University of Iowa undergraduates Caitlyn Kavan and Jennifer Winberg have been awarded the Dean's Achievement Award for the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, presented to outstanding graduating seniors served by the UI Center for Diversity and Enrichment.
Dean Chaden Djalali praised the students' work as undergraduates. "Caitlyn and Jenny have impressive records of academic achievement and service to the University of Iowa community," Djalali said. "I am delighted to recognize them with the Dean's Achievement Award."
Caitlyn Kavan (Class of 2016) is an International Studies-Global Health Studies major who grew up in Des Moines. As an undergraduate student, she has actively participated in seven multicultural student organizations and served as a facilitator for open discussions about racism and xenophobia at the University of Iowa. She has a history of working alongside administration to develop initiatives to improve the campus climate. Kavan has also served as a volunteer for several conference planning committees for regional and national multicultural student organizations. During the 2015-2016 academic year, she dedicated much of her time and effort to completing research and presenting an Honors Thesis project on stress management and eating patterns among Asian-American women. Kavan, who will graduate with Honors in the Major, has been accepted to the Public Health graduate program at Emory University.
Jennifer Winberg (Class of 2016), from Hoffman Estates, Illinois, will graduate with Highest Distinction, earning a BA in Speech and Hearing Science and Spanish. Winberg mentors college-age students with disabilities in the University of Iowa REACH program, forms friendships in the Best Buddies club, and regularly interacts with children in the pediatric oncology unit at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. She also volunteers with Friends with Aphasia, has served as an OnIowa! Leader, and has worked with organizing Dance Marathon. Winberg is active with the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association on group service projects, has achieved rankings on the Dean’s and President’s lists, and has been awarded the UI National Scholars Award and the UI Old Gold Scholarship.
Kavan and Winberg will be recognized at the Center for Diversity & Enrichment Graduation Reception on Thursday, May 12, 2016, from 3:00 pm - 5:30 pm in the Main Lounge of the Iowa Memorial Union.