BME Students Honored with 2021 Leadership & Excellence Awards

Özgenur Çelik, known as 'Ozzie' among her peers, is being recognized for her impact on the international student community as an International Buddy Program "Lion" (mentor for incoming international students), International Student Orientation Program Head Leader, and International Student Advisory Board secretary. She has helped numerous student peers navigate NYC, campus life, and academics on topics ranging from getting involved with biomedical/biological research on campus, volunteering, finding fellowships/funding for international student, and making the most of freshman summer and of their time during the pandemic. Moreover, she has guided her peers by fostering strong engagement in their new college environments, and has continued to promote a sense of belonging throughout her time at Columbia. She believes that mentoring and helping students is just 'passing the torch' of what she has experienced and saw from her mentors and upperclassmen friends at Columbia.

"It is such an honor to be recognized by my peers, mentors, and Columbia, and to receive the King's Crown Leadership Excellence Award for Community Building! I would like to thank all my International Student Buddy mentees, my Orientation Program students, and my Advisory Board members whom I am delighted to call my friends. I'd also like to thank Alison Jackson, Melinda Aquino, and every member of Multicultural Affairs at Columbia who see us and help us make our voices heard. Lastly, I'd like to thank my parents, grandparents, uncle, and Nicholas who have always supported me in what I do. I am accepting this award on behalf of everyone who has questioned at least once if they have a community to belong to at Columbia, because I promise you do!"

Anisha Tyagi demonstrates civic responsibility through fostering community and guidance for her fellow Engineering students. Anisha has been a member of the Society of Women Engineers since her first year and serves as Vice President (External) this year. In this role, she worked tirerlessly to secure enough funding to send all interested members to the national conference at no cost. As a Resident Advisor, Anisha started a successful mentoring program that connects first year Engineers to upperclass students. Through this work, Anisha has made a lasting impact on the Columiba Engineering community.

"Thank you to all my peers and faculty for supporting me throughout my time at Columbia!"