It is a true pleasure to announce that SPPO graduate student Kendra V. Dickinson has won one of the 2020-2021 Graduate Associate Leadership Awards (GALA).  

The Graduate Associate Leadership Award (GALA) is Ohio State’s recognition of the exceptional leadership provided by graduate students as leaders (on and off campus) while being an OSU graduate (master’s or doctoral) student. All graduate students in good standing are eligible for the GALA, and only 5 awards are given out each year. 

The award is a wonderful and very fitting recognition of Kendra’s leadership both on and off campus. Among other things, Kendra served as co-president for SPPO’s grad student organization, where she helped to spearhead the 5-minute scholar event and to develop the mentorship program for new graduate students.  She also has been SPPO’s delegate to the Council of Graduate Students, where she serves on the Racial Justice & Equity Ad-hoc committee member.  Kendra also demonstrates leadership in her work at a local health clinic where she serves as a volunteer coordinator.  Her effectiveness in these roles emerges from, among other things, her exceptional communication skills, her ability to be an active listener and her passionate advocacy for and practitioner of diversity and inclusion. 

While we could not surprise Kendra face to face with this award this year, Dean Alicia Bertone gave her a call last week to let her know that she had won the award and to congratulate her. 

Congratulations, Kendra!