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    Awards - NEGSA

    The Northeast Group on Student Affairs (NEGSA) presents three awards annually to current or former NEGSA members who have demonstrated outstanding service to the NEGSA. Outstanding service is defined as significant commitment and leadership in addressing issues of importance to  NEGSA. 

    NEGSA Outstanding Service Award

    This award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated a significant commitment to NEGSA, which may be demonstrated through committee work, involvement in regional meetings, engagement in GSA (national level) such as professional development; presentations at local or national meetings, service to AAMC committees or “special projects” with relevance to student affairs (for example MSPE committee, CiM, etc.). Strong leader as a voice within the community, mentor to others in NEGSA. 

    NEGSA Rising Star Award

    This award, first granted in 2025 recognizes early career individuals (staff, administrators, or faculty) within our Northeast region of GSA (NEGSA) who are quickly making a positive impact within their field. These include those individuals in Admissions, Student Affairs, Student Records, Student Financial Aid, and Student Diversity Affairs. Nominees should be early in their career (< 5 years in their position) and demonstrate exceptional potential for future success. They often showcase innovative ideas, strong leadership qualities, and significant achievements marking them as a future leader in student affairs. Nominees should also have contributed in some way to the NEGSA, for example, through a regional or national poster, contributing to community calls or participation on committee or subcommittees; acting as a reviewer or participating in working groups; contributing to an AAMC network (e.g. PDI, HSS), etc.).

    NEGSA Inspiring Engagement Award

    This award, first granted in 2025, recognizes early or mid-career individuals within the field of student affairs (Admissions, Student Records, Financial Aid, Diversity, and Student Support Services) who demonstrate exceptional dedication, involvement, and engagement in GSA (at the regional or national level). Whether through participation in committees, mentorship, program development, or professional development initiatives, these individuals showcase a commitment to growth and collaboration within our NEGSA Community. Nominees should also have contributed to the Northeast region GSA through involvement in regional meetings, community calls, or other collaborative or service initiatives.

    Nomination

    A call for nominations will be announced annually at the NEGSA Business meeting during Learn Serve Lead: the AAMC Annual Meeting. Any NEGSA member may submit a nomination. No self-nominations will be considered. Nominations will be submitted to the NEGSA vice-chair and must be accompanied by the nominees' curriculum vitae.

    Selection Process

    The chair-elect and the Outstanding Service Award subcommittee shall serve as the Screening Committee and forward the names of no more than four finalists to the NEGSA Executive Committee for consideration. The Executive Committee will select the award recipients for an announcement at the spring meeting. No nominee for the Outstanding Service Award may serve on the Screening Committee, nor be present for discussion and decision by the Executive Committee. If necessary, the Chair will appoint a replacement from among the membership of the Executive Committee.

    Presentation

    No more than two NEGSA Outstanding Service Awards may be presented annually at the spring meeting of the NEGSA.

    Recent Award Recipients

    2025

    Outstanding Service Award

    Leila Amiri, PhD
    Robert Larner, M.D., College of Medicine at the University of Vermont

    Rising Star Award

    Frank Aguilar, MD
    Cooper Medical School of Rowan University

    Inspiring Engagement Award

    Lindsey Debow, PsyD
    Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine

    2024

    Kristin DeSimone, MD
    Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University

    2023

    Sandra Quezada, MD
    University of Maryland School of Medicine

    2022

    Amy Kuhlik, MD
    Tufts University School of Medicine

    2021

    Ann-Gel Palermo, DrPH, MPH
    Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

    2019

    Amy Fuchs, MD
    Drexel University College of Medicine

    2018

    Fidencio Saldana, MD, MPH
    Harvard Medical School

    2017

    Mercedes Rivero, MS
    Rutgers New Jersey Medical School

    Dwight Davis, MD
    Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine

    2016

    Charles Pohl, MD
    Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University

    Gary Butts, MD
    Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

    2015

    W. Scott Schroth, MD, MPH
    George Washington University School of Medicine

    Carol Terregino, MD
    Rutgers, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School

    2014

    Adam Aponte, MD
    Hofstra Northwell School of Medicine at Hofstra University

    Robert Witzburg, MD
    Boston University School of Medicine