The University of Aruba celebrated its most dedicated students during the annual Student Ambassador Award Ceremony, held last night. The event recognized students who have shown exceptional leadership, academic excellence, and a strong commitment to representing the university and its values.
In her opening remarks, Rector Sue-Ann Lee congratulated the honorees, emphasizing that the university is proud of their achievements and will continue to support their growth and development.
The Student Ambassador Award is one of the university’s most prestigious honors. It is given to students who make meaningful contributions to the UA community through active participation in campus events, mentoring their peers, and promoting the mission of the university both on and off campus.
“Our Student Ambassadors represent the very essence of the UA community,” said Marketing and Communications Specialist Janirey Severino. “This award is more than recognition of their hard work; it reminds us that they are essential to shaping the university’s future. They embody the spirit of our academic theme, ‘Artificial Intelligence Meets Authentic Interaction,’ by fostering genuine human connections.”
The ceremony was made possible with the support of generous sponsors, including Setar N.V., Royal Aruba Aloe, Wow Cosmetics, Giannis Group, and The Movies @Gloria IMAX.
The 2024-2025 Student Ambassadors honored at the event are:
- Elangely Valecillos Andrade (Academic Foundation Year): Recognized for her outstanding academic performance, cum laude graduation, and creative and passionate representation of the AFY program.
- Mayleen Geerman (Office of International Affairs): Honored for her dedication to supporting international exchange students and promoting the university’s internationalization efforts.
- Zurainy Arends (Organization Governance and Management Studies – OGM): Recognized for strong academic results, passionate contributions, and proactive representation of the OGM program.
- Elvin-John Zara (Master Governance & Leadership – MGL): Celebrated as an engaged student who demonstrated leadership, integrity, and a commitment to creating a positive learning environment.
- Josianne Vrolijk (Sustainable Island Solutions with STEM – SISSTEM): Honored for combining academic excellence with community contributions, including her work on the “Turning the Tide” project and aquaponics system.
- Anthony Sevold (SISSTEM Master’s): Recognized for consistent academic performance and contributions to the community through student employment and resource sharing.
- Isabella Tobar (Social Work & Development – SW&D): Celebrated for her inspiring leadership, support within the program, and embodiment of empathy and determination.
- Andrew Wouters (Office of Student Affairs & Marketing – OSA): Honored for his creative and impactful contributions to the university’s social media and visual identity.
- Elisha Mc Farlane (Law): Recognized for her strong academic performance, active participation in university activities, and kind, supportive character.
- Lino Castellano (Shocowellness): Celebrated for his dedication to building community and his service-driven leadership that fostered collaboration and teamwork.
- Edylianne Figaroa (Faculty of Hospitality, Tourism and Management Studies – FHTMS): Honored for her contributions to the faculty, including serving as a class representative and playing an active role in organizing the 20th anniversary symposium.
The evening also highlighted the contributions of student organizations, such as UA’s Sports Teams, Kiwanis Circle K, Delta Leo Service Club, Synergy, the UA Baking Club, and the Art & Music Club. These groups play an important role in promoting student well-being and creating opportunities for leadership, service, and personal growth.
The Student Ambassadors are considered the face of the university, representing its values and fostering a strong sense of community. They serve as mentors, guides, and role models, helping to strengthen connections among students and contributing to the university’s success.
The ceremony closed with remarks from Thais Nierop, Dean of FHTMS, who offered words of encouragement to the students and guests. The evening ended on a festive note with live music by Touch of Steel.
The University of Aruba expressed pride in its students and alumni, extended gratitude to the organizing team, and congratulated all the award recipients. The university wished them continued success in their future endeavors.
