Two College of Public Health undergraduate students, Abigail Hong and Cassie Navalta, have been named recipients of the university’s 2022 Diamond Award. The Diamond Award is the highest recognition by Student Affairs given to a Temple University undergraduate student, based on a holistic evaluation of their accomplishments. The award is "reserved for those who have demonstrated superior leadership, academic achievement, service to the University, and impact on a community (local, regional or global). Through their leadership, it is clear that they are set apart from others as especially deserving of this unique honor."  

The recipients were recognized at a ceremony on April 26. 

Abigail Hong

Abby Hong is a senior public health major from Pittsburgh, Pa. She has been an Owl Team Leader, Honors Admissions and Transitions Team (HATT) member, Honors Peer Mentor, HEART Peer Educator, and Service Immersion Program (SIP) experience leader. Off campus, she’s an intern at Philadelphia’s Office of Homeless Services and works with young adults that have lived experience with homelessness. In the future, she would like to work for nonprofit organizations that address health concerns amongst underserved and marginalized communities.

Cassie Navalta

Cassie is a 4+1 BS/MPH student from Boston, Mass. She has been on Temple’s Division I fencing team for the past four years and is currently co-captain. She has worked as a community outreach intern in the Office of Congressman Dwight Evans and is now a program facilitator with Girls Inc. Cassie plans to earn a Master’s in Public Health and wants to help advance the health of all populations with equity. She has relied on and is grateful for the support of her teammates, mentors, professors, and family.