Nichole Espineli’23 inspired the Beloit College campus by working hard in the classroom, volunteering at a local food pantry, and speaking up for the vulnerable.

The 2023 Martha Peterson Prize honoree best exemplifies the college’s liberal arts traditions of stellar academic achievements and active contributions to the campus community.

“Nichole is an absolute delight — she speaks up for others and supports her colleagues in the classroom and beyond,” one professor says. “I’m so excited to see how she will continue to grow and contribute to all of her communities in the future.”

The Chicago native is planning a public health career where she can improve the well-being of the most vulnerable community members.

During summer research projects, Nichole became passionate about community health and helping immigrants and refugees. She worked in the Beloit Public Health Initiative and volunteered at Caritas, a Beloit area food pantry.

Nichole, a first-generation college student, inspired others as an active member and leader of Theta Pi Gamma sorority and a head resident assistant. Nichole also participated in the Student Excellence and Leadership (SEL) program and was a McNair Scholar.

The next goal for Nichole is to continue learning and service. She will attend the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health this fall to earn a master’s degree in health policy and management.

Beloit College class of 1981 members established the Martha Peterson Prize to honor Beloit’s seventh college president. Faculty members nominate students for this prize and members of the senior class vote on the final recipient.