U-M AGEP Annual Participant Recognition Luncheon
Posted Friday, June 24th, 2011
The community of scholars that comprise AGEP (Alliances for Graduate Education and the Professoriate) contribute significantly to the University of Michigan’s continued reputation as a world leader in research. This year’s AGEP Recognition Luncheon, held on Tuesday, May 17, 2011, honored the outstanding commitment of AGEP scholars.
“The Recognition Luncheon was again another great idea of the AGEP coordinators. The recognition and motivational small talks really help to remind graduate students and postdocs that we are not alone in the process, that we are doing a good job and that there is support for those who look for it.” says Angel Alvarez-Mangual, Ph.D., Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Internal Medicine.
The luncheon was a time to let out a sigh of relief and a time to catch up with colleagues. Participants had the opportunity to reflect on the academic year, and honor those who set and maintained a standard of academic and leadership excellence and Professor Herbert Winful, the Arthur F. Thurnau Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, inspired participants with thoughtful words about success in the professoriate.
Taeyjuana Curry, Ph.D. Candidate, Department of Physics, was recognized for outstanding leadership with the U-M AGEP Champion award; “Everyone in attendance seemed upbeat and welcoming, making the luncheon a perfect ending to the year and fitting introduction to the spring/summer semester. On a personal note, I was very honored to receive the leadership award. AGEP has proven to be an invaluable resource for me during my graduate studies here at Michigan. I always benefit from my participation in the program in any capacity and to receive any type of recognition for my efforts was the proverbial icing on the cake.”
Ashley Reid Brown, Ph.D. Candidate in the Department of Political Science & Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy and recipient of the top Frequent Flyer award comments, “Out of all of my various organizational commitments at the University of Michigan, I feel the most personal investment in AGEP. The most unique aspect of the AGEP program is how much time and energy students invest in shaping it into an organization that fits our needs. The AGEP recognition luncheon was a wonderful opportunity to look around and realize just how many of my peers have dedicated their time and effort to this amazing program. From first years to nth years, the luncheon gave everyone a chance to be recognized for their specific part in AGEP’s success. I always enjoy spending time with my AGEP peers, and celebrating our individual accomplishments together makes me even more proud to be a part of this wonderful group.”
Each year the U-M AGEP issues the Imade M. Asemoto First Year Student Award to the Ph.D. student who is active in AGEP and experiencing academic success. Imade received the award in 2009 posthumously. After her passing, the award was named in her honor. Imade exemplified characteristics we hope every AGEP scholar achieves: combined academic excellence with active participation in the U-M AGEP program. This year, Tizoc Cruz-Gonzalez, first year Ph.D. student in Mechanical Engineering received the award.
Other awardees included: Outstanding Leadership, Tiberius Moran-Lopez, Ph.D. Candidate, Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences; Outstanding Contribution, Kyla McMullen, Ph.D. Candidate, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science; Outstanding Service , Claudia McDonald, third year Ph.D. student in Biological Chemistry; Outstanding Participation, Uchechi Okeki, Biomedical Engineering, Tamarie Macon, Combined Program in Education & Psychology; Esohe Osai, Combined Program in Education and Psychology, Lagina Gause, Public Policy and Political Science. Also recognized for accruing the top Frequent Flyer miles were Dr. Kristina Molina, recent graduate of the Psychology program, and Jeremy Brown Candidate, Mechanical Engineering.