Division of Student Affairs - Annual Student Awards Winners

May 7, 2020

The Division of Student Affairs would like to recognize the following students for their hard work and dedication to the University.

Congratulations to the winners!

Campus Life

Gold Award

Presented to students who have demonstrated exemplary leadership through active involvement at St. John’s University.

Jacqueline Abraham
Evelyn Austin
Marielle Awad
Mary-Kate Badalamenti
Monika Baginska
Eric Ching
Shane Crawford
Maggie Crean
Isabelle Dudek
Emily Falcones
Anna Gibson
Dina Goodger
Yaellee Guevara
Nia Gumbs
Anoosha Hamid
Jescenia Hasan
Treasure Hodge
James Horn
Ran (Allison) Hur
Joseph Hustins
Amisha Jaimon
Eve Kapassakis
Janelyn Lacson
Mikayla Lawrence
Matthew Macatula
Jillian Manicdao
Nusrat Nasir
Ariana Nikolis
Theodore Papoulis
Catherine Simakaski
Karol Skrzypa
Nazmun Tarafdar
Lanre Thomas
Alicia Villafana

Community Service

Community Service Award

This award honors students for their outstanding commitment and dedication to the Vincentian Mission of serving others.

Giselle Rosario

Student Operations

Operations Exceptional Leadership Award

This award is given in recognition of exceptional leadership in the area of Operations. It commemorates a student leader’s dedication, professionalism, and service to the St. John’s community.

Ariana Junor
Quinten Lagmay
Matthew Macatula
Dana Melville
Ryan Michel
Taylor Phelps
Madeline Walewander

Global Engagement

Outstanding Study Abroad Student

Awarded to a semester study abroad student who made the greatest contribution to our Global campus sites in Rome, Paris, and Limerick. The recipient has embodied the spirit of international student engagement by demonstrating an open-mindedness to new cultures and perspectives, an exceptional commitment to local service and student activities, and a willingness to enhance intercultural connections across the program.

Špela Kunstelj

New Student Orientation

Spirit of Orientation

This award recognizes a new Orientation Leader who continuously goes beyond what is expected, showing initiative and voluntarily serving as a mentor to new Orientation leaders.

Lianna Fernandez

Orientation Achievement

This award is presented to a returning Orientation Leader who continuously goes beyond what is expected, showing initiative and voluntarily serving as a mentor to new Orientation Leaders.

Garry Tellus

Coordinator of the Year

This award honors a Student Coordinator who has been a visible and integral part of the New Student Orientation Program.

Ryan Fredericks

Discover New York

Spirit of Discover New York

Awarded to a peer leader whose performance within Discover New York has surpassed all expectations.

Ryan Fredericks
Thomas Moore
Jenna Shea

Mentoring

R.I.S.E. Network Leader Excellence Award

Awarded to a student who has exemplified leadership skills in their dedication to Reach, Inspire, Succeed, and Empower Black and Latino(a) freshmen students.

Jessica Morales
Harrison Harvey

Veterans Affairs

Patriot Award

Awarded to a senior member of the Student Veterans Association who is committed to the principles of dedication, leadership, honor, and service to our University community and our country.

Robert Tolley

Performing Arts

Outstanding Thespian

Awarded to a member of the Chappell Players Theatre Group who has demonstrated exceptional teamwork, commitment to the organization, and excellence in the theater arts.

Anthony Starvaggi

Outstanding Jazz Musician

Awarded to a member of the Jazz Band who has demonstrated exceptional teamwork, commitment to the band, and excellence in instrumental performance.

Donovan J. Brophy

Outstanding Chorister, Mixed Chorus

Awarded to a member of the Mixed Chorus who has demonstrated exceptional teamwork, commitment to the choir, and excellence in vocal performance.

Joel D. Ennin

Outstanding Chorister, Voices of Victory

Awarded to a member of Voices of Victory who has demonstrated exceptional teamwork, commitment to the choir, and excellence in vocal performance.

Ariela S. Abreu

Richard W. Pretzer Memorial Award, Mixed Chorus

Awarded to a member of the Mixed Chorus who has demonstrated exceptional leadership in the spirit of our beloved director, Richard W. Pretzer.

Jillian Brudi

Student Wellness

Stressbuster Leader of the Year Award

This award honors a Stressbuster for his or her dedication and service to their fellow students as they promote interesting, healthy habits for self-care.

Aaliya Ahmed

Peer Educator Of The Year Award

Awarded to a student who encourages his or her peers to consider, talk honestly about, and develop a responsible approach to their own health and well-being

Bre'Anna Grant

Outstanding SOAR Guide Award

Awarded to a SOAR Guide for their dedication to: educating the St. John's community about sexual assault/violence by facilitating Bystander Intervention and Affirmative Consent training sessions; raising awareness to prevent incidents of sexual assault; and doing their part to support student survivors.

Isabella Forero

Campus Recreation

Exceptional Leadership Award

Awarded to a student who has made significant contributions to the Office of Campus Recreation and provided students with the tools necessary to lead an active and healthy lifestyle.

Terri Dorsey

Outstanding Participant Award

This award is presented to a student who has shown exceptional sportsmanship while participating in Campus Recreation programming.

Christopher Capodanno

Career Services

Career Peer Emerging Leader Award

Awarded to a first-year Career Peer who has demonstrated a high level of energy, enthusiasm and contribution to the growth of the program, often inspiring other peers.

Austin Bovino

Career Peer Exceptional Leader Award

Awarded to a Career Peer who has been part of the program for a year or more, who has demonstrated leadership amongst others and has made outstanding contributions to the program.

Zaria Jack
Kalifa Thomas

Leadership Development

Exceptional Student Leadership Award

Awarded to student for their dedication and commitment to leadership development. It commemorates a student leader’s dedication, professionalism, and service to the St. John’s community.

Marisa Pollock

Residence Life

Rookie of the Year Award

Awarded to a first-year resident assistant who has portrayed a positive, proactive attitude, shown an eagerness to volunteer for departmental projects, served as a role model for staff and residents, and brought out the best in others.

Carisma Collins

Resident Assistant of the Year

Awarded to a resident assistant or senior resident assistant who has made outstanding contributions to the residential community.

Lorena Nanjara

Excellence in Programming

Awarded to a resident assistant or senior resident assistant who has demonstrated an exceptional ability to identify the needs of his or her community while developing innovative programs that aid the holistic growth of residents.

Austin Bovino

Courtyard Community Builder Award

Awarded to the resident assistant who has built the best community in an apartment or off-campus residence hall.

Albert Buchholz

Student Conduct

Outstanding Student Conduct Board Member

Awarded to a member of the Student Conduct Board who embodies the ideals of fairness, justice, and personal accountability. The recipient has worked to foster the qualities of character and integrity throughout the entire St. John’s University Community.

Dionna Thompson

Campus Achievement

Pioneer Award

Presented to a student who has been instrumental in the creation, revival, or rehabilitation of a student organization and/or a major University event or program.

Armani Monteiro
Teresa Neri
Alicia Villafana

Bridge Builder Award

Presented to a student who has been pivotal in establishing or supporting connections amongst students and between student groups and administration.

Destiny Eden

Indelible Mark Award

Presented to a student who has left an indelible mark on the St. John’s University community.

Matthew Macatula
Riley Parker
Pavle Dokic

Distinguished Honors

Martin-DePaul Award

Presented to a student who has truly embodied the defining characteristics of both Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and St. Vincent de Paul through outstanding leadership and a vision for the future.

Paige Pfankuch Gleason

Spirit of St. John’s Award

Presented to a student who has best exemplified the mission and enthusiasm of St. John’s University. This individual is a motivator, team player, and always puts the needs of students first.

Mark Miller

Distinguished Student Leader Award

Presented to a student who demonstrated outstanding leadership and service, made significant contributions to the University community, exemplified the highest ethical and moral standards, and is committed to academic success.

Celeste Daniel