Every year, the School of Business and Public Administration (SBPA) chooses a top student from each discipline to celebrate their achievements. Recognition for the 2022-2023 academic year took place on Friday, May 12, with awards going to Douet Sean Kerr Jr. (accounting); Carnell L Lofton Jr. (finance); Arlene Fairley Marshall (management); Asia Marie Williams (marketing); Eduardo De Oliveira Bugay (logistics & intl. trade); Shannell Tajera Hibbert (MBA); and Manda Shanelle Burnham (major Field Test (ETS). The SBPA Student of the Year Award went to Manda Shanelle Burnham.
Douet Sean Kerr Jr., who graduated summa cum laude at the 2023 Commencement, said, “Even though the majority of my time at the University of the District of Columbia was during the COVID-19 pandemic, I still had an incredible experience. The professors did an excellent job and provided ample opportunities for students to connect, whether through online discussions or virtual office hours. The faculty and staff at the SBPA remained committed to providing a high-quality education and creating a supportive learning environment. I’m grateful for the resilience and adaptability of the University community during this difficult time.”
A Structured Finance Foundation Scholarship (SFF) was also awarded to Iyanna Jackson and Elias Carson. In 2020, SFF and the UDC Foundation, agreed to establish a scholarship fund to provide financial support to eligible SBPA students, beginning in the fall of 2021. Each year, the selection committee selects and awards up to two scholarships (worth $10,000 each) to deserving students pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in finance or accounting at SBPA. For more information about the SBPA, please click here.