Students recognized for promoting diversity in residence facilities

April 30, 2013

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — University of Florida students Airda Kokoshi, a junior business major from Jacksonville, and Vaibhav Jain, a doctoral candidate in genetics from India, have received the Department of Housing and Residence Education 2012-13 Multicultural Student Awards.

They were selected based on their contributions to promoting diversity and multiculturalism within the University of Florida residence facilities and campuswide.

Kokoshi, a Simpson Hall resident, is community service director for the Inter-Residence Hall Association and president of the Albanian Club. She received the award in recognition of her leadership in raising awareness about homelessness in the community and organizing service projects to serve the homeless.

Jain is a member of Mayors’ Council and is mayor of Corry Village, a graduate and family housing apartment facility. He received the award in recognition of his efforts to assist international students in their transition to campus. This included organizing events that helped the diverse international student population understand American culture as well as showcase their heritages.

The awards recognize student leaders from diverse cultural backgrounds including but not limited to international, African-American, Hispanic, Native-American and Asian-American residents. Nominees for the award may be undergraduates, graduates, or professional students living in residence facilities. Award recipients must actively support and promote diversity and multiculturalism, provide quality programs to residents, and significantly contribute to the campus community beyond their Housing responsibilities to facilitate multicultural understanding and appreciation for diversity through a combination of programming, student interaction, leadership within the University community, and scholastic endeavors.