Undergraduate Student  Excellence (Leadership/Service) Award Recipients:

Belinda Bracey received the 2000 Diversity Award in Student excellence. Belinda Bracey received the award for her leadership in improving the quality of campus life, and her poineering service as a role model in several areas of achievement. A Peer Leader for the URI FLITE Leadership Program, Belinda served for two years as President of the Memorial Union Board, carefully polishing her parliamentary and organizational skills. A senior majoring in Nursing, she has served as Vice President and Community Resource Chair of the URI Student  Nurses Association. In the summer of 1999, she was a McNair  Fellow at the University of New Hampshire, where she conducted a research study, "The Grieving Child: An Exploratory Analysis of  Grief Programs in Southern New Hampshire." Her presentation of her research at the Eastern Nursing Research Society's Annual Convention recently won her third prize in the student category, placing her ahead of all but two graduate students- an unprecedented achievement. A Resident Assistant in Peck Hall, Belinda was chosen to introduce Dr. Cornel West who delivered the Fourth Annual Lecture on Multiculturalism. On the campus, Belinda participated on the Dean of Nursing's Advisory Committee, the Nursing Christian Fellowship, the Higher Calling Gospel Choir, the Women of Color Conference Planning Committee, the Freshman Institute, the Search Committee for the Dean of the College of Nursing, and the Nursing Student Affairs Committee. In her spare time she coordinated the College of Nursing Annual Job Fair, attracting over 30 recruiters and raising $1000 for the Student Affairs Committee.

Jonathan Lewis received the 2000 Diversity Award in Student excellence. Jonathan Lewis was selected for his leadership in improving the quality of campus life. Jonathan has been one  of the most persistent campus leaders in pursuit of social justice. As a member of Uhuru Sa Sa since his  freshman year, he has held the offices of President and Assistant Treasurer. Currently the Scribe and Minister of Community Outreach for the Brothers United for Action, Jonathan is also President of the Talent Development Volunteer Leadership Group, a member of the Diversity Task Force, a member of SOUL ( Student Organized for Understanding and Love), and a Resident Assistant in Gorham Hall. Jonathan majors in Human Development and Family Studies and a minor in African-American History, Jonathan has been chosen for the Rainville Award for Student Leadership. Jonathan has accepted the task of convening the Multicultural Center Student Involvement Council. During the summer, he will be a delegate to the International Conference on Non-Violence in South Africa. During the fall, he will begin graduate school at URI in College Student Personnel. He will also be planning a Conference on Non-Violence for student leaders.

Laura Tanner and Sara Bendoraitis both received the 2000 Diversity Award in Student excellence. Laura and Sara were selected for their leadership in advocating for an improved quality of life for women on campus. Sara Bendoraitis is a Political Science major and Laura Tanner is a Senior History and Women's  Studies major. Both were members of the URI women's issues group called POWER. Laura was eventually elected as Vice President, while Sara was elected secretary. As members of the Women's Studies 400 class taught by the late Dr. Dana Shugar, they undertook as a class project the establishment of a Commission on  the Status of Women at URI. Along with six other students in the class, they interviewed faculty and staff on campus, researched women's issues on the state and national level, investigated the programs at other universities, drafted a proposal and budget for the Commission and solicited signatures for a petition of support. When they presented the results of their research to President Carothers and his administrative team, they developed a PowerPoint presentation to support their proposal. Through out the process of developing the proposal and soliciting the support of President Carothers, they mentioned the importance of several role models: the late Dr. Dana Shugar; Carolyn Sovet, Director of Women's Center; Provost, Dr. M. Beverly Swan;
Dr. Lois Cuddy, Professor of English; and Dr. Lynn Derbyshire, Assistant Professor of Communications. Laura Tanner and Sara Bendoraitis now sit as members of the steering committee charged with implementing the Commission by Fall 2000.

Undergraduate Student Excellence (Academic/Service) Award Recipients:

Angelica Gomes received the 2000 Diversity Award in Undergraduate Student excellence. Angelica was selected for her record of academic excellence and campus service. Angelica is a Psychology major with nearly a straight "A" average. Angie has compiled a string of superlative achievements that demonstrate her love of research  and learning. In 1998 and 1999, Angie was chosen by the Psychology Department as the outstanding member of her class. In 1998, she presented at the first undergraduate research colloquium held by her department. In 1999, she became the first undergraduate student at URI to receive three URI Foundation Grants for her research. In 2000, Angie will receive another Academic Excellence Award from the Psychology Department. Under the guidance of Dr. Susan Boatright-Horowitz, Angie and a student colleague have presented versions of "A Deceptive Investigation of Academic Cheating in College Students" at the New England Psychological Association Conference, the Greater New York Conference of Psychological Research, and the Eastern Psychological Association Conference. In 1999, she was chosen to be a Ronald E. McNair Fellow. Her McNair Research Project, "Preferred Teaching and Learning Styles of African-American and European-American Undergraduate College Students at Howard University and at the University of Rhode Island" is currently being presented at a School  Psychology Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana. A certified Peer Educator on substance abuse and sexual assault through the Office of Student Life, Angie has served as an undergraduate teaching assistant, a Resident Assistant, a URI 101 Peer Mentor, and a student staff member at the Multicultural Center. A 2000 recipient of Estes Benson Award for Academic Achievement, Angie is a member of the Golden Key National Honor Society and Psi Chi,  the National Honor Society in Psychology. Her long-range goals are to earn a Ph.D. in School Psychology, to continue her progress as an educator and researcher, and to work with at-risk youth.

Undergraduate Student Excellence (Artistic/Cultural) Award Recipients:

Ammala Douangasavanh received the 2000 Diversity Award in Undergraduate Student excellence. Ammala Douangasavanh was selected for her outstanding talent as a poet and performance artist. Those who  frequent the URI Poetry Slam contest regard her as one of the most gifted regulars. An enthusiast of a variety of  dance styles, Ammala's interests cover the gamut from traditional Asian dance to hip-hop forms, such as break dancing. Ammala has served as a member of the Asian Students Association Executive Board, the Diversity Task Force, and the Rainville Awards Nominating Committee. Ammala is active in mentoring public school students, Ammala has coordinated the Asian Students Association Culture Show and participated in the Multicultural Center Fall Talent Show. In 1999, she traveled to Argentina on a cultural mission.

Student Organization Excellence (Leadership/Service) Award Recipients:

The Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Society (GLASS) received the 2000 Diversity Award in Student Organization Excellence. Glass was selected for their leadership in collaborating with other student organizations, and in working to improve the campus climate. GLASS has worked on a variety of fronts to focus attention on issues of sexual orientation. The organization has worked with the Women's Center to conduct information sessions to raise awareness with Speakeasy to host talks on relationships and sexuality with the Multicultural Center Faculty Fellows to take part in community conversations, with the Intervarsity Christian Fellowship to hold an intergroup discussion, and with the Unitarian Universalist Church for a panel  discussion. GLASS was also recognized for their participation in the Unity and Charity Parade and the URI Block Party, and helped in the Annual Take Back the Night March. The organization also sent its largest delegation ever to Unity Weekend in the fall of 1999. In addition, GLASS hosted Craig Dean of Georgetown University's School of Law to discuss the topic of same sex marriage; and was commended, by members of the URI Student Senate for their outstanding fundraising campaign for the Melissa Ferrick concert.

Uhuru Sa Sa received the 2000 Diversity Award in Student Organization Excellence. Uhuru Sa Sa received the award for its contributions to improving the campus climate for all students. The executive board of Uhuru Sa Sa invested countless hours in organizing students, raising funds, and hosting high school from Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Massachusetts during URI's Search Weekend. Working in collaboration with other organizations such as Latin American Students Association, the Asian Students Association, the Cape Verdian Students Association, and other offices, Uhuru Sa Sa presents a major gift to the university community that often goes unheralded. In addition, Uhuru Sa Sa has helped to improve the understanding of the scientific technical legacy of African-Americans to the nation and the world by sponsoring the acclaimed Black Inventors Exhibit. The organization also presented one of the  rare campus events featuring Native Americans in recent events-a dialogue with a Narragansett family, followed by a dance performance. During February, Uhuru Sa Sa invited Officer Brother DeLacy Davis to the National Association of Black Police Officers to discuss the worsening relations between the criminal justice system and African-American citizens. Uhuru Sa Sa arranged a roller-skating jam that attracted nearly 200 students in Narragansett and conducted a trip to Six Flags Great Adventure for its members. During 1999-2000, Uhuru Sa Sa has also contributed to the events of other students  organizations, and participated in Unity Weekend and Bridges. 

Staff/Administrative Excellence (Leadership/Service) Award Recipients:

Andrew Winters  received the 2000 Diversity Award in Staff/ Administrative excellence. Andrew was selected for his leadership in promoting social justice issues on campus. The Assistant Director of URI Housing and Residential Life, Andrew co-founded and has continued to nurture the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Symposium, an annual national conference focusing on research and scholarship about issues of sexual orientation. Through his advocacy, he has helped to establish the Rainbow Diversity House, and intentional living and learning community with a multicultural theme, expected to open in the next academic year. A professional mediator, Andrew has trained several members of the URI community on the mediation process. He coordinates the "Reel Talk" video and discussion series, helping to educate the campus about issues of sexual orientation. He has served as a member of the Multicultural Center Advisory Committee, the Psychology Department Multicultural Task Force, and the Diversity Task Force. A regular speaker to classes at URI, Andrew has presented at several conferences and symposia throughout the Northeast.

Christine Wilson  received the 2000 Diversity Award in Staff/ Administrative excellence. Christine Wilson was selected for her leadership in programs that develop diverse students to their fullest potential. Under her administration, the Leadership Program minor has grown in popularity and has become an important option for students interested in social change and social justice. Within the leadership Development minor, she designed to courses- "Multiethnic Leadership Studies" and "Leadership for Activism and Social Change". She administers the First-Year Student Leadership Institute and serves as a member of the Women's Commission steering Committee. In addition, she founded the Student Organization Leadership Consultants, currently advises Bridges, and has advised URI Students for Social Change. She is also a member of the Ocean State Leadership Consortium.

Lifetime Acheivement Award: N/A

Graduate Student  Excellence (Academic/Service) Award Recipients:

Cristiana Delossantos  received the 2000 Diversity Award in Graduate Student excellence. Cristiana Delossnatos was selected for her academic achievements; her leadership and commitment to social change both on and off campus. After graduating from Rhode Island College, Cristiana became a registered nurse, in 1994. Currently a candidate for a Mater's degree in Nursing at URI, with a specialization in psychiatric nursing, Cristiana works full-time; for the Women and Infants Hospital providing health screening, education, and referrals through the Providence Family van. Her bilingualism has helped her to address and understand the needs of underrepresented populations around health education, care and prevention, especially those around HIV/AIDS. Formerly a volunteer member of the Brown University AIDS Program Community Advisory Board, she currently serves on committees of Ocean State Action, a legislative advocacy group. This year, she has received three awards acknowledging her scholarship, leadership, and service: the Robin Gaines Memorial Scholarship from the New England Black Nurses Association; the Latino Health Professional Award from Progresso Latino; and the Clare Sullivan  Memorial Nurse Leadership Scholarship from the Nursing Foundation of Rhode Island. A member of the College of Nursing Diversity Committee, she plans to start a Hispanic Nurses Association at URI.

Faculty Excellence (Academic/Service) Award Recipients:

Faye Boudreaux-Bartels received the 2000 Diversity Award in Faculty excellence.
Dr. Bartels  was selected for her leadership in promoting programs that benefit women and students of color. Because she herself was influenced by the example of two women engineering graduate students, Dr. Boudreaux-Bartels understands the need for academic support programs that create a welcoming climate and nurture under- represented students to graduation. Among her many achievements is the co-founding of a summer camp for women engineering students; her role in the Women in Science task force; her chairing of the first College of Engineering Diversity Committee; and her service of Advisor to the Society of Women Engineers and the National Society of Black Engineers. A Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Dr. Bartels recently was named a fellow of the prestigious International Electrical and Electronic Engineer- the society's highest honor. One of the three professors in the College of Engineering, she has received two awards for faculty excellence. On Thursday, May 4, 2000 she was named Women of the Year, by the URI  Association for Professional and Academic Women.