Described by nominators as a "transformational leader helping others find their voice," Hannah has served as a member of the national steering committee for the Real Food Challenge, which seeks to move university food budgets away from industrial farms and fast food towards community-based, fair, humane, and ecologically sound food sources. She led a successful campaign for the Chancellor to sign the Real Food Campus Commitment. For her senior thesis, Hannah developed and facilitated a service- learning course with Nuestras Raice, a grassroots urban agriculture organization in Holyoke. Her undergraduate thesis focused on equity and justice for farm workers. Hannah plans to remain at UMass Amherst for one more year, and graduate in 2016 with her master’s degree in Public Health.
Faculty/Staff Mentor: Hannah chose to recognize Dr. Gloria DiFulvio, Senior Lecturer and Undergraduate Program Director, Community Health Education. “Dr. Gloria DiFulvio introduced me to the world of public policy and the theories of community organizing, supporting me in exploring civic engagement through a framework of social justice. Her constant support within and beyond the classroom has grounded my experience at UMass Amherst and helped set the foundation I will build on moving forward."
As founder and president of Rock the Vote's Boston Chapter, Lianne played a pivotal role in helping young Bostonians get involved in and vote in the city's 2013 mayoral race. She is a member of the Big Sister Association of Greater Boston, serves on its Diversity Council, and was a keynote speaker along with Chelsea Clinton at the association’s 60th anniversary event. She is passionate about educational opportunity, and founded the CollegeWorks Day Experiential Leadership Program, educating 350 Boston Public High School students about preparing for and applying to college. This aspiring high school teacher graduates with a 3.95 GPA and a master’s degree in education.
Faculty/Staff Mentor: Lianne chose to recognize Lisa M. Gonsalves, Ph.D.,Chair, Curriculum and Instruction. “Dr. Lisa Gonsalves represents the definition of women’s leadership. Not only has she professionally pushed me to achieve academic excellence, she personally has provided me with the confidence, guidance and affirmation so I can reach my full potential. Thank you, Dr. Gonsalves, for your commitment and dedication to building urban educators like myself.”
Heather is devoted to her campus while also making her mark on the field hockey team and in the local community. She has been an orientation leader, reading and writing center tutor, a student minister for the Fall River Diocese Office of Religious and Spiritual Life, and Greek Life coordinator. In these roles she has worked to support campus efforts to incorporate voter registration into fall orientation. In the community, Heather has supported fundraising for cancer research and women's shelters. A History major, Heather hopes to become a high school teacher.
Faculty/Staff Mentor: Heather chose to recognize Shelly Metivier Scott, Associate Dean of Students, Student Affairs. "Shelly always goes 'above and beyond' for every student she meets, and has certainly done so for me. I am grateful to Shelly for always encouraging me to voice my opinions, and for giving me the confidence to do so. She has helped me grow both personally and professionally, and is one of the best role models for women at UMass Dartmouth."
Since his days as an Eagle Scout, when he restored hiking paths near his hometown of Norton, Dean has made contributing to his community a priority. He has applied his leadership and mechanical engineering skills to environmental problem-solving on and off campus, serving as project manager for UMass Lowell's National Collegiate Wind Competition team. The team took 3rd place in the first-ever national competition for its design and business plan for a transportable wind turbine to charge portable electronics. Dean plans to earn an MBA and become an entrepreneur.
Faculty/Staff Mentor: Dean chose to recognize David Willis, Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering. "Since my freshman year, whenever I arrived at an academic crossroads, I was able to go to Professor Willis for advice and he was always extremely helpful. I had the privilege of working for him, as well as having him as my capstone advisor. He is a professor who is there for students as a voice of reason, logic and understanding. I have been honored to work with him."
Shu has put his medical skills to work on behalf of needy residents of Central Massachusetts. He partnered with the Greater Worcester Housing Connection and Worcester Homeless Outreach and Advocacy Program to create a weekly evening foot care clinic in the city's largest emergency homeless shelter. In addition, Shu was a director of the Mustard Seed Soup Kitchen, leading groups of medical students to prepare and serve monthly dinners at the local soup kitchen. A Boston Albert Schweitzer Fellow and member of both the Alpha Omega Alpha medical honor society and Gold Humanism Honor Society, Shu will pursue a residency in internal medicine and plans to specialize in cardiology.
Faculty/Staff Mentor: Shu chose to recognize Phillip Fournier, M.D., Clinical Professor and Faculty Mentor, Family Medicine and Community Health. “Dr. Fournier has been one of my most positive and supporting mentors during my years at UMass Medical School.”
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