Each year since 1962, the体育买球官网 University Alumni Associationhas recognized seniors who typify 体育买球官网, who are well-rounded students with good academic standing, active in leadership roles, extracurricular activities, volunteer work and other accomplishments.The 61st Outstanding Seniors areDeja BostonandSamit Barua Chowdhury.The full list of past award recipients can be foundhere.

Deja Boston ’24, of Lansdowne, Pennsylvania, earned a Bachelor of Science in management and a Bachelor of Arts in psychology.

Deja “uses her voice and energy to work on improving SU for students, especially students of color and other underrepresented students.” She held executive positions in the National Congress of Black Women and the Black Student Union and helped develop and execute events that engaged hundreds of students.

Having served as the senior intern and coordinator of the ATLAS leadership program, Deja was very engaged with the Leadership & Engagement Office. She conducted research on leadership engagement at SU, which allowed her to identify areas for improvement, including improving access to campus resource contacts, enhancing event management proficiency, and streamlining succession processes. She developed plans and resources to address each of these, which will allow for future success for leadership efforts on campus and better support for student leaders.

Samit Barua Chowdhury ’24, of Chittagong, Bangladesh, earned a Bachelor of Science in biochemistry.

Samit “serves as a mentor and friend, helping new students find their way as he had to,” and much of his service has been connected to supporting his fellow international students. As a new member of the International Student Association, he quickly suggested events, including the first-ever International Cultural Showcase, which has become an annual event. He also served as president of the association.

Last summer, Samit was a McGrath Summer Scholar and presented his research at local and national conferences with faculty mentor, Assistant Professor of Chemistry Michael Parra. He was a lab assistant and lab research monitor in the chemistry department.

Samit demonstrated leadership in other roles, including as a building manager, a resident assistant and a lead resident assistant. His support of others included regularly attending athletic competitions, cultural events and more.