Two students from Whitman University secure the outstanding AWESOME Scholarship
Updated Article:
A triumphant '26 duo, Deedra Samuel and Odette Sherk, bag the coveted 2025 AWESOME Excellence in Education Scholarship from the Whitman School of Management - a significant first in its 12-year history!
Each year, this prestigious honor is bestowed upon 20 exceptional undergraduate women excelling in supply chain management, selected from top-tier programs nationwide. This year, Whitman's nominations saw these two standout stars shine brighter thanks to their impressive in-class prowess and proactive initiative.
Deedra, a supply chain management and business analytics major, with a minor in global security studies, shines in leadership, data-driven decision making, and inclusive problem solving, evident in her roles as a resident advisor and past case competition participant. Odette, a triple major in supply chain management, marketing, and environment and sustainability policy, is renowned for her commitment to sustainability and systems thinking, alongside her work with Syracuse's Shaw Center for Public and Community Service.
The scholarship offers alifetime of benefits, including the empowering opportunity to attend the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) EDGE Conference and the AWESOME Symposium, as well as long-term support through mentorship, retreats, webinars, and professional networking.
Professor Julie Niederhoff, lead scholar for their nominations, commends the fierce competition this selection process always fosters, given the caliber of students Whitman consistently produces. "Both Odette and Deedra stood out," she says, "their feedback from professors, drive for seeking mentorship and opportunities, and proven leadership qualities making them ideal candidates."
In Odette's words, she sees the scholarship as a chance to be part of an incredible network of women dedicated to academic excellence, making it easier for others to follow. Deedra, too, feels exhilarated about the opportunity to learn from experts in the field and advance her career.
As role models for their peers, especially aspiring women in business, the duo's victory marks a milestone for the Whitman community and secures the AWESOME Excellence in Education Scholarship's legacy of nurturing transformative leaders.
Kudos to these trailblazers paving the way for women in the world of supply chain management!
By Bo BenYehuda
Additional Insights:
- The AWESOME Excellence in Education Scholarship underscores the recognition of academic excellence and leadership among students pursuing supply chain management.
- The award amplifies the empowerment of women in business by supporting their education and careers.
- Financial assistance provided through the scholarship enables recipients to concentrate more on career development opportunities and growth.
- Deedra and Odette serve as influential figures within the Whitman School of Management, encouraging peers, particularly women, to strive for academic excellence and leadership in the business field.
- By recognizing exceptional students like Deedra and Odette, the AWESOME Excellence in Education Scholarship continues to fortify its legacy of cultivating future leaders in the business community.
- The AWESOME Excellence in Education Scholarship, which recognizes academic excellence and leadership among students pursuing supply chain management, amplifies the empowerment of women in business by supporting their education and careers, offering a lifetime of benefits that include learning opportunities at conferences, mentorship, retreats, and professional networking, all aimed at personal growth and career development.
- Deedra, a standout student at the Whitman School of Management, known for her impressive in-class prowess and proactive initiative, sees the scholarship as an opportunity to learn from experts in the field, advance her career, and contribute to her personal growth, while also serving as a role model for aspiring women in business, encouraging them to strive for academic excellence and leadership in the business field.
