Six students from the University of Minnesota School of Public Health (SPH) have received the University of Minnesota President’s Student Leadership & Service Award, which honors students who demonstrate an exemplary commitment to leadership and service within the University and Twin Cities community.
In alphabetical order, they are:
Kara Cowell, MPH Maternal and Child Health, ’26
Cowell was recognized for her leadership in advancing menstrual equity in Minnesota schools, including co-leading development of the Minnesota Menstrual Products in Schools Toolkit that supported implementation of a statewide policy. She has also served as director of finance for the School of Public Health Student Senate, co-president of the Health Interprofessional Run Club, and as a communications graduate assistant with the Minnesota Child Welfare Training Academy.
Allison Dona, PhD Epidemiology ’26
Dona, a student in the University of Minnesota Medical School and School of Public Health, was recognized for her leadership and service. She serves as chair of the Medical Science Training Program Volunteer Committee, holds a leadership role with a local nonprofit, and has led collaborative research teams, demonstrating a strong commitment to service and community impact.
Mary Kenny, MPH Maternal and Child Health, ’26
Kenny was also recognized for her leadership in advancing menstrual equity in Minnesota schools, including co-leading development of the Minnesota Menstrual Products in Schools Toolkit. She has also served on the executive board of the Maternal and Child Health Student Interest Group, worked in the NICU at St. Paul Children’s Hospital, and contributed to the 2024 Women’s Health Report Card.
Boluwatife Lowen, MPH Nutrition, ‘26
Lowen was recognized for developing a Cultural Toolkit in collaboration with the Minnesota Department of Health to help Women, Infant, and Children professionals provide more culturally responsive care to immigrant families. Her leadership spans interprofessional and community-based initiatives, including work as an Interprofessional Education Scholar and MNLEND participant, as well as other volunteer and research efforts focused on health equity and nutrition.
Aishwarya Saravanan, MPH Epidemiology, ‘26
Saravanan was recognized for her leadership in advancing student health and wellbeing across the University. She has served in both the University and SPH Student Senates, co-led student organizations focused on public health advocacy and nutrition, and now leads university-wide wellness initiatives as director of the Student Senate Health and Wellness Committee.
Grace Savard, MPH Public Health Administration and Policy, ’26
Savard was recognized for co-founding and leading the Intergenerational Community Health Collaborative, a partnership between University students and older adults living at the Pillars of Prospect Park. Through monthly meetings, the group brings together students and residents to engage in dialogue, advocacy, and community-based learning on pressing public health and policy issues.
The President’s Student Leadership & Service Award is a collaboration between the Office of the President, Office for Student Affairs, and the University of Minnesota Alumni Association.
Recipients will be formally recognized at an award ceremony in late April.
