Communication Grad Student Recognized By State For ‘Selfless Service’ During COVID-19

Cheikhani Khlil has helped Arabic speaking communities in the region during the pandemic.

By ARHU Staff 

Cheikhani Khlil, who is graduating today with an M.P.S. in interpreting from the Department of Communication’s Interpreting & Translation program, received a Certificate of Appreciation from the Secretary of the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC), James Fielder, in recognition of his “selfless service to the community” during the COVID-19 pandemic.  

Over the past few months, Khlil, a Fulbright student from Mauritania, has helped Arabic speaking communities in Maryland, D.C. and Virginia comprehend the safety issues associated with COVID-19 by translating texts into Arabic. 

“You made a commitment to your communities and volunteered daily, regardless of the demanding work required by your studies and the deadlines required to successfully graduate,” Fielder said. “Your dedication to our community is an example to all of us, as global communicators, that it is our charge to serve others with the skills we bring.” 

Fielder called Khlil “one of many heroes who continue to rise to the challenge, answering the call to action, and bringing the best-of-self to serve our many diverse and vulnerable populations in this time of great need.”

MHEC is responsible for establishing statewide policies for Maryland public and private colleges. 

Image courtesy of Khlil.