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Peter Kourtis-Kessler

Award Recognition

Principled Action
Van Am Prize
Peter Kourtis-Kessler, a Columbia College sophomore, serves as a Student Conduct Community Standards Navigator. In this position, Peter has the important role of helping peers going through the disciplinary hearing process. A nominator noted that 'while we all seek to be honorable, there are often situations where we find ourselves making mistakes' and Peter Kessler has shown himself to be understanding and empathetic to these students that are in these complicated and often controversial situations. He is empathetic in his commitment to help his fellow students but he also spreads a message of integrity and good Columbia citizenship to those he helps. Peter has also been awarded the Van Am Prize for his work.
I am honored and humbled to be recognized for both the Van Am Prize and the King's Crown Leadership Award for Principled Action. Thank you to the incredible team at the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards, including but certainly not limited to Jeremy Weinberg, Leon Tsai, and Caroline Clifford. Thank you to my family, mentors, and peers for inspiring me every step of the way, as well as to the Selection Committee and those who nominated me. I'm so grateful.