NORTH HAVEN, CT — A North Haven resident is among the four Southern Connecticut State University students to receive the 2025 Henry Barnard Distinguished Student Award, one of the most prestigious honors across the Connecticut State University System, officials announced.
Each year, 12 seniors are chosen by the four Connecticut State Universities – four each from Southern and Central, and two each from Eastern and Western. The Barnard Award is considered among the university’s most prestigious student awards, with criteria including a 3.7 GPA or better and significant participation in university and/or community life.
Wajiha Ali, of North Haven, is a business administration major and has been a standout leader at Southern’s School of Business — serving as president of the Women in Leadership Academy, representing the university at global learning initiatives, and emceeing the building’s ribbon-cutting ceremony with Governor Lamont in attendance, according to SCSU officials. She’ll join Yale University’s Early Career Development Program following graduation.
Read more about Ali
from Southern Connecticut State University
below:
Wajiha Ali’s journey at Southern began with a bold pivot — from genetic counseling to business, fueled by her passion for people and collaboration. Upon transferring to Southern, Ali quickly found her stride as a leader, connector, and advocate for her peers and colleagues at the School of Business.
Her passion for people and purpose led her to become president of the Women in Leadership Academy, vice president of the School of Business Dean’s Student Advisory Board, and a School of Business Student Ambassador, representing Southern at high-impact and external events.
In 2023, she was selected to emcee the School of Business building ribbon-cutting ceremony, where she addressed over 350 guests, including Governor Ned Lamont and state and university leaders.
That same year, she helped host a sustainability-focused visit for students from Liverpool John Moores University through Southern’s Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) program. In 2024, she traveled to Liverpool as part of a study abroad experience, where she collaborated on developing sustainable solutions for a local business.
After graduation, she will undertake a full-time role at Yale University’s Early Career Development Program.
“Wajiha is a uniter, a collaborator, and someone students know they can approach for guidance,” said Lisa Marotta, director of the Women in Leadership Academy. “[Wajiha] has consistently demonstrated a strong ability to connect with others and develop initiatives that support our Academy’s mission to prepare women for the workforce and give back to the greater community.”
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North Haven Resident Earns Prestigious Statewide Honor At SCSU
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