Phillip Santa Maria Memoria Award Information
2009 Winner Information
Phillip Santa Maria Memorial Award Nomination Form.pdf
Phillip Santa Maria, Ph.D., served for twenty-five years as Associate Vice President and Dean of Students at Buffalo State College. A much-loved member of the college community, Dr. Santa Maria’s concern for students, his commitment to the campus and his devotion to service in the community were evident in all his activities. The Phillip Santa Maria Memorial Award was created in his honor to inspire others to pursue the same selfless qualities that characterized Dr. Santa Maria’s personal and professional life.
The Phillip Santa Maria Memorial Award recognizes a Buffalo State College undergraduate student who has demonstrated a well-rounded character, exhibiting not only scholastic achievement but also active participation in campus life at Buffalo State College and in the Western New York community and a desire to improve the world. A plaque and award citing the recipient’s distinction is presented at a ceremony held in the spring and the recipient may receive a monetary award, pending availability of funds
Criteria for Selection:
- Undergraduate junior or senior enrolled full time (minimum 12 credit hours) at Buffalo State College during the academic year in which the award is made.
- GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- Evidence of high integrity.
- Evidence of volunteer service on campus and within the larger community while a student at Buffalo State College.
Completed nomination folders must be received in the Office of the Associate Vice President and Dean Of Students, Campbell Student Union 306, by Friday, November 13, 2009. For additional information contact the Dean of Students at 716-878-4618.
2009 Winner of the Phillip Santa Maria Memorial Award
Keisha D. Dobney is the recipient of both the 2009 Minnie and Joe Engel Student Humanitarian Award and the Phillip Santa Maria Student Humanitarian Award. The Minnie and Joe Engel Student Humanitarian Award recognizes a Buffalo State College undergraduate student who has demonstrated personal character through altruism, volunteer service and the giving of oneself to the campus and the larger community. This award recognizes the full measure of a person’s worth, not just as a scholar, but as someone whose efforts on behalf of others define a quality of character that embodies core values that merit recognition.The Phillip Santa Maria Memorial Award recognizes a Buffalo State College undergraduate student who has demonstrated a well-rounded character, exhibiting not only scholastic achievement but also active participation in campus life at Buffalo State College and in the Western New York community and a desire to improve the world.
Keisha D. Dobney is a Senior and Social Work Major with a 3.21 gpa. Keisha has served as a College Senate Member, a United Student’s Government Representative, a Resident Assistant and as United Student’s Government Treasurer. Keisha is a member of the National Association of Social Workers, the NIA Mentor Program, SISTERS, Blacks in Government, the United States Air Force Rising Six and the Sergeant Association.