz for Computer Science, Jacob Eric Harris and Navesh Panta for Cybersecurity, and Matthew Ian Davis for Data Science. Other recipients included Matthew Katulich for Information Systems, Oscar Ruiz and Naiyanna Proctor for Mathematics, Nicole Carron for Engineering, Madison Jury for Biology, Loralei Osterhouse for Chemistry, Patience Yeh for Physics, and Kara Gray for Environmental Studies.
The School of Health recognized Abolfazl Dohaei for Academic Achievement in Nursing and Jazlyn Hernandez for Achievement in Nursing. Angelica Santolaya was named Outstanding Physical Therapist Assistant Graduate, Michele Gibson as Outstanding Health Information Management Graduate, Linwood E. Battle III as Outstanding Exercise and Sports Science Student, and Zoi Whitsett as Outstanding Sports Management Student.
The awards ceremony underscored CSM’s dedication to fostering academic excellence and leadership. The event not only celebrated individual achievements but also highlighted the supportive community that helps students thrive. As these students move forward, their accomplishments serve as a testament to their hard work and the institution’s commitment to their success.
