June 27, 2024
Contact: Brian Consiglio, consigliob@missouri.edu
Last year, the University of Missouri Board of Curators announced the inaugural recipients of the Remington R. Williams Award. The award is the highest non-academic award bestowed on students by the Board of Curators and is given in memory of Remington Williams and his outstanding service as student representative to the board from 2020 to 2022.
This year, seven University of Missouri System students were selected for the second class of recipients of the award. Each recipient receives $1,000 and a leadership medal to wear at commencement.
The four Mizzou recipients are:
Vishvi Aurora
Vishvi Aurora is an undergraduate student in the College of Arts and Science and is pursuing a degree in biological sciences and physics as well pursuing the Honors Certificate at Mizzou.
She serves as a student ambassador for the Office of Undergraduate Research and is a student representative for the Chancellor’s Committee for Persons with Disabilities and an undergraduate representative for the Chancellor’s Committee for Libraries.
“Vishvi has been actively involved in the Associated Students of the University of Missouri, where she orchestrated initiatives such as voter registration drives, legislative events and member recruitment based on collected input,” her nomination packet read. “She demonstrates a heart for community service and advocacy, serving on the Steering Committee for Caring for Columbia, an organization that organizes student-led service initiatives in the community surrounding Mizzou’s campus.”
Damilola Oduolowu
Damilola Oduolowu is a graduate student in the Missouri School of Journalism and is pursuing a doctoral degree in journalism. He serves as the director of public relations for the Graduate Professional Council and revived the Mizzou chapter of Society of Professional Journalists, making history as the first Black and international student to serve as president.
“Actively engaged with the Graduate Professional Council, Damilola introduced the ‘Did You Know Mizzou’ video content, enlightening students with entertaining facts about the university’s history,” his nomination packet read. “He successfully recruited over 70 members to the Mizzou chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists, enhancing the undergraduate experience by providing professional development programs to improve journalism students’ portfolios and secure internships.”
Jessica Osaze
Jessica Osaze is a graduate student in the School of Medicine and is pursuing a doctoral degree in translational biosciences. She serves as the director of professional development for the Graduate Professional Council and provides free driving lessons for international students at Mizzou. She also volunteered 360 hours as a mental health clinician at the College of Health Sciences’ Integrative Behavioral Health Clinic — serving the mental health needs of underserved populations in Boone County, Missouri.
“Jessica has negotiated reduced childcare costs and extended childcare hours for international students who are single moms here at Mizzou,” her nomination packet read. “She also founded Mizzou 2, a student organization dedicated to helping spouses and families of international students and scholars settle in and socialize within the Mizzou community.”
Teja Teppala
Teja Teppala is a graduate student in the College of Arts and Science and is pursuing a doctoral degree in physics. He serves as the outreach coordinator for the Physics and Astronomy Graduate Student Association and co-lead for the Graduate Professional Council’s programming committee. He also is a leader of the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources’ international student group.
“Teja’s experiences and contributions at Mizzou are heavily focused on service to the public and inspiring the growth and development of his fellow students,” his nomination packet read. “He wrote and shared an international graduate student handbook that has been extremely important in helping to welcome new students to Mizzou.”
