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Sources:
Myra Gordon, 785-532-6276, mygordon@k-state.edu;
and AbdulRasak Yahaya, 816-803-0583; aty7777@k-state.edu
Pronouncer: AbdulRasak Toyin Yahaya is ab-DOOL-rah-SAHK TOY-in
ya-HIGH-ya
Editor's note: Clemente Jaquez-Herrera is a graduate of Lakin
High School, and Nathan Jackson is a graduate of Washington High
School in Kansas City, Kan.
News release prepared by: Keener A. Tippin II, 785-532-6415,
media@k-state.edu
Wednesday,
December 20, 2006
LEADERSHIP
ABILITIES DEFINE K-STATE'S ABDUL YAHAYA'S SELECTION AS COMMERCE
BANK STUDENT HONOREE FOR ENHANCING MULTICULTURALISM
MANHATTAN
-- When it comes to describing Kansas State University's AbdulRasak
Toyin Yahaya, the word "leader" is one some say fits him
best.
"His
picture should be posted beside the word 'leader' in the dictionary"
was a comment written about Yahaya, a junior in civil engineering,
Kansas City, Mo., in his nomination packet for K-State's
Commerce Bank Presidential Student Award for Distinguished Services
in Enhancing Multiculturalism.
Yahaya's
service and leadership abilities -- not just with historically underrepresented
students at K-State, but with other universities across the United
States, as well -- are among the reasons he was selected as the
ninth recipient of the award.
He
will be recognized at a reception from 3:30-5 p.m. Tuesday, Jan.
16, 2007, in the Bluemont Room at the K-State Student Union. The
honor includes a plaque and a $500 cash award.
"I
am very honored to be recognized with this award and want to thank
everyone who works side by side with me to make a difference in
our community," Yahaya said.
Yahaya
is being honored for his service toward diversity enhancement through
his work with K-State's Black Student Union and the Big 12 Council
on Black Student Government, where he is currently serving as chair
for an unprecedented second term.
He
is active with K-State's leadership studies program, Multicultural
Ambassadors, National Society of Collegiate Scholars, the National
Society of Black Engineers and the First Tee Academy. His commitment
to diversity also is evident through his work with the Kappa Tau
chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.'s annual candlelight
march and tribute to Martin Luther King Jr. Yahaya is chapter president
of the fraternity.
Yahaya
has been elected twice as chair of the Big 12 Council on Black Student
Government. The council, established in 1977, was developed to build
leadership and communication skills; promote academic success and
political awareness; and to reinforce the educational and cultural
developments of aspiring black scholars.
Keener
Tippin, adviser to K-State's Black Student Union, has worked with
Yahaya in various capacities. Tippin said he has always been impressed
with Yahaya's abilities as a leader, whether through his involvement
as an officer with the Black Student Union, Apha Phi Alpha or with
the Big 12 Council on Black Student Government.
Not
only has Yahaya always demonstrated a willingness to roll up his
sleeves and work, but he is not afraid to step into a leadership
role, Tippin said.
"Abdul's
leadership role in organizing a Big 12 Council on Black Student
Government fund-raising drive on each member campus for victims
of Hurricane Katrina and in raising awareness about the genocide
in Dafur only scratch the surface of his outstanding efforts in
creating and helping to maintain a campus environment which contributes
to the well-being of minorities," Tippin said.
"He
is an extraordinary young man who has enriched the campus greatly
by his presence," said Myra Gordon, K-State associate provost
for diversity and dual career development. Yahaya has "set
the bar very high" for future recipients of the prestigious
award, she said.
"Abdul
is brilliant, well-spoken and culturally grounded," Gordon
said. "The contributions he has already made and those yet
to come will influence the state of affairs in this country for
many years to come. We truly believe that Abdul will build the world
and then run it."
Yahaya
is a 2002 graduate of Rockhurst High School and is the son of Amori
and Mariam Yahaya, Kansas City, Mo.
Other
finalists for the award were Madai Rivera, a graduate student in
curriculum and instruction, Dodge City; Clemente Jaquez-Herrera,
senior in architecture, Garden City; Patricia Rodriguez,
senior in agricultural business, Liberal; and Nathan Jackson,
a senior in speech, Manhattan.
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