Lee Spann, Jr. Resident Assistant Scholarship Fund

Julia Bonfrisco

As a first-generation college student and a proud Latina, Julia Bonfrisco’s journey at the University of Maryland has been transformative. Coming from a low-income background, Julia has worked hard to balance academics, multiple jobs, and leadership roles while navigating the challenges of being the first in her family to pursue higher education. At Maryland, she’s embraced opportunities to grow personally and professionally. Julia has served as a Resident Assistant, fostering inclusive communities and supporting her peers, and as a member of Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc., she has worked to uplift and empower others. Her involvement in these roles has allowed Julia to develop leadership, resilience, and a deep appreciation for the power of community. Maryland has been more than just an academic experience, it's been a place where Julia has grown and discovered who she is.

Zoe Hill

Zoe Hill started her freshman year as a psychology major with a Spanish minor. At the end of her first Spring semester she had gained a real interest in anthropology after an introductory level course that she took and added that as a double major. In addition to her interests academically, in the past three years on campus, through her involvement with The Pride, as first a director of communication and now the president, and her position as a manager for the Men's Lacrosse team, Zoe has found a real passion for sports culture and management and hopes it is something she will be able to pursue as a future career. This year Zoe will be applying for UMD's fairly new Sports Management Program in hopes to learn more about the field and get more exposure.

Jessica Harden

Jessica Harden transferred to the University of Maryland during the second semester of her sophomore year and immediately joined Stories Beneath the Shell and started working for ResLife. Throughout her time at the University of Maryland, she has worked for Res Life and athletics.

Sharon Babayemi

Sharon Babayemi was born in Maryland and raised in Lagos, Nigeria. She is a senior at the University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business. She will receive a Bachelor of Science in Finance in the Spring of 2023 and will continue her education to earn 150 educational credits in order to sit for the CPA exam. In addition to her role as an RA in Worcester Hall, Sharon has developed and honed  number of personal and communication skills. For leisure and creative purposes, she is also a member of an Afro-centric dance performance group that performs at various campus and inter-school events for representation and inclusivity. 

Anthony Chen

Anthony Chen is an Aerospace Engineering major at the University of Maryland. His interests include travel and sightseeing. His academic pursuit is in the field of aerospace engineering, specifically doing research and design for aircraft manufacturers.

Seonyoung Kang

I am Seonyoung Kang, a junior economics major from Ellicott City, Maryland. During my time here, I volunteered to offer tutoring services to students and refugee youth, have served as a member of the Title IX Advisory Board, and have also enjoyed competing in UMD Mock Trial. After graduation, I plan on dedicating my career to further economic opportunity through youth education.

As an RA, I have gained a unique and priceless student experience, creating relationships with residents and staff, and have learned the impact of relationship building. I am greatly appreciate of the Lee Spann, Jr. award, as it has alleviated the financial challenges of attending college and post-grad prospects, and has given me a positive outlook on my future. 

Zahrah Siddiq

My name is Zahrah Siddiq and I am currently a junior at the University of Maryland. I am majoring in Kinesiology in hopes of joining the military after school. I am currently the President of NAACP on campus, a Resident Assistant, and I am also a personal trainer at Eppley. I enjoy reading, writing poetry, and going on spontaneous adventures every once in a while with friends!

Ololade Balogun

Ololade is a first-year RA in Kent hall and oversees 47 undergraduate students in suites. Lade is a first-year RA in Kent hall and oversees 47 undergraduate students in suites and apartments. Ololade has a variety of students living in his community, including freshmen, athletes, and international students. The evaluations from his fellow residents are glowing! As a junior BIO SCI:PHNB (Physiology and Neurobiology) major,this scholarship will provide valuable financial assistance as he continues his studies. In addition to being a hard worker in the classroom, Ololade loves developing relationships in the ever growing College Park community.

My-Asia Chaplin

Worrying about how I will afford my education has been a constant stressor for my family and I since my freshman year. Being awarded the Lee Spann Jr. Resident Assistant scholarship has allowed me to focus more on my academics and less on affording the semester.

My name is My-Asia Chaplin and I am a senior Global Health Equity and Policy major, which explores the intersection of policy and health disparities. My interests consist of healthcare policy, health equity, medicine, and health disparities both domestic and international. On campus I am involved as an RA in Wicomico Hall and as president of Pre-Student Osteopathic Medical Association. In the future, I plan to go to osteopathic medical school to pursue my dream of becoming a physician while earning a PhD in Health Policy to become a policy influencer.

Kamani Brown

The Lee Spann, Jr Resident Assistant Scholarship has been an answer to my prayers. In trying to attain my Bachelors of Science in Landscape Architecture, I found myself to be extremely stressed by financial uncertainty. Being selected for this award assists me with the completion of my degree and continuation in my Resident Assistant role.

Brandon Lara Gomez

In 2005, at the age of ten, I came to the United States with my mom and younger sister. I come from a low-income family, so finances were always tight. Last year my mom had a heart attack, and we had to use most of my college funds to pay for her hospital bills and medication. I looked into loans, financial aid, and other scholarships but unfortunately, without citizenship, I was unable to find much financial help. Thanks to this scholarship I am able to relieve some of my financial burdens, and pay for tuition/textbooks for the upcoming semesters.

Brandon Quinn

A scholarship of this magnitude means so much more to me than a number. This scholarship provides me with peace of mind knowing that the burden of student loans will play a lesser role in my life upon graduation.

• Brandon Edwards