Naugatuck CCSU Student Wins Distinguished Student Award

NAUGATUCK, CT — Central Connecticut State University announced Tuesday the winners of academic awards presented annually to outstanding graduating seniors, including a Naugatuck student.

According to a news release provided by CCSU, the honorees were recognized at a reception on May 11 at Alumni Hall on the Central campus.

"These awardees represent the very best of Central Connecticut State University," CCSU President Zulma Toro said in a news release. "They are scholars, leaders responsible citizens. They have shown us what it means to pursue a degree not just with talent, but with tenacity. We see in each of you the embodiment of determination and purpose."

Henry Barnard Distinguished Student Awards

According to the release, the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities Foundation confers the Henry Barnard Distinguished Student Award on 12 seniors from Connecticut's four state universities.

Nominated by their respective universities and presidents, students must have a minimum 3.7 GPA and a record of significant community service to be considered for the award, the release notes.

The selection process requires students to submit a personal essay, letters of recommendation and other materials, according to CCSU.

According to the release, Central's Barnard Award winners and their majors are:

• Aaliyah Brown of West Hartford (Criminology)
• Gabriel Garcia of Naugatuck (Physics & Philosophy)
• Logan Moore of Manchester (Biology - Secondary Education)
• Rumman Shahzad of Plantsville (Computer Science)

President's Citation Awards

According to the release, Central selected five students to receive the President's Citation Award, which is presented annually to seniors nominated by faculty and staff.

The award "recognizes students' accomplishments and contributions to the university, including leadership, student success and community engagement activities," the release notes.

According to CCSU, the winners and their majors are:

• Aaliyah Brown of West Hartford (Criminology)
• Kadiatou Konate of Stamford (Nursing)
• Marissa McPherson of Newington (Dance Education)
• Logan Palardy of Rockfall (Economics)

• Montgomery Rios of Meriden (Strategic Communication)
• Celimar Rivera Santos of New Britain (Nursing)

Honors Program Students

Central also annually recognizes graduates who have completed their academic career as Honors Program students at the university, according to the release.

The Honors Program is open by competitive admission to academically superior first-year students, usually defined as those who meet any one of the following qualifications: Top 20 percent of high school class, 1,100-plus combined SAT scores, or verbal SAT score of 600 or greater, according to CCSU.

Departmental Honors

Prior to commencement, Central faculty within each academic department nominate a student for the Departmental Honors Award, according to the release.

Nominees must have an excellent exceptional grade point average and a demonstrated history of research, work productivity or community service, the release notes.

A the list of honors students and departmental honors students is available here.