Brookdale Honors Student Global Leaders

Brookdale Celebrates Global Perspective and Student Impact at 15th Annual GCP Awards Ceremony

Brookdale Community College honored students, faculty, and campus leaders who are shaping a more connected and compassionate world during the 15th Annual Global Citizenship Project (GCP) Awards Ceremony.
The evening celebrated the power of education to expand perspectives and inspire action, recognizing those who have demonstrated a strong commitment to global awareness, civic engagement, and social responsibility.
In his opening remarks, President David M. Stout, Ph.D., emphasized the importance of seeing the world through different lenses. He noted that in a time of growing division, programs like the Global Citizenship Project help students broaden their understanding and appreciate diverse perspectives.

An academic welcome was delivered by Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Katie Lynch, Ph.D., who highlighted curiosity as a driving force behind learning and connection. She encouraged students to remain open-minded and engaged, reminding attendees that education is not only about gaining knowledge, but also about asking questions and growing together.

The program also featured a land acknowledgment written by Jess LeVine, recognizing the Lenape people as the original stewards of the land, followed by remarks from Ashley Zampogna-Krug, Ph.D., on the significance of the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States and the ongoing pursuit of equality.

Recognizing Leadership and Service

The ceremony honored faculty and advisors who bring global learning to life both inside and outside the classroom. Advisor Excellence in Global Citizenship recipients included Samantha Doluweera, Elisa Elorza, Daniel Lopez, and Michael Nolan, Pi Day, Robert Gant, STEM Student Lectures & Research Club, and Sally Kimble, Biology Club.

Highest Honor: Global Citizenship Distinction

The Global Citizenship Distinction (GCD), the highest honor awarded by the International Education Center, recognizes students who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to global learning.

GCD scholars complete globally enhanced coursework, engage in co-curricular experiences, often through the Students for Global Citizenship (S4GC) club, and culminate their work in a capstone project addressing a global issue. Their achievements are recognized on their academic transcripts, highlighting both global competencies and career-ready skills.

This year’s Global Citizenship Distinction Scholars included:

Lena Gavrilovic, Hope Over Hate: Defending Immigrant Rights
Isabella Juska, Immigration in the United States and its Local and Global Impacts
Thomas Kigerl, The Cost of an Upgrade
Quinn McGee, AI and Government Surveillance
Aparajita Banerjee, It’s time to address the roots than scratch the surface to bring social justice
Karan Singh, Fight Against Hate
Sophia Sampson, Sustainable Energy Solutions for a Cleaner World

Their projects explored complex global challenges ranging from human rights and immigration to sustainability and emerging technology, reflecting both academic rigor and a deep commitment to making a difference.

“This program changed how I see the world, but more importantly, it changed how I see my place in it,” said Isabella Juska.
Engagement and Impact

Also recognized were the Global Citizenship Engagement Award recipients: Adam Deinhardt, Gayane E. Hovnanian-Alexanian, and Angela Mota, who demonstrated meaningful involvement in global learning through academic, co-curricular, and service experiences.

Students for Global Citizenship (S4GC) Leadership Awards were presented to Kaitlin Gilmore, Christina Weber, and Daniel Ying, recognizing their commitment to advocacy, campus engagement, and advancing global awareness through student-led initiatives.

Throughout the evening, student voices remained at the center, with scholars sharing reflections on their work and the impact of the program. Many spoke about finding their voice, engaging with world issues, and building connections that extend beyond the classroom.

Together, the honorees represent what makes Brookdale’s Global Citizenship Project distinctive: students who not only learn about the world but actively work to improve it.

“GCD bridges the gap between knowledge and action,” said Lena Gavrilovic. “It showed me that even in a world of billions, the choices we make can create meaningful change.”

As the ceremony concluded, one message was clear; global citizenship is not just a concept at Brookdale. It is a lived experience, preparing students to lead with awareness, empathy, and purpose in an increasingly interconnected world.