Miami University Seniors Win President's Distinguished Service Award

From Miami University:

• Ifeolu Claytor of Shaker Heights (44120)

One nominator wrote that, beyond his education, Ife "has a singular focus to improve every aspect of Miami" and that he is always willing "to stand up and give you his perspective on issues." Ife's leadership and involvement focused on creating a more supportive climate for all Miami students, including work in the Associated Student Government as the Secretary for Diversity Affairs, the National PanHellenic Council, and the Council on Diversity & Inclusion. He also served as the lone student representative on the search committee that selected President Crawford to lead Miami, representing the voice of students, while also maintaining confidentiality during this highly publicized process. One nominator closed by saying that "When I reflect on the values of Miami University as an engaged institution that promotes student development through the curricular and co-curricular experiences, I can think of no greater representative of the Miami experience than Ifeolu."

• Toreya Townsend of Shaker Heights (44120)

Toreya Townsend's nominator characterized her as a person who displays true altruism, teamwork, and compassion and is one of the most hardworking, dedicated, humble, and caring individuals." Toreya is finishing up her third year as an RA, working primarily with first year students as they navigate their transition to college. This humility and compassion extends to her involvement in the Boys and Girls Club of Hamilton, as a mentor through Dream Keepers of Cincinnati, and as a host of prospective students through Miami's Bridges Program. Beyond individual interactions, Toreya has also invested in the betterment of the Miami experience through work with the Black Student Action Association and as the President of Miami Ambassadors Creating Change. Finally, she extended this impact to cognitive research involving testing and narrative skills of preschool children.

The winners are also awarded the Senior Service Leadership Award and wear a special medallion at commencement.

Miami University was 1 of only 5 universities in the nation to receive the Presidential Award in the 2012 President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll. In 2013, Miami received an honor roll placement with distinction. Miami has been named to The President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll every year since 2007.

NOTE: You are receiving this press release because the student or their parents are from your area. This press release above was prepared for: Editor - Shaker Heights Patch.

Photo courtesy of Miami University (Front row left to right: Anne Marie Misey, Sydney Stevens, Jennifer Kelleher, Ifeolu Claytor, Ryan Anderson, President Greg Crawford, Allyson Cousino, Toreya Townsend, Maggie Reilly, Chelsea Appiah Back row left to right: Ambassador Renate Crawford, Olivia Vandervoort, Rachel Cacchione, Spencer Aitken, Kenna Koehler, Halle Miller, Pruthvi Patel, Carly Traynor, Gianna Sheffield, Katherine Bruce, Kelsi White Not Pictured: Anna LuciaFeldmann, Allison Kumnick, Imokhai Okolo, Lana Porchiro)