A Nigerian graduate student of Public Affairs and Community Development at Rutgers University, Camden, in New Jersey, USA, Chiamaka Stellamaris Nwede, has been honoured with the 2024-2025 Chancellor’s Award for Student Civic Engagement.

The Chancellor of the university announced this through an official email recognising Nwede for her exceptional contributions to the Camden community and beyond.

The chancellor’s email reads in part: “The awards celebrate those who strive daily to foster understanding and learning, invest in building relationships across differences, and offer new ways to promote equity and diversity.”

Chancellor’s Awards honour students and staff of the university who demonstrate outstanding commitment to civic engagement through academic courses, internships, volunteer service, or professional roles.

Nominees are assessed based on the depth of their service and the impact of their efforts on communities outside the university.

The Student Civic Engagement Award Nwede was honoured with was among the Chancellor’s Awards for Diversity, Inclusion, and Community Engagement, and the recipients of these awards, according to the chancellor, will be celebrated specially during an event at the university on April 21.
In the course of her programme at Rutgers University, Nwede stated that she has distinguished herself as a researcher, leader, tutor, and volunteer in Camden while engaging in broader initiatives as a delegate, diplomat, and advocate.

Appreciating those who nominated her for the award, she said, “This honour means the world to me, and I am incredibly grateful for the support and belief in my work.”

Dedicating her award to her younger siblings who are still in college, Nwede noted that she hopes to inspire them to strive for excellence, embrace leadership, and make meaningful contributions to their communities.

“May this recognition serve as a reminder that dedication, hard work, and commitment to service can open doors to incredible opportunities,” she added.