Of the 18 Miami University seniors and recent graduates recently honored with the President’s Distinguished Service Award, three were students from within the College of Education, Health and Society (EHS).

The students -- Aiyana White, Jenna Watterson, and Charlotte Perez -- are all part of the Urban Cohort.

As part of the 2023 President's Distinguished Service Award winners, their service to Miami and to the surrounding community demonstrates the spirit of being a citizen leader of uncommon quality.

Their impact spans the entire university and the surrounding community. From programming and creating opportunities to advocating for policy change, to creating new knowledge through research, these students have left an indelible mark on Miami.

Aiyana White

Major: Individualized Studies in Human Sex and Sexuality

Aiyana has advocated for issues of class, race, gender, and sexual orientation equity and inclusion throughout her time at Miami. In fall 2022, she played a critical role in the creation and success of QT-Con, a grassroots queer and trans conference and convention. Aiyana helped plan, schedule, and promote the event and delivered an invaluable presentation on queer inclusive sex education.

She has focused on writing Q+ sexuality education curriculum and delivering it on campus, including sessions on sexual consent, risk reduction, and healthy relationships in residence halls. Her programs are informed by ethical standards and are on the cutting edge of sexuality education. “She never stops at the research piece," stated one nominator. "She always asks what can be done about it. Then she finds collaborators and does something about it.”

Jenna Watterson

Major: Integrated English/Language Arts Education

Jenna has served in several capacities with increasing leadership for Miami's Chapter of Camp Kesem, a summer camp for children who have a parent impacted by cancer. She has been a camp advisor, counselor, marketing and PR coordinator, and eventually co-director. Through Camp Kesem, Jenna supported young people experiencing immense fear and grief. She was also a leader in her sorority, an admission tour guide, and a leader in the urban teaching cohort.

Jenna served as a member of the dean's advisory board in the College of Education, Health and Society and was a student manager for the department of Family Science and Social Work for the past four years. Jenna’s nominators comment on her “strong abilities, intellectual capacity, and fervent dedication to service to Miami University.”

Charlotte Perez

Major: Theatre

Charlotte Perez has made significant contributions to Miami through their engagement in many activities. Charlotte has been actively involved in the bridges program, associated student government, and the urban cohort, and served as a tour guide for the office of admissions. They also served on the Theatre chair’s advisory board, the CCA diversity, equity, and inclusion committee and the CCA thriving artists network.

Charlotte is a leader who cares deeply about social justice and equity. They have made valuable contributions to the theater department, serving as president of the walking theatre project, student director in the Theatre department’s main stage production, an assistant director of a musical, and a stage manager. Charlotte has also participated in several independent research projects focused on social justice issues. One of their nominators said, “Charlotte leaves an immediate and glowing impression that can last a lifetime."