Dominican student in Romania earns prestigious “Student of the Year” award

Dominican pride is on full display in Eastern Europe as Kande Charles, a young Dominican scholar studying in Romania, has been awarded the distinguished Studentul Anului (“Student of the Year”) title at the West University of Timișoara (UVT). This achievement marks a significant milestone not only for Charles personally, but for Dominica as a whole, as she continues to excel and represent the country on an international stage.

Charles, who became the first Dominican to graduate from UVT with a bachelor’s degree in May 2025, is now pursuing her master’s studies at the same institution. Her recognition as Student of the Year highlights a combination of academic excellence, leadership, and meaningful contributions to university life. The award evaluates students not only on academic performance but also on volunteerism, activism, and commitment to the institution’s values; areas in which she has consistently excelled.

Throughout her time at UVT, Charles has played an instrumental role in supporting international students and strengthening intercultural dialogue on campus. She has served as a coordinator within the Peer-to-Peer Tutoring Program, assisting newcomers as they adapt to academic and cultural life in Romania. Her efforts have helped shape major community-building initiatives such as the Multicultural Camp, the Global Village Festival, and the creation of the now-iconic “Mosaic of Nations” installation, an artistic tribute to diversity permanently displayed in the university’s main hall.

In addition to her volunteer involvement, Charles has represented both UVT and Romania’s higher-education system as a Study in Romania Student Ambassador, further promoting inclusion and international collaboration.

During her acceptance speech, Charles expressed her gratitude for the recognition and emphasized the significance of the award for international students. “I thank the deciding committee and the university for seeing the importance of not only offering international students a platform, but also a real chance of integrating into the UVT community,” she said.

Her award is a powerful testament to the impact Dominican students continue to make around the world. It also serves as an inspiring reminder to young Dominicans that excellence knows no borders.

As she advances in her master’s studies, the Dominican public can take pride in knowing that one of their own is not only achieving academic success abroad but also building bridges between cultures and strengthening the visibility of Dominican talent on the international stage.