2020 Recipients

2020 Student Employee Award Recipient

Carmelina Sanchez ‘20
Hometown: Providence, RI
Major: Accounting and Public Relations
Minor: Biology

In her 5 years of employment with URI Dining Services, Carmelina has established herself as an “extremely independent, self-motivated, and very driven” employee – a commendable leader, and an indispensable member of the Retail Operations Office. In addition to managing the inner workings of the Ram’s Den and its seven satellite retail operations, she has also contributed immensely to the development of the three newest dining ventures (Rhody Eatz, Gertz Cafe, and Brookside Bistro), by advocating as the student voice & providing valuable feedback.

Carmelina’s dedication to giving back to the community is evident in her many works as a PINK Woman. Moving forward, she will pursue a master’s in Business Administration, and aims to open a business where she can continue to give back by educating the local community about taxes. Her long-time goal is to one day return to URI as a professor.

2020 Robert L. Carothers Servant Leadership Award Recipient

Wesley Cabral ‘21
Hometown: Providence,  RI
Major: Communication Studies
Minor: Business and Portuguese

Communications Studies major with minors in Business and Portuguese, this 2021 graduate has dedicated countless hours to inspiring others to serve through his roles as a Civic Engagement Leader, a Residential Assistant, and as an Alternative Spring Break Leader in order to fulfill his “human need to serve”. When asked about his ability to motivate others to serve Wes indicated that “the best way to get people to do it, is to do it yourself. Pass on contagious energy.” It is this willingness to lead by example, and without expectation of recognition, that was most impressive to community members at URI. His character, his commitment to the growth of others, and the depth of his awareness and engagement when working with those he has served with is unmatched.

2020 Student Leadership Award Recipient

Christopher Alves ‘20
Hometown: Norton, MA
Major: Communication Studies and Public Relations
Minor: English

Chris’s impact at URI has been vast and varied. From co-founding a student improve troupe, Rhody Ridiculousness, to serving as President of the Public Relations Student Society of America, to acting as a Brand Ambassador for the Harrington School of Communication and Media, Chris has demonstrated his commitment to the growth of people and organizations and his passion for creating strong relationships that serve to enhance the experiences of all involved. Chris has been described as “inclusive, approachable, positive, animated, ambitious and dependable.” Through his work with URI SAVES, as a Civic Engagement Leader, and as a Student Organization Leadership Consultant, Chris has served our URI and surrounding communities in countless ways while also being a positive impact on the students, staff, and faculty with whom he has worked.  Chris says that “a lot of his leadership style is about empowering others and making them feel good,” and that his favorite part of his leadership experiences at URI has been “the connection that I make with each person that I work with.”

2020 Team Excellence Award Recipients

National Society for Black Engineers (NSBE)
The National Society for Black Engineers is an organization whose sole purpose is to place its members in the best position and spaces to “excel academically, succeed professionally and positively impact the community,” as their mission states. Members are taught various topics relating to engineering, paired with upperclassmen and involved in study groups to ensure that they receive the best guidance in their collegiate experience. In preparation for the professional world, members are also taught key techniques like resume building, elevator pitches, and interview etiquette. Together with social events like presentations, fundraisers, and more, NSBE ensures that students of marginalized groups and all backgrounds feel empowered and a sense of belonging to a community that will constantly offer them support and resources to navigate through their years in college and life afterwards.