The Division of Student Affairs has awarded two graduating seniors with the Henry Woods Leadership Award. 

The winners are Daniella Fernandez from Springdale and Hank Herzfeld from Benton. Fernandez graduated in May with a bachelor's degree in psychology, criminology and sociology. Herzfeld also graduated in May with a bachelor's degree in history and political science.

Fernandez and Herzfeld each received $1,500 for the award, which is named for former U of A student Henry Woods, who was heavily involved in campus activities during his time at the U of A.

Both of these students were also deeply involved in campus activities and held leadership roles in various student organizations during their undergraduate years here. Herzfeld was part of the Distinguished Lectures Committee, a resident assistant for Housing, a delegate to the Arkansas Model United Nations and more. Fernandez was student ambassador for the Honors College and Counseling and Psychological Services and started her own Registered Student Organization.

"As I entered college, I had difficulties connecting with others who came from similar backgrounds and shared my Hispanic heritage," Fernandez said. "I had very few friends with whom I could authentically express my identity, and I often felt like an outsider on campus."

Fernandez took the advice of a staff member and started an RSO, the Central American Student Alliance or CASA, to bring students with similar backgrounds together.

"I have recently accepted a post-baccalaureate position at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, so I will be moving there at the beginning of July," Fernandez said. "This award will alleviate much of the stress I have about relocating, as I am financially independent and must rely on only myself for help."

Herzfeld will be attending William H. Bowen Law School in Little Rock next year on a full-tuition scholarship. "Long-term, I would like to be elected to office and build a political career to advance our state and communities," he said.

Herzfeld's advice to new students is to "take advantage of all the unique opportunities the University of Arkansas has to offer. My time at the U of A has taken me to spectacularly diverse places, ranging from a nearly remote island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean to the capitals of nine European countries and several months working in Washington, D.C.," Herzfeld said. "To an incoming student... just like me, you too can make your time here your own and work with the incredible people and organizations. Take advantage of the great opportunities we have here and dedicate yourself to the hard work it will take, knowing you have support wherever you may turn."

Both Fernandez and Herzfeld are perfect examples of students taking advantage of the opportunities they have at the U of A and following their own paths to success.

"Congratulations to Daniella Fernandez and Hank Herzfeld, our Spring 2025 Henry Woods Student Leadership Award recipients," said Jeremy Battjes, vice chancellor for Student Affairs. "They are outstanding scholars who each contributed to student success efforts through outreach and retention programming. Their student leadership has served their learning and their community. I know that they have bright and rewarding futures ahead."

Henry Woods graduated from the U of A in 1973 and received both a B.A. and an M.A. in political science. He was editor of the Razorback yearbook and was involved in student government, the Arkansas Union and the Interfraternity Council. Following graduation, Woods worked in Washington, D.C., on the staffs of several Arkansas congressman and senators. During his 25 years of civic service in the U.S. capitol, Woods worked hard as an advocate for Arkansas and helped improve the quality of life for its people.

Read more about Woods, his legacy and past winners of this award in the Student Affairs Bulletin.

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About the Division of Student Affairs: The Division of Student Affairs supports the whole student by cultivating transformative experiences and environments that promote student well-being, sense of community, and success. We prioritize student access, well-being, and belonging, post-graduation success, and building a strong organizational culture.