On Jan. 19, Oakland University hosted its 34th annual Keeper of the Dream Scholarship event. Seven students were honored as scholarship recipients during the event. Among them was Ndeye Marieme Sarr Samb, the only international student to receive the award. The prestigious award, presented by the Center for Multicultural Initiatives, recognizes student leaders at Oakland University who advance Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy by breaking down racial and cultural barriers, fostering unity and promoting diversity.
Marieme Samb recalled learning about the award through her twin sister, Ndeye Fatoumata Sarr Samb, who had been honored with the Keeper of the Dream Award in 2025. “I didn’t know about it and my sister got it last year,” Samb said. “I remember my freshman fall, I joined every single student organization you could think about and then I started to tone it down. I was like, maybe I can’t go to every single event, but I’ve been getting involved.”
Samb is a second-year international student from Dakar, Senegal, pursuing a degree in health sciences with a focus on holistic health. She plans to further her studies and dedicate her career to advancing the health and well-being of women and children across the globe. As a researcher, Samb has participated in a global health study abroad program in Ghana, where she developed a deeper understanding of maternal support and strategies to enhance health outcomes for future generations.
“Keeper of the Dream was a way to get recognitions and the scholarship is also significant because, as international students, we don’t really have access to any sort of financial aid from the school, so the award is one of the only ones we could get,” Samb said, adding that the recognition not only affirmed that her work was valued, but also provided meaningful financial support as an international student.
Samb’s involvement at OU is grounded in a strong commitment to campus leadership and community building. As a resident assistant in the Living and Learning Community, she promotes inclusivity by creating programs that encourage connection, dialogue and multicultural engagement among residents. She also serves in leadership roles within the African Student Union and French Club, where she continues her advocacy by fostering spaces that celebrate diversity and expand cultural understanding across campus.
“I eventually want to be a leader in health care,” Samb said. “ I’m still trying to figure out exactly what that looks like, but I definitely know that I want to keep traveling, keep working with different people and help them the best I can to overcome the different disparities they’re facing.”
As one of the few current international student RAs, Samb, alongside her twin sister, aims to create a welcoming environment at OU where students from diverse backgrounds can feel at home. She is dedicated to helping international students connect with peers who share similar experiences. In addition, she provides guidance and support to help them navigate both academic and campus life.
“I am really trying to build a foundation, which is why I’m trying to work a lot with administration and leadership above me,” Samb said. “They’re helping me achieve things and we all have a lot of ideas, but I don’t want that to be something that’s going to stop once I leave.”
Throughout her leadership and involvement at OU, Samb actively advocates for international students and their experiences on campus. She serves as a voice for those who might feel overlooked or unsure of where they belong. Her efforts help foster a more inclusive campus environment where international students feel seen, supported and valued.
