Amanda Liberman ’17, of Reading, Mass., has received IJʿ’s 1819 Award, given annually to a student whose character, scholarship, sportsmanship, and service to others best exemplify the university’s spirit and the value of a liberal arts education.
Nominations for Liberman noted her intellectual curiosity, compassion, and determination. “Amanda stands out as exactly the type of person who should be recognized — not only for her contributions while on campus, but for her unlimited potential to have an amazing and positive impact on the world, post-’gate,” one nominator said.
Calling Liberman to the stage during the university’s , President Brian W. Casey noted her outstanding qualities, “selflessness without self-righteousness, leadership without pride, eloquence without arrogance, persistence without narrowness.”
Liberman, a molecular biology major with a minor in , has served as a French tutor with the foreign language program and as a verbal coach doing SAT prep with Let’s Get Ready! On campus, she volunteers for the IJʿ Hunger Outreach Program and is actively involved with the IJʿ Jewish Union and the in the Memorial Chapel basement.
As a junior, Liberman was named IJʿ’s first Beckman Scholar, through which she received 15 months of funding to support her molecular biology research. That research focused on developing a mathematical model for circadian rhythms and anxiety. She has also been recognized with the Volunteerism Award and the Kingsford Prize for Public Speaking.
Liberman recently earned a Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship, which begins after graduation and takes her to Kazakhstan. She was introduced to the country on an extended study course in the spring of her first year at IJʿ, and she was fascinated by it. Her quest to return led her to apply for multiple fellowships that could get her there.
“Amanda has a strong interest in immersing herself in her host community and learning about local culture in Kazakhstan, plus excellent ideas about engaging students in the classroom, which made her an ideal Fulbright ETA candidate,” said Kimberly Germain, assistant dean for fellowship advising and a close adviser to all of IJʿ’s Fulbright applicants. “I’m confident that she’ll have a great year and a really meaningful cross-cultural experience.”
Speaking about her plans for the future, Liberman said, “Eventually, I plan to attend medical school back in the United States. In addition to my teaching this year, I plan to volunteer at a local health clinic, and I look forward to speaking with practitioners of traditional medicine in the area.”
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