Among the recipients for the 2024 University of Akron LIFE Awards, a number of Buchtel College students, organizations, faculty and staff were selected for demonstrating excellence, integrity, and civic and social responsibility. Each award requires an application or nomination, as well as a recommendation from UA leadership. The students selected as award recipients are chosen by members of The University of Akron's Department for Student Life.
Congratulations to the following Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences students selected for this year’s University of Akron (UA) LIFE Awards.
A-Key Blue:
The A-Key Blue Award is presented annually to undergraduate students that demonstrate academic success and active involvement on campus. Students must meet minimum GPA standards and consistently retain full-time student status throughout their college career. The Buchtel College congratulates the following winners:
- Brooklynn Campbell, Biochemistry
- Brynn Lewis, Criminology and Criminal Justice
- Isaac Machar, Psychology
- Rhea Mahajan, Biomedical Science
- Ayesha Qureshi, Biomedical Science
- Lana Tso, Biomedical Science
A-Key Gold:
The A-Key Gold Award is presented annually to undergraduate students that distinguish themselves as some of this university's most actively involved student leaders and academic achievers. Students must meet minimum GPA standards and consistently retain full-time student status throughout their college career. The Buchtel College congratulates the following winners:
- Renee Clippinger, Psychology
- Katelee Mata, Sociology
- Megan Mitchell, Chemistry - Polymer Option
Top 10 Senior:
The Top 10 Senior Award is presented annually to ten senior students who show quality, depth, and breadth of involvement in a variety of campus, athletic, and/or community activities. Students also must show high scholastic achievement. Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA, be in good standing, have completed at least 90 credit hours, and their anticipated graduation date must be May, August or December of the current academic year. This award requires 3 letters of recommendation, and we're so happy that three out of 10 of this year's selected seniors are Buchtel College students. We honor the outstanding student careers of this year's winners:
- Alia Baig, Philosophy
- Hannah Barnes, Art - Graphic Design
- Brooke Campbell, Biomedical Sciences
Outstanding Junior Award:
The Outstanding Junior Award is presented annually to a junior student showing exemplary academic work, involvement in extracurricular activities, and broad base of awareness and leadership. Applicants must have been 60-89.99 credits or have progressed to their third year in their academic program at the time of submission and hold a minimum 3.6 GPA. This year’s winner is a Buchtel College student.
- Ayesha Qureshi, Biomedical Science
Masters’ Scholar Award:
The Master's Scholar Award is presented annually to a master's student who has demonstrated exemplary scholastic excellence, outstanding campus involvement, commitment to community service, advanced knowledge of the scientific research process, expertise in the relevant findings of their field, and the ability to communicate complex ideas in a simplified manner to a variety of audiences. To be eligible, students must have a minimum 3.5 cumulative GPA. This year’s honoree is a Buchtel College student.
- Jessica Rinke, Intelligence and National Security Studies
Doctoral Scholar Award:
The Doctoral Scholar Award is presented annually to a Doctoral student that has proven exemplary scholastic excellence, outstanding campus involvement, commitment to community service, advanced knowledge of the scientific research process, expertise in the relevant findings on their field, skill in conducting research and analyzing data, and the ability to communicate complex ideas in a simplified manner to a variety of audiences. Applicants must have a minimum 3.75 cumulative GPA. This year’s honoree is a Buchtel College student.
- Chad Studvick, Chemistry
Good Neighbor of the Year:
The Department of Student Life Exceptional Civic Engagement Award is presented annually to a student that had become distinguished in a civic engagement accomplishment and has contributed significantly to the betterment of the campus community and/or the community beyond the UA campus. To be eligible, the undergraduate student must maintain high academic standards and retain full-time status. We are pleased to announce that this year's student winner is a Buchtel College student. Many congratulations to:
- Rhea Mahajan, Biomedical Science
Club Sports Individual Achievement Award:
Student Recreation and Wellness Services Club Sports Achievement Award is presented annually to one club sport individual for their outstanding achievements and exemplary service in their sport. This year’s winner is a Buchtel College student.
- Xander Hull, AYA - Integrated Social Studies
Student Employee Excellence Award:
The Student Employee Excellence Award is presented annually to an individual that works at an on-campus student employment job and has provided significant contributions, demonstrated outstanding skill sets (examples-leadership, critical thinking, communication, teamwork, professionalism, etc.), and made a positive impact to their department. To be eligible, students must be a current undergraduate or graduate student employee and have worked at their on-campus student employment job for at least 6 months. Congratulations to this year’s winner, a Buchtel College student:
- Cassidy Kuhar, Psychology
Impact Award:
This award is presented to a registered student organization that has taken an innovative approach to programming, educating students, addressing a problem on campus, or otherwise improving the campus community.
- Psi Chi, a national honor society consisting of graduate and undergraduate psychology students
Faculty Engagement Award:
This award celebrates a faculty member who has shown a personal interest in the growth of students’ lives beyond the classroom.
- Dr. Charles Waehler, professor of psychology, was honored with the 2024 Faculty Engagement Award. Dr. Waehler’s nominator noted that he “consistently exceeds the expectations of his role, seeking to engage with and enhance the learning of each student. He goes above and beyond to connect with students inside and outside of the classroom…meeting with students to provide insight about graduate school, how to get involved within the department including student organizations or search, and professional advice.”
Outstanding Advisor Award:
This award recognizes a UA employee who has lent their leadership and expertise to the goals and objectives of a registered student organization.
- Donray Bennett, Director of Community Engagement & Strategic Partnerships, was awarded this year's Outstanding Advisor Award. The UA Latinos nominated Mr. Bennett, whose president noted that “he has taught us critical life lessons in perseverance, self advocacy, and has inspired us to make our mark within our communities. His presence means a lot to us, and without him, our leadership would not have been as successful.”
About LIFE Awards
The awardees were selected by members of UA’s Department of Student Life after applying or being nominated for the award and receiving a recommendation from UA leaders. Award recipients demonstrated excellence, integrity, and civic and social responsibility.