The F.T. Kidder Medal is presented to the senior student who best exemplifies the qualities of character, leadership, and scholarship. It is named in honor of Fred T. Kidder, a graduate of the class of 1880 and the College of Medicine in 1883, who later served on the University of Vermont Board of Trustees. This year’s recipient is Perin Patel (he/him pronouns).

As a first-generation immigrant, Perin struggled during his first year to maintain good grades as he adapted to the culture of an American college campus. A Neuroscience major in the College of Arts and Sciences, he focused on building relationships with his faculty and developing skills to excel academically. “I realized that the only way to reach my goal is through pushing myself and embracing every opportunity I get for self-growth,” Perin described. He prioritized his academic pursuits and focused on improving his GPA. “As I became more aware about my responsibilities, I realized that my success depends on my hard work. I worked hard to improve my English and pushed myself out of my comfort zone. I am a high-achieving student and I wanted to prove it.” Perin succeeded in this pursuit. He has a cumulative GPA of 3.36 and has been awarded Dean’s List status.

Perin has also been a highly engaged student leader throughout his four years at UVM. He has held a variety of leadership positions on campus, including Peer Advisor for the Summer Enrichment Scholars Program, Treasurer of the Asian Student Union, Teaching Assistant for Biochemistry, and three years as the Undergraduate Coordinator for the Indian Student Association. Through his student organization involvement he has worked towards the same goal: to promote cultural awareness and diversity on campus. He reflects that, “Overall, these leadership roles taught me the importance of building a safe and welcoming community for everyone.”

In addition to these formal leadership roles, Perin has led in informal ways by bringing awareness to student needs, such as mental health, and bringing concerns to the administration so that institutional responses can be improved upon. Beverly Colston, Director of the Mosaic Center for Student of Color, said “Since his early UVM experience in the Summer Enrichment Scholars Program, Perin has worked in the background to build sustainable and loving BIPOC communities that use their collective energy to create positive change both for individuals and the greater UVM village. Perin recognizes where needs aren’t met and tirelessly speaks up while engaging his energy on behalf of those who need support. Perin’s body of work has facilitated justice and equity for BIPOC students and enabled the healthy presence of all students on our campus. “