Students Honored for Commitment to Excellence, Community Involvement

BRISTOL, R.I. – A plethora of prestigious honors were bestowed at the Student Achievement Awards ceremony on May 5, a time-honored tradition where the Roger Williams University community comes together to recognize students’ remarkable dedication, leadership, and on-campus accomplishments. A total of 71 awards were presented at the celebration held in the Campus Recreation Center, which was filled with students, faculty, staff, and families eager to applaud the outstanding successes of their peers and loved ones.

Hosted by the Division of Student Life, the event serves as a testament to the unwavering commitment to excellence and vibrant spirit ingrained within the fabric of RWU. In his remarks, Vice President for Student Life John King also highlighted the extraordinary perseverance of students who navigated the challenges brought about by COVID-19, demonstrating strength in the face of adversity.

"This yearly ceremony recognizes the various co-curricular, leadership, service, and academic achievements of highly impactful students. We applaud them for their dedication, involvement, and meaningful impact on our community. This year, we are especially appreciative of the contributions of student leaders graduating with the Class of 2024 who started their career at RWU during the pandemic – and their resilience."

Throughout the joyous occasion, stories of advocacy, courage, and transformation took center stage, showcasing the incredible breadth of talent within the RWU community. Whether through academic pursuits, extracurricular endeavors, or dedicated service, these students embody the core values of RWU, inspiring others to follow in their footsteps.

In addition to student awards, Forensic Science Program Director and Professor Karla-Sue Marriott received the Dr. Mark Gould Commitment to Student Learning Award, voted on by students and presented by School of Justice Studies Interim Dean and Justice System Training and Research Institute Director David Lambert.

The following students received awards:

The Outstanding Admissions Ambassador Awards recognize and commend students who best reflect the mission and philosophy of the Office of Admission.

Outstanding Admissions Ambassador Awards

Carisa Brogdon ’24

Enesyia Colwell ’24

Abida Mohammady ’25

Hannah Patalsky ’24

Matthew Schwartz ’24

The Charles J. Kelley Award recognizes a student for outstanding work in health promotion to the RWU community.

Charles J. Kelley Health Service Award

Dominique McMillian ’24

The Title IX Violence Prevention & Sexual Assault Awareness Recognition Award honors students who have worked closely with the Title IX office over the past year.

Title IX Violence Prevention and Sexual Assault Awareness Award

Ryleigh Gonyo ’24

The Roger Williams University Sustainability Award recognizes a student who made great strides in promoting sustainable practices within our campus community.  

Sustainability Award

Meagan Beale ’25

The Club and Organization Members of the Year awards were created to recognize the efforts of Club and Organization members who continuously went above and beyond their duties.

Club Member of the Year

Kristen Hearrold ’24

Organization Member of the Year

Emily Rosen ’24

The James R. Russo Award is given annually by the Department of Athletics to senior student-athletes who have the highest grade point averages.

James R. Russo Award for Athletic Academic Excellence 

Rachel Borzone ’24

Jennifer Donohue ’24

Sam Gibson ’24

Class Awards honor students of each class year who live out the mission of the University and their love of the community through service to the University.

Class Awards: Class of 2024

Athena Morrisett ’24

Benjamin Mosher ’24

Anthony Steed ’24

Rameesa Wajid ’24

Class Awards: Class of 2025

Riley Gilliland ’25

Hannah Limanek ’25

Taylor Quinn ’25

Abigail Valenzuela ’25

Class Awards: Class of 2026

Genevieve Nelson ’26

Isabelle West ’26

Class Awards: Class of 2027

Blessed Adeoye ’27

Lauren Rodman ’27

The Intercultural Center Values and Service Award honors students who have demonstrated sustained commitment to the values of the Intercultural Center initiatives through their engagement and service.

Intercultural Values and Service Award

Christain Barbosa ’24

Erica Prempeh ’24

The Resident Assistant of the Year Award is given to an outstanding staff member who goes above and beyond their responsibilities.

Resident Assistant of the Year Award

Paige Moreau ’26

The Peer Mentor of the Year Award recognizes an outstanding Peer Mentor who demonstrated commitment, reliability, professionalism, and enthusiasm throughout the year.

Peer Mentor of the Year Award

Eileen Mullen ’24

The International Student Leadership Award was created to recognize a student for their dedication and commitment to campus internationalization and international engagement.

International Student Leadership Award

Rameesa Wajid ’24

The Melissa Carrasquillo Award for Intercultural Citizenship is awarded to a graduating senior who demonstrated exceptional commitment to social justice and inclusion.

Melissa Carrasquillo Award for Intercultural Citizenship

Joshua Ongera ’24

The Student Senate awarded the following scholarships:

Student Senate Scholarship in Activism

Brianna Carlin ’26

Olivia Ellis ’26

Emma Mallett ’24

Student Senate Scholarship in Academic Achievement Scholarships

Eva Kelley ’27

Nicole Kowalewski ’24

Cassie Pay ’24

Student Senate Academic Resource Scholarship

Katie Flaherty ’25

Ciara Hernandez ’27

Hussein Hijazi ’26

Brandon Johnson ’26

Benjamin Mihalovich ’26

Crystal Ribeiro ’25

The Lt. Charles A. Henderson, USN '99 Spirit Award includes a monetary award in memory of Lt. Charles A. Henderson III USN '99. It is awarded to a graduating senior with graduate school aspirations who best and most consistently demonstrates the embodiment of a true scholar.

Lt. Charles A. Henderson Spirit Award

Justine Montigny ’24

Lt. Charles Henderson Outstanding Tutor Award in Writing

Mayson O'Marra ’24

Lt. Charles Henderson Outstanding Tutor Award in Math

Zack Wieners ’24

Lt. Charles Henderson Outstanding Tutor Award in Science

Carly Ferreira ’24

The Dr. J. Harold G. Way Scholarship Award was established in memory of Dr. Harold Way, a former University faculty member from 1969 to 1974. This award is based upon a student's strong academic standing and their contribution to the University community.

Dr. J. Harold G. Way Scholarship

Rian Jackson ’24

The Karen R. Haskell Senior Leadership Award is named for former Dean of Students, Dr. Karen Haskell, who fully embraced sustained student leadership and engagement in the campus community.

Dr. Karen Haskell Outstanding Senior Leadership Award

Edward Conley ’24

Ananda Hines ’24

Alexandra Robbins ’24

Alli Schoenfeldt ’24

The President's Core Values Medallion recognizes graduating seniors who best exemplify the core values of the institution.

Presidential Core Medallion

Michael Arel ’24

Rachel Borzone ’24

Paula Carroll ’24

Jordan Durfee ’24

Carly Ferreira ’24

Stefanie Fischer L’24

Viannely Francisco ’24

Richard McGee ’24

Joshua Ongera ’24

Brittney Ortiz L’24

Renee Parry ’24

Nathan Richard ’24

Madison Rodriques ’24

Isaiah Saint-Vil ’24

Anthony Steed ’24

Honor Sucov ’24

Samuel Trieber ’24

Rameesa Wajid ’24