McKendree University Awards Maria Vitoria Salomao with Technos International Prize May 10

(LEBANON, Ill., May 17, 2024) – Maria Vitoria Salomao, an international relations major from Lagoa Santa, Brazil, received the 2024 Technos International Prize on Friday, May 10 during the undergraduate commencement ceremony.

The Technos International Prize is given each year by the Tanaka Ikueikai Educational Trust for outstanding academic achievement and a commitment to the cause of international understanding. Salomao received this surprise award as the crowd, which included her family from Brazil, cheered wildly.

At McKendree, Salomao is the captain of the women’s tennis team, a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, the president of the International Student Organization, a New Student Orientation leader, an office assistant for the Office of Development, Alumni and Parent Relations, and a resident assistant.

Salomao is also the president of the Student Government Association and genuinely cares for everyone she meets. She is constantly seen doing things for others on campus and does not discriminate among friends. One of her professors, Dr. Jean Sampson, professor of business, not only described her as “kind, intelligent and caring,” but she also took her to an entrepreneurship competition at Washington University last spring and noted that, within a span of a few hours, Salomao established relationships with people from multiple universities and countries.

Following graduation, Salomao plans on interning at Global Merges and Acquisitions at BUNZL until August, at which point she will be working toward her master’s degree and playing tennis for her fifth year.

 

-McK-