Hiruy is currently a graduate student in Electrical Engineering at the University Maryland. While his academic credential speaks for itself, both as outstanding student and as a dependable Teacher’s Assistant in his field of studies, it is for his spirited and infectious community service that Hiruy is brought to the attention of SEED. The ESAI (Ethiopian Student Association International )l, the Ethiopian community center, and a number of young Ethiopian-Americans have submitted written testimonial expressing their gratitude, admiration, respect and love for this young man worthy of emulating. Hiruy is referred to by the young in our community as a true visionary, an inspiring leader, a man of integrity, a great motivator, and indeed, a Renaissance man for the Ethiopian youth in the Diaspora. Hiruy came to the United States as a teenager and by all accounts, he has exceeded the ideals and expectations of our community. In the past so several years Hiruy has spearheaded the Amharic class for the first generation Ethiopian-Americans and in the process, helped them define their identity and instilled the sense of pride in their ancestry. He taught English to recent immigrants and others at the Ethiopian Community Center. He founded the Ethiopian Group; a biweekly group meeting that attempts to inform and address issues and concerns that affect the Diaspora community. Hiruy raised funds to help the displaced Addis Ababa University students in Kenya. He archived the History of the Ethiopian Students movement from the 50s through the 70s and has done many, many other exemplary work in our community. For his selfless deportment, community service, as a role model to the Ethiopians in Diaspora, and for all his distinctive attributes, please join SEED in thanking and congratulating Hiruy.