Chiamaka Stellamaris Nwede, a Nigerian graduate student at Rutgers University, Camden, New Jersey, has been honored with the 2024-2025 Chancellor’s Award for Student Civic Engagement.
The university’s chancellor officially announced the recognition via an email, commending Nwede—a passionate public affairs advocate and founder of the Stellamaris Foundation—for her outstanding contributions to the Camden community and beyond.
The announcement highlighted the award’s purpose, stating, “The awards celebrate those who strive daily to foster understanding and learning, invest in building relationships across differences, and offer new ways to promote equity and diversity.”
The Chancellor’s Awards recognize students and staff who demonstrate exceptional dedication to civic engagement through academics, internships, volunteer work, or professional roles. Nominees are evaluated based on the depth of their service and its impact on communities beyond the university.
Nwede’s Student Civic Engagement Award is part of the broader Chancellor’s Awards for Diversity, Inclusion, and Community Engagement. The recipients will be formally celebrated at a university event on April 21.
Throughout her time at Rutgers, Nwede has distinguished herself as a researcher, leader, tutor, and volunteer in Camden, while also engaging in global initiatives as a delegate, diplomat, and advocate.
Expressing gratitude to those who nominated her, she said, “This honor means the world to me, and I am incredibly grateful for the support and belief in my work.”
Dedicating the award to her younger siblings, who are still in college, she hopes to inspire them to pursue excellence, embrace leadership, and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
“May this recognition serve as a reminder that dedication, hard work, and commitment to service can open doors to incredible opportunities,” she added.
