Michelle Morris

Michelle Morris said, “After waiting too long for someone to reach out to me during my freshman year, I found my place by becoming that person who reaches out to others.”

Between her leadership roles in Active Minds, a student group that promotes mental health on campus, and Synergy, an interfaith collective she founded to create literacy and community across religious and non-religious worldviews, Michelle has found a home by helping create safe and welcoming communities for other students.

She said, “To me, civility means reaching out a hand for others. We all need to find acceptance in others, and civility is allowing yourself to engage with others and respect each person’s own unique background and ideas.”

Her nominator said, “Michelle realizes that civility is meaningless without action. She has shown through her leadership experiences that she has the power to help create a space for students to feel like they belong, during times of deep societal divisions.”

Michelle said she is most proud of not sacrificing the things that are important to her during college. Even in her most tumultuous moments, she said she takes time out for herself, her health, and her mental well-being. She said, “I demonstrate respect by being there for others when they need me, and being true to my word. I like to keep the commitments I make to others and do the best I can to help them.”

Michelle is majoring in Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics and plans to attend graduate school for Healthcare Systems Engineering. She hopes to one day increase healthcare accessibility to marginalized populations both locally and abroad.

Her nominator wrote, “What Michelle has learned about civility as a student will benefit her personally and professionally in the future, and the world will be a changed place for it.”

Michelle – I am pleased to present to you the Aspire! Award for PRACTICING CIVILITY.