The Dr. James H. Mullen, Jr. Student Prize for Civility in Public Life is awarded annually to exemplary student leaders who have demonstrated a strong passion for, and deep understanding of, civility on the Allegheny College campus and in community work. Prize recipients exhibit a depth and breadth of activities, roles, responsibilities, and years of involvement that have a significant impact on civility and respect on the campus and beyond. Established in 2017, the prize was named in 2019 in honor of retiring Allegheny College President James H. Mullen, Jr. in recognition of his commitment to civility on campus, locally, regionally, and nationally. Naming the prize was made possible by a generous gift from Dag and Julie Grosjean Skattum (’84/’85).
About The Honorees
Allegheny College is proud to announce the recipients of the 2022 Dr. James H. Mullen, Jr. Student Prize for Civility in Public Life:
Dakchyata Thapa
Class of 2022
Dakchyata Thapa graduated from Allegheny College in 2022 with a Bachelor of Science in global health studies and a minor in economics. Thapa plans on improving healthcare disparities in underserved communities after graduation.
Throughout her time at Allegheny College, she has championed a more diverse space and representation for students of color and international students. Thapa has furthered her goal as a leader of two student-led Culture, Identity & Leadership Coalition (CILC) organizations. As president of the International Club and a founding member of the South Asian Student Society, she educated people on various cultures on and off campus. Thapa also worked alongside international admissions to create a welcoming space for international students. During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, her priority was to have a safe space for international students during the unprecedented period.
Thapa didn’t stop there; she took every opportunity to serve others by taking responsibility as a Culture to Culture Mentor, Global Citizen Scholar, VITA tax preparer resident advisor, and career peer advocate during her time at the College.
With the connections she gained through the Global Health Studies Program, Thapa completed an internship with the Swami Vivekananda Youth Movement in Karnataka, India, where she positively impacted the Mysore community.
Shula Bronner
Class of 2022
Shula Bronner graduated from Allegheny College in 2022 with a Bachelor of Arts in political science with minors in psychology and community and justice studies. After graduation, she plans to complete a service year with the Avodah Jewish Service Corps. Bronner will live with other corps members and work for an immigrant rights organization to help Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) recipients with applications or renewals.
Bronner showed a passion for campus governance by serving as a student representative on the Curriculum Committee for three years and assisting the campus community as a resident advisor. She also held leadership positions within student organizations, including the Coalition for Labor, dedicated to supporting the housekeeping and dining hall workers on campus, and Hillel, a Jewish life group.
During her four years at Allegheny College, Bronner was an active member of the College Democrats, Grounds for Change coffeehouse, and Orchesis Dance Company.
She displayed outstanding academic achievement by being inducted into two honor societies: Pi Sigma Alpha, for political science, and Psi Chi, for psychology.
About the Prize
Selection Committee
The 2022 recipient was selected by a committee of faculty, students, and staff, including:
- Brian Collingwood, Executive Director of Career Education
- Andy Walker, Executive Director, Economic, Civic & Community Engagement
- Gilly Ford, Title IX Coordinator
- Allison Mattis, Assistant to the Class Deans
- Eric Stolar, Assistant Director of Fraternity & Sorority Life
- Pam Higham, Executive Assistant to the President and Coordinator of Special Initiatives
- Heather Moore-Roberson, Dean of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
- Thión Lee, Allegheny Student
- Tevis Bryant, Vice President of Student Life & Dean of Students