Sixth Annual Sapphire Awards Recognize UofM Students, Their Campus and Community Champions 

Friday, Nov. 8, 2024 — The Office of First-Generation Student Success (OFGSS), First Scholars, UofM TRiO Programs and Opportunity Scholars at the University of Memphis held the sixth annual Sapphire Awards on Thursday night, celebrating, honoring and recognizing first-generation students and their administrative champions across campus. Over 50% of students attending the UofM identify as first-generation, meaning they are the first in their family to attend college.

The Campus Partner Appreciation and First-Gen Advocate Award was given to the University of Memphis Alumni Association Board for its support of the pop-up Career Closet, which just recently marked its third year with over 10,000 items of professional attire donated and over 800 UofM students. The UMAA not only donated hundreds of suits but also gave funds to buy new suits as needed to support all UofM students. Accepting the honor was UMAA national board president Karimeh McDaniel.

The Campus Partner Appreciation and First-Gen Advocate Award was given to Joely Cifre, Regional Mass Care manager for American Red Cross. A passionate humanitarian, Cifre’s journey began in 1993 as a first-generation student at the UofM, where she earned a degree in broadcast journalism. After graduation, she spent 15 years as a television newscast producer in Memphis, Nashville and San Antonio. In 2018, she returned to Memphis and joined the American Red Cross. As the Mass Care Manager for the Tennessee Region, Cifre champions the power of preparedness and community resilience. Never forgetting her Tiger roots, she has partnered with the First-Gen program to present "Be Red Cross Ready" at in-person retreats and virtually during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her most recent initiative involved teaching Hands-Only CPR to students, and she is currently collaborating on a spring service project to install life-saving smoke alarms in the City of Memphis.

First-generation student Gage Farris received the top student honor of the evening, the Sapphire Award for the Office of First-Generation Student Success Mentor. Presented to a peer mentor who goes above and beyond to not only assist students but also to promote the office’s mission to provide outreach and support to first-gen students. In addition to creating innovative new programs, Farris continues to share his story to bring more awareness about the challenges faced by first-gen students. He was a featured presenter at the Student Success in Higher Education conference in California this past summer and just appeared as one of just 10 UofM students in the Memphis episode of the Amazon Prime show “The College Tour.”

Others receiving awards included:

Marcus Ashley received the Sapphire Award for First Scholars for his tremendous leadership and drive as a true servant leader who continues to find new ways to support others from designing posters to dressing as the gingerbread man for a Halloween service project. He received multiple nominations and the largest number of votes in First Scholars Program history for this award.

Marllely Madrid received the Sapphire Award for Opportunity Scholars for exemplifying not leadership and academic excellence, but also the courage to never stop pushing forward.  Sometimes, the world places barriers all around you, but Madrid has continually broken through all of them and raises the standard every year for all Opportunity Scholars.

Carlton Nesbitt received this year’s TRiO Classic Scholar for constantly looking for opportunities to grow personally and professionally. Nesbitt has overcome various obstacles and challenges and has immersed himself in the full TRIO experience, taking full advantage of programming such as networking, graduate school tours, leadership and themed workshops. One of his recent accomplishments includes a successful internship at Lowe’s corporate headquarters.

Christopher Marino received this year’s TRiO STEM Scholar for his relentless support for TRIO through selfless commitment to helping staff plan and execute programs and activities. A well-respected leader amongst his peers, Marino continues to be an advocate for the program and consistently strives to raise the bar for himself and his peers.

Cayla Smith received the Peer Power First-Gen Star Award as an exemplary Success Coach who models growth mindset, grit and first-generation post-secondary success to high school students in Peer Power partner schools. 
 
Awards were also given in the following categories: 
 
Top Tiger Award – Given to the highest GPA of an upperclassman from each program. 

• TRIO STEM, Naimah Muhammad 
• TRIO Classic, Logan Williams   
• First Scholars, Maria Montano     
• Opportunity Scholars, Zurysadai Lucio  

Spirit of a Tiger Award – Given to scholars who have shown true Tiger spirit by being faithful and positive participants in their program. 

• TRIO STEM, Matthew Dolny
• TRIO Classic, Thelma Massie  
• First Scholars, Viridiana Sanchez 
• Opportunity Scholars, Javier Labra Rojo   

Grit & Grind Award – Given to those students who don’t know the meaning of giving up. They have the determination to succeed and the grit that makes them an inspiration to others. They represent the true UofM spirit. 

• TRIO STEM, Dallas Graves 
• TRIO Classic, Jada Robertson 
• First Scholars, Nicholas New  
• Opportunity Scholars, Karla Aviles 

Service Leadership Award – This award is voted on by the students and goes to the person who has made significant contributions demonstrating commitment in their volunteer activities.   

• TRIO STEM, Brandon Carroll  
• TRIO Classic, Whitney Houston  
• First Scholars, Caleb Crowley     
• Opportunity Scholars, Bret Anderson   

Outstanding Freshman - Recognized for individual achievement as voted by their peers. The Outstanding Freshman award is selected through an online poll in the First Scholars Program.   

• Hilda Alba

 
Outstanding Sophomores - Sophomore, junior and senior outstanding student awards are selected through an online poll in TRIO STEM, TRIO Classic, First Scholars and Opportunity Scholars. 

• TRIO STEM, Gianna Delisio   
• TRIO Classic, LaDerrick Milton   
• First Scholars, Britney Bogan      
• Opportunity Scholars, Brandon Rivas  

Outstanding Juniors 

• TRIO STEM, Marissa Tripp  
• TRIO Classic, Kaylin Jackson  
• First Scholars, Mykhayla Crawley   
• Opportunity Scholars, Delmi Ortega  

 
Outstanding Seniors 

• TRIO STEM, Donneka Hayslett  
• TRIO Classic, Nila Williams   
• First Scholars, Brandon Rodriguez  
• Opportunity Scholars, Hadassa Cruz-Aguilar  

 
#### 

MEDIA CONTACT: 
Jennifer Godwin 
Director of Media and Public Relations 
jennifer.godwin@memphis.edu 
(O) 901.678.4822 (M) 501.529.7482