Political Science Student Earns Medal of Hope for Leadership

Student Experience

College of Liberal Arts | April 26, 2022

two women standing next to statue of LBJ
<div class="newscaption">College of Liberal Arts Dean Mary Brennan and Quieraney Belvin, Medal of Hope recipient</div>

Quieraney Belvin, a political science senior was recently awarded the Medal of Hope from the Leadership Institute at Texas State University. 

The Medal of Hope is awarded to students who are dedicated to inclusivity of others, social responsibility, civic engagement, empowerment, and exemplify integrity and ethics. To earn this award, Quieraney Belvin volunteered over 100 hours and held several leadership positions, including Justice of the Peer Review Board and Student Senator.  

“Volunteering has allowed me to make personal connections and bond with my peers, and to make professional connections with Texas State faculty members,” Quieraney explained.  

She also served on two university committees and actively contributed to four student organizations. She attended various leadership and professional development conferences, seminars, and programs, such as the Capstone and Pathfinder events. Of all her campus involvement activities, she views winning the Medal of Hope as her top achievement.

“As a first-generation student, I am proud to obtain my diploma in May 2022, because it shows my dedication to my academics. But to receive the Medal of Hope is a symbol to my family and friends that college was the best investment for my future. It shows that I didn't walk with my head down for the past four years, but I went out and I attempted to build and further my leadership skills,” said Belvin. 

Throughout her college career, Ms. Belvin earned several awards for scholastic achievement. These include two Academic Excellence certifications from the Black Faculty and Staff Coalition as well as membership on the Dean’s List.  

Quieraney Belvin shared how joining student organizations at Texas State enriched her college experience. 

“The student organizations that have been the most impactful for me personally are Interruptions and Rotaract. Interruptions is a student-led social justice organization that promotes diversity and inclusion on campus. This was the first organization on campus that I joined as a freshman and made me feel so welcomed. I made friends, I learned how to gain connections with different professionals in higher education. Rotaract was impactful because I gained a mentor for life. I didn't know about TXST Rotaract until I took Dr. Jennifer Devine's political geography course. Her course brought me closer to Rotary again and her amazing teaching made me realize that I wanted to go into higher education teaching.”

For more information, contact University Communications:

Jayme Blaschke, 512-245-2555

Sandy Pantlik, 512-245-2922