Blog Post Written by Valerie Seguin
On Friday, April 26th, 2024, the J. Alberto Moyano Auditorium & Art Gallery was filled with excitement and pride as the United International College (UIC) honored its outstanding students and athletes in a grand ceremony. The evening was a testament to the dedication, hard work, and excellence that define the UIC community.
Among the highlights of the evening was the recognition of Martha Rodriguez, who was awarded the prestigious Academic Excellence Award for achieving a remarkable GPA of 3.97, the highest among UIC students. Congratulations poured in for Martha, whose commitment to academic excellence serves as an inspiration to us all.
The celebration continued with the announcement of the UIC President’s List awardees, comprising students who achieved a CGPA higher than 3.82. UIC Provost Angelica Moyano proudly introduced the exceptional scholars: Jean-Daniel Augustin, Luis Alejandro Hernandez, Edward Espinosa, Marene Stark, Naomi Mangiapane, and Hannah Freden. Each of these individuals exemplifies the academic rigor and dedication that UIC values.
The spirit of leadership was celebrated with the presentation of the Leadership Award to David Rhead, acknowledging his outstanding qualities and contributions to the UIC community.
In addition to academic achievements, the ceremony also recognized exemplary contributions in various fields. Valerie Seguin, an intern in the communications department, and Dylan Francisco, an intern in the Athletic Department, were honored for their commitment to their respective professions, setting a high standard for their peers.
Athletic prowess took center stage as Baseball head coach Marcos Cabral bestowed the Cy Young Award (Best Pitcher) upon Jesus Delgado and the MVP (Most Valuable Player) title upon George Gallardo.
Women’s head coach Johana Karbanova recognized Natalia Peixe as the greatest team player, Keila Gonzalez as the most improved player, and Astrid Beckemeier as the MVP, highlighting their invaluable contributions to their teams’ success.
Men’s head soccer coaches Sergio Guarita and Samir Malini presented the MVP award to Carly Jure, while Tennis Coach Jahanzed Inam honored Diego Vargas with the MVP award for his outstanding performance on the court.
Dr. Ted Abernethy, UIC Eagle Rays Athletics Director, took pride in presenting the Men’s Basketball MVP award to Artem Sorokin and the prestigious Mr. Eagle Ray award to Anthony Monroy. The title of Ms. Eagle Ray was bestowed upon Naomi Mangiapane by UIC President Lydia Bautista Moller, recognizing her exceptional leadership and contributions to UIC athletics.
The evening also celebrated the remarkable impact of student initiatives, with Dr. Marcela Moyano UIC Communications Director and Advancement presenting the Difference Maker Award to the @daepodcast and @d.vacilon podcast. These platforms exemplify the power of student voices in fostering dialogue and understanding within the UIC community and beyond.
As the ceremony drew to a close, Dr. Ted Abernethy expressed gratitude to the coaching staff for their unwavering dedication and, celebrated the achievements of each team throughout the academic year. President Lydia Bautista Moller emphasized the importance of caring, joy, and love in the UIC and Eagle Rays community, embodying the spirit of Holistic Education at UIC.
The Awards Ceremony celebrated at J. Alberto Moyano Auditorium & Art Gallery was an emotional celebration of academic and athletic excellence, showcasing the remarkable achievements and contributions of the UIC community. As we look forward to the future, let us continue to uphold the values of excellence, leadership, and community that define the spirit of UIC. Congratulations to all the awardees and best wishes for continued success in their endeavors.
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