University of Minnesota announces recipients of SEED awards for outstanding diverse students

Contacts: Ami Berger, Office for Equity and Diversity, (612) 625-0498, aberger@umn.edu
Ryan Mathre, University News Service, (612) 625-0552, mathre@umn.edu

MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (10/27/2009) — The Office for Equity and Diversity at the University of Minnesota has announced the recipients of the 2009 Scholarly Excellence in Equity and Diversity (SEED) awards to twelve undergraduate students and one graduate student. The thirteen students will receive their awards at the annual University of Minnesota Equity and Diversity Breakfast on Thursday, Nov. 19.

The SEED Award program honors high-achieving students at the University of Minnesota with diverse identities, including students of color, women, GLBT students and students with disabilities. SEED Award recipients must demonstrate impressive academic achievement and leadership in community outreach and activism, in addition to a deep understanding of and commitment to issues of equity, diversity and social justice.

This year’s SEED Award winners are:

• Ifeanyirochukwu G. Anwah, a senior majoring in genetics, cell biology & development in the College of Biological Sciences, Twin Cities
• Ochuko L. Binitie-Cassidy, a senior majoring in chemical engineering in the Institute of Technology, Twin Cities
• Krystal M. Bradford, a senior majoring in strategic communication in the College of Liberal Arts, Twin Cities
• Christopher L. Davila, a junior majoring in education at the University of Minnesota, Duluth
• Pa Lee, a junior majoring in business marketing and education in the College of Education and Human Development, Twin Cities
• Thuy D. Nguyen-Tran, a senior double-majoring in biochemistry and physiology in the College of Biological Sciences and the College of Liberal Arts, Twin Cities
• Juliana Pegues, postdoctoral candidate in American studies in the College of Liberal Arts, Twin Cities
• Yurida Ramirez, a junior double-majoring in history and journalism in the College of Liberal Arts, Twin Cities
• Asha Sharma, a junior majoring in marketing in the Carlson School of Management, Twin Cities
• Thomas J. Toley, a senior majoring in communication studies in the College of Liberal Arts, Twin Cities
• Sarah G. Winikoff, a senior biology major at the University of Minnesota, Morris
• Allison R. Witham, a senior majoring in English in the College of Liberal Arts, Twin Cities
• Yee Xiong, a junior double-majoring in neuroscience and physiology in the College of Biological Sciences and the College of Liberal Arts, Twin Cities

SEED Award recipients receive an honorarium for their achievement ranging from $1000 to $2500.  

The presentation of the SEED Awards will be the highlight of the annual University of Minnesota Equity and Diversity Breakfast, 7:30-9:30, Nov. 19 at McNamara Alumni Center's Memorial Hall, 200 Oak Street S.E., Minneapolis.  The breakfast, sponsored by the Office for Equity and Diversity, connects university faculty, staff, students and administrators with community and corporate partners in support of the university’s equity and diversity work. The breakfast is presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield and supported by ten additional corporate sponsors.

In addition, the Office for Equity and Diversity will sponsor a Diversity Networking Reception that afternoon for diverse undergraduate students to explore career opportunities with employers from around the Twin Cities who are commited to organizational diversity. The event will be held from 3-5 p.m. at the Radisson University Hotel and is sponsored by Target.