Susanna Peonia Honored with American Association of University Women Award and Female Academic Athlete Award

2017 May 16

Susanna Peonia is the recipient of Valdosta State University's 2017 American Association of University Women Award and 2017 Female Academic Athlete Award.

"These awards mean a lot to me," said the 22-year-old middle blocker from the Lady Blazers volleyball team. "I was certainly not expecting them. The Female Academic Athlete Award, for me, means inspiration and self-esteem. This semester, I pushed myself out of my comfort zone and realized that I can do way more than I thought."

"The American Association of University Women Award made me think about who I am and who I want to be," she added. "I want to make a difference and give a voice to people who do not have one."

The American Association of University Women Award is presented to a female student with a minimum overall grade point average of 3.5 who has demonstrated talents for intellectual growth and leadership through her involvement in clubs, organizations, projects, and/or work experience throughout their time at VSU.

Peonia's scholastic achievements and service to the university, her team, and her community were recognized during VSU's annual Academic Honors and Awards Dinner.

During her time as a student at VSU, Peonia was a regular on the Dean's List and a member of the Spanish Club. She served as captain of the Lady Blazers volleyball team during the Fall 2016 season and had a research article published in Omnino, VSU's undergraduate research journal.

Peonia enjoyed being involved in the Valdosta community, where she taught volleyball lessons to local high school students and mentored Hispanic students adjusting to life in the United States.

Peonia graduated from VSU with a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish language and culture on May 6. She plans to spend some time in her hometown of Castelbolognese, Italy, researching languages and art.

In the future, she would like to work as a translator and open a nonprofit organization for women and children in distress.

Peonia is the daughter of Paolo Peonia of Italy and Candida Cerri of Nashville.

On the Web:

http://www.vstateblazers.com
http://www.valdosta.edu/colleges/arts-sciences/modern-classical-languages/
http://www.aauw.org

About Valdosta State University:

Valdosta State University is a comprehensive university characterized by outstanding instruction, a wide range of student life opportunities, and a close connection to the community. Established in 1906, the institution's mission is to prepare students to meet global opportunities and challenges through excellence in teaching and learning; to expand the boundaries of current knowledge and explore the practical applications of that knowledge through excellence in scholarship and creative endeavors; and to promote the economic, cultural, and educational progress of the community and region through excellence in service outreach.

Valdosta State University seeks to accomplish this mission in a dynamic, student-centered learning environment marked by a respect for diverse abilities, backgrounds, and contributions by all members of the university community.