IU South Bend student David Saleh and staff member Cush Cuthbertson were recently named as 2025 Building Bridges award winners. This award recognizes individuals who capture Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision, spirit, and leadership in ways both big and small at IU and within their communities across Indiana.
Saleh, a senior majoring in communication studies, was selected by the IU South Bend nomination committee due to him being instrumental in leading by example as part of multiple student organizations and serving as Student Government Association Vice President.
“David works to make sure all voices are heard, supporting the need for affinity groups to gather in solidarity, while seeking to build bridges and coalitions among groups. He works to facilitate dialogue and collaboration and is an active participant in events hosted by a wide range of diverse groups on campus.”
Saleh prides himself on giving back, helping someone every single day, and trying to make the campus and community a better place. He said he is honored that nominators thought of him as fulfilling King’s mission.
“Martin Luther King Jr. was an incredible man, and I am very humbled to receive this honor,” says Saleh. “I would like to give credit to the faculty, and my mentors, peers, and Student Government Association members for allowing me the opportunity to impact others on this campus and in our community.”
Cuthbertson, Student Retention Specialist in the Titan Success Center and advisor for the Black Student Union, was chosen by the IU South Bend nomination committee because of her passion for student success and service to others.
“Whether it’s to work through a personal situation, academic success strategy, or financial concern, Cush goes the extra mile to ensure student needs are always met. Her door is always open, creating a calming presence around her. Cush tries to understand and help each individual person as themselves.”
Cuthbertson said she is grateful to have been nominated and to be in a position to support students, which motivates and drives her.
“I would like to thank the amazing and tenacious students for allowing me to help and teaching me new things and new ways to be a better success coach and person. I see the MLK spirit within my students and I strive to help them see that within themselves,” says Cuthbertson. “My students inspire me, and I am thankful to serve them. I am also thankful to the staff and faculty who give their all to making IUSB a wonderful place for so many students to call home.”
The winners and nominees for the 2025 Building Bridges Award were recognized at a ceremony on campus leading up to the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.
2025 Building Bridges IU South Bend student nominees:
- David Saleh
- Gage Ratkay
- Robin Weaver
2025 Building Bridges IU South Bend community nominees:
- Cush Cuthbertson
- Jesús García-Martínez
- Misel Ramirez Vasoli
To learn more about the Building Bridges Award, visit: https://mlkcelebration.indiana.edu/building-bridges/index.html