Past Recipients

Jorge D. Jaramillo, 2021

Jorge D. Jaramillo started as a freshman at FIU in the fall of 2019 as a Political Science major. He has maintained his status as an Honors College student and Dean's Scholar. Jorge has also been accepted as a Dean’s Scholar to FIU Law’s Juris Doctor (JD) program through the expedited 3+3 FIU College of Law pathway. He will start at the law school in the fall of 2021.

Christian Silva, 2020

Christian Silva graduated with a dual major in political science and economics at Florida International University. He was a member of the Honors College at FIU and is currently attending the law program at FIU. Previously, he served four years in the United States Marine Corps Infantry conducting two tours overseas. He graduated with an associate degree at Broward College and earned a certificate from the honors program. His goal is to be a productive member of his home community, South Florida. He strives to work in the legal profession so he can be a contributor to the success and betterment of South Florida.

Amber Mannings, 2019

Amber Mannings knew from age 10 that she wanted to be an attorney. Growing up, she attended a pre-law magnet program and regularly volunteered to shadow law enforcement officers, judges and attorneys. During high school, she had some difficulties at home and found herself sleeping in her car at one point. She never let the challenges stop her from going after her dreams. She enrolled at FIU, where she joined PIR and immediately took advantage of every opportunity presented to her, winning numerous scholarships and working as an advocate for political science majors on a number of lobbying trips to FIU in DC. She served as the Vice President for the political science honor society, Pi Sigma Alpha Tau Rho, as well as the FIU chapter secretary/ social media of the NAACP, which led her to participate in a community service project to help restore the historic Hampton House in Liberty City. Amber has been on the Dean’s List since coming to FIU and graduates with a 3.93 GPA, which she said is one of her proudest accomplishments - because it shows what you can do when you believe in yourself and you don’t give up.

Lindsey Stadnik, 2018

Lindsey has always been a dedicated and hard working individual. Going to school at FIU, she learned many things, especially the importance of communication, organization, and perseverance. When faced with an obstacle, the first thing that comes to her mind is how the problem can be overcome, rather than how it could be avoided. For Lindsey, Law school is just another step towards the ultimate goal of becoming a lawyer and future politician, and most importantly, living a happy life doing what she loves to do, which is helping others.

Constance Lee, 2017

Constance Elizabeth Lee graduated in Spring 2017 with a major in Political Science, as well as a minor in International Relations and received certificates in National Security Studies and Pre-Law Skills and Professional Values. Born and raised in Polk County, Florida, she is the first of her family to attend college, as well as the first in her family to be accepted to law school. She has served as President of Pi Sigma Alpha National Political Science Honor Society Tau Rho chapter, as well as a member of Phi Alpha Delta Pre-Law Fraternity. While attending FIU, she was an active member of the Black Student Union, advocating for greater participation of the African Diaspora in politics. In May 2017, she graduated magna cum laude with a 3.78 GPA along with a Phi Beta Kappa recognition. In Fall 2017, she returned to FIU as a Full Dean’s Scholar of the Florida International University School of Law. After law school, she plans to use her degree for public service within the Intelligence Community, United States government, or as an officer of the military’s JAG Corps.