The Daily Bulletin Archive

Kianna Thomas, resident director in the Residence Life Office, received the 2013–2014 "Umoja" Award for Graduate Students from NASPA – Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education (formerly the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators) and the African American Knowledge Community (AAKC). The award was presented during a special ceremony on March 18 at the Baltimore Inner Harbor Hilton in Baltimore, Maryland. Brian Dubenion, assistant director of residence life for student success, nominated Thomas for the award.

The Umoja Award is presented to an exemplary graduate student in student affairs and services. Recipients are recognized as rising young professionals who continuously seek to integrate their research and practice with the needs of the African and African American population. Honorees must demonstrate the principles of the award, Umoja: The importance of togetherness for the family and the community, which is reflected in the African saying "I Am We" or "I Am Because We Are."