Pharmacy Graduate Student Earns University Service Award

The award, established in 1890, recognizes college students, faculty and staff who exhibit virtuous civic leadership and have acted as humble servants to others by putting service of others above self-interest. 

Farrag, a native of Assiut, Egypt, is a fourth-year Ph.D. candidate in the Department of BioMolecular Sciences and the mother of three children, Omar, Logyn and Rovan.

“Receiving this award is a nice reminder that even the small things we do to help others matter,” Farrag said. “Being an international student, a mom and a woman, this makes me feel seen and appreciated in the community. It encourages me to keep giving my best and to remember that helping others brings us all closer.”

Farrag has served as a volunteer teacher at the Oxford Muslim Society Sunday school, teaching Arabic, Islamic studies and other subjects.

She has also mentored four undergraduate students in the lab and held leadership roles and organized events related to the student organizations in which she has served, including the Glycoscience Student Advocates, the Muslim Student Association and the BioMolecular Sciences Student Advocates.

Karin King Ballering, Glycoscience Student Advocates advisor, said working with Farrag has been a privilege.

“Her professionalism, vision and dedication have continually impressed me and made a meaningful impact on both the organization and its members,” Ballering said. “As president of the GSA, Marwa has shown exceptional leadership and dedication to building a vibrant, inclusive student community.”

Farrag’s husband, Ahmed Abdelaziz, nominated her for the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award.

“Marwa doesn’t serve for praise – she serves because she genuinely cares,” Abdelaziz said.

Most of Farrag’s volunteer service takes place on Friday nights and Sunday mornings, often following a grueling week of studies.

“Sometimes I feel worn out or tempted to skip it, but the moment I get there, all that tiredness disappears and is replaced by a real sense of joy and purpose,” Farrag said. “It reminds me why I keep coming back. Those moments are what we call in Arabic ‘baraka,’ a blessing that brings ease and peace to your day.”

For her, service is not something extra to be done if time allows.

“It’s a responsibility and a way to give back to the community,” she said. “I was raised, both culturally and religiously, to understand that helping others lifts not only them, but you as well. Even when life feels overwhelming, volunteering has been a source of strength.”

She would even go so far as to say the work is foundational to her identity.

“Community service is not just something I do – it’s part of who I am,” Farrag said. “I believe we are all connected, and when we help others, we help build a stronger, kinder world. Serving others has helped me grow as a person and taught me that even small acts of kindness can leave a deep impact.”