Advancing Belonging Across the Bucknell Community

On Sunday, April 19, members of the Bucknell community gathered to celebrate the recipients of the 2026 Leadership & Inclusive Excellence Awards. The annual recognition honors students, faculty, staff and groups who advance Bucknell's commitment to inclusive excellence by fostering belonging, challenging stereotypes and helping to bridge divides across campus.

This year's awardees were recognized for their meaningful contributions through innovative programming, impactful scholarship, and sustained advocacy that strengthen the campus community. Together, their efforts reflect Bucknell's ongoing dedication to building a learning and working environment grounded in equity, access and inclusion.

"These award recipients exemplify what it means to put Bucknell's values into action," says Vice President for Student Affairs & Fritz Family Dean of Students Moe McGuinness. Through their leadership, creativity and sustained commitment to others, they are helping to shape a campus community where all students, faculty and staff feel seen, supported and valued. Their work not only strengthens our campus today, but also helps prepare our community to engage with greater understanding and purpose in the world beyond Bucknell."

Leadership Awards

The Emerging Leader Award was presented to Graiden Allen '29, who quickly became active in his first year at Bucknell through student leadership, admissions involvement and campus programming.

Admissions counselor Josh Katz (right) presented The Emerging Leader Award to Graiden Allen '29. Photo by David Newsome/A Touch of Glass Photography

The Class Award of Excellence recognized Caleb Warren '29, Jazmin Burdette '28, Surrender Atukunda '27 and Freddie Lapworth '26. Warren was recognized for his early and sustained campus engagement. Burdette was honored for leadership across multiple student organizations and mentorship roles. Atukunda was recognized for thoughtful, service-oriented leadership across pre-orientation and campus programs. Lapworth was honored for his impact as a student-athlete, leader and mentor across multiple campus spaces.

The Civility and Respect Award was presented to Hannah Boffah '26, recognized for her steady leadership and ability to foster community across numerous student organizations.

The Bridge-Builder Award went to Maya Fetzer '26, recognized for connecting academic, cultural and student life communities across campus.

The Don Stechschulte Change Agent Award was presented to Jaylen Scott '27, recognized for leadership in student organizations and sustained commitment to mentorship and community development.

The Community Outreach Award was presented to Kat Liloia '26 for her work supporting campus prevention and advocacy initiatives focused on interpersonal violence.

The Gerald W. Commerford Orange & Blue Award was given to Jawaad Benson '26, recognized for his spirit, engagement and enthusiasm across campus life. 

The Residential Adviser Excellence Award was presented to Valeria Lopez '28 for her leadership in residential life and commitment to building strong, supportive communities.

Valeria Lopez '28 received The Residential Adviser Excellence Award from Tomas Sanchez, associate dean, Housing & Residence Life. Photo by David Newsome/A Touch of Glass Photography

The Faculty/Staff Adviser of Excellence Award was presented to Kim Schon, recognized for sustained mentorship and support of student organizations.

The Student Leadership Mentor Award was presented to Hillary De La Cruz '27, recognized for her leadership in mentoring engineering students and supporting inclusive professional development.

The Ed Robinson Adviser of Excellence Award (Greek Award) was presented to Professor Benjamin Wheatley, mechanical engineering, recognized for consistent support and mentorship of student organizations.

The Matthew B. Ridgway Jr. Award was presented to Abaigeal Robertson '26, recognized for leadership and service through ROTC.

The Dorothy Walls McCormick Prize was awarded to Claire Hayes '26 for her contributions to community engagement and student support.

Claire Hayes '26 received The Dorothy Walls McCormick Prize from Adrienne Jensen-Doray, assistant dean, Orientation, Leadership & Transition. Photo by David Newsome/A Touch of Glass Photography

The H. Boardman Hopper Prize was presented to Deborah Gonkpah '26 in recognition of resilience, leadership and sustained academic and community impact.

The Eleanor D. Decker Prize for Women was awarded to Marie Alexis '26, recognized for academic excellence, leadership and advocacy work in both campus and community settings.

The University Prize for Men was awarded to Brennan Newcomb '26, recognized for leadership in outdoor education, environmental stewardship and student engagement.

The Louis W. Robey Prizes were awarded to Thandeka Bango '27 and Da'Mirah Vinson '26 for exemplary contributions to Bucknell's academic and community life. 

Thandeka Bango '27 received the Louis W. Robey Prize from Bill McCoy, director, Gender and Sexuality Resources. Photo by David Newsome/A Touch of Glass Photography

Co-Curricular Leadership

The Bison Award for Excellence in Co-curricular Activities recognized a group of students for their broad engagement across campus life, leadership, and service. Recipients included students who demonstrated sustained involvement in student organizations, athletics, cultural initiatives, entrepreneurship, peer mentoring and community-building efforts.

Among the honorees were Lyric Abdul-Rasheed '26, Thandeka Bango '27, Lyndon Beier '26, Mikey Brandt '26, Gianna Depina '26, Amira Faden '26, Shea Finney '26, Ryan Firko '26, Viola Geismann '26, Deborah Gonkpah '26, Mercy Ifiegbu '26, Trevor Lamb '26, Freddie Lapworth '26, Ben Leone '26, Hayley Leopold '26, Kat McSorley '26, Eliza Morris '26, Jean Marie Ngabonziza '26, Ellyn Ngo '26, Farhaj Shahid '26, Kenny Truong '26, Axel Uribe '26, Ella Uriu '26, Garrett Van Blarcom-DeLuise '26 and Molly Woods '26.

Farhaj Shahid '26 was one of the students who received a Bison Award for Excellence in Co-curricular Activities from Emily Dietrich, co-interim executive director, Center for Career Advancement. Photo by David Newsome/A Touch of Glass Photography

Eliza Morris '26 received a Bison Award for Excellence in Co-curricular Activities from Erin Pascal, associate dean, Student Life. Photo by David Newsome/A Touch of Glass Photography

Inclusive Excellence Awards

The Gregory E. Wright '73 Award was presented to Da'Mirah Vinson '26. This award is given annually to a graduating senior who champions diversity and inclusion within the Bucknell community and beyond. Recipients demonstrate compassion, advocacy and vision in creating a welcoming and supportive environment for all students, particularly students of color. The award is presented by the Bucknell Black Alumni Association on behalf of Gregory Wright '73, M'76. 

Da'Mirah Vinson '26 received both The Gregory E. Wright '73 Award and The Louis W. Robey Prize. Photo by David Newsome/A Touch of Glass Photography

The Burma-Bucknell Award was presented to Surrender Atukunda '27. This annual award recognizes a Bucknell student, organization or community member who has made outstanding contributions to intercultural and international understanding. The award's origins trace back to a ceremonial bowl gifted to the University by President Win Maung of Burma in 1958, symbolizing the longstanding relationship between Bucknell and Burma (now Myanmar). 

The Student Inclusive Excellence Award was presented to Malika Ali '26.

The Staff Inclusive Excellence Award was presented to Michelle Lauver, recognized for her sustained leadership in developing inclusive programming and fostering campus-wide community engagement. 

A Collaborative Inclusive Excellence Award was also presented to the team behind the "150 Years of Black Excellence at Bucknell" initiative, recognizing its impact in honoring and preserving the University's Black student history and contributions.