Miami University’s annual President’s Distinguished Service Award goes to a select group of seniors who became citizen leaders in their time at Miami. In Kumler Chapel on April 16, theatre & fostering just communities double major and social justice & inequalities minor Charlotte Perez (they/she) got the recognition they deserved.

Outside of their academics, Perez serves as Miami’s Tour Guide manager and the president of The Walking Theatre Project. They also participate in Miami’s Urban Cohort, working in Cincinnati some weekends to discuss and combat citywide gentrification. Also, Perez directed the theatre department’s mainstage show, “Angel’s Trumpet,” last semester.

Perez found out about her nomination on March 27, but had no idea how significant the award was until she picked it up from President Crawford.

“It means alot to be surrounded by other very big, influential seniors” Perez said. “I’m trying not to doubt myself.”

Associate professor of theatre Ann Elizabeth Armstrong nominated Perez for the award. Perez took her course on social change, then from the end of their sophomore year to the end of their junior year, they wrote their research into a play on gender discrimination in healthcare. They presented it at Creativity City and also received IRB certification.

Perez greatly appreciates Armstrong’s advisory support during the process. 

“[Armstrong] had my back for everything I wanted to pursue,” Perez said. “It was nice to have someone with that time and effort in my corner.”

They hope to continue their leadership after graduation by directing more discussion-provoking theatre.

“I love art that makes a difference,” Perez said.