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Student Success Campus Life

2024 President's Distinguished Service Award Recipients

Meet the 19 outstanding student recipients of the President's Distinguished Service Award.

19 students, dressed professionally, posing in two rows at Kumler Chapel.
From left: Kasie Bowman, Simon DeBruin, Taylor Black, Wes Payne, Ryan Rosu, Marguerite Smith, Mason Schmitt, Erin Sexton, Celia Banda, Isabelle Perese, Haley Stanaford, Karla Garcia Cardenas, Kathryn Gabe, Kelsey Norris, Teryn Scott, Hanah Bloom, Sevara Ubaydullaeva, Jules Jefferson, and Nyah Smith.
Student Success Campus Life

2024 President's Distinguished Service Award Recipients

From left: Kasie Bowman, Simon DeBruin, Taylor Black, Wes Payne, Ryan Rosu, Marguerite Smith, Mason Schmitt, Erin Sexton, Celia Banda, Isabelle Perese, Haley Stanaford, Karla Garcia Cardenas, Kathryn Gabe, Kelsey Norris, Teryn Scott, Hanah Bloom, Sevara Ubaydullaeva, Jules Jefferson, and Nyah Smith.

Miami University honored 19 seniors and recent graduates with the President’s Distinguished Service Award in a formal ceremony on April 12, 2024 in the Kumler Chapel.

The annual award is given to a small selection of students whose service to Miami and the community demonstrate the spirit of being a "citizen leader of uncommon quality."

The 2024 President’s Distinguished Service Award recognizes students who graduated in December 2023 or January 2024, or are set to graduate in May or August 2024. The award committee considered nominees' service through campus life, community service, intellectual and cultural leadership, and/or student employment.

Recipients were selected from a pool of more than 60 nominees. The recipients of the 2024 President’s Distinguished Service Award represent highest level of talent and achievements of Miami students across various majors. One student champions fair housing for immigrants and refugees. Another volunteered over 80 hours with MedLife in Lima, Peru. Another stands out for contributions to scientific research on eco-toxicology. Others are recognized for initiating new programs or organizations on campus, leading and mentoring peers, and making a lasting impact in their spaces. 

These exemplary students, along with others recognized, showcase Miami's commitment to cultivating leaders who make a difference in their communities and beyond.

The ceremony featured a performance by the Miami University Men's Glee Club, and the presentation of awards by President Gregory Crawford and University Ambassador Dr. Renate Crawford. Vice President for Student Life Jayne Brownell and Dean of Students BaShaun Smith read a short description of each recipient's accomplishments. Recipient received a medallion to be worn with commencement regalia.

A recording of the ceremony is available on YouTube.

Nominations for the annual award are submitted by faculty and staff across all Miami campuses as part of the student service leadership award program. The President’s Distinguished Service Award program began in 1985.