2024 Susan B Anthony Legacy Awards
The Susan B. Anthony Legacy Awards are a 75 year plus tradition honoring exceptional women from the University of Rochester community and their achievements. The Susan B. Anthony Center presents the awards annually to professional women leaders and University of Rochester undergraduate women. The event will include a breakfast buffet and ceremony to honor the 2024 award winners.
Saturday, April 13th
10am – 12pm EDT
Evarts Lounge, Helen Wood Hall
RSVP required.
Award Winners
Read more about the history of the awards and their descriptions here.
Susan B. Anthony Scholarship
Seulgi Dianne Lee ’25
Seulgi Dianne Lee, a junior from New Hampshire, is pursuing a double major in Brain and Cognitive Sciences and Political Science at the University of Rochester. Upon entering UofR, she knew she wanted to contribute to cross-cultural engagement, a commitment further solidified
by her recognition through the Joseph C. Wilson Leader of Change Scholarship. Throughout her time at the university, Dianne has demonstrated leadership by serving on executive boards, currently holding the positions of Senior Advisor for the Korean Student Union and Secretary for the Spanish and Latino Students’ Association. Over the past three years, she has actively facilitated connections between cultural organizations that have not historically collaborated. Dianne hopes to continue contributing to a more inclusive and culturally rich environment at the University of Rochester.
Michelle Rojas ’25
Michelle Rojas (She/her) is a first-generation college student double majoring in Business Marketing and Psychology. Beyond her academic pursuits, Michelle channels her expertise as a marketing specialist for the University’s Library and Career Center, actively promoting their resources and services. Moreover, as a Student Alumni Ambassador, she bridges the gap between students and alumni, fostering a vibrant community spirit. Michelle is eager to apply her passion for marketing to create meaningful content in her future endeavors.
Fannie Bigelow Prize
Hannah Witkin ’24
Hannah Witkin is a senior from Elkridge, Maryland majoring in Philosophy and Political Science with a minor in Religion. She is also pursuing a Certificate of Achievement in Community Engaged-Learning. During her time at the University of Rochester, she has held various positions in the Students Association Government and the Undergraduate Political Science and International Relations Council. She is a student employee at both the Paul J. Burgett
Intercultural Center and the Center for Community Engagement. Outside of campus, Hannah has worked with various community organizations advocating for positive social change. She has supported formerly incarcerated community members through her work with the Judicial Process Commission and Rochester Education Justice Initiative as well as migrant populations through Refugees Helping Refugees. Hannah is currently serving as an intern with the Office of the Monroe County Public Defender with hopes to attend law school in the future.
Emily Kondrat ’25
Emily Kondrat is currently a junior at the University of Rochester’s Eastman School of Music, where she is pursuing Bachelor’s degrees in both Vocal Performance and Music Education. She is passionate about the enrichment of community life and sharing meaningful musical experiences, through which she expresses her enthusiasm for diversity and inclusion, student wellbeing, and accessibility of the arts. She is a dedicated student leader, serving on the executive boards of Eastman’s chapters of Sigma Alpha Iota, the American Choral Directors Association, and the National Association for Music Educators. She is also chair of the Fundraising and Community Outreach Committee with Sigma Alpha Iota and former chair of the Musicale Committee. She plans to endeavor into every curiosity and available opportunity that the University provides, in the hopes of developing critical skills that enable her to one day inspire audiences and students of her own to pursue the arts in an inclusive, positive, and meaningful way.
Sue S. Stewart Award
Adrija Bhattacharjee ’24
Adrija Bhattacharjee is a senior at the University of Rochester, pursuing a Dual Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Bioethics. As a first-generation Bangladeshi American woman from New Orleans, Louisiana, she is deeply committed to public service, focusing on underrepresented communities. Adrija served as the Undergraduate Students’ Association President her junior year, in which she sucessfully changed faculty training structures to include race-related elements, founded the SA DEI committee, and continuously pushed peers, faculty, and administration to show up for their communities. As an upcoming graduate of the class of 2024, Adrija intends to pursue a path that includes advocating for minority populations within higher education and activism efforts on a global scale.
Tochukwu Iyke-Nzeocha ’24
Tochukwu Iyke-Nzeocha is a senior majoring in Biomedical Engineering with a concentration in Cell and Tissue Engineering at the University of Rochester. Her remarkable academic journey is marked by a fervent commitment to driving innovation and making a positive impact on the campus community. Throughout her time at the University, Tochukwu has demonstrated exceptional dedication and leadership. She has served on the National Society of Black Engineers executive board for four years. Currently, as President of NSBE and a mentor to black female engineering students, she actively works towards fostering a supportive community for minorities in STEM. In addition to her roles in leadership, Tochukwu has contributed significantly to research and industry. As a National Science Foundation REU Scholar at Rowan University, New Jersey, she pioneered approaches to combat antibiotic resistance through hydrophobic ion pairing. Tochukwu’s journey is far from over. With a vision to inspire women and advocate for Black women’s representation, she aspires to pursue an MD and PhD in Biomedical Engineering.
Jane R. Plitt Award
Navya Soogoor ’25
Navya Soogoor is a third year Neuroscience and Psychology double major from Simi Valley, California. She is President of the College Feminists at the University of Rochester. As leader of the organization, Navya has reinstated old events such as BDSM night while developing new initiatives such as the Fems Club Formal, the Women’s Leadership Conference, and the co-hosted Abortion Access Initiative. She is an advocate of body positivity and wearing what you want. Due to her love of fashion, she became a self-taught seamstress 4 years ago and continues her passion for it today. She organized and hosted a fashion show to raise money for the nonprofit organization “March for Dimes.” The event raised over $2,000 for women’s healthcare support. As a Seamstress, her designs are inclusive to everyone’s style and comfort levels while utilizing various colors and fabrics to challenge her creativity. She has loved her time at the University and is excited to see how she grows in the years left. In her free time she reads or is by the beach writing songs.
Dean Ruth A. Merrill Award
Fatimah Al Dulaimee ’24
Fatimah Al Dulaimee is a senior studying Molecular Genetics and Studio Arts. A first generation immigrant born in Iraq but raised in Rochester, Fatimah is deeply committed to cultivating an environment of learning, growth, and opportunities for all students and community members.
Over two semesters, Fatimah interned at the Memorial Art Gallery during which she helped the museum committee raise over $60,000 for their art program with the Rochester City School District- a program she was once a part of in elementary school. She works as a research assistant and physician assistant liaison at Strong Memorial Hospital Emergency Department and is also a coordinator of the Emergency Department Research Associate program helping undergraduate students gain exposure to research and valuable patient interaction skills. After graduation, Fatimah aspires to work in the medical field as a physician. She also hopes to start an independent art gallery to create a space and increase opportunities for Arab and Middle Eastern artists.
Susan B. Anthony Lifetime Achievement Award
Gunta Liders
Gunta Liders is the Associate Vice President for Research Administration at the University of Rochester. In this role, she serves as a senior administrative officer of the University responsible for primarily non-financial aspects of sponsored programs administration, including the development and implementation of research policies and processes. In addition to pre-award sponsored programs administration, Gunta’s office is responsible for conflict of interest administration, research compliance and a mandatory continuous education program for University research administrators. Gunta serves on numerous University of Rochester standing committees such as the University-wide conflict of interest committee, research compliance committee, and the committee on science and security.
Susan B. Anthony Emerging Leader Award
Abigail Kroening, MD
Dr. Kroening is a Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrician at the University of Rochester’s Golisano Children’s Hospital. She is a graduate from the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry and the UR Pediatrics Residency Program, including spending a year as a Chief Resident in Pediatrics. Dr. Kroening completed a fellowship in Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics. She enjoys learning about and celebrating neurodiversity and developmental differences through partnering with children, their families, and inter-professional colleagues. She has spent extra time learning how she can care for and partner with children/families of refugee status, children who have experienced prenatal exposures or early adversity, and children with autism. Dr. Kroening is a medical educator. She directs medical education for the Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, serving as program director for the Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics Fellowship and Medicine Discipline Coordinator for the interdisciplinary UR LEND (Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and related Disabilities) Program.
Susan B. Anthony Lifetime Service Award
Kimberly Lonon
Kimberly Lonon, a seasoned professional with a heart for service, brings a wealth of experience and dedication to every aspect of her life. Being at the University of Rochester for 34 years, Kimberly’s journey has been defined by her commitment to excellence, her love for her family, and her passion for exploring new horizons. As a dedicated manager in the Customer Service industry, Kimberly thrives on building connections and exceeding expectations. Leading the bustling Facilities Customer Service Center (CSC), she channels her love for people into creating, positive experiences for both customers and employees alike. For the last five years, Kimberly has displayed her dedication to her community by participating in the Youth Women Christian Association (YWCA) empowering women luncheon, donating to this global cause, inspires her on the leadership power of women, domestic violence sensitivity, social justice, and the power of storytelling. In her free time, Kimberly has a passion for traveling, exploring new destinations near and far. Whether it’s immersing herself in the vibrant cultures of lively cities or basking in the serenity of tranquil landscapes, Kimberly embraces each journey with enthusiasm and an open heart.