Pictured, from left: Top row: Sajan Bhardwa, Reanna Calpin, Christina Freeman, Imani Gill, Claudia Martinez, Chase Thompson; Bottom row: Cameron Rosas Wuotto, Tyriq Harris, Alyssa Lopez, Kelsey Lane, Demetria Percival, Tahlieah Sampson
At the end of each spring semester, UNC Charlotte presents several awards to students during the annual Honors and Awards Ceremony. Recipients of these prestigious honors demonstrate an attitude of unselfish interest in the welfare of their fellow students and the University as a whole.
This year, 12 students were recognized during the Monday evening virtual ceremony for their significant contributions to UNC Charlotte and their outstanding qualities of scholarship and leadership during their undergraduate career.
Chancellor’s Citations for Leadership and Service
The Chancellor’s Citations for Leadership and Service are presented to a group of graduating seniors in recognition of their leadership and commitment to the campus community. Their contributions help enrich the college experience for fellow students and help develop good citizens and stewards for the future.
This year’s recipients are:
- Sajan Bhardwa, a Health Systems Management major with a minor in Criminal Justice. Sajan is a graduate of the Leadership Fellows program and served as a STAR mentor and then program co-coordinator. He is a member of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity where he led as chairman for philanthropy as well as alumni and parent relations. He has also served as president of The Conspiracy Theory Club and is a member of the 49er Forum Speakers Series committee. Sajan was on the executive board of the 2020 Dance Marathon as morale chairman.
- Reanna Calpin, a Psychology major with a minor in Child and Family Development. Reanna has served as vice president of new member education for Alpha Chi Omega sorority as well as a Circle of Sisterhood ambassador. She also led as president of UNC Charlotte’s Panhellenic Council and is a member of the Order of Omega honor society. Reanna is also completing an internship in the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life.
- Christina Freeman, a double major in English and Communications. A graduate of the Emerging Leaders program, she has served as a PAL mentor and program co-coordinator. She is a member of Alpha Chi Omega, in which she held the position of panhellenic delegate. Christina is a former member of the Pride of Niner Nation marching band, a two-year housing ambassador and a current resident advisor. Christina has also volunteered twice a week for the past two years as a reader with Charlotte Mecklenburg Libraries.
- Imani Gill, a Communication Studies major with a minor in Urban Youth and Communities. Imani has served as a senator-at-large and is the current chief of staff of the Student Government Association. She is completing her term as vice president of membership for Student Ambassadors and is the past vice president of Collegiate 100. Imani is a graduate of both the Executive Leadership Program and the LeaderShape Institute.
- Claudia Martinez, a double major in International Business and Spanish. Claudia is serving her second term as president of Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Incorporated. She is the co-founder and external vice president of the LatinX Student Union. A graduate of the Emerging Leaders program, Claudia also participated in the Bonner Leaders program and has served as an intern with the Hispanic College Awareness Program. She has also been a resident advisor with the Global Village Learning Community.
- Chase Thompson, a double major in Management Information Systems and Business Analytics, and a member of the Business Honors Program. He served as vice president and is now completing his second term as president of the Association for Information Systems. He has worked in the Popp Martin Student Union as a production assistant and building manager. Chase has also served as a resident advisor for six semesters, holding one-on-one sessions with more than 100 students.
- Cameron Rosas Wuotto, an Exercise Science major with a minor in Psychology. Cameron is a member of Kappa Alpha Theta where she served as fundraising director. She is a graduate of both the Executive Leadership and Women’s Leadership Development programs. Cameron has also been a Niner Guide providing more than 400 campus tours to potential students. She has served as both the training assistant and the human resources coordinator for Niner Guides, and it has been her responsibility to train five classes of new tour guides.
Provost’s Student-Athlete Academic Achievement Award
The Provost’s Student-Athlete Academic Achievement Award, honoring a student who has excelled in the classroom and as an athlete for the UNC Charlotte 49ers, was awarded to Tyriq Harris, a May 2019 graduate. Tyriq graduated Cum Laude with a B.S. in Biology and a minor in Psychology. Since then he has pursued a second undergraduate degree in Business while completing his football eligibility.
Tyriq was a leader within the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and recognized as “Mr. 49er” in 2018, 2019 and 2020. His community service participation is also impressive including assisting with the YMCA Miracle League, Tim Tebow Night to Shine, YMCA Healthy Kids Day, Dance Marathons, holiday toy drives and reading at elementary schools. On the football field Tyriq was a four-year starter, our first three-time team captain, a member of the 2016 Conference USA All-Freshman team, named Honorable Mention All-Conference USA in 2019. At the end of his career he is ranked seventh in school history for tackles and fourth in career sacks.
Derrick Griffith Servant Leader Award
The Derrick Griffith Servant Leader Award was established to honor the memory and legacy of alumnus Derrick Griffith, who was an active student and community leader dedicated to the service and mentorship of others. This award is given to a first generation college junior or senior student who has demonstrated leadership through on or off campus service to others, involvement in student organizations/activities and a commitment to mentorship.
The 2021 recipient of the Derrick Griffith Servant Leadership Award is Alyssa Lopez, a junior Communication Studies major and Journalism minor. During her time at UNC Charlotte, Alyssa has been actively involved in several organizations including the Student Government Association, Campus Activities Board, 100 Black Women and Charlotte Content Creators. She has also dedicated herself to helping others by serving as a UTOP peer mentor and Orientation Counselor to assist new students in their transition to the University, and volunteering at the Jamil Niner Student Pantry and with ARTportunity Knocks.
Chuck Lynch Leadership Award
Kelsey Lane, a Public Health and Health Systems Management major and a Spanish minor, was presented the Chuck Lynch Leadership Award. This award is given to a member of the graduating class (May, August or December) in honor of former Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, Chuck Lynch, who served the University for 34 years. This award recognizes student leadership in building relationships and programs while also mentoring others to reach their maximum potential. The Chuck Lynch Award reflects building relationships while also mentoring others to reach their maximum potential.
A graduate of the Emerging Leaders program, Kelsey has served the University as a housing ambassador and was a member of the Pride of Niner Nation Marching Band. She led as Homecoming court chair, vice president of programming for Student Alumni Ambassadors and as president of the National Residence Hall Honorary. Kelsey also acted as secretary for Student Affairs in the Student Government Association. She is a current resident advisor and is completing her second term as a member of the Tuition and Feeds Advisory Board. In her three semesters as a Niner Guide she has given 30 tours to prospective students.
Noble Niner Award
The Noble Niner Award is presented to a graduating senior who leads with integrity and exemplifies the values of the Noble Niner: Respect, Accountability, Dignity, Honor, Compassion, Character, Nobility and Integrity.
This year’s recipient, Demetria Percival, a Political Science and Africana Studies double major, is a campus leader whose involvement includes being a member of the Women’s Rugby team; parliamentarian, membership intake coordinator and vice president of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.; inter-fraternal liaison and president of the National Panhellenic Council; secretary of NAACP; constitutional committee chair of the Student Union Advisory Board; and president of the Caribbean Student Association. Within the past year, as many students lost financial support due to the impacts of COVID-19, Demetria utilized her role as NPHC president to found the first-ever NPHC scholarship at UNC Charlotte, awarding $250 to three non-Greek students of color.
Bonnie E. Cone Leadership Award
Described as a dedicated and collaborative leader who is open to the thoughts and opinions of others, Tahlieah Sampson, 2020-21 Student Government Association president and Political Science major and Legal Studies minor, received the prestigious 2021 Bonnie E. Cone Leadership Award.
This award is presented to a member of the graduating class whose leadership, scholarship and service to the University embodies the spirit of University founder Bonnie E. Cone.
As student body president, Tahlieah has advocated for students and has been instrumental in making decisions related to student needs during the pandemic and in making strides forward in the University’s equity and justice efforts. Throughout the COVID-19 year, she worked with the administration to establish pass/no credit grading options, additional student wellness opportunities (including spring break) and quarantine support for students. She devoted herself to recognizing the accomplishments of students who have been underserved, marching for the end of racism and violence, raising up the voices and talents of students artists who created the Black Lives Matter artwork displayed on campus, and creating an advisory board to work with Police and Public Safety.
Balancing her commitments to the University community with a commitment to academic success, she was invited to join the Phi Sigma Pi National Honor Fraternity and earned a spot on the Dean’s List for five semesters.