Student Awards
Recognizing excellence
At the College of Education, Health, and Human Services and University of Michigan-Dearborn, our students are recognized for their achievements both inside and outside the classroom.
Chancellor's and Dean's Medallions
Each semester, 蹤獲扦-Dearborn honors a very select group of students with a medallion. Chosen by faculty from their respective colleges, graduates are recognized for their outstanding quality of character, vitality, intellect, integrity and academic record.
To acknowledge the number of strong medallion candidates among 蹤獲扦-Dearborns top graduates, instead of one graduate per college selected, three medallions recipients are awarded per college starting with the Fall 2021 alumni with one of those students receiving the top Chancellors Medallion.
CEHHS honors the Chancellor's and Dean's Medallion recipients from the past five years for their exceptional character, vitality, intellect, integrity, and academic achievements.
2025

Chaymaa Nehme has demonstrated academic excellence at 蹤獲扦-Dearborn, earning a place on the Deans List as an honors student every semester since transferring from Henry Ford College in Fall 2023. Passionate about community engagement, she partnered with the Dearborn Public Health Department on a tree equity project through one of her courses, focusing on environmental justice and sustainability. Through this initiative, Chaymaa engaged with the community in meaningful ways, addressing disparities in tree coverage and advocating for greener, healthier neighborhoods. This included taking the initiative to translate all social media posts about the program into Arabic, greatly increasing the outreach of the posts to target communities. Chaymaa has demonstrated academic excellence at 蹤獲扦-Dearborn, earning a place on the Deans List as an honors student every semester since transferring from Henry Ford College in Fall 2023. Passionate about community engagement, she partnered with the Dearborn Public Health Department on a tree equity project through one of her courses, focusing on environmental justice and sustainability. Through this initiative, Chaymaa engaged with the community in meaningful ways, addressing disparities in tree coverage and advocating for greener, healthier neighborhoods. This included taking the initiative to translate all social media posts about the program into Arabic, greatly increasing the outreach of the posts to target communities. Chaymaa currently works at a school as part of the administration team. Following graduation, she plans to apply her knowledge and social work skills to support both students and staff. Her goal is to create a positive environment, providing resources and assistance to help students thrive academically and emotionally. She remains passionate about using her social work education and experiences to build a supportive school community and to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those she works with.

Darci O'Neil has demonstrated academic excellence at 蹤獲扦-Dearborn, earning a place on the Deans List as an honors student every semester since transferring in Fall 2023 and receiving University Honors in both Winter and Fall 2024. Prior to attending 蹤獲扦-Dearborn, Darci was a student at both Schoolcraft College and Wayne State University. Before returning to school as a single mom in my 30s, I was a perpetual college dropout and thought that school just wasnt for me, Darci said. Initially, she returned with the intention of only completing certification for her pharmacy technician license. Once introduced to the idea of public health, however, she realized that she had a passion for the field. A six-month certification turned into an opportunity to participate in research with cancer patients and she ultimately continued on for her BS. Darci completed a capstone course project and has continued to work with Associate Professor of Health Communication Nick Iannarino on a research project looking at young adult cancer programs and how they address social support needs. Her contributions have included interviewing health care professionals and analyzing data. Health and Human Services Lecturer Timothy Michling, who has taught Darci, stated, Ive very much enjoyed working with Darci. She has a combination of intelligence, determination and compassion that will make her a tremendously effective public health professional. Darci is was a Peer mentor with Wolverine Mentor Collective and Public Health Society (treasurer) during her time here at 蹤獲扦-Dearborn. Her future plans are currently seeking a position in the field of epidemiology and plans to gain work experience before seeking a masters degree. Darci believes that some experience in the field will help her decide whether to seek further education in epidemiology or, possibly, in public health policy.

Assma Ali Said, prior to attending 蹤獲扦-Dearborn, Assma was a student at Henry Ford College and Wayne State University. While studying at 蹤獲扦-Dearborn, Assma participated in two internships: M&M Academy Great Start Readiness Program classroom in Fall 2024 and a 蹤獲扦-Dearborn Early Childhood Education Center practicum in Winter 2023. Assma volunteers at a local mosque and helps organize events during Ramadan to promote unity, spiritual growth and community support. One such initiative is Girls Night, a women-only event designed to foster a sense of belonging and empowerment, especially for women who face cultural and social challenges. In addition, Assma provides tutoring for preschool students after school, helping them build foundational skills while fostering a love for learning. For the past three years, this role has enabled her to support young children in the community, ensuring they feel seen, heard and encouraged to thrive. She is committed to using her skills and story to uplift others and create lasting change within the Arab and Muslim communities. Assma believes her personal journey has empowered her to create positive change and advocate for those who may feel marginalized or unheard. She strives to create a space where women can come together, share their experiences and find strength in each other. Following graduation, Assma plans to further her education by pursuing a masters degree in early childhood education, with the goal of becoming a professor and educator who can make a lasting impact in the field. Her experience as a preschool teacher has ignited a deep passion for shaping young minds and she wants to contribute to the development of innovative educational practices that can be implemented in classrooms across the country.
2024
Paul Anderson, Mary Bradshaw, Britney Chungag, Hannah Funk, Sasha Kindred, Shannon Wronski
2022 - 2023
Amani Abuelenain, Miraaj Al-Haque, Audrey Asgarally, Katrina Chester, Yasmina Elmeligi, Bianca Freeman, Sarah Khaleefah, James Murphy O'Brien II, Anisha Sharma, Ranya Srour, Jessica Ann Woolley
2020 - 2021
Hajer Alchalabi, Sara Almuktar, Sarah Bloem, Hayat Hachem, Jowan Yousef Nabha, Kyle Ralston, Olivia Sichterman
Difference Makers
Nominated by faculty, staff and peers, 蹤獲扦-Dearborn Difference Makers are outstanding students and alumni. They are at the forefront of their fields, embodying academic and professional achievement, integrity, leadership and creative contribution to improve the lives of others in southeast Michigan communities. For more information, please see the website.
Difference Makers, both past and present, are highlighted in this section for their contributions over the last five years. These individuals have been nominated for their leadership at the forefront of their fields, exemplifying academic and professional achievement, integrity, and creative contributions that have improved the lives of individuals in Southeast Michigan communities.
2025
has been an unstoppable force since stepping onto the 蹤獲扦-Dearborn campus in 2022. Originally from Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Sarah is pursuing a degree in health and human services, with a focus on public health, at the College of Education, Health, & Human Services (CEHHS). Throughout her journey, she has immersed herself in a variety of student organizations and research initiatives, all of which have played a pivotal role in shaping her academic path and professional aspirations. Throughout her college career, Sarah has been fortunate to be mentored by three exceptional individuals who have significantly shaped her path. Natalie Sampson, PhD, associate professor, CEHHS, was instrumental in helping Sarah rebuild the PHS, transforming it into something greater than she had ever envisioned. Kathleen Darcy, JD, PhD, assistant professor of criminology and criminal justice studies, Sarahs first law professor, provided invaluable guidance as she navigates her path to law school. Lisa Martin, a professor with joint appointments in women and gender studies and health and human services, has also been a key figure in Sarahs academic journey. She gave me the opportunity to work as a research assistant on the Reproductive Freedom on the Ballot project, where I analyzed how campaign messaging influenced public opinion and the 2024 election, particularly in relation to reproductive rights, she said. This experience opened my eyes to the world of academic research and policy analysis, shaping my career aspirations moving forward. Sarah continued her research assistantship with Martin and Darcy, co-authoring an article for Case Western Health Matrix titled "Abortion Bites Back: An Analysis of Direct Democracy Efforts in the Post-Dobbs Era" which looks into the implications on reproductive health in the post-Dobbs era. Sarah is currently interning with the Dearborn Department of Public Health, where she is working on a law enforcement seizure training initiative and developing critical policy deliverables. She plans to pursue a JD and an MPH to further explore the intersections between legal and public health systems. My academic passion drives me to pursue a dual degree, aiming to expand this area of study for future law students and contribute meaningfully to legal education, Sarah explained. The intersection of public health and law fascinates me, particularly in areas like health policy, reproductive health and reproductive rights, and healthcare equity. I am especially drawn to public interest law, where law and public health converge advocating for stronger healthcare legislation, reproductive rights, and ethical medical policies. In the long term, Sarah aspires to become a legal academic, teaching, conducting research, and helping shape future legal minds. My undergraduate experiences have not only prepared me for this challenging path but also reinforced my commitment to a career that bridges law, public health, and academia, she said.
2024
P. Eric Bottorff
2022 - 2023
Miraaj Al-Haque, Alia Jessop, Sarah Khaleefah, Amy Tracy
2020 - 2021
Hajer Alchalabi, Cheryl Belhaddade, Riley Brown, Mira Chahine, Ravyn Clanton, Drew Dykowski, David Fuller Jr., Kamara Gardner, Danielle Jourdan, Dani Leroux, Katarina Moore, Grace Tate
Honor Scholars
Each year, the Honors Scholars award is given to one student in each degree major. Undergraduate students must have at least a 3.3 cumulative GPA and a minimum of 90 credit hours earned to qualify. Graduate students must have at least a 3.7 cumulative GPA and a minimum of 75 percent of their program completed to qualify.
Below are the Honor Scholars from the past and current five years, recognized among undergraduate and graduate students for achieving qualifying GPAs and earned credit hours.
Award Winners 2024
- Undergraduate: Marisa Budimir, Kathy Ciarelli, Saba Elmaweri, Hannah Funk, Sasha Kindred, Ava Kuczmarski, Rachel Pouget, Erin Rothwell, Rachel Theisen, Emily Smith, America Suarez
- Graduate: Montea Butts, Naideen Charara, Christina Eddings, Jennifer Fendt, Weirong Huang, Arus Movsesyan, Dean Rumely, Afnan Salema, Jennifer Ver Strate (Farley)
Award Winners 2023
- Undergraduate: Karima Alwishah, Katrina Chester, Zahraa Doulani, Alexandra Harder, Jennifer Hawari, Amanda Jacques, Emilee Le Blanc, Dounia Mosa, Siham Obaid, Morgan Peterson, Rochelle Podsiad, Jessica Woolley
- Graduate: Robert Barrett, Vernon Burden, Karen Caldwell, Keerthana Geli, Natalie Fowler, Keri Knochel, Edith Lin, Natalie Schaefer, Francesca Terzoli, Kathryn Zemke,
Award Winners 2022
- Undergraduate: Audrey Asgarally, Erica Carter, Hussein Chammout, Micah Early, Rawdah Jamal Eddin, Azizi Jarouche, Rebeka Juhasz, James O'Brien, Marisa Sdao, Noah Szwed, Kayla Verble, Muci Wang
- Graduate: Ridha Alwhysee, Nadia Erwin, Rawan Khuja, Eric McCloud, Franny Melampy, Haley Norton, Jon Ochoa, Peter Roderique, Marlene Scott, Rana Taher, Kathryn Wisser
Award Winners 2021
- Undergraduate: Safa Alghaithi, Jules Fisher, Israa Rizk, Reem Aldubaishi, Chantal Assaf, Chelsea Cook, Phylisa Howell, McKenzie Nelson, Tiffanie Panek, Alexis Papazoglou, Cayla Phillips, Carolyn Renneker, Nour Termos
- Graduate: Gretchen Handy, Laura Beindit, Partick Borg, Leah Goodwin, Emily Habbert, Cameron Hunt, Alexes Jackson, Jennifer Johnson, Colleen Kalisieski, John Kernan, Paige Skelly, Katherine Threat-Mrogan
Award Winners 2020
- Undergraduate: Roula Abouzeid, Mohamad Alhacham, Sarah Bloem, Delaney Bond, Adria Elmadari, Maya Gallo, Rosalind Grayson, Matthew Hundley, Danielle Jourdan, Nicole Lane, Danielle Leroux, Quinton Makgale, Haley Norton, Rebecca Raniszeski, Maria Rangel, Benjamin Rostkowski, Marissa Sims
- Graduate: Angela Altomonte, Christian Falzone, Rashid Faisal, Brittany Harden, Jessica Hines, Andrea Kistler, Jennifer McDaniels, Samantha Meeker, Kelsey Nordquist, Laura Schmehl, Eric Singley, Chandrika Williams
Dean's List Criteria
A student is honored by inclusion in the Dean's List if they meet two conditions:
- complete at least 12 credit hours of graded coursework towards a degree during the term.
- achieved a 3.50 or higher term GPA
The Dean's List is compiled after the Fall, Winter, and Summer terms.
Note: Students who have I, X, or Y notations or academic sanctions are not eligible to be included in the Deans List.
Part-time Dean's List Criteria
A part-time Dean's List is compiled after the Fall and Winter for students who meet the following conditions:
- complete at least a combined 12 credit hours over the course of the Fall and Winter of a given academic year, maintaining part-time status in each semester.
- the 12 credit hours must be graded coursework towards a degree.
- earn a minimum 3.50 GPA each term.
2025
2024
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2022 - 2023
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2020 - 2021
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