Students awarded at annual gala

Three Robins School of Business students were recently recognized for their achievements, perseverance, and community impact at the Black Excellence Gala. This annual event, hosted by the Student Center for Equity and Inclusion, aims to uplift, showcase, and honor the accomplishments of underrepresented University of Richmond students.

Debora Lemma and Tsion Maru, both sophomore students, received the Excellence in Action award for their work on Konjo, a magazine dedicated to celebrating Black womanhood. Konjo, whose Ethiopian meaning embodies a broad sense of beauty and representation, was formed through the duo’s experience in Endeavor RSB.

“The award is for those who are going out and being the change they would like to see,” they said. “The key is definitely the ‘in action’ portion, so we are continuing our magazine publications, working with different models, and growing our audience base.”

Because the awards are focused on community impact, nominations are open to everyone on campus. “It was truly encouraging after all the work we have put into Konjo,” Lemma said. “The recognition sparked a lot of interesting conversations with students, faculty, and alumni and I am grateful for that opportunity.”

Maru agrees, saying, “We started Konjo last spring, so to be recognized for our work so early on was very motivating and empowering. It has opened up even more doors for us and I am excited to see what the future holds.”

Kylynn Diggs also participated in Endeavor RSB during her first year on campus and served as a program mentor last year, one of the many ways the senior has contributed to the campus community. Diggs received the Uplifting Force award, which recognizes a student who serves as a motivational and uplifting force at Richmond, working to ensure each student feels supported and accepted.

“Receiving the award made me feel seen,” Diggs said. “None of the things I do is for recognition, everything comes from my passion for people because that is what I care about most. It felt heartwarming to know that people recognize the effort I put in and the time I invest in the people around me and the UR community.”

Diggs is a member of the Robins School Student Government Association, member of the Women in Economics student organization, took part in the Mentorship Program, and president of the Women in Business student organization. She has also worked for the Center for Student Involvement and served as a writing consultant.

“To me, being an uplifting force means being a light in the community,” Diggs said. “It is seeing that someone has a heavy load and trying to lighten it, even by an ounce.”

Each of the students recognize the role the campus community has played in the scope of their impact and look forward to expanding that reach in the future.

Keith Webb, senior associate director in career services, is a career advisor for students interested in finance and accounting careers and was also recognized at the event, receiving the Bridge Award.