Grace K. Fischer: Loyola's Choudhury Sarkar-Dey Medal
My undergraduate experience at Loyola University Maryland has been shaped
by my commitment to leadership, service, and diversity both inside and outside of
the classroom. During my four years at Loyola, I have sought opportunities that allow
me to strengthen my community and contribute to initiatives rooted in equity and inclusion.
These experiences have not only enhanced my academic development but have also grounded
my education in service and social responsibility.
My co-curricular involvement reflects a consistent dedication to academic engagement. As a member of the executive board of the Mathematics and Statistics Club, where I currently serve as Lead Officer, I have played a central role in organizing events that foster collaboration, academic growth, and inclusivity among students in quantitative disciplines. Mathematics and statistics can often feel intimidating, particularly for students from underrepresented backgrounds. In response, I have worked to plan both social and informational events, such as opportunities to connect with peers, informational panels for students and professors to share their experiences in academic affairs, such as the Hauber Research Fellowship, Putnam Exam, Mathematical Modeling Competition, and more. In addition, I have planned professional events like career development and résumé building in data-driven fields. I serve as Vice President of Pi Mu Epsilon, the national mathematics honor society, where my involvement complements this work by supporting a community that values academic excellence and mentorship within the mathematics department. Through these roles, I have worked to intentionally reduce barriers, encourage participation, and promote a culture of inclusion within the major.
My commitment to academic service is further reflected in my role as a tutor at The Study. As a tutor, I work with students from diverse academic and personal backgrounds, tailoring my approach to meet individual learning needs. This role has strengthened my ability to communicate complex concepts clearly and empathetically while reinforcing the importance of equitable access to academic resources. Tutoring has also deepened my appreciation for the structural challenges many students face and reinforced my belief that education should be an inclusive process.
Outside of my academic activities, I serve as a campus tour guide, representing Loyola to prospective students and their families. In this role, I emphasize not only academic offerings but also Loyola’s commitment to community, service, and inclusion. As a tour guide, I recognize the importance of representation and storytelling: sharing honest experiences that help students envision themselves as part of the Loyola community. This role has allowed me to contribute directly to shaping an inclusive first impression of the university.
Ultimately, my on-campus service is most significantly defined by my involvement in the Evergreen Program. As an Evergreen, I participate in a full-year program designed to support first-year students’ academic, social, and personal transitions to Loyola. This role requires mentorship, adaptability, and cultural awareness, as first-year students arrive with diverse identities, backgrounds, and needs. I work closely with students to help them navigate campus resources, build community, and feel a sense of belonging at Loyola from Summer Orientation, through the end of their first year.
In addition to serving as an Evergreen, I was selected to serve as Evergreen Program Coordinator, specifically for Training and Development. In this leadership role, I was responsible for designing and implementing training sessions for the Evergreen staff. This experience required thoughtful planning, collaboration, and a strong emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion. I helped shape training content that addressed inclusive leadership, effective communication, and supporting students from various backgrounds. I aimed to ensure that Evergreens and other student leaders were prepared not only to welcome students but to advocate for them throughout their first year.
My off-campus service coincides with my on-campus involvement by extending my commitment to community beyond the university. I have participated in York Road Community Day, an initiative focused on cleaning and revitalizing the York Road area in Baltimore. This experience highlighted the importance of sustained, place-based service and strengthened my understanding of Loyola’s relationship with the surrounding community. Rather than viewing service as a one-time activity, York Road Community Day emphasized accountability, partnership, and respect for local residents.
I have also participated in Relay for Life, not only monetarily, but by tabling and supporting fundraising efforts for cancer research. This experience reinforced the power of collective action and community-based advocacy. Through tabling, I engaged with participants, raised awareness, and contributed to a cause that impacts individuals and families across communities.
My off-campus engagement is further shaped by my involvement with Alpha Sigma Nu, where I serve on the Service Committee. In this role, I help plan and organize service initiatives for the chapter and participate in monthly service events. Serving on the committee has allowed me to take an active role in ensuring that service opportunities are meaningful, accessible, and aligned with community needs. Alpha Sigma Nu’s Jesuit values of service, reflection, and justice strongly resonate with my own approach to engagement.
Across all of these experiences, a common thread has been my commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Whether through academic organizations, new student mentorship, or service initiatives. I strive to create environments in which individuals feel seen, supported, and valued. Collectively, my roles on and off campus reflect a deep investment in community building, shaping my understanding of leadership to be rooted in service, collaboration, and empathy. These experiences ultimately influenced my decision to pursue graduate study in epidemiology, as I became increasingly motivated to address systemic inequities through data-driven approaches. Populations continue to bear a disproportionate burden of disease, unequal access to care, and the long-term effects of public health emergencies. I am eager to contribute evidence-based research that can be translated into practical action to advance health equity and prevention.
Through my time at Loyola, I have learned that meaningful impact is not defined by a single role or event, but by consistent effort, reflection, and a willingness to lead with purpose. I remain committed to carrying these values forward as I continue my academic and professional journey.