Indian Student Wins Texas A&M’s Eppright Outstanding Student Award
Akshata Kulkarni, a graduate student from India, is the winner of Texas A&M University’s 2015 Eppright Outstanding International Student Award. Kulkarni, who is pursuing a College of Agriculture and Life Sciences master’s degree in plant nutraceutical research, in addition to taking classes in finance and marketing, was presented the award at the annual meeting of the Texas A&M University International Board.
The Eppright Award is the highest honor presented to a currently enrolled international student at Texas A&M, recognizing the outstanding contribution made by a student to international awareness, understanding and leadership at the university and in the community. Facilitated by Scholarships and Financial Aid, the award carries a $3,000 scholarship.
Riyadh Chakmachi, a former international student from Iraq, created the Outstanding International Student Award in 1985. In 1991, the award was endowed through the generosity of the late Col. George J. Eppright, Class of 1926. The criterion to receive this prestigious award includes an excellent academic record, involvement in a wide array of university and community activities and promotion of international awareness on campus and in the community.
Chad Wootton, associate vice president for external affairs who presented the award, said that Akshata Kulkarni “is a great example of a student who, no matter where they come from around the world, embraces the Aggie core value of selfless service to the greater good.”
Kulkarni said the first Aggie tradition she was introduced to set the tone for her time at Texas A&M. She said “Howdy” expresses the warmth, enthusiasm and happiness that she saw in every Aggie as they greeted her. She said she believes that the culture and tradition of values such as honesty, fairness and respect are also expressed here. These values are deeply rooted in each person and influence one’s success regardless of nationality, she said. Kulkarni said she has made it a priority to express all of the Aggies core values during her time at Texas A&M.
She is the co-founder of “Twin Hearts Meditation Club” which is aimed at promoting and facilitating the traditions of yoga and meditation for the purpose of staying calm and stress- free while preparing for the future. Her efforts provide a way for Aggies stressed with exams and projects to find a sense of well-being.
As an active member of the Indian Graduate Student Association and Brazos Kannada Sangha, an organization supporting and serving as an interface for new Indian students as they arrive in Aggieland, she said knows the value of living in and promoting a positive and vibrant intercultural atmosphere.
Kulkarni holds other leadership positions in various academically focused organizations, giving her the chance to work with students from different nationalities. She said she believes that in this interconnected world, where the classroom and workplace are very dynamic, fast-moving and multicultural, these organizations help her to understand and promote an international and inter-cultural atmosphere at Texas A&M.
One faculty member said Kulkarni is “academically gifted” and has demonstrated she can master her coursework in the lab or her other classes, keeping a very high GPA. Another said she is a very passionate person who puts 100 percent into whatever she does.
Kulkarni said she plans to continue her acts of service in her chosen profession finding a way to provide fresh fruit and vegetable options to low-income families through education and demonstration of properly growing gardens in limited spaces.
