Congratulations to Kristie Ranchurejee, a Levermore Global Scholars junior, on recently being awarded the 2013 Sue Levering Social Justice Award! Kristie’s involvement on the Alephi University campus and dedication to improving the lives of others through activism is truly inspiring, from her work with Amnesty International to representing the LGS Program as one of its delegates to the United Nations Youth Assembly. The Sue Levering Social Justice Award is bestowed each academic year to an LGS student of sophomore standing or higher who is a particularly active and informed global citizen. The award is given in honor of the late Susan Dworkin Levering, who was an activist, feminist and global citizen.
Kristie lives in Richmond Hill in Queens her home, but was born in Guyana — where she hopes to return to after graduation. She is an international studies major with minors in economics and peace studies. She feels fortunate to be a part of the Levermore Global Scholars (LGS) program as it has presented her with many opportunities at Adelphi University and beyond. As an LGS student and member of the LGS Student Leadership Council, she has participated in various globally focused activities on and off campus. These have included lectures with international guest speakers, cultural excursions into New York City, and service projects, such as the P.E.A.C.E. program in Hempstead, NY. Last year, Ms. Ranchurejee represented the LGS Program as one of its delegates to the United Nations Youth Assembly. This past summer, she also interned at the Long Island Children’s Museum through Adelphi’s Community Fellows Program.
One of her personal highlights at Adelphi was when she attended the lecture given by the ambassador from St. Lucia, which like Guyana is part of the West Indian community. He spoke about the contemporary challenges facing these nations. “More importantly, [he spoke] on development and sustainability, which is the field I want to go into, in the region I want to work,” she explained.
Kristie is the president of Amnesty International on campus. She reflected on a recent event the organization co-sponsored with the Muslim Student Association, called Faith and Human Rights. The forum created a comfortable environment for people to discuss their religious views on several issues. “The best part was everyone was able to express what they feel, with openness and no resentment,” she said. She is appreciative that the LGS program has helped provide a venue where Adelphi students can discuss controversial topics, better understand one another, and help the world become more informed.
LGS develops active and informed global citizens who are compassionate about other people, educated in global and local issues, knowledgeable about other societies and nations, and skilled in advocating for change. Scholars attend seminars, participate in conferences and workshops at the United Nations, and attend events with international leaders and policy makers amongst other activities. Find more information about the Levermore Global Scholars program visit> http://www.adelphi.edu/levermorescholars/.
