Delgira Samtonova Named Outstanding Student Award Winner 2019

Delgira Samtonova was named one of the seven Brookdale graduates who will receive the Outstanding Student Award at the commencement ceremonies on May 16. The awards recognize student academic excellence, community service, and personal accomplishments.

Samtonova, a music technology major, plans to use her love and passion for music to bring healing to those in need. She intends to get her undergraduate degree in psychology and then obtain her master’s in music therapy.

“I want to integrate my musical abilities with my interest in psychology and counseling,” said Samtonova.

She began working for the Music Department as a work study student last year, managing the department’s Instagram page and designing posters, among other responsibilities. Samtonova also worked as a gallery assistant in the CVA Gallery, helping to curate and to install art exhibitions. She said both jobs have been great learning experiences, enabling her to connect with many faculty, students and visitors on campus. Samtonova was active in the Art Society and Music Tech Club on campus and credits them with building her leadership skills.

Samtonova said Michael Conklin in the Music Technology Program helped her to expand her skills, set goals and encouraged her to get involved.

“Professor Conklin was a great influence and assisted me in my studies while inspiring and motivating me to participate in student activities,” she said. “Because of him, I learned so much and am very thankful.”

Samtonova said she was honored to be named one of the Outstanding Student Award Winners, since it was an affirmation of her hard work and growth at Brookdale.

“Brookdale has been an incredible experience. It’s given me everything I needed academically, artistically, professionally. Aside from achieving my academic goals with the help of the wonderful professors and learning assistants, Brookdale helped me build my leadership skills and gave me opportunities to have fun while collaborating with so many people.”

-Delgira Samtonova

“The Outstanding Student Award Winners excelled academically and helped to make the Brookdale campus even more vibrant and engaging through their leadership and involvement in student clubs, organizations and activities. Their positive impact and community service extended beyond Brookdale, and I know that we’ll see more great accomplishments from them in the coming years.”

-President David Stout

Photo caption:

Delgira Samtonova aims to blend music with psychology and counseling