Speech, Language, & Hearing Sciences Scholarship Recipients
Speech, Language, & Hearing Sciences Scholarship RecipientsIn 2024, the Department of Speech, Language, & Hearing Sciences provided 7 students with funding through endowed scholarships, including:
- Henry B. Peirce Service Award
- Miriam P. Romo Award
- Harry and Charlena Seymour Scholarship for Diversity
- Kimberly Ann Soucy Scholarship
- Gilbert C. Tolhurst Senior Scientist Award
Read more about this year's recipients on the pages ahead.
Harry and Charlena Seymour Scholarship for Diversity
Harry and Charlena Seymour Scholarship for Diversity
Gloria Joung
Gloria Joung has recently completed her first year double majoring in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences and Psychology. She volunteered in the Language, Intersensory Perception, and Speech Lab under Dr. Alexandra Jesse and regularly attended National Student Speech Language Hearing Association meetings to learn about speech and language disorders. Her initial dream to pursue psychology and speech, language, and hearing sciences was inspired by growing up volunteering at local homeless shelters and childcare centers. After graduation, she plans to pursue a master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology or Linguistics to assist non-native speakers or those with speech impediments. In addition to her academic pursuits, she serves by singing in the worship team at her local church and volunteering in community activities organized by the Navigators and InterVarsity.
Thank you for making it possible for me to receive the Harry and Charlena Seymour Scholarship for Diversity. The chance to pursue my dreams without financial burden has been made possible by generous donors like you. I appreciate your generosity and consideration for students like me.

Monica Silva
Monica Silva is an upcoming junior from Riverhead, New York, studying Speech Language and Hearing Sciences and Linguistics. When home, she works as a Special Education Aide at the Westhampton Beach Learning Center, assisting children with developmental disabilities to receive the best school experience possible.
It is an honor to receive the Henry and Charlena Seymour Scholarship. I hope to motivate other Spanish and English speakers to join the field, to see how their presence can positively influence a child’s life.
Kimberly Ann Soucy Scholarship
Kimberly Ann Soucy Scholarship
Declan Kelly
Declan Kelly recently graduated from UMass Amherst with a Bachelor of Science in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences. Declan is from Lexington, MA, and is a student in MGH’s Doctor of Audiology program in Boston, MA. His interest in audiology comes from how people communicate and sound science. His hobbies include filmmaking, playing the drums, rock climbing, and spending time with friends and family. He hopes to complete his doctorate program and work in the Boston area as an audiologist.
Thank you for making it possible for me to receive the Kimberly Ann Soucy Scholarship. My experiences in the department with faculty and peers led me to find audiology as the career I wanted to pursue. This award further affirms my choice and is a significant and generous help to pursuing my graduate level studies.
Miriam P. Romo Award
Miriam P. Romo Award
Mitchell Paige
Mitchell Paige is a senior at the University of Massachusetts Amherst pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences. With a strong academic record, and consistently making the Dean’s List, Mitchell has demonstrated a dedication to excellence. His passion for audiology was ignited during his service in the Army National Guard, where he witnessed firsthand the impact of hearing impairments on fellow service members. This experience, coupled with the inspiring work of his mother, a special education advocate, solidified his commitment to the field. After graduation, Mitchell plans to attend graduate school to obtain an AuD in Audiology, aiming to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals with hearing-related challenges. In his spare time, he volunteers with Horizons for Homeless Children and enjoys outdoor activities.
I am incredibly grateful for the generous scholarship support, which has been instrumental in allowing me to pursue my studies in Speech Language and Hearing Sciences. This scholarship not only eases some of the financial burden but also motivates me to strive for excellence in my academic and professional journey. With your support, I am one step closer to my goal of attending graduate school to become an audiologist. Thank you for your support and believing in my potential.