Coogs closes 2022 on a high academic note

First UH Sumners, Voyager Scholarships Awarded, Honored Student Named Rhodes Finalist

December 19, 2022

By Mike Emery713-743-7197

As the year draws to a close, the University of Houston can reflect on a number of “victories,” including top-ranked academic programsa good start for Cougar men’s basketball teamFaculty earn prestigious honors and relevant and innovative research.

UH certainly has much to be proud of in 2022.

This year, the University also continued to promote student success, particularly in terms of excellence awards and scholarships. Coogs was among the recipients of the prestigious Sumners and Traveler Scholarships. These are two firsts for the University. And for the first time in several years, a UH student has emerged as a finalist for the Rhodes Scholarship.

“These are all significant accomplishments for our students and our university,” said Robert McPherson, acting senior vice president for academic affairs and provost. “They truly reflect the talents and tenacity of our Cougars, as well as our institution’s commitment to student success.

Scholars Sumners

College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences students Ola Dafaalla and Cai Wilson are UH Sumners Scholars. Both are among 43 students nationwide to receive this scholarship. They each received $30,000 for their efforts to advance civic justice and make an impact in their respective communities.

“This scholarship will support me financially during my final two years at UH, allowing me to focus more on academic and extracurricular opportunities,” Dafaalla said.

The scholarship is presented by the Sumners Foundation, named after longtime Texas Congressman Hatton W. Sumners. It is awarded to students based on academic excellence, civic engagement, and leadership ability.

The Voyager Fellowship

Public health major Tamara Gonzalez has been named among the first class of Voyager Scholars. Created by former US President Barack Obama and Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky, the Fellowship shapes the leaders of tomorrow by providing financial assistance, travel opportunities and a network of professional mentors.

With this scholarship, Gonzalez and her college colleagues will embark on a summer trip that complements their commitment to public service. Gonzalez’s trip will take her to Lima, Peru for four weeks to work at a community clinic helping children with homework. She will follow this trip with a trip to Granada, Spain, to bring her energy to a hospital.

“My overall goal is to help reduce our country’s health care disparities in low-income Hispanic and Black communities, especially in my hometown of Houston,” Gonzalez said. “During my summer trip, I will volunteer at clinics and interview patients and staff about health care needs in their communities and compare how each clinic serves its clients and their neighborhoods.”

Gonzalez and other Voyager Fellows recently attended the Obama Foundation’s Democracy Forum and the Voyager Fall Summit in November. During these events, she heard from speakers including former President Obama, US Representative Haley Stevens and former US Attorney General Eric Holder.

“The words and advice I heard during those few days were inspiring to create change and overcome differences for the greater good,” she said. “I am honored to be part of the inaugural cohort of Obama-Chesky Voyagers in which each individual strives to effect positive change.”

A record year

It’s been quite a year for Sondos Moursy. The psychology major was named a Key into Public Service Scholar by the Phi Beta Kappa Society. Moursy, who was also a member of the UH track team, was a finalist for the famed Rhodes Scholarship. To top it all off, Moursy was also part of the class of 2022, earning her bachelor’s degree over the weekend.

“We are proud of Sondos’ accomplishments, especially his status as a Rhodes Finalist,” said Ben Rayder, director of UH’s Office of Undergraduate Research and Major Awards. “Just being nominated for a Rhodes Scholarship is an honor in itself. As a finalist, she not only joined a who’s who of the nation’s top students, but she also represented UH on the world stage.

Office of Undergraduate Research and Major Scholarships

The Office of Undergraduate Research and Major Scholarships (OURMA) at UH supports all of these students and countless other Coogs in their academic endeavours. Based at Honors College, the office promotes scholarship opportunities and provides guidance to students as they apply for these competitive awards. It also sponsors undergraduate research opportunities for students from all academic disciplines. UH’s Undergraduate Research Day, Senior Honors Thesis Program, and Research Program for Aspiring Humanities Coogs are among OURMA’s initiatives to empower and support student researchers. to realize their potential as researchers.

“Our goal is twofold,” Rayder said. “We want our students to be aware of the many awards that await them. There are a myriad of scholarships, fellowships, and honors that can support their academic aspirations. It is essential that our students both recognize that these opportunities exist and that they may very well be eligible for them. Second, we want our students to thrive in the process of academic discovery. Undergraduate research yields many rewards and enhances skills that will benefit students for years to come. Through OURMA’s various initiatives, students can grow both professionally and personally…and ultimately be prepared to succeed in the next chapters of their lives.

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