International Student Award Winners

KU International Affairs recognized the Class of 2021 international student graduates in a virtual celebration in May. During the celebration International Support Services, presented several student awards.

Class Speaker

 

Archana Ramakrishnan

Archana Ramakrishnan, a computer science graduate, has been an engaged leader since arriving at KU, serving as an orientation leader for ISS and on the board of the Global Awareness Program. She also was active in the Association of Indian Students, wrote columns on mental health for the University Daily Kansan and was co-creator for an outreach event to increase interest in computer science among high school girls. “While she is incredibly busy, she takes the time to improve the world around her. She does so with grace, integrity, and grit – always willing to do the hard work,” said Michelle Ward, Global Awareness Program and Global Scholars coordinator.

Clark Coan Leadership Awards

Named after Clark Coan, who directed the Office of International Students for 33 years, this award recognizes exceptional student leadership.

Humberto Gomez-Salinas

Humberto Gomez-Salinas, an economics and history graduate, has demonstrated his commitment to equity on campus through his role in Student Senate. He was the first international student to serve on the Student Senate Executive Committee and is on the steering committee for the Internationalization Lab. “I am so impressed by his dedication to uplifting the voices of international students and by how much of an impact he has had on the international community by elevating our concerns to administrators,” said Hollie Hall, a fellow student senator.

 

Jessy Ayestas

Jessy Ayestas, a doctoral student in educational leadership and policy studies, served as president of the KU Fulbright Scholars Association. She is also on the Student Senate and Graduate Student Advisory Board, as well as an active member of the Latin American Graduate Organization, and on the steering committee for the Internationalization Lab. “She truly exemplifies all the best qualities of what it means to be a Jayhawk. She is a natural leader, and excels at bringing people together and building bridges across cultures,” said Rachel Sherman Johnson, director of internationalization and partnerships and Fulbright Program coordinator.

 

Charles Olcese Per Aspera Award

Named in honor of former ISS director Charles “Chuck” Olcese, the award pays homage to the Kansas State motto Ad Astra Per Aspera, to the stars through difficulty, and honors a student who has shown perseverance.

 

Fawaz Alshatti

Fawaz Alshatti, who received his master’s certificate in historic preservation, is this year’s recipient of the Charles Olcese Per Aspera Award. “Fawaz has an astonishing ability to put on an infectious smile and bring joy to those around him even under the most stressful of circumstances,” said Lynne Vanahill, ISS associate director.

 

NEXUS Award

Encouraging inclusiveness and appreciation of intercultural activity and learning, the Nexus Award honors a U.S. citizen who has worked to promote international student integration and friendship at KU.

 

Rianon Wallace-Demby

Rianon Wallace-Demby, an ecology, evolution and organismal biology graduate, has served as president of Global Partners and the International Women’s Association and worked as an international leadership team member for five years. “Rianon’s incredible compassion is matched only by her dedication and hard work,” said Tiffany Learned, programming and first-year experience coordinator.