Three American Culture undergraduate students were selected to receive the Joel S. Siegel Scholarship. Enrique Mendez, a junior pursuing a double major in Latina/o Studies and Spanish; Paula Moldovan, a junior minoring in American Culture; and Lania Robinson, a junior minoring in American Culture, were given the award based on their academic accomplishments and financial need.

Enrique Mendez is a junior who is pursuing a double major in Latino/a Studies and Spanish. Upon graduating, he intends to obtain a degree in Public Health and create programs in Latino communities within urban areas. He is particularly interested in increasing education and awareness on HIV and AIDS in order to decrease the health risks posed by sexually transmitted diseases. Enrique plans to utilize his degree in Latino/a Studies to understand the multifaceted dimensions of the Latino/a community. His coursework will prepare him with the interdisciplinary frameworks needed to increase to access to education and health.

Paula Moldovan is a junior who is pursuing a major in Biomolecular Science and a minor in American Culture. When she enrolled at the University of Michigan, she decided that she wanted to become a dentist and thus declared a Pre-Dental path. While taking “Introduction to Arab American Studies,” she became aware of the diversity of the Arab American community and decided that in order to be a great dentist who offers excellent and compassionate care, that she would need to learn about the peoples and cultures that make up the United States. Paula therefore decided to minor in American Culture, to distinguish herself as a culturally sensitive and culturally competent future dentist. In winter 2014, she received University Honors in recognition for her scholastic achievement.

Lania Robinson is a junior who is pursuing a major in Psychology and a minor in American Culture. In her first semester at the University of Michigan, she received University Honors and was inducted into Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology. She serves on the executive board of the National Council of Negro Women and volunteers as a mentor for first year students. In addition, she is a Resident Advisor for University Housing and an Academic Success Partner for the Leaders and Best Program in the Office of Academic Multicultural Initiatives. Through American Culture courses, Lania has explored the history and contributions of African Americans to American culture. Passionate about social justice, she is pursuing a career in Human Resources and will use her minor in American Culture to create diverse and inclusive organizational structures.

The Undergraduate Committee believes that Enrique, Paula, and Lania represent the substantial promise and rewards of American Culture's degree programs.  Winning the Joel S. Siegel Scholarship recognizes their merit and potential.  Congratulations to them all!