2023 GRADUATE AWARDS
DR . CHARLES W . BUGGS AWARD — The College of Science and Health ’ s highest award , named after the prominent microbiologist and first dean of the College of Science and Health at Charles R . Drew University , is presented to the graduate who has maintained the highest GPA throughout their training and has exemplified the personal characteristics of excellence and compassion .
RECIPIENTS :
• Veronica Cordero
• Genee Dix
• Hannah Halliwell
• Jasmine Holloway
• Jessica Holthouse
• Hailey Jahromi
• Broq James
• Waleed Janjua
• Varunya Kattunga
• Jeremy Kirksey
• Nareg Mehrabian
• Hermona Okbu
• John Ashley Pallera
• Alondra Pena
• Johanna Plascencia
• Cristian Umanzor Roldan
• Aidan Tan
• Jesus Terrazas
• Lucy Wang
DR . JACK MITCHELL AWARD — Named for a community physician who was an early advocate of allied health education at Charles R . Drew University , this award is presented to the graduating senior who has demonstrated leadership among their peers in college and university activities and in the provision of healthcare to community residents . RECIPIENTS : Noemi Gil
DR . RAYMOND KIVEL AWARD — Named for the medical director whose leadership garnered nationwide prominence for the MEDEX Physician Assistant Program , this award is presented to the graduating student whose voluntary community service has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to the delivery of healthcare in medically underserved communities .
RECIPIENTS :
Jacqueline Simon
DR . MARY McLEOD BETHUNE AWARD — Named in honor of the outstanding educator whose life and legacy serves as an inspiration to all , this award is presented to the graduating student who has demonstrated the ability to persist in the face of adversity .
RECIPIENTS :
Mikisha Wyatt
DR . GERALDINE BURTON BRANCH AWARD — Geraldine Burton Branch , MD , MPH was instrumental in establishing health policy regarding mandatory immunization for child school enrollment . Dr . Branch summed up her life of leadership by saying “ There ’ s something I learned about leadership : A leader can ’ t run alone . You ’ ve got to have people to go along with you , otherwise you accomplish nothing .” The award named in her honor is granted to the student applicant who exemplifies the potential as a committed medical professional to build , shape and improve the overall health of underserved communities , and a commitment to their program and the College of Science and Health .
RECIPIENTS : Emelda Fonki Giang Le Cheldy Martinez Jessica McCarns Rutha Miller Fady Ashraf Youssef
39th ANNUAL COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY 23