By: Tiffany Chen

Former ASI Vice President (2008-09) Mercy Daramola was selected as the recipient of the prestigious Undergraduate Rising Star Award from the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA), an organization for Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education.

The award, in the form of a plaque and a $250 scholarship, will be presented at the 2009 NASPA Western Regional conference on November 4-7, 2009 in San Jose, CA. The Rising Star Award recognizes an undergraduate student for achievement, involvement and potential in the student affairs profession.

“All the student leadership work that I’ve done, I’ve done it because I truly enjoy it and I’ve grown from it. So this award is just icing on the cake for something that I love to do anyways.” Daramola said.

Daramola, a fourth-year political science major, has accumulated many accolades from her time at Cal Poly Pomona. In addition to her time at ASI, she has served as chair of MultiCultural Council, a Resident Advisor, and is the current president of the Black Student Union and is a Student Affairs James Bell Intern for the 2009-10 academic year. Her internship is designed to provide her with broad exposure to the field of Student Affairs while developing critical organizational and leadership skills.

Cora Culla, executive director of ASI beamed that Mercy brought “pride to herself, ASI and Cal Poly Pomona.” Mercy has the admiration of staff members in student affairs that have witnessed her positive influence and potential. Dora Lee , Senior Coordinator of OSLCC, nominated Mercy for the award and was ecstatic when she received it.

Mercy hopes that future students can take advantage of the involvement opportunities that she has received on campus, so that they can become more well-rounded graduates when they leave Cal Poly Pomona. In the near future, Mercy hopes to work in a similar University to CPP, working and continuing to serve students and make an impact on their lives. She believes that Student Affairs is important to students because it takes their college experience and enhances it outside of the classroom.