Bridge Builder Award - Graduate
Mehrdad Mohammadi, Ph.D. Candidate in Statistics

Mehrdad Mohammadi is a Ph.D. candidate in Statistics at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), specializing in reinforcement learning, statistical machine learning, and their applications. He holds dual master’s degrees in Mathematics and Statistics from UIUC, an MA in Economics from Penn State, an MS in Economics from the University of Bologna, and a B.Sc. in Finance and Accounting from the Petroleum University of Technology in Iran. His academic journey has been recognized with several honors, including the Block Grant Fellowship, the Department of Statistics Doctoral Student Leadership and Service Award, and the Illinois International Graduate Achievement Award.

Peer Educator Award
Alina Stetsuk, Ph.D. Candidate in East Asian Languages and Cultures

Alina Stetsuk is a fourth-year PhD student with the East Asian Languages and Cultures Department. Originally from Ukraine, she specializes in career coaching and advising for East Asian international students. As a dedicated researcher, educator, and mentor, she focuses on the challenges international students face in career development and how university career services can better support them. In addition to her research, Alina serves as a Graduate Assistant with the Illinois Career Center and Teaching Assistant with her department teaching Chinese Language, bringing a deep commitment to student success both in and out of the classroom. Her work bridges academic inquiry with practical impact, helping students navigate their professional journeys with confidence.

Community Impact Award
Jae’da Thompson, Senior in Interdisciplinary Health Sciences

Jaeda Thompson is a senior majoring in Interdisciplinary Health Sciences. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Health Sciences. She has special interest in working to make healthcare more equitable and promoting mental health within marginalized communities. Her time on campus has been very fulfilling and she's had the opportunity to serve in many roles including her role as the Community Service Chair of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., President of the Mannie Lee Jackson Academic Enrichment Program, Outreach and Recruitment Intern for the Bruce D. Nesbitt African American Cultural Center and more! Through all of her involvement, her love for community service and volunteerism has a priority and she's so grateful to be recognized for the significant impact she's made in the community!

Outstanding Staff Award
Kasey Umland, Director of the Women’s Resources Center

Kasey joined the Women's Resources Center in Fall 2021 as the Interim Director before assuming the role full-time in January 2023. In this role, she oversees the Center's gender equity initiatives and provides administrative support to the amazing WRC team leading the WRC's prevention and advocacy work. A University of Illinois alum, Kasey moved to Champaign in 2001 to study Economics and Political Science (and never left). She developed a passion for social justice and human rights through her involvement in Amnesty International and an interest in college student leadership development while working as a graduate assistant at the Illinois Leadership Center and the Illini Union.  Those experiences led her to the University YMCA where she worked for over a decade. While at the Y, Kasey spearheaded innovative scholarship programs, the Bailey International Service Travel Scholarship and the Bailey Unpaid Internship scholarship to support unmet student needs and foster new energy and engagement and expanded financial support for undocumented students. However, her true passion lies in fostering student leadership and development for social and environmental justice. She brings over a decade of experience in both formal and informal student advising to her new role at the WRC. When she isn't at the WRC, Kasey is actively engaged in the C-U community where she serves on the board of FirstFollowers Reentry Program and previously served in the boards of the YWCA - UIUC, Channing-Murray Foundation and Homestead Corporation.  

Iranian Heritage Foundation, Registered Student Organization (Collaboration Award) 

Building on the legacy of the first Iranian student organization established in 1961 at the University of Illinois, the Iranian Heritage Foundation (IHF) has emerged as its most vibrant and thriving successor, dedicated to celebrating and promoting Iranian culture and heritage. IHF fosters cultural exchange and unity through art, music, and community engagement. Through dynamic and inclusive events, it empowers individuals to honor their heritage while contributing to a more culturally enriched and inclusive campus community. 

Illinois Hip Hop Camp (Outstanding Program Award) 

Illinois Hip Hop Camp brings K-12 students and teachers, hip-hop artists, camp alumni, and University of Illinois music education professors and students together for a one-week camp focused on creating original hip-hop music. In its seven-year history, the camp has welcomed dozens of middle and high school students to the University of Illinois for an immersive, culturally relevant hip-hop educational experience. 

Program led by Lamont Holden (Assistant Professor of Audio and Recording Technologies), Adam Kruse (Associate Professor of Music Education), and Peter Shungu (Teaching Assistant Professor in Music Education)