OSU Institute of Technology is thrilled to announce that Culinary Arts student Kemariya Perry has been named the Newman Civic Fellowship Award winner. This prestigious recognition showcases her exceptional commitment to culinary excellence and dedication to impactful community service.
The Newman Civic Fellowship honors students who demonstrate leadership and problem-solving skills in their communities, providing networking and mentorship opportunities to amplify their impact.
"It is with immense pleasure and genuine admiration that Ms. Kemariya Perry is being recognized with the esteemed Newman Civic Fellow Award," said Dr. Randy S. Wymore, Provost of OSUIT. "Kemariya's dedication to service and outstanding contributions to our campus and local community make her an exceptional nominee for this prestigious recognition."
Through her roles as President of the Culture Awareness Club and Future Chef's Association, Vice President of Service for Phi Theta Kappa, and Secretary for Professional Leaders of Tomorrow, Perry has demonstrated outstanding leadership on campus.
Over the course of her community service, Perry has made a significant impact. Her efforts, which include distributing meals to the homeless, reading to children, participating in the Angel Tree project, donating food to Pete's pantry, and organizing fundraisers for scholarships, have collectively amounted to more than 250 hours. Perry's dedication to improving the community, both in the kitchen and in town, is a testament to her exceptional commitment to service.
Perry chose OSUIT's renowned Culinary Arts program to combine her passion for food with her desire to serve her community through creative, precise and culturally rich dishes.
For Perry, Being selected as a Newman Civic Fellow is not just an honor, but a testament to her unique qualities. Her commitment to civic engagement and leadership in her community, combined with her passion for positive change, sets her apart. This Recognition is an opportunity for her to collaborate with like-minded peers, amplify her impact, and inspire positive change on a broader scale.
Perry's success is not just a result of her own efforts, but also the support she received from OSUIT. The university's renowned Culinary Arts program, with its hands-on training, industry-relevant internships, and mentorship from Culinary Arts instructor Chef Aaron Ware and advisor Adrien Tuggle, provided her with the network and groundwork to support her career growth and success in the culinary industry.
"Kemariya has made a significant impact on campus by showing up and always being ready to help. She never shies away from a challenge, takes criticism well, and adjusts accordingly. She is a natural leader who rallies people together to assist," stated Ware. "Dedicated to her work in culinary arts, she is constantly striving to improve and be better. Kemariya's passion for food is evident in every dish she creates. She explores new recipes, experiments with flavors, and always seeks to perfect her culinary techniques. Her creativity and dedication have elevated the dining experience on campus, making her an invaluable asset to the OSUIT family."
The Newman Civic Fellowship provides a platform for students like Perry to enhance their leadership and problem-solving skills, fostering greater community engagement. To find out more, visit https://compact.org/current-programs/student-programming/newman-civic-fellowship.