The Alumni Association awarded 20 students with scholarships for the 2023-2024 academic year, totaling $68,250. These scholarships are made possible by the dues paying members of the University of Maryland Alumni Association and by generous supporters of the Alumni Association Student Scholarship Fund.

For students interested in applying, the application cycle for the 2024-2025 academic year will open in Spring 2024.

We asked some of our current student awardees about their favorite UMD moments, favorite UMD facts, favorite alums and their own fearless ideas. Here are a few of their responses:

Sam Jane ’26 walking through drill instructions with Maryland women's basketball's assistant coach Jessica Imhof on Sept. 27, 2023. (Photo credit - Rohan Pandit at The Diamondback)

Major: Journalism

Minor: Public Leadership

Hometown: Ann Arbor, MI

“My favorite UMD moment so far has been the various opportunities I have gotten in the journalism world. Being able to cover both sports and local politics has been a dream come true for me. Working for the Diamondback, such a prestigious publication, was something that I could never imagine doing as a freshman. Additionally, all the people and places I have visited here have been more than I can imagine. As I told my family recently, I have no regrets whatsoever about leaving Michigan to become a Terp.”

Olabasi Omoniyi-Alake ’24 (right) with Delegate Darryl Barnes and members of his staff in the Maryland state legislature.

Major: Public Policy

Minor: Public Leadership

Hometown: Odenton, MD

“My fearless idea is to create an organization that is committed to allocating resources to first-generation students. From my own personal experience as a Nigerian-American, I was struggling with the application process for college. My parents had no familiarity with the system as they attended college in Nigeria, leaving me to miss several opportunities that could have enriched my college experience. Although I cannot turn back time, I want to be able to help the first-generation students that are still navigating the college process. This spring, I was able to serve as a legislative aide for Delegate Darryl Barnes in the House of Representatives, where I provided in-coming Prince George’s county college students with college resources that I have collected during my time there.”

Vainavi (right) presenting a piece of her Madhubani artwork as a token of gratitude to Roger and Karen Winston for their contributions to the Honors College.

Major: Biological Sciences

Minor: General Business

Hometown: Bethesda, MD

“My favorite UMD fact is that UMD's Arts for All initiative is launching a creative placemaking minor that will enable students to create and display artwork that sheds light on issues of global concern. I am extremely interested in the intersection between art and healthcare, and I create Madhubani folk art (a traditional Indian art form) that comments on child health issues from a sociocultural lens.

With this 'Arts for All' initiative, I can delve deeper into opportunities that merge art with advocacy and hopefully share my vision with larger communities.”

(From left to right) ARHU Dean Stephanie Shonekan, Testudo and Nelson Chen ’24 pose for a picture at the ARHU Dean's Awards Ceremony.

Major: Theater

Minor: Asian American Studies

Hometown: College Park, MD

“My fearless idea is organizing a “Meet the Counseling Center” event to increase awareness of campus mental health resources and connect providers with students, making necessary health services more accessible on campus. I strive to improve the interpersonal relationships between students and staff through this initiative. Highlighting the importance of the Counseling Center’s resources is essential to the well-being of every student, and I feel that many don’t realize the wealth of support UMD provides through the Counseling Center.

Services like accessibility & disability service, career counseling and crisis response can significantly impact the success of students at UMD and improve mental well-being. My fearless idea is to further campus efforts on accessibility, support systems and belonging through this “Meet the Counseling Center” event.”

Ella Williams '26 dressed up as Beaker from The Muppets for Halloween!

Major: Architecture

Hometown: Hyattsville, MD

For Halloween 2016, Ella Williams dressed up as the Muppets character Beaker, most recognizable with his bright orange hair, who was first brought to life by Jim Henson in 1978. 

The adventures he and Dr. Bunsen Honeydew embark upon, encourage her to remember to laugh and pursue new experiences.

“My favorite UMD alum is Jim Henson ’60. My sister and I grew up watching the Muppet movies and my favorite character was Beaker. I even dressed up as Beaker one year for Halloween! Even though I couldn’t really see where I was going because of the mask my mom had created, I still had fun trick-or-treating. The Muppets taught me to always seek adventure and try new things, something that has continued to stick with me in the many years since I first watched the films.”

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Meet all of our 2023 scholarship recipients and learn more about them and their student experiences by visiting our website.

Thank you to the members of the University of Maryland Alumni Association and supporters of the Alumni Association Student Scholarship Fund for making an impact on these students' lives.

Investing in our students is an investment for our future. Give Today and join others in supporting students who show commitment to the university community through service, leadership, creativity and Terp pride.

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