91��Ƭ��

By Kelsey Kendall

Collaboration, excellence, innovation and professional service define four outstanding Monarchs celebrated during 91��Ƭ��’s second annual Forward-Focused event on February 26. Reflecting the spirit of community and resilience within the Monarch Nation, these individuals were each awarded a Monarch Pillar of Innovation and Excellence Award, which included $10,000 in honor of their commitment to the University.

“Members of our community were invited to recognize fellow Monarchs who have set a strong foundation for innovation and success, fostered collaboration and embodied the true spirit of a champion,” Cathy Lewis, community engagement liaison at 91��Ƭ��, said as she announced the recipients during the event.

This year, the recipients are Omotomilola “Lola” Jegede, a Ph.D. candidate in the Joint School of Public Health; Andrew Cohen, Ph.D. (Ph.D. ’25), master lecturer in the Department of Finance in the Strome College of Business; Carrie John, vice provost and University registrar; and Lauren Larese (B.S. ’12), operations manager for Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences Ellmer College of Health Sciences at 91��Ƭ��. 

Lola, the student recipient, was recognized for her service to the Monarch community. She has completed more than 800 hours of volunteer service to support campus initiatives and underserved communities through food distribution, health education and student support programs. In 2022, she served as the student representative to the University’s Board of Visitors and successfully advocated for an increase in graduate student stipends. She also was president of the Graduate Student Government Association (GSGA) and led the first two GSGA Research Conferences, which introduced such engaging and interactive events to the campus community at the graduate level. 

“I’m a servant leader, and I say, if you cannot serve, you cannot lead,” Lola said. “It’s this moment that has shown that hard work does pay off, being selfless does pay off, putting yourself and your heart out there, even when the world does not always see it, pays off.”

The faculty recipient, Dr. Cohen, who leads the Gregory A. Lumsden Trading Room and Research Lab, was recognized for his commitment to building an integrated, technology-driven finance ecosystem that places the University at the forefront of applied business education. Under his leadership, the student-managed investment fund has grown to more than $1.5 million. He also developed FutureTraders, an innovative stock market simulation, and incorporates Bloomberg analytics, artificial intelligence-enabled learning and real capital portfolio management to prepare students for successful careers. 

“I love helping students and innovating to make things better,” Dr. Cohen said. “91��Ƭ�� provides a lot of freedom for me to innovate. I look forward to many more years of productivity and innovation.”

Carrie John, the administrative and professional faculty recipient, was recognized for leveraging technology to support the modernization of the University Registrar’s operations, outreach and services, as well as integration of Eastern Virginia Medical School into 91��Ƭ�� and implementation of Forward-Focused Digital Transformation.  Her work has enhanced enrollment processes, streamlined waitlist management and strengthened systems that ensure students can access required courses and remain on track for graduation, thereby advancing student support and ensuring student success. 

“It’s a great time to be a Monarch,” Carrie said. “We are up to big things, and I’m grateful to be a part of it. The innovation has been amazing.” 

Lauren Larese, the classified staff recipient, was described as the “operational backbone” of the Ellmer College of Health Sciences. In her role, she supports the Dean’s Office, Hampton Hall and the Children’s Learning and Research Center. Her work deepens our health sciences commitment by providing smooth, reliable operations that are essential for teaching, research and community.  In addition to a full-time role, she is working toward a master’s in zoology and serves as a positive example for students who look up to her.

“I’ve never felt like I’ve ever had to stumble here, because everybody has always been there even for any minor or major questions. Somebody has always been able to say, ‘Let me help you find what you need,’ which has then allowed me to help somebody else,” Lauren said. 

Together, these four award winners embody what it means to move the University forward with purpose. Through innovation and excellence with a commitment to collaboration and professional service, they demonstrate how individuals fuel collective progress and strengthen the Monarch Nation’s impact.