Brescia University Celebrates Founders Day

This year, Mazvita Ngorosha, a senior Computer Science major, and Narine Dat Sookram, an online Master of Social Work, were nominated and chosen for the “Spirit of Angela Award”.

Mazvita Ngorosha comes to Brescia University all the way from Zimbabwe. She has been involved in many aspects of campus including leadership roles as a RA in the residence halls helping students in their time of need, serving as a leader for the Black Student Union, Student Ambassador in Admissions, Campus Orientation Leader, President of the Music Club, peer mentor, and educator. Mazvita tells me that these activities have made her a well-rounded student and have helped her create life-long friendships. She leads with compassion, integrity, and service to others by example in all the work she does with the gifts and talents God has given her. As an 11-year-old her family moved from Zimbabwe to Ohio. There she grew in her passion for STEM-related interests. One thing she was able to do was to join a club called “Girls who Code” an afterschool program designed to give young girls in the community an opportunity to connect with college students and work on computers and learn technology. It was through this experience that she discovered her passion for computer science.

Additionally, many students on campus have benefitted from Mazvita’s work as a student tutor in the Ursuline Center for Teaching and Learning. Where she serves those in need, especially in math, English, and computer science. She states that this particular service role best demonstrates who she is as a person. When she started at Brescia she was going to tutoring for assistance and now as a senior, she is passing it forward and helping students get past obstacles that she too faced. This role best demonstrates her desire for continual learning and growth.

Narine Dat Sookram is an online student from Canada. He won over 200 awards ranging from the June Callwood Outstanding Achievement Award for Volunteerism to the Public Peace Prize. He is a first-generation to enter and thrive in higher education. He self-described himself as highly motivated to make a difference Today—NOW!  His motivation calls him to never procrastinate and he often completes assignments early. He is definitely a life-long learner. He came to Canada in the early ’90s, during a recession, and finding work was difficult.  That personal experience gave him a personal dream to pay it forward. Youth holds a special place in his heart.  He sees them as leaders of tomorrow, full of fresh ideas, and feels obligated to empower youth. Narine is President of Active Vision Charity Assoc. which provides books, and school supplies to Guyanese youth and promotes the West Indians’ culture. Narine shares his wisdom with newcomers of all ages and cultures, urging them to move out of their comfort zones and meet new people. When asked how he intentionally tries to live the Brescia Difference, he told me he tries to incorporate CARITAS into his daily life—not only to the clients he serves but to all those who surround him, believing in a higher power which he calls God.  For that reason, he thanks God every moment in his life and not just in the morning or only on a Sunday.  He said he always tries to have a self-awareness of his actions and words because he knows they can impact those around him.  This includes in the classroom, home, workplace, and on social media.  He consistently aims to seek leadership and BE the leadership that will better the “underprivileged.”

Along with the “Spirit of Angela” recipients, a number of other student leaders were also recognized for their service to the Brescia community:

 

Student Government Association & Peer Educator – Baylee Holder

Student Activities Program Board – Hannah Rumble

Women’s Track & Field – Mallory Toler

Men’s Track & Field – Joseph Tapia

Student Ambassador – Tommy Krohn

Women’s Soccer – Mary Kate Dennis

Men’s Soccer – Joao Benassi-Silva

Psychology Club – Erika Biddle

Project LETS – Mason Thompson

Women’s’ Cross Country – Lexi Nicholas

Men’s Cross Country – Wes Wheatley

Phi Alpha Honor Society – Sissy Keith

Music Club – Abigail Burden

Women’s Basketball – Riley Collins

Men’s Basketball – Nevin Graves

Brescia Students for Life – Amber Payne

Women’s Golf – Lindsey Whitfill

Men’s Golf – Dakota Jones

Kentucky Education Association – Mckenzie Severs

NSSLHA – Savannah Jackson

Brescia Cheer – Rachel Frey

Softball – Allie Robertson

Volleyball – Shealyn Riggs

UCTL Tutor – Mazvita Ngorosha

Orientation Leader – Cat Bender

Peer Educator & Delight Ministries – Hannah Cartner

Congratulations to those student leaders recognized on January 27, 2022 at the Founder’s Day convocation for their service to the Brescia community.