3 CAH students recognized for outstanding achievements

The College of Arts and Humanities recognized three outstanding students nominated by faculty and peers for their respective achievements at the first CAH Honors and Awards Ceremony hosted last Friday.

“These three students act ethically, excel academically and tap into their studies to help others,” said Dean Nicholas Vazsonyi. “It was a privilege to celebrate them at this year’s inaugural awards ceremony. I’m eager to see what this group goes on to accomplish in the future.”

CAH Student Awards

The College’s three signature honors are the Phi Kappa Phi Certificate of Merit, Dre Martin Service Award and the Blue Key Academic and Leadership Award.

Phi Kappa Phi Certificate of Merit

Kathryn Rabon, Class of 2024

English and Language and International Health (French) double major

Camden, South Carolina

The Phi Kappa Phi Certificate of Merit is awarded to a student in recognition of high scholastic achievement. The winner must maintain a minimum grade point ratio of 3.5, be a graduating senior and have noteworthy contributions in leadership, service, research or a creative endeavor.

“I am truly honored to have been able to represent the English Department as this year’s nominee and to have received this award from CAH,” Kathryn Rabon said. “My department has supported my academic journey in so many ways and I cannot express how much their guidance has influenced my development as a writer, student and young professional. While I am extremely proud of the success I have had with the sciences, I will always, always attribute said success to my background as a student of the humanities.”

She plans to study at Columbia University to pursue a master’s degree in healthcare administration in the fall. Rabon said being able to double major allowed her to acquire scientific knowledge while remaining rooted in the humanities.

“I really do believe that it is impossible to truly learn about one without an understanding of or connection to the other,” she said. “I feel like I have been taught to approach any and every situation with humility, empathy and an open mind. I know that will serve me incredibly well in the ears to come. I never want to stop learning, and I feel that way because of my experience in the CAH.”

Dre Martin Service Award

Samuel Kull, Class of 2025

History major and Religious Studies minor

Columbia

Named in honor of the late Chardrevius “Dre” Martin, this award is presented each year to a CAH undergraduate student who is highly committed to service in our surrounding community, demonstrates a passion for helping others and possesses a strong academic record.

Samuel Kull is employed by ClemsonLIFE as an independent living assistant, which means he lives with three LIFE students who have special needs. He heard about the program through his cousin, Tanner Smith, a rising social media star who was featured on a Netflix series in 2024. Kull said his parents giving back to their community is a core reason why he felt called to work with ClemsonLIFE.

“People with special needs are awesome. My life is very easy,” he said. “People with special needs are playing at a disadvantage every day. My roommates all fight an uphill battle to success, yet they persevere with humor and humility.”

The instruction from history and religious studies faculty is “incredible,” Kull said, crediting the College for providing a quality humanities education. He thanked Associate Professor of Religion Benjamin L. White for pushing him to be a better student.

“The classes have pushed me to consider ideas and stories far outside my comfort zone,” Kull said. “The humanities faculty cares about their students.”

Blue Key Academic and Leadership Award

Kathryn Henry, Class of 2024

Language and International Health (Spanish) major

Baltimore

The Blue Key Academic and Leadership Award recognizes one student in each of the University’s five colleges for outstanding leadership and scholarship. Among other requirements, the student must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point ratio of 3.0 and show special leadership abilities within an academic department and the University.

Kathryn Henry said she plans to take a gap year before attending graduate school to pursue a master’s in public health.

“The humanities curriculum provides the opportunity for a very well-rounded education with an emphasis on how your major and field can be used to help others throughout your career,” she said. “It also fosters an environment to ask questions and give you the communication and people skills to collaborate with others.”