‘The Very Best of What It Means to Be a Terp’

5 Graduating Seniors Honored as Medalist, Finalists Recognized for Stellar Academics, Service, Character

After Camila Soler’s grandfather was forced to flee armed conflict in Peru in the 1990s, the once-successful metallurgical engineer found few options to provide for his family upon arriving in California. He became a gardener, a grueling job made even tougher by the discrimination he endured—including assault and the burning of his work truck—and the fear of police that kept him from reporting the crimes.

“My passion for immigration law stems from hearing that story,” said Soler ’24, who is heading to law school in the fall to pursue her dream of providing free and affordable representation for immigrants, and to research and reform policies. “I want to help families in similar situations, who have very valid fears, who don’t know their rights.”

Her dedication to public service is one reason Soler will receive the 2024 University Medal, the highest honor bestowed on a graduating senior. The award recognizes academic achievement, service to the community and exceptional character. Finalists (profiled below) earned at least a 3.96 GPA and 60 or more credits during their undergraduate career at UMD.

A criminology and criminal justice (CCJS) and psychology double major, Soler earned a 4.0 GPA while joining the pre-law fraternity Phi Alpha Delta; getting selected for the CCJS Honors Program, where she conducted original research; and interning at the Virginia Indigent Defense Commission, the Harvard Immigration and Refugee Clinical Program and an immigration law firm in Houston.

In addition, she helped found the student group Latina Pathways, now a registered nonprofit. Through education, advocacy and fundraising, it supports Latine immigrants on the path to college, including donating classroom supplies to high school ESOL classes and creating a scholarship for undocumented Terps.

“Higher education opens so many doors,” said Soler, who is Peruvian and Colombian. “I want the Latine community—and other underserved or marginalized communities—to have equal opportunities.”

Photo by Riley Sims Ph.D. ’23

Published on Wed, May 15, 2024 - 9:41AM