UK Doctoral Student Receives 2011 Adelstein Award

LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 5, 2011) – This year’s Carol S. Adelstein Outstanding Student Award was given to Veronica Umeasiegbu, a doctoral student in the College of Education.

The Adelstein Award is named for the wife of former UK English professor Michael Adelstein, the late Carol S. Adelstein, who used a wheelchair because of polio and was an inspiration to persons with disabilities by leading a meaningful, successful life at a time when individuals with disabilities were not encouraged to be independent, contributing members of society. The Adelstein Award is given by the UK Disability Resource Center to students with disabilities who are inspirations to others on and off campus through excellence in academic achievement, leadership, extracurricular activities, and social and personal qualities.

"I am happy to receive the Carol Adelstein Award," said Umeasiegbu. "This award means a celebration of the lives of the little girls and boys, women and men who have the courage to live and face the challenges of having a disability."

Umeasiegbu is working on her doctorate in the College of Education Department of Special Education and Rehabilitation Counseling. Her short term goals include doing research that will add meaningfully to improvement of the quality of life for people with disabilities.

EDSRC professor and coordinator of the rehabilitation counseling doctoral program, Malachy Bishop, said, "In her brief career as a doctoral student, she has consistently impressed faculty with her passion and commitment to the profession."

Students, faculty and staff applaud Umeasiegbu for her efforts. "I have a passion for social justice for people with disabilities and others who are facing challenges," said Umeasiegbu. "My passion is to use my life experiences, skills and education to positively contribute to achievement of social justice….I aspire to be a voice for the voiceless."