April 3, 2024

Columbus State University honored a dozen students, employees, alumni and community leaders on Wednesday, March 27 with its Legacy Awards as part of its annual Legacy Celebration Banquet.

Each recipient was selected for their dedicated work in the areas of inclusion and belonging. They include:

Frank Oppong Boateng (pictured) was the recipient of the Kiongozi Award for Outstanding International Leadership—bestowed by the Center for Global Engagement on a graduating international student who has demonstrated campus involvement and academic leadership. Modeling “kiongozi,” or leadership in Swahili, the computer science major from Ghana looks to make a positive societal impact through a future career in artificial intelligence and machine learning while considering the ethical implications associated with these technologies.

Victoria Canedo (pictured) was the recipient of the Goizueta Foundation Scholarship Award, which recognizes a student of Hispanic or Latino heritage with family residing in the U.S. and who is in good academic standing. A senior majoring in health science and minoring in biology, Canedo demonstrates a commitment to inclusion through her leadership in the university’s Hispanic Association (CHISPA), as well as Alpha Omicron Pi Sorority, Beta Beta Beta Biological Honors Society, Order of Omega Greek Life honor society, and the Honors College. As a future nurse practitioner, she hopes to bridge gaps in medical accessibility in underserved communities. This scholarship is made possible through philanthropic support from the Atlanta-based Goizueta Foundation.

Dr. Monica Frazier (pictured), a professor and chair of the Department of Biology, was the recipient of the Outstanding Faculty/Staff Award. The award recognizes a CSU employee for demonstrating and promoting leadership and service. As director of the university’s Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP) program, Frazier has mentored countless science scholars from underrepresented groups to pursue their passions and future STEM career goals.

The Future African American Healthcare Professional Society was the recipient of the Civic Engagement Award, which is presented to a Columbus-area business or organization that advocates for or is committed to advancing diversity and inclusion. The student-led organization seeks to inspire current Columbus State students to enter the medical field as the next generation of African American healthcare professionals.

Tatiana Grace was one of two recipients of the John Townsend Achievement Award—bestowed on the undergraduate male and female students of African American descent who hold the highest GPA. It is named for CSU’s first African American student alumnus, Dr. John Townsend, who after graduating in 1965, devoted 38 years as a teacher and leader in the Clark County (Georgia) School District. Grace is pursuing a bachelor’s in fine arts in the Department of Theatre & Dance.

Torie Hartis (pictured) was the recipient of the Community Outreach Award, which is presented to a student demonstrating a leadership aptitude while also embodying a sense of service. Hartis is well-known on campus through her service to the Greek Life and Diversity Programs & Services, and first-generation student communities, as well as her ongoing involvement in and leadership of the annual Cougarthon fundraising program benefiting Piedmont Columbus Regional and the Children’s Miracle Network.

Philippe Joseph was one of two recipients of the John Townsend Achievement Award—bestowed on the undergraduate male and female students of African American descent who hold the highest GPA. It is named for CSU’s first African American student alumnus, Dr. John Townsend, who after graduating in 1965, devoted 38 years as a teacher and leader in the Clark County (Georgia) School District. Joseph is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in the School of Nursing’s RN-to-BSN program.

Rakaiya Martin (pictured), the recipient of the Women’s Leadership Award, embodies the leadership and advocacy benefiting female causes for which the award is presented. Martin helped establish the university’s Future African American Healthcare Professionals student organization to help Black students enter the medical field. She is also a member and leader in her chapter of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., through which she has supported breast cancer awareness programs and women’s haircare and grooming product drives.

Dr. Nickelow Morrison, MSN, ’09 (pictured) was the recipient of the Faith-based & Humanitarian Award, which is presented to an individual recognized for building strong, faith-based communities, breaking down religious barriers and seeking commonality in others despite obvious differences. Morrison, an assistant professor in the School of Nursing, was cited as a model humanitarian who nurtures students and colleagues alike through her faith-based principles.

Remington Polk (pictured) was the recipient of the W.D. Feeney Award. Like the 2013 CSU alumnus and former CSU employee for whom the award is named, “Remi,” as he is known to his friends and classmates, is a model advocate for the needs of students with disabilities. While overcoming his challenges, he is involved in the university’s Disability Education Awareness Leadership program.

Tiera Rowan ’20, ’23 (pictured) was the recipient of the Alumni Award, which is presented to a CSU graduate who has demonstrated service in the community and/or to the university. Rowan, a two-time alumna now working on a doctorate in public health, is the program coordinator for the Center for Health Disparities and Community-Based Research in the College of Education & Health Professions. The U.S. Army veteran was commended for being an unselfish example for others through her teaching, mentoring and service.

John Wright (pictured) was the recipient of the Lavender Alliance Community Award, which is bestowed on an LGBTQ student, supporter, ally or friend who has made a notable contribution, shown significant support, advanced a particular cause or given support within the LGBTQ community. The assistant director for community development in the university’s Office of Residence Life, Wright was nominated as an exemplary ally for the university’s LGBTQ+ students and for how his advocacy creates a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment on campus.

 

ABOUT THE LEGACY CELEBRATION

In addition to the awards presentations, the March 27 Legacy Celebration Banquet included keynote remarks by former Columbus city councilor Mimi Woodson, the city’s first council member of Hispanic descent. At the same time, she became the first person of Hispanic descent elected to any public office in Georgia, as well as the state’s longest-serving Hispanic elected official. A native of Puerto Rico who served for 15 years in the U.S. Army, she lived in Columbus for only two years before being elected to represent District 7 on the Columbus City Council in 1994.

In 2022, Woodson chose to retire from council service at the end of her term. During her 28-year tenure, she was known as a champion for public safety, mobility, economic development, and age-friendly policies and services like affordable housing, recreation, and community restoration and redevelopment. She continues to be involved in programs like the city’s annual Tri-Cities Latino Festival, which she co-founded in 2013, as well as a host of other service, humanitarian and multicultural programs and organizations.

Media contact:
Michael Tullier, APR, Executive Director of Strategic Communication + Marketing, 706.507.8729, mtullier@columbusstate.edu

Related news coverage:
Columbus State University hosts annual Legacy Celebration Awards Banquet (March 27, 2024, WTVM-TV)