News

2010 Shining Stars Honored for their Academic Excellence

June 14, 2010

Farod Ford:
Farod Ford was the 2010 recipient of the Provost’s Award for Leadership. He was nominated on the basis of the leadership he has shown within his field of Business Administration, his service to disadvantaged businesses, and his involvement in a wide variety of university organizations. Farod is a member of the Keystone Honors Academy, a resident assistant, a tutor and a well-rounded student. He has engaged in several professional development opportunities, including attendance at national conferences.

In the summer of 2009, Farod was competitively selected to participate in a study abroad program to Europe, and he received a full scholarship for his participation. He successfully placed in the College to Corporate Internship Program with Vanguard, and upon completion of his internship, was offered a full-time position with the company. Farod has added distinction to the University through his service, scholarship and professional development. He also received the President’s Award for Academic Excellence.

Ezekiel Crenshaw:
Every year, the University nominates one graduating senior for the Ali-Zaidi Award for Academic Excellence. The 2010 nominee was Ezekiel Crenshaw. Ezekiel attained an exceptional educational portfolio while a student at Cheyney University. This includes involvement in original research at two national laboratories, presentation of his research at several national conferences, publication in a scholarly journal, and he has received numerous prizes for his scholarly work and research.

Specializing in immunology and degenerative diseases, Ezekiel’s research on tuberculosis serves as a valuable contribution to the field of immunology. He recently was named “Best STEM Student Researcher” at the Annual Honors and Awards Convocation. Mr. Crenshaw’s educational portfolio is extensive, and includes serving as the chapter vice president of Beta Kappa Chi, the national scientific honorary society. Ezekiel has attained the distinction of the President’s Award for Academic Excellence and Dean’s List recognition, and he is a member of the Keystone Honors Academy.

Denis Madende:
Denis Madende, was recently recognized as the “Best Overall Student in Science.” He, along with Paul Gwengi, and Tolani Adebanjo, presented their research posters at the 37th Annual Conference of The National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers (NOBCChE).
Tolani Adebanjo was also recently honored as “Best Student in Biology".

Both Ezekiel Crenshaw (previously noted) and Denis recently received national recognition for their science research projects at the HBCU-UP National Conference.

Mr. Crenshaw won first place prize in the Biological Science Division based on his research during his summer internship program at a National Research Laboratory in Los Alamos, New Mexico.

Mr. Madende also received first place in the Ecology and Environmental Division based on his research at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) from May to July.

Madende’s research objective was to determine if bone marrow derived stem cells can contribute to muscle cell regeneration. Working alongside a research team, headed by Dr. Timothy Brazelton, Madende’s research was part of an on-going research project that continued after his departure.

Crenshaw’s research addressed the improvement of the purification of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which is the organism that causes the Tuberculosis disease. His objective was to find the best conditions in order to study the function of the organism.

These three highlighted students and others enjoyed the fruits of their labor as they were honored at the Annual Honors and Awards Convocation held in April. More than 350 students were honored for strong academic performance.  Students received recognition for earning the stature of Dean’s List and Academic Excellence achievement, and for their membership in honors societies.

Departmental Honors awarded at the event were: “Outstanding English Major of the Year Award” to Naomi Hale; “Excellence in Communications” to Emma Ward, “Excellence in Service for Humanities and Communication Arts Department” to Linda D. Brooks; “Outstanding Senior Majoring in Psychology” to Karina Urbina (Valedictorian) and Naomii Collier; “Outstanding Senior Majoring in Social Relations” to Tristan Hebron; “Outstanding Senior Majoring in Political Science” to Fawaaz Fields; “Best Student in Chemistry” to Gordon Taylor.