Show-Me State Times

Last year, the University of Missouri Board of Curators announced the inaugural recipients of the Remington R. Williams Award. The award is the highest non-academic accolade bestowed on students by the Board and is given in memory of Remington Williams for his outstanding service as a student representative to the board from 2020 to 2022.

This year, seven University of Missouri System students were selected for the second class of recipients. Each recipient receives $1,000 and a leadership medal to wear at commencement.

The four Mizzou recipients are:

Vishvi Aurora

Vishvi Aurora is an undergraduate student in the College of Arts and Science pursuing degrees in biological sciences and physics, as well as an Honors Certificate at Mizzou. She serves as a student ambassador for the Office of Undergraduate Research and represents students on both the Chancellor’s Committee for Persons with Disabilities and the Chancellor’s Committee for Libraries.

“Vishvi has been actively involved in the Associated Students of the University of Missouri, where she orchestrated initiatives such as voter registration drives, legislative events, and member recruitment based on collected input,” her nomination packet read. “She demonstrates a heart for community service and advocacy, serving on the Steering Committee for Caring for Columbia, an organization that organizes student-led service initiatives in the community surrounding Mizzou’s campus.”

Damilola Oduolowu

Damilola Oduolowu is a graduate student in the Missouri School of Journalism pursuing a doctoral degree in journalism. He serves as director of public relations for the Graduate Professional Council and revived Mizzou's chapter of Society of Professional Journalists, becoming its first Black and international president.

“Actively engaged with the Graduate Professional Council, Damilola introduced ‘Did You Know Mizzou’ video content, enlightening students with entertaining facts about the university’s history,” his nomination packet read. “He successfully recruited over 70 members to Mizzou's chapter of Society of Professional Journalists, enhancing undergraduates' experience by providing professional development programs to improve journalism students’ portfolios and secure internships.”

Jessica Osaze

Jessica Osaze is a graduate student in the School of Medicine pursuing a doctoral degree in health informatics. She serves as director of professional development for the Graduate Professional Council and provides free driving lessons to international students at Mizzou. She also volunteered 360 hours as a mental health clinician at College Health Sciences’ Integrative Behavioral Health Clinic — serving underserved populations' mental health needs in Boone County, Missouri.

“Jessica has negotiated reduced childcare costs and extended childcare hours for international students who are single moms here at Mizzou,” her nomination packet read. “She also founded Mizzou 2, a student organization dedicated to helping spouses and families of international students settle into and socialize within Mizzou's community.”

Teja Teppala

Teja Teppala is a graduate student in College Arts Science pursuing a doctoral degree physics. He serves outreach coordinator Physics Astronomy Graduate Student Association co-lead Graduate Professional Council programming committee leader College Agriculture Food Natural Resources international student group.

“Teja’s experiences contributions heavily focused service public inspiring growth development fellow students,” nomination packet read. “He wrote shared international graduate student handbook extremely important helping welcome new students."