The annual Student Spring Leadership awards were held on Sunday, April 19. Over 40 students were recognized for excellence, leadership and advocacy, among other qualities. Students are able to be nominated by faculty, staff and peers.
The Emerging Leader Award, given to a first-year or sophomore class member who is active and involved in a variety of extra-curricular activities, was awarded to Graiden Allen ’29. He is class president for the class of 2029, an Admissions Ambassador and the host of his own podcast, “Papa G’s Office Hours,” which he’s used to connect more with students and staff on campus through one-on-one interviews.
A member of each class was awarded the Class Awards of Excellence; each awardee was singled out for exhibiting leadership through campus involvement and influence. This year’s awardees were Caleb Warren ’29, Jazmin Burdette ’28, Surrender Atukunda ’27, and Freddie Lapworth ’26.
The Civility and Respect Award went to Hannah Boffah ’26, for her dedication to the Women’s Resource Center, the Writing Center and the Bisonettes Dance Team, among other accomplishments. Maya Fetzer ’26 earned the Bridge Builder Award for her wide-ranging commitments in activities such as the Bucknell Coffee Society and the American Institute of Chemical Engineers. The Don Stechschulte Change Agent Award was given to Jaylen Scott ’27 for his leadership in various student organizations. Katarina Liloia ’26 won the Community Outreach Award for going above and beyond while serving the local community.
Jawaad “KJ” Benson ’26 was presented with the Gerald W. Commerford Orange & Blue Award for embodying the spirit of Bucknell– passionate, driven, humble and affable. The Residential Advisor Excellence Award was given to Valeria Lopez ’28 for embodying the core qualities of an RA and going above and beyond to support her residents. The Student Leadership Mentor Award went to Hillary De La Cruz ’27 for the impact she’s made on countless students. Malika Ali ’26 won the Inclusive Excellence Student Award as recognition for her work with Bucknell Student Government, the South Asian Student Association and other organizations. Surrender Atukunda was welcomed back to the stage in absentia to earn the Burma-Bucknell Award for work improving intercultural understanding.
Debra Gonkpah ’26 won the Boardman Hopper Award for her dedication to achieving her degree, despite facing numerous challenging circumstances. Da’Mirah Vinson ’26 earned the Gregory E. Wright Class of ’73 Award for demonstrating courage, vision, fairness and determination, among other qualities. The Matthew B. Ridgway Jr. Award was given to Abaigeal Robertson ’26 for exemplifying the character, integrity and dedication shown by General Marshall and Matthew Ridgway Jr.
The Dorothy Walls McCormick Prize went to Claire Hayes ’26 for being a positive representative of the local area. Marie Victoire Alexis ’26 won the Eleanor D. Decker Prize for Women for embodying intellectual maturity and strength of character. The University Prize for Men went to Brennan Newcomb ’26, as he was found to exemplify the qualities to which all Bucknell men should aspire. The Louis W. Robey Prizes, which are awarded to students who best represent a Bucknell education, went to Thandeka Bango ’26 and Da’Mirah Vinson ’26.
The BISON Award for Excellence in Co-Curricular Activities recognizes seniors who have made significant contributions to co-curricular and community activities. Twenty-five total members of the class of 2026 received the award. In sum, recipients were: Lyric Abdul-Rasheed, Thandeka Bango, Lyndon Beier, Mikey Brandt, Gianna Depina, Amira Faden, Shea Finney, Ryan Firko, Viola Geismann, Debra Gonkpah, Mercy Ifiegbu, Trevor Lamb, Freddie Lapworth, Ben Leone, Hayley Leopold, Kat McSorely, Eliza Morris, Jean Marie Ngabonziza, Linh (Ellyn) Ngo, Farhaj Shahid, Kenny Truong, Axel Uribe, Ella Uriu, Garrett Van Blarcom-DeLuise and Molly Woods.
