Four Bloustein School students were honored at the Chancellor’s Student Leadership Gala on Tuesday, May 1, 2018. The Chancellor’s Student Leadership awards recognize and reward students for their remarkable contributions to the university and community. These are students who consistently demonstrate collaboration, leadership and resourcefulness, have a tremendous passion for Rutgers, and go outside of their normal responsibilities to achieve goals.
“The student awardees are some of the best and brightest at Rutgers, and I have no doubt that they will all be going places,” said said Distinguished Professor and Bloustein School Interim Dean Michael R. Greenberg. “Not only have they distinguished themselves in their classes, but they have demonstrated success both on campus and in the community. With close to 14,000 undergraduates completing their degrees this year at Rutgers-New Brunswick, being nominated for any of these awards is quite an honor; to earn the awards truly sets them apart. I am sure that Ed Bloustein, like me, would be proud of these students.”
Evan Covello, who will be receiving his B.A. in Planning and Public Policy and Human Resource Management, is one of 10 recipients of the Chancellor’s Leadership Award, given to students who exemplify excellence and embody a commitment to leadership and involvement on campus and/or in the community. Evan has been integral to several important projects that have impacted student life at Rutgers through his leadership of the Rutgers University Student Assembly. He has been incredibly dedicated in his leadership of student government members, working on initiatives and providing support to members on any projects or issues that come up. He has worked with the Association for Big Ten Students for the past three years, during which he has built strong relationships between the Rutgers University Student Assembly and other Big Ten student governments, and worked with those groups on issues faced by students across the nation.
Addison Walkowiak, who will be receiving her B.S. in Public Health, is one of three recipients of the Competitive Excellence Award, given to students who have achieved academic success and performed in competitive sport activities with dedication, sportsmanship, and exemplary character. Addison, a member of the Rutgers Women’s Swimming and Diving team, owns all but one of individual records in team history and has repeatedly reestablished the margin of success. She has qualified for the NCAA tournament in diving in multiple events in each of her four years and recently became the first Scarlet Knight in program history to earn All-America accolades on the 1-meter boards. The current team captain, she has maintained a strong academic resume and is a two-time Big Ten Conference Distinguished Scholar Medal Recipient. She has also spearheaded multiple community service initiatives for the team.
Christie Schweighardt, who will be receiving her B.S. in Health Administration, is one of two recipients of the Bridge Builder Award, given to those who have demonstrated collaborative initiative across a variety of organizations and activities with inspiring leadership that brings together stakeholders from across the university to create positive and substantial change and impact. As Vice President of the Rutgers University Student Assembly, Christie has worked with a multitude of student organizations with varying perspectives to address their concerns. As Co-President of Rutgers University Colleges Against Cancer, she has brought together numerous organizations for the common cause of fighting cancer. In addition, Christie has worked with student groups centered on mental health and CAPS to make the process of receiving mental health care easier.
Yonaton Chaim Gershon, who will be receiving his B.S. in Public Health, is one of three recipients of the Paul Robeson Renaissance Award, given to those who possess extraordinary talent, commitment, and intellectual energy across a range of disciplines. Yonaton is dedicated to helping others represented by his desire to pursue a career in Public Health. His many accomplishments include serving as President of Eta Sigma Gamma Honor Society, the programming chair of Alpha Delta Phi fraternity, and a representative for the career services Road to Industry program.