2025 Legacy Students

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The University of Connecticut is proud to present its 2025 Legacy Students. Individually and collectively, they represent a rich diversity of leadership experiences, personal accomplishments, and academic excellence. Through their actions, these Legacy Students have personified character, integrity, maturity, and the potential that lies in every University of Connecticut student.

Lily Agosta

Lily Agosta

Area of Study: Business Management with a Concentration in Entrepreneurship; Minor in Communication
Faculty/Staff Mentor: Jonathan Moore
Alumni Mentor: Laura Lucarz

Lily is a Business Management major with a concentration in Entrepreneurship and a minor in Communication. She recently completed a semester abroad in London, where she studied Business and Economics. On campus, Lily has been deeply engaged in organizations such as HuskyTHON, Women in Business, The Women’s Network, the Student Union Board of Governors, and Habitat for Humanity. Additionally, she plays a pivotal role in Undergraduate Admissions, leading event planning, recruitment strategies, and campus tours. Driven by a passion for helping others, Lily aspires to establish her own business dedicated to giving back to the community.

Cameron Costa

Cameron Costa

Area of Study: Physiology & Neurobiology; Minors in English and Neuroscience
Faculty/Staff Mentor: Sara Dahlen
Alumni Mentor: Pat Adams

Cameron is a Physiology and Neurobiology major with minors in English and Neuroscience. He has participated in diverse research projects, including work with the Kinesiology Department and UConn School of Pharmacy. Actively involved on campus, Cameron contributes to organizations such as the UConn Honors Program, Learning Community Council, and American Medical Student Association. As a CHANGE Grant recipient, he explored barriers to healthcare access. Cameron aspires to attend medical school and eliminate systemic healthcare inequities.

Djimpsy II Gilles

Djimpsy II Gilles

Area of Study: Speech, Language, & Hearing Sciences
Faculty/Staff Mentor: TBD
Alumni Mentor: Nicole Sanclemente

Djimpsy is a Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences major aspiring to become a speech-language pathologist. She mentors high school students through Connect-Us and Bridgeport Public Education Fund, guiding them through academic challenges and leadership development. Her past roles include Vice President of the Housatonic Community College Student Senate and legislative intern, where she supported policy research. Now active in the Husky Ambassador Program, Djimpsy remains dedicated to empowering young individuals and fostering opportunities for success.

Anna Heqimi

Anna Heqimi

Area of Study: Journalism & Communication; Minor in Spanish
Faculty/Staff Mentor: Jose Nebres
Alumni Mentor: Richard Tilley

Anna is double majoring in Journalism and Communication with a minor in Spanish. She recently completed a study abroad program in Granada, Spain, where she deepened her cultural and academic experience. On campus, Anna is a news reporter, editor, and videographer for UConn Student Television, as well as a writer for Her Campus and The Daily Campus. She volunteers with the Husky Ambassador Program and serves as Secretary of the Albanian Student Association, fostering inclusive cultural celebrations. With a passion for storytelling and community impact, Anna aspires to a career in journalism.

Fatima Khan

Fatima Khan 

Area of Study: Physiology & Neurobiology
Faculty/Staff Mentor: Stephen Taylor
Alumni Mentor: Nadine Green

Fatima is an honors student majoring in Physiology and Neurobiology, driven by a passion for service and health advocacy. Her research focuses on substance use, with the goal of contributing to evidence-based interventions and policies. Dedicated to bridging the gap between scientific discovery and community health, Fatima aspires to make a meaningful impact in healthcare and well-being.

Abigail Koval

Abigail Koval

Area of Study: Business Management
Faculty/Staff Mentor:  Cody Ryan
Alumni Mentor: Brooke Zelesnick

Abigail is a junior majoring in Business Management with a strong passion for innovation and entrepreneurship. As a Market specialist at the iZone, she helps bring creative ideas to life while running her own clothing business featuring whimsical embroidered designs. Committed to sustainability, Abigail is spearheading a new campus recycling program to promote eco-friendly practices. In her free time, she enjoys drawing cute cartoons, exploring social media, and spending time with friends. Abigail’s creativity and drive reflect her dedication to making a positive impact both professionally and personally.

Dwana Masheck

Dwana Masheck

Area of Study: Communication
Faculty/Staff Mentor:
TBD
Alumni Mentor:
Ebun Ojekunle

Dwana is a junior majoring in Communication at the University of Connecticut. She is the President of UConnSIS and a mentor to first-year students through the First Year Learning Program. Dwana also works as an Operations Assistant at UConn Recreation and as a Game Room Assistant. Her leadership and mentoring roles reflect her passion for building meaningful connections and creating a positive impact on others’ lives.

Kayla-Audrey Obolo Njoh-Sam

Kayla-Audrey Obolo Njoh-Sam

Area of Study: Allied Health Sciences with a Concentration in Public Health & Public Health Promotion; Minor in Food Science
Faculty/Staff Mentor:  Elise Delacruz
Alumni Mentor: Nadine Green

Kayla is an honors student majoring in Allied Health Sciences with concentrations in Public Health and Health Promotion, alongside a minor in Food Science. She serves as a Peer Health Educator and Violence Prevention Peer Facilitator at UConn. Kayla has demonstrated leadership as Secretary of UConn Students for One Health and Chief of Staff for UConn Model United Nations. A global health advocate, she has volunteered in Cameroon with orphanages and street children centers. Kayla plans to pursue a Master’s in Public Health and medical school, aiming to address infectious diseases and promote global health equity.

Zohaib Saleem

Zohaib Saleem

Area of Study: Physiology & Neurobiology
Faculty/Staff Mentor: Jaci Van Heest
Alumni Mentor: Pat Adams

Zohaib is majoring in Physiology and Neurobiology, with a focus on healthcare and community well-being. As a research assistant through the MLS Program, he works with Dr. Bruce Blanchard while also volunteering as a paramedic assistant at Windham Hospital. His campus involvement includes roles as a UConn Health Leaders volunteer, FYE mentor, Learning Community Council member, and Vice President of Outreach for the Public Health Learning Community. Zohaib aspires to address social determinants of health on a large scale as a healthcare professional.

 

Haritha Subramanian

Haritha Subramanian

Area of Study: Political Science, Music, & Biological Sciences
Faculty/Staff Mentor: Angela Rola
Alumni Mentor: Richard Twilley

Haritha is pursuing studies in Political Science, Music, and Biological Sciences, with tracks in Public Policy and Pre-Law. A civically engaged leader, she serves as an Alternate Commissioner on her hometown Zoning Board of Appeals and as National Committeewoman for CT Young Democrats. Haritha works with DesegregateCT to promote equitable land use policies and serves on the UConn JEDI Committee. She is also involved in UConn’s Asian American Cultural Center, marching band, and choir. Haritha is committed to advancing social justice through a career in policymaking.

Nicole Yildirim

Nicole Yildirim

Area of Study: Marketing; Minor in Business Management
Faculty/Staff Mentor: Amanda Spada
Alumni Mentor: Nicole Sanclemente

Nicole is pursuing a degree in Marketing with a minor in Business Management at the University of Connecticut. She holds leadership roles as a Residential Assistant and Peer Mentor within the School of Business, reflecting her dedication to fostering a supportive campus community. Nicole is building a career in sports marketing and gains practical experience as a Game Day Assistant for UConn Athletics Marketing, where she enhances fan engagement through contests, giveaways, and game operations. Passionate about school spirit, she also serves as a UConn Tour Guide and Top Dogs Captain, energizing student sections at events. Nicole’s enthusiasm for her studies, campus involvement, and career aspirations exemplifies her commitment to excellence.

 

Andy Zhang

Andy Zhang

Area of Study: Economics & Environmental Sciences
Faculty/Staff Mentor: TBD
Alumni Mentor: Nick Roy

Andy is a junior at the University of Connecticut pursuing dual degrees in Economics and Environmental Sciences. He serves as a Sustainability Intern with the Office of Sustainability and is the Founder and President of the UConn chapter of Plant Futures. Additionally, Andy holds the role of Communications Director for the Undergraduate Student Government, where he fosters engagement and outreach within the campus community. Beyond UConn, he works as a Food Policy Intern with Friends of the Earth. Passionate about progressive policy and food advocacy, Andy is committed to advancing sustainable and equitable food systems through innovative solutions and policymaking.