Eddah Mauti

“Ut Prosim (That I May Serve) embodies the idea that we are part of a larger community, and when we serve one another, the community as a whole thrives,” said Eddah Mauti.

Eddah’s service to the Black Cultural Center (BCC) at Virginia Tech embodies Ut Prosim in action.

As the Graduate Assistant for the BCC, she consistently exceeds the expectations of her role, identifying gaps, building sustainable solutions, and supporting others with care and commitment.

Eddah is often the first to volunteer to assist with large-scale programs and events. Besides behind-the-scenes logistical support, she often leads coordinating volunteers, troubleshooting emerging issues, and ensuring that participants feel affirmed and supported — especially students from historically marginalized backgrounds.

Eddah created a new system for managing programmatic data and planning processes, transforming how the center tracks event outcomes, evaluates engagement, and plans future initiatives.

That work has improved efficiency for current staff and ensures continuity for future graduate assistants. Her dedicated and innovative service demonstrates her long-term vision and dedication to the Center’s success.

Beyond her technical contributions, Eddah brings a deep spirit of service to her daily interactions. She makes herself available to undergraduate students who seek mentorship or guidance, creating a welcoming and affirming environment. Students see her as someone they trust and turn to — not just for help, but for genuine connection.

Eddah’s service is thoughtful, community-oriented, and grounded in justice. While she does the work, she cares about how the work is done and who it impacts. By connecting her personal strengths to community needs and investing in the well-being of others, Eddah shows what it means to live a life of service at Virginia Tech.

Eddah has successfully coordinated events not only for the BCC but also in partnership with student organizations such as the Black Graduate Student Organization and the African Graduate Student Organization. These events have created essential spaces for graduate students to build connections, find peer support, and share their diverse cultural perspectives with the wider Virginia Tech community.

As a Kenyan student herself, Eddah actively supports the Kenyan student community by personally welcoming new students, helping them transition to life at Virginia Tech, and fostering a sense of belonging.

Her commitment to supporting fellow Kenyan students has strengthened their academic and social well-being, easing their adjustment and creating a supportive community atmosphere.

Eddah's intentional focus on graduate students has led to increased graduate visibility and participation, empowering graduate students to take active roles in programming and community-building, elevating their voices, and ensuring their unique needs and contributions are recognized and valued.

A graduate student in industrial and systems engineering in the College of Engineering, Eddah plans to work to improve the quality of human life through innovating social or policy aspects of healthcare.

For her thoughtful service, innovative leadership, and dedication to fostering inclusive community-building, Student Affairs is honored to present the Aspire Award for Embrace Ut Prosim as a Way of Life to Eddah Mauti.