2023 Student Leadership Awards

On Wednesday, April 19, Springfield College hosted the annual Student Leadership Awards ceremony. These awards recognize students who have made outstanding leadership contributions to our campus community and the local Springfield community. The selection committee struggled to select only one winner for each award as so many students were so deserving. We hope you join us in congratulating all the nominees and the award winners.

Nominees:

Kushal Bhandari, Rianna Bottger, Kyla Boyns, Connor Caverly, Mikaili Charlemagne, Gladys Cornier, Garrett Cote, Connor Croan, Gianna (Gigi) DeRose, Erin Duffy, Marcelo Erickson, Maura Flaherty, Caitlyn Gresh, Maddy Jankowski, Shara Karmacharya, Jade Kiang, Dominique LaBranche, Hrishikesh (Rishi) Lamichhane, Kaylie Langer, Logan Large, Kathryn Laughlin, Cassie Levin, Paris Lizana, Frank Mahoney Burroughs, Chelsea Mensah, Reese Merritt, Maggie Micciche, Seth Newman, Alicia Patenaude, Rachael Prosper, Stephanie Puente, Chandani Rana, Anna Russo, Barsha Shah, Melanie Taub, Jake Tenney, Julio Vega, Kevin Velazquez-Rivera, Douglas Wydom

Class of ’57 Award: This award honors a senior who has demonstrated the ability to work as an effective group member and group leader, has made significant contributions to the community, and has an understanding and appreciation of the opportunities and challenges in a world that is increasingly diverse, multicultural, and international. This award was established in 2002 with generous contributions from the members of the Class of 1957. 

Recipient: Maura Flaherty

Class of ’63 Award: This award recognizes a senior who has demonstrated an exceptional work ethic, strong time-management skills and a dedication to the campus community. This senior has held significant employment throughout college, while also being active in cocurricular activities and maintaining a good academic record. This award was established in 2014 with generous contributions of the Class of 1963 to celebrate their 50th Reunion.

Recipient: Kyoe Paw

Emerging Leader Award: This award recognizes a first-year or sophomore student who has demonstrated outstanding leadership or involvement at Springfield College. This individual will have demonstrated a commitment to the Humanics philosophy, organizing activities or events, and actively working to improve Springfield College and/or the greater community.

Recipient: Hrishikesh (Rishi) Lamichhane

Humanics Leader in Service Award: This award honors a student who has consistently committed to serving humanity and working toward the pursuit of social justice, and who has made lifestyle and career decisions consistent with the values gained from community service experiences. 

Recipient: Jade Kiang

John M. Wilson Diversity Leadership Award: This award recognizes a student who embodies the legacy of Mr. Wilson by demonstrating sensitivity and commitment to differences reflected in race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, and religion. As the director of Multicultural Affairs at Springfield College, John Wilson dedicated his life to working across differences towards mutual understanding and acceptance. The recipient of this award embodies his legacy by demonstrating a unique ability to lead by reaching out to different groups of students enrolled at Springfield College. This student has demonstrated a commitment to fostering a community that is safe and more inclusive for everyone.

Recipient: Chelsea Mensah

Leader in the Arts Award: This award recognizes an individual who has made significant contributions to the arts through cocurricular participation and who has been actively involved in the campus arts culture. This individual demonstrates a passion for building a stronger community through the arts as demonstrated by their participation in events/performances, and their leadership.

Recipient: Alicia Patenaude

Outstanding Graduate Student Award: This award recognizes a graduate student who has applied their educational experience to make significant contributions to the betterment of the campus, or by initiating positive change for those beyond the immediate community.

Recipient: Marcelo Erickson

Pride Award: These awards recognize students who have demonstrated a committed desire to create a strong community at Springfield College. The recipients demonstrate an enduring commitment to the wholeness of the campus, including the intellectual and cultural environment, the College’s commitment to overall wellness, and service to the surrounding community. 

Recipients: Mikaili Charlemagne, Gianna (Gigi) DeRose, Erin Duffy, Kaylie Langer, Anna Russo, Kevin Velazquez-Rivera

Regional Online and Continuing Education (ROCE) Award: This award acknowledges that leadership does not occur only on the Springfield College main campus. Students nominated for this award demonstrate their commitment to the College’s mission through civic engagement and leadership in their local communities. The recipient contributes to the betterment of society, while maintaining a strong academic standing.

Recipient: Julio Vega

Unsung Hero Award: This award honors an individual who has worked tirelessly to impact the campus and community life, working behind the scenes - often without recognition - to provide leadership in service to humanity. 

Recipient: Kathryn (Kay) Laughlin