4 Receive Welch Awards for Developing Programs to Benefit UB Student Community

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Four University at Buffalo residence-hall students have been named recipients of the Nancy Welch Award for developing, implementing or supporting imaginative outstanding programs and projects to benefit UB's student community.

The award is named for the former residential coordinator of UB's Rachel Carson College.

The first-, second- and third-place winners received a cash award and a plaque.

Noah Brecher won the first-place award for her Middle East Peace Rally Project designed to increase tolerance and unity between on-campus Jewish and Arab communities. A sophomore majoring in anthropology, she lives in Suffern.

Second-place award winners were Valerie Bergeman and Timothy R. Matthews. Bergeman was honored for her leadership in promoting school spirit and encouraging student participation in UB's Thunder of the East Marching Band, Pep Band and Kappa Psi honorary band service fraternity. A junior majoring in pharmacy, she lives in Waterport.

Matthews was honored for his leadership and commitment in working with students and university administrators to develop and implement the current University Emergency Medical Service (UEMS), a student team that will provide medical knowledge and assistance in emergencies while awaiting medical professionals. A sophomore majoring in communications, he lives in Greece.

Jennifer A. Sacks won third place for her UB Vote 2000 Project, which had a positive effect on student voting habits by emphasizing the need for students to be informed, active voters. A junior majoring in psychology and sociology, Sacks lives in Seaford.

Receiving a plaque and certificate for honorable mention were Melissa M. Blain, Julio A. Gonzalez and Christine M. Smith for Sabor Latino, a festive celebration that emphasized Latin culture and combined observation of Hispanic Heritage Month with a theme of alcohol awareness.

Blain is a senior from Queens with a special major in pharmaceutics. Gonzalez, who is from Brooklyn, is a senior majoring in accounting. Smith, a junior majoring in accounting, is from West Seneca.