Announcing the 2026 student organization award winners
Today, University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) announced the 2025–2026 academic year winners of its annual student organization awards. From academic and professional groups to interest-based communities, these organizations led by students and alumni create meaningful opportunities for learners to connect and support one another. Each year, UMGC recognizes notable accomplishments of its student organizations and the individuals who support them.
2026 Student Organization of the Year
Cybersecurity competition team
Founded in 2011, the UMGC cybersecurity competition team is a tight-knit community focused on hands-on, competition-based learning. Members are located across the U.S. and around the world, and represent UMGC at national cybersecurity competitions and events. This year, the team earned top placements across several collegiate and industry-sponsored cybersecurity competitions, underscoring the talent and dedication of UMGC’s learners, and the university’s sustained commitment to preparing them with workforce-ready skills. “UMGC cyber team members are honing skills they use immediately, and they are among the best,” said Jesse Varsalone, collegiate associate professor of cybersecurity technology and coach of the UMGC team.
New Student Organization of the Year
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Student Branch
As the student arm of the world’s largest technical professional organization, the IEEE Student Branch at UMGC supports learners as they advance academically and prepare for careers in fields including software development and cybersecurity. Through webinars, seminars, competitions, and other experiences, the chapter has built a vibrant community where students can expand their knowledge and develop professional networks. These engagements fueled rapid growth, quickly increasing membership from 20 students to more than 200 since the branch was established in May 2024.
Student Organization Leader Awards
Katlin Katrina Muller ’25
Current pursuing a graduate certificate in leadership and management at UMGC and co-founder, vice president, and acting president of the Council for United Engagement (CUE), Katlin Katrina Muller has played a pivotal role in building this new student organization from the ground up. Muller helped establish CUE in July 2025, as she was finishing her bachelor’s with a double major in history and English. Under her leadership, CUE launched initiatives including workshops, cultural showcases, and live performance event Authors Aloud, all designed to foster belonging and celebrate unique perspectives. Beyond her work with CUE, Muller serves on the executive board of the History Student Society and as a student officer for the English honor society Sigma Tau Delta and UMGC’s Creative Writing Club.
Emilie Osterfeld ’23
Retired U.S. Marine Emilie Osterfeld was nominated for a student organization leader award for her contributions to the History Student Society. Although she graduated from UMGC with a bachelor’s degree in history and is now pursuing a master’s in library science at University of Maryland, College Park, she remains active in the society. As a founding member and charter member of its officer board, Osterfeld helped launch the society’s peer-reviewed scholarly journal and played a key role in elevating the profile and attendance of UMGC’s International Undergraduate History Conference.
Student Organization Leader Award Honorable Mention
Aneela Agha
Aneela Agha led the IEEE Student Chapter at UMGC through a period of remarkable growth, during which membership increased 400 percent. She proactively engaged with regional IEEE leadership, helped ensure that requirements were met to maintain a university club, and was instrumental in providing opportunities to members to learn directly from several nationally recognized speakers, among other technical, professional development, and industry engagement activities.
Student Organization Member of the Year Award
Brandon Wright ’26
Brandon Wright was recognized for his impact on the UMGC cybersecurity competition team during the 2025–2026 academic year. Thanks to his performance as part of the UMGC team at capture the flag events, Wright was drafted as one of 12 new members to the 2025–2026 U.S. Cyber Team, placing him among the top cybersecurity students in the nation. While he did not hold a formal leadership role on the UMGC team, Wright was nominated for his consistent contributions to the team in competitions, and for supporting his teammates. “Helping new members, learning from others, and being part of a community that pushes each other to improve are what make it meaningful,” said Wright, who completed his bachelor’s in cybersecurity technology in spring 2026.
Student Organization Advisor Awards
Sabrina Fu, PhD, and Danielle Skjelver, PhD, were recognized for their mentorship and guidance of the Council for United Engagement, a new UMGC student organization that aims to empower its members by creating meaningful opportunities for engagement through cultural appreciation activities.
Sabrina Fu, PhD
Drawing lessons from her own extensive management background, Fu provided guidance on project development, strategic planning, and member engagement. She played an important role in supporting the organization’s Cookbook project, while continually encouraging members to prioritize their wellbeing and personal growth while working toward common project goals.
Danielle Skjelver, PhD
Skjelver helped shape CUE’s mission by leading the development of its guiding principles and actively mentoring student members to help create a welcoming community. She also provides support for multiple online platforms that enable student members to more easily collaborate and forge meaningful connections. In addition to her work with CUE, Skjelver serves as faculty advisor for the History Student Society.
Student Organization Advisor Honorable Mentions
Michele Hardy
As advisor to the UMGC Creative Writing Club, Michele Hardy provides thoughtful guidance and encouragement to writers. Hardy fosters a collaborative environment, offers advice to writers in all stages of their creative pursuits, and creates opportunities for networking and professional growth. Under her leadership, the club strengthened its partnership with the Council for United Engagement through an Authors Aloud event, collaborated with honor society Sigma Tau Delta on its annual writing contest, and launched a group Facebook page, all of which contributed to membership growth.
Jesse Varsalone
During the 2025–2026 academic year and under Jesse Varsalone’s leadership, the UMGC cybersecurity competition team had the most successful competitive year in its history. In addition to coaching the UMGC team through a streak of first-place wins, Varsalone created hands-on learning opportunities for regional high schools, community college, and university students, including a cyber defense competition.
Best-in-Show Activities and Events Award
History Student Society International Undergraduate History Conference
The 2026 International Undergraduate History Conference marked a milestone year for the History Student Society’s signature event. Held over two days in April, the conference welcomed 74 participants, representing a steady increase in attendance since its founding four years ago. The event’s international reach also expanded, featuring presenters from India, Italy, Panama, Scotland, Canada, and England. The conference provided UMGC learners with opportunities to develop professional skills in conference planning, session development, event moderation, and scholarly collaboration.
Student organization award nominations open in the spring semester to recognize activities and accomplishments in that academic year. UMGC students, alumni, faculty, and staff are encouraged to get involved and nominate groups and individuals each year.