The Shriver Center is thrilled to announce the recipients of our Spring 2026 awards!
Thank you to everyone in the UMBC community who applied. This cycle saw a record-breaking number of applications, and we are grateful for your enthusiasm and engagement.
Samuel I. Rosenberg Citizenship Award: Victoria N. Saravia
Established in 1995 by Samuel I. Rosenberg, this award recognizes a UMBC student who has completed an outstanding apprenticeship within citizenship and public policy.
"I chose UMBC because I can continue thriving as a Digital Storyteller, since it has a partnership with Montgomery College, the community college I transferred from, where I developed my writing and communication skills and learned to create powerful stories. While exploring UMBC, I realized that I could double major and add multiple minors. I decided to pursue a minor in Latin American Studies because it could broaden my opportunities in animation. Also, many Latin American communities are underrepresented, and their rich cultures are poorly portrayed, and I want to change that. Along with my animation experience, this will help me create a Bolivian short series that shares my traditions with a broader audience."
The Samson, Rosetta A., and Sadie Feldman Award: Divine T. Anorchie
Established in January 1996 by Sadie B. Feldman in memory of her family. Given to a student who has completed his/her junior year of studies and has demonstrated, through community service and academic activities, an understanding of the responsibilities of citizenship.
"My understanding of the responsibilities of community engagement has evolved through my continued involvement in UMBC’s community-engaged programs, including six semesters with College Night, one semester as a volunteer and five semesters as a student leader, as well as my work as a Shriver Summer Student Intern and a Maryland Early Childhood Leadership Program (MECLP) student worker through the Shriver Center. Through these experiences, I have come to understand that community engagement is not defined by a single act of service, but by long-term commitment, reflection, and a responsibility to contribute meaningfully to communities in ways that are respectful, informed, and responsive to their needs."
Congratulations to our winners!
Thank you to our award review committee members who spent many hours reviewing submissions in this competitive process.