Rafael Hamawi, of Waterbury, Recognized by Assumption College for Exemplary Service and Leadership

2018 May 15

On the eve of their May 13 commencement, 16 members of Assumption College's Class of 2018, including Rafael Hamawi, of Waterbury, were honored with the College's prestigious Crown and Shield Award. The Award recognizes students who have distinguished themselves throughout their tenure at the College in the areas of leadership and community service. Award recipients have protected (shield) and furthered (crown) the interests of the student body and Assumption as a whole.

"The very essence of leadership is the recognition that one has gifts and talents that can bring to life a vision that can be transformative for individuals, an institution, or society," Assumption College President Francesco C. Cesareo, Ph.D. shared with honorees and their families. "That transformation results from the ability of a leader to inspire, to help people dream of possibilities not yet imagined. Remember that leadership is not about the accumulation of power and wealth or selfish aggrandizement. Rather, it is principally meant for the building up of society by being the advocates, supporters, and defenders of the weak and the little ones against all who oppress them."

Crown and Shield recipients are nominated by faculty, staff and administration for their exemplary service and leadership. Hamawi earned a degree in biology and minored in Spanish. During his time at Assumption, Hamawi served as a resident assistant for three years; a physics and organic chemistry tutor for the Academic Support Center and a volunteer tutor with Training Resources of America, Inc.; as a senator, class president and class assembly member for SGA; and was a member of the Academic Affairs Committee, Ethics Board and Spirit Fund Committee. He was a Campus Ministry retreat leader and peer minister all four years and was a volunteer on SEND trips to Washington, DC, Immokalee, FL, and Ecuador. A nominator described Hamawi as an "exceptional student, and a young man of very high character, with a deep sense of responsibility to serve others," adding that he "has great potential as a leader and will no doubt rapidly advance to leadership roles in all his future endeavors." After graduation, he will apply to medical schools.

"The challenge for you as you prepare to leave Assumption College and enter the next phase in your life is to continue to nurture the qualities of leadership that you have cultivated here," added President Cesareo. "As leaders formed within the Assumptionist tradition, our world needs you to bring it hope by making society a better place thereby bringing about the kingdom of God. In this way you will be a gift to others."