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The Southern Maryland Chronicle
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LA PLATA, Md. — DaShawn Rustin, a Media Studies student at the College of Southern Maryland (CSM), has been named a 2025 Harvey Lincoln Student Scholarship recipient and ‘Dream Scholar’ by the Achieving the Dream (ATD) Network, announced on Feb. 20, 2025. Rustin, alongside Alessandra Simental of Odessa College, received $3,000 for her academic excellence and community leadership. “This year’s winners are not only exceptional students but also leaders in their communities who are fiercely committed to lifting as they climb,” ATD stated in its release, recognizing Rustin’s resilience amid educational and financial hurdles.
Rustin expressed profound appreciation for the honor. “As any student will tell you, scholarships are our bread and butter,” she said. “I know firsthand what it’s like to stare at a bill knowing it can’t be paid. Being nominated as a Dream Scholar and for the Harvey Scholarship was a wonderful honor in itself. To be considered alongside other remarkable changemakers and scholars, such as my fellow winner Alessandra, to know that someone valued my journey enough to select me as a recipient, means so much.” The scholarship, awarded by ATD—a network of over 300 colleges including CSM since 2019—supports students overcoming significant obstacles.
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After leaving Howard University after one year due to financial strain, Rustin faced six years of job instability before enrolling at CSM. There, she quickly stood out, winning the Hawk Pitch competition in 2024 with an alumni database idea, earning a spot on the Dean’s List, and taking roles as a student ambassador, SGA Representative for the La Plata Campus, and member of CSM’s Women of Excellence. Her resume also includes Social Media Manager for CSM Athletics, a Miller’s Leadership Academy Student Leader, a 2024 Civic Season Fellow, and winner of the 2024 National Institute for Staff and Organization Development Graphic Design Contest.
On March 22, Rustin will join CSM students Markala Pharr, Aniya Gaskins, and Rehoboth Mumuney as a panelist at the WomenLead Conference, themed “Purpose Driven Mission: Move from Ideation to Action,” discussing ‘Own Your Space: Be the Example, Set the Standard.’ She’s also co-pioneered an annual conference with CSM’s Business and Accounting Club alongside advisor Tamara Gibbs-Franklin. “I’d love to continue developing a project and see it flourish,” Rustin said, reflecting her drive to innovate.
Rustin credits her mother, LaWanna Rustin, for her success. “Mom is very active on campus, regularly accompanying me to awards ceremonies, banquets, and cross-campus activities,” she said. “Though I’m not an only child, I’m the eldest and only daughter who has witnessed firsthand all the sacrifices she’s made as a single mother to ensure her children’s success – from early morning bus rides to working multiple jobs, and even currently homeschooling my autistic baby brother. Throughout my 27 years, she has been one of my best friends and has truly taught me perseverance, determination, and the power of community.”
Set to graduate in May 2025 with an associate degree in Media Studies and a General Studies certificate, Rustin is pursuing a Digital Media Management certificate. She plans to transfer to the University of Maryland Global Campus for a Communications degree, aiming for a marketing career in entertainment.
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David M. Higgins II is an award-winning journalist passionate about uncovering the truth and telling compelling stories. Born in Baltimore and raised in Southern Maryland, he has lived in several East… More by David M. Higgins II, Publisher/Editor
The Southern Maryland Chronicle(SoMDC) is an all-digital news source for SoMD. We cover all of Charles, Calvert, and St. Mary’s Counties; along with the Southern portions of Anne Arundel and Prince George’s County. SoMDC covers every aspect of the SoMD Region and will continue to grow with the community. SoMDC appreciates all feedback from the community, along with tips, pictures, articles contributed, and support.
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