2018 President's Distinguished Service Award Recipients

Camden, Ohio | History Major

One nominator called said that during her time at Miami, she has not worked with a more intellectual, motivated, and self-aware student than Virginia. Another nominator wrote Virginia is commuter student who challenged the notion of what barriers might be in place for that student population, especially at a residential campus like Miami. She has done this as an ASG senator representing all commuter students on the Oxford campus, an undergraduate associate for a commuter section of UNV 101, and a student employee in the Commuter Center.  

Virginia was also instrumental in preventing a rift between two groups of commuter students, who are already a small population on campus. This was accomplished through her (typical) open-minded and authentic approach to hearing the concerns of both groups of students, which brought both groups together and created a stronger organization for all commuter students.

Virginia has also served as an orientation leader on both the Middletown and Oxford campuses, as a College of Arts & Science ambassador, and is currently the lead Career Assistant in the Center for Career Exploration & Success, and a member of Global Buddies. She is currently completing her honors senior thesis in history, examining segregation in Arizona public schools from 1900 to 1960.

Tiffin, Ohio | Sociology and Spanish Double Major, Management & Leadership Minor

Cecilia, or Ceci, has made serving others a theme of her time at Miami. She has served as an orientation leader, a UNV 101 undergraduate associate, tour guide and tour guide manager. As a program manager in the Office of Community Engagement & Service, Ceci refined two longstanding programs – Greek Spring Clean and Service Saturdays, and created Speed Dating for Change, which brings together multiple campus initiatives to identify opportunities for collaboration.

While conducting research on the history of drug control in California, Ceci chose to undertake additional research on the topic of substance abuse among women celebrities in the early years of Hollywood. She compared the experiences, interactions with law enforcement, and media coverage of Judy Garland and Billy Holliday, both singers who abused drugs from a young age and died of overdoses in their 40s. The faculty researcher she worked with wrote that Ceci approached her work with a sociologist’s sensibility, discerning differences between the public’s perception of the two celebrities.

Norfolk, Massachusetts | Public Health Major, Women's, Gender, & Sexuality Studies Minor

Antonia has embodied the spirit of both her public health major and women’s, gender, and sexuality minor in her time at Miami. Her nominator wrote that Antonia’s strong desire to make the word a better place is exemplified in her research history and her planned path.

She founded the Miami chapter of I Am That Girl, a young women’s empowerment organization, served survivors of sexual assault through Women Helping Women and worked with new and expecting mothers at McCullough-Hyde Memorial Hospital. She also completed an internship at the Illinois Caucus for Adolescent Health and conducted research into the relationship between body dissatisfaction and alcohol consumption in sorority members.

Additionally, Antonia served her peers by creating a mentoring program during her time with the Honors Student Advisory Board, serving as an Acropolis Greek Leadership Retreat Peer Mentor, and working as a tutor through the Rinella Learning Center. Through it all, she’s managed to hold a part time job at Oxford Donut Shop.

Columbus, Ohio | Business Economics Major, Latin American Studies Minor

Allison Fugger’s nominator wrote that Allison is a prime example of the power Miamians can have when they can showcase true acts of Love and Honor without the need to be recognized. She has served as an orientation leader, as an undergraduate associate in Latin American studies, as a volunteer at Kramer Elementary and St. Mary’s Church here in Oxford, and completed a financial forecasting internship with Cardinal Health.

Allison’s depth or service, however, comes in her three years as a resident assistant for first-year students in Morris Hall, where she focuses all of her energies on the college transition and success of her residents, while also being a successful student herself. This sense of care was heightened when Allison had a resident pass away in an incident that made national news. In addition to helping the student’s roommate through the extremely difficult time, Allison went out of her way to make herself available to the other students on the corridor, console the student’s friends, and maintain the rest of her responsibilities as an RA. Her nominator wrote that Allison persevered through an incredibly hard time and was a role model to her students.

Columbus, Ohio | Political Science Major, Latin American Studies and Philosophy Minors

His nominator wrote that, for two years, he has seen Davaughn Golden productively advocate for marginalized students on our campus, both modeling the type of behavior we hope to develop in all of our students and actively working to produce change. Specifically, Davaughn has worked with the I Am Miami initiative to expand its influence and to enhance campus culture. He and another student created an identity panel made up of Miami students from traditionally marginalized groups. The panelists discussed their goals at Miami, the negative experience they have had related to their identities, and their vision for a better Miami.  

Additionally, Davaughn worked closely with several campus offices to design and implement a Winter Term immersion trip to Washington DC, was a member of the Black President’s Caucus, and actively mentored K12 students to encourage them to enter higher education. Davaughn has also completed internships with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office working on higher education issues, and with an Ohio State Representative.

Hamilton, Ohio | Liberal Studies

Shannon’s nominator wrote that she has done wonders to promote civility on Miami’s campuses through her extensive involvement with the Civility Project. She served as the student director of the project, but didn't stop at the edges of campus. Within the Civility Project, Shannon co-founded the Educational Civility Outreach, which opened six chapters in Butler County school districts and in seven area businesses. She has also served on the City of Hamilton Council of Character and the Student Government Association, where she also advocated for civility.

Shannon was also the co-developer of I Combat Hunger program on our Middletown and Hamilton campuses, which provides meal vouchers for students experiencing food insecurity and is the first of its kind on any regional campus in the country. She was asked to consult with the Oxford campus as they created the Buy-Back program, where students with a meal plan can donate a meal for someone in need, also the first of its kind on a large college campus.  

Hamilton, Ohio | Integrative Studies and Applied Social Science

On our Hamilton campus, Hannah is active in several organizations and an advocate for a more inclusive environment. Her nominator wrote that, as president of Miami Hamilton Pride, Hannah took an organization that was practically dead and turned it around to win organization of the year. Hannah is also the current vice president of Hamilton’s Student Government, where she works to represent the needs and views of all students to campus administration. She is also a public moderator through the Center for Civic Engagement, where she facilitates public discussions around various social issues. Hannah has been the primary driver to increase gender neutral restrooms on our Hamilton campus and was involved in implementing SafeZone trainings.

Additionally, Hannah has worked in the Tutoring and Learning Center on both regional campuses, conducted research through the applied social research center, was an orientation leader, and mentored elementary students in Fairfield and Hamilton. Hannah is currently serving on the committee charged with revising the mission and vision statements for Miami Regionals, where she continues to advocate for an inclusive and welcoming environment as central to what we do at Miami.

Portsmouth, Ohio | Social Work Major, Statistical Methods Minor

Mary has been deeply involved with the Women*s Center throughout her time at Miami, first as a regular visitor and eventually as a student employee. Her nominator wrote that, during her many visits, Mary intentionally connected with students in meaningful ways that were inclusive and welcoming. In her work with the Center, Mary organized the annual Clothesline Project and organized the Center’s first 5K fundraiser, which raised $5,000 for lymphedema treatment.

Additionally, Mary served as an undergraduate associate in both sociology and social work, as a resident assistant and orientation leader, and conducted research on women’s reproductive health in Ukraine, on parents’ experiences raising children with primary lymphedema and on community perceptions of the opiate epidemic in rural Appalachia. Mary was also an emergency room advocate for survivors of sexual assault with Women Helping Women, a social work intern with Butler Behavioral Health Services, and volunteered with Opening Minds Through Art.

Middletown, Ohio | Criminal Justice Major

One nominator wrote that Maryah has touched many lives in her time as a student. As president of Circle K, Maryah organized Bookfest, organizing the donation and purchase of over 8,500 books to promote literacy in over 1,500 community members – making Bookfest the single largest event ever hosted on our Middletown campus. One nominator wrote that

In her work with SERVE, which stands for Students Engaging in Real Volunteer Efforts, Maryah was the only student on a committee of faculty and administrators that coordinated the Share the Love event. One year, this event raised money to benefit Syrian refugees and raise awareness of the heroin epidemic and another year the event supported local and international initiatives to reduce infant mortality.  One nominator wrote that these two events were a smashing success that could not have happened without Maryah.

Maryah has also represented Miami Regionals as a member of the volleyball team, the basketball team, and the softball team. She has also served as an orientation leader, a student government senator, and vice president of the Model United Nations. Since graduating in December, Maryah continued to represent Miami well as a regional admissions counselor.

Brunswick, Ohio | Marketing Major, History and Social Justice Studies Minors

Patrick’s nominator wrote that he has worked tirelessly to build a better community at Miami and, perhaps more importantly, Patrick has also helped build the infrastructure needed to sustain his work after he leaves Miami. Patrick worked closely with the I Am Miami initiative, focused on raising student awareness and embrace of our shared Miami values. He served as one of three tri-chairs of the I Am Miami Committee during one year and as president of the committee the following year. He was instrumental in transitioning the committee to standing committee of the Associated Student Government, the Love + Honor Committee. In this work, he has also spearheaded several initiatives designed to encourage student organizations to discuss the values of the Code of Love and Honor with their membership.

Outside of I am Miami, Patrick has completed several internships related to marketing and business continuity, served as the treasurer of the Miami Finance Association, and is the current director of alumni relations for a business fraternity.

Brookfield, Ohio | Finance Major, Premedical Studies Co-Major

During the fall semester of her junior year, Morgan Rice began volunteering at the City of Oxford Fire Department. Her nominator wrote that she took this volunteer opportunity more seriously than any other student volunteer he has worked with there. While still a full time student at Miami, Morgan took additional classes to become licensed as both an EMT and a level one firefighter. Her ability to relate with student patients sets her well apart from others on the staff.

On campus, Morgan is finishing her second year as a HAWKS peer health educator, where she present on health-related topics to various student organizations at Miami and coordinates staffing and scheduling for the HAWKS team. She was instrumental in setting up the Just Call Panel after the alcohol-related death on campus mentioned in another recipient’s biography.

On top of these two contributions to our community, Morgan is also a varsity hurdler on Miami’s track and field team. 

Granville, Ohio | Community Nutrition and Kinesiology Double Major, Premedical Studies Co-Major, Spanish Minor

Dannie Roberts is another student who has impacted campus through her time as a HAWKS peer health educator, where she has served as the office manager and vice-president. One nominator wrote that Dannie has endeavored to become as knowledgeable as possible and present information in ways that are interesting, engaging and result in students thinking more critically about their choices. Specifically, Dannie worked to oversee the development of FLOURISHMiami, a new program on mental health.

Dannie took her passion for health into her research, as well, investigating sexual assault, eating disorders, and unusual methods of alcohol consumption and has presented some of her research at a national conference. She has also completed an internship at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Dannie is president of Miami’s Triathlon Club, has served as an undergraduate associate in kinesiology, is a club sports supervisor, and volunteers with Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Butler County.

Naperville, Illinois | Psychology Major, General Business and Management & Leadership Minors

Brianne has been involved with Opening Minds through Art since her sophomore year at Miami, serving as a volunteer and student leader, as well as serving as treasurer and president of the student organization associated with the project. One nominator wrote that, in her work with elders, Brianne constantly communicates her belief in the worth and potential of those who many in our society view through a lens of disability and merely as shells of people. Brianne also extended this dedication through her work with the Miami chapter of the Threshold Choir, which sings to people in hospice programs who are at the end of their lives. 

On top of her extensive work with community elders with dementia, Brianne was a member of Miami’s very successful varsity synchronized skating team. She also teaches young people to skate and has served as a mentor through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Butler County.

Toledo, Ohio | Black World Studies and Political Science Double Major

One nominator wrote that he met Angela Sargent three weeks into her first year at Miami and was immediately impressed with her depth of knowledge of policy, politics, and current events. Since that time, Angela has worked in and with Miami’s Office of Institutional Relations, where she currently serves as chief of staff. She has had the responsibility for planning and implementing the Governmental Relations Alternative Spring Break Leadership and Government Advocacy Conference in Washington, DC and the Associated Student Government Statehouse Day. She has also spearheaded the creation of a second year governmental relations living-learning community and has been instrumental in the development of a state and federal advocacy strategy for the College of Education, Health & Society. Angela has also completed both a congressional internship and a legislative internship with members of the U.S. House of Representatives.

Angela has also made her impact in other parts of campus, helping create and serving as president of the Black President’s Caucus, assisting in founding the Miami chapter of the National Black Law Students Association, and currently serving on the President’s Task Force on Diversity and Inclusion.

Wooster, Ohio | Sports Leadership and Management

One nominator began by describing Alexis Sigler as the Doogie Howser of our Athletic Events and Facilities Management Office, where she has served as an intern for the past two years. She was the coordinator of usher staff for last fall’s home football season. This season, Alexis is the sports coordinator for our women’s basketball and men’s baseball teams, working closely with visiting teams as they come to compete at Miami. She will also be the tournament director for the upcoming Mid-American Conference Meet for men’s swimming and diving.

Outside of the sports management arena, Alexis is a tireless volunteer – working with Honor Flight, Veterans of Foreign Wars, The Wounded Warrior Project, Toys for Tots, Opening Minds Through Art, and Relay for Life.

Lisle, Illinois | Marketing Major, Political Science Minor

Much of Cameron Snyders’ involvement at Miami has revolved round combating high-risk alcohol use. These efforts include serving on the university’s alcohol coordinating committee and on the launch team for The Haven at College recovery services. His most concerted efforts, however, have during his time as the vice president and president of the Interfraternity Council, where he worked closely with the president of the Panhellenic Association. In his efforts with IFC, one nominator wrote that being an effective peer leader on the issue of alcohol misuse is a particularly monumental task, but Cameron truly rose to the occasion, focusing on the values that are the foundation of the Greek system at Miami.  

Outside of his work related to high-risk alcohol, Cameron also served as a member of the Harassment/ Discrimination Review Panel through the Office of Equity and Equal Opportunity. He has also completed internships with VF Corporation and Target Corporation.

Zionsville, Indiana | Marketing, Music, and Psychology Triple Major

One nominator wrote that Annie is the type of student professors dream of, employee supervisors wish for, and leader that peers instantly follow. Another nominator wrote that he is honestly puzzled by how she has managed to accomplish so much in her time at Miami. Annie is the Panhellenic President mentioned in our last recipient’s accomplishments, which I will not reemphasize here. In her work related to reducing high-risk alcohol use, she has not been afraid to advocate for unpopular positions, an essential quality for effective leaders.

Annie has also served as the music director and vice president of alumni relations for Miami Misfitz A Cappella and as a tour guide within our Office of Admission for three years, including as the Tour Guide Lead. She has completed marketing and sales performance internships with Eli Lilly and Macy’s.