Frederick Douglass Institute recognizes competition winners

BU's Frederick Douglass Institute for Academic Excellence recently recognized six students for their work in the Creative Expressions Competition. This year’s theme was Excellence Through Social Justice: Realities and Possibilities.

The competition is intended to amplify the voices and perspectives of students from all disciplines making connections between social justice and culture, economics, education, history, and science.

Student honorees were Lamia Babb, Kasey Halbleib, Abigail Frey, Jasmine Heroux-Skirbst, Damian Melendez-Andriulli, and Reilly Iles. Heroux-Skirbst was honored with the Provost’s Award and a cash prize of $500 for the top submission across all mediums that best reflects the ideals of Frederick Douglass.

“This competition encouraged thoughtful reflection and critical thinking through creative expression in various mediums for the purpose of sharing experiences, highlighting democratic ideals, and moving audiences to action,” said BU Provost Diana Rogers-Adkinson. “We are in need of that kind of thinking now more than ever.”

The students and their finishes are:

• Lamia Babb (Freshman) – First Place Art Category
• Kasey Halbleib (Junior) – Second Place Art Category
• Jasmine Heroux-Skirbst (Junior) –First Place Essay Category
• Abigail Frey (Freshman) – First Place Poetry/Short Story Category
• Jasmine Heroux-Skirbst – Second Place Poetry/Short Story Category
• Damian Melendez-Andriulli (Junior) – Third Place Poetry/Short Story Category
• Reilly Iles (Senior) – First Place Professional Coursework Category