Meet Seven Class of 2025 GS Student Leaders Who Made a Difference

Every year, several prestigious awards are presented to graduating GS students whose dedicated, extraordinary leadership has uplifted, enriched, and meaningfully impacted the GS and Columbia community. Meet the Class of 2025's incredible awardees!

Dean’s Citation Award

The Dean’s Citation is awarded to one GS and one Postbac graduating student who have demonstrated an ongoing commitment to outstanding leadership and service to the Columbia School of General Studies community throughout their academic tenure. The 2025 recipients were Bruce Goumain ‘25GS and Jessica Minhas ‘25PBPM. 

Goumain spent three years as the GS University Senator advocating for the needs of GS students. He also served on the executive board of the GS Alliance. “My proudest moments here have come from being of service to the Columbia and GS community,” shared Goumain. “Knowing that my work helped others stay focused on their goals and dreams: that’s the achievement I hold closest.” 

Minhas is the proud founder of The Elders, a peer network and advocacy group supporting premedical and nontraditional students over the age of 30. Reflecting on what her GS experience has given her,  Minhas shared that she has learned, “how meaningful it is to bring your full lived experience into the next chapter.”

Alumni Key Award

The Alumni Key Award is given to graduating seniors in recognition of exceptional achievement and an ongoing commitment to leadership and service to the Columbia GS community. The 2025 recipients were Ava Kamdem ‘25GS, Maya Platek ‘25GS,  Brian Williams ‘25GS, and Brendan Roth ‘25PBPM. 

Kamdem is the founder and current President of the System Impacted Scholars group, which provides crucial support to students impacted by the justice system. Kamdem is also an active advocate for survivors of human trafficking and other system-impacted communities. She shared, “being at Columbia has really solidified the fact that advocacy does not look one way. It really helped and affirmed that I can be as much of an advocate as I feel my purpose is with doing what I’m gifted in.

Platek has served in multiple roles on the executive board of the GS Student Council (GSSC), first as Vice President of Campus Life and then as Student Body President where she worked with administrators to support GS’s diverse student body. She reflected that “doing my part to help move GS forward—even just a little—has been incredibly meaningful.” 

A U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Williams served as the Vice President of the Military Veterans of Columbia (MilVets) and Policy Coordinator of GSSC, where he advocated for community building and international student veterans. As a leader, Brain shared that he “saw firsthand how even the smallest wins, when grounded in integrity and persistence, can touch and inspire others who are also shaping the campus, leaving it a better place for the GS community that comes after.”

Roth was the 2024-25 President of the Postbac Premed Student Council (PPSC) and served as a GS Ambassador, tour guide, and Health Educator with Project STAY during his tenure. He is inspired by the incredible stories of his peers, remarking, “I will carry that inspiration as I grow in my own path to becoming a doctor!”

The Campbell Award

The Campbell Award recognizes one student leader from each Columbia undergraduate and graduate school who shows exceptional leadership and Columbia spirit as exemplified by Bill Campbell ‘62CC, ‘64TC. The 2025 recipient was Matthew Rambo ‘25GS.

A U.S. Army Special Forces veteran and current U.S. National Guardsman, Rambo dedicated his GS journey to supporting the needs of the student veteran population. He served as 2024-25 President of MilVets, worked at Columbia’s Center for Veteran Transition and Integration (CVTI), and volunteered at the GS Student Life Office as a veteran mentor. His advocacy and support for student success shined in these roles.

Congratulations to these outstanding leaders—we can’t wait to see what they achieve in their next chapter!