Indiana University South Bend named David Saleh, student, and Cush Cuthbertson, staff member, 2025 Building Bridges Award winners.
The award recognizes individuals who capture Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision and leadership at IU and within their communities.
Saleh is a senior majoring in communication studies. He leads 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,” the university said in a press release. “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 is honored that nominators see him as fulfilling King’s mission.
“Martin Luther King Jr. was an incredible man, and I am very humbled to receive this honor,” Saleh said.
Cuthbertson is a Titan Success Center student retention specialist and Black Student Union advisor. The nominating committee selected her because of her passion for student success and service to others.
Cuthbertson is grateful to be in a position to support students.
“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,” Cuthbertson said. “I see the MLK spirit within my students and I strive to help them see that within themselves.”
Cuthbertson added that her students inspire her and she is thankful to serve them.
2025 Building Bridges IU South Bend student nominees included:
- David Saleh
- Gage Ratkay
- Robin Weaver
2025 Building Bridges IU South Bend community nominees included:
- Cush Cuthbertson
- Jesús García-Martínez
- Misel Ramirez Vasoli
The university honored winners and nominees at a ceremony leading up to the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.
