Eleazer Asase, a second-year mechanical engineering major in the Michigan State University College of Engineering, was awarded $1,000 in the ninth annual Honors Giving Back Awards hosted by the Honors College in partnership with the Michigan State University Federal Credit Union (MSUFCU). Asase was one of six students recognized for their work serving their communities while at Michigan State University (MSU).
Asase received the second prize of $750, which he plans to use for his nonprofit organization in Ghana, Nutata Network, that provides resources for students interested in pursuing careers in arts and technology.
“The Honors College Giving Back Awards lays a solid foundation for me to continue with the work I’m doing and to expand my work to help others,” Asase said.
Asase was also a recipient of the event’s first-ever Student Choice Award, a $500 prize funded by the Honors College and voted on by students who attended the event. This award was split between Asase and Shahed Mady, with each earning $250.
To apply, Honors College students submitted a two-to-three-minute visual presentation telling the story of their community engagement while at MSU.
This year’s submissions included other engagements such as: empowering human trafficking survivors in Bangladesh and encouraging leadership for more than 40 girls at the East Lansing Islamic Center.
The final judging included Honors College Interim Dean Glenn Chambers and MSUFCU Chief Financial Officer Sara Dolan. Dolan made an additional generous donation toward three honorable mention awards.
“It is always inspiring to attend the MSU Honors College Giving Back Awards,” Dolan said. “The students’ presentations demonstrate that these individuals not only excel in the classroom but are committed to making the world a better place.”
Original story and photography by Sloane Barlow, Honors College
MSU College of Engineering Media and Public Relations page