{"id":2134,"date":"2026-04-08T14:37:31","date_gmt":"2026-04-08T14:37:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/academics\/?page_id=2134"},"modified":"2026-09-11T15:20:48","modified_gmt":"2026-09-11T15:20:48","slug":"awards-convocation","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/academics\/awards-convocation\/","title":{"rendered":"2026 Awards Convocation"},"content":{"rendered":"
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President Rhonda Phillips, Ph.D., FAICP<\/h2>\n

Dr. Phillips is a dedicated advocate for the vital contribution of higher education to the personal growth and career development of her students\u2014as well as the social, economic, and environmental progress of our communities. She seeks to exemplify those values within her own teaching, research, and academic leadership as President of St. Mary\u2019s College of Maryland.<\/p>\n

Phillips earned her bachelor\u2019s degree of geography and her master\u2019s degree of economic development at the University of Southern Mississippi. She applied those degrees to her first professional positions with the City of Birmingham, Alabama, then at the Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the International Development Research Council. She earned a M.S. Economics degree and a Ph.D. in City and Regional Planning from the Georgia Institute of Technology\u2014the first woman to earn that doctorate.<\/p>\n

Dr. Phillips returned to the University of Southern Mississippi for her first academic professional position, as Director of the Community Planning Program in the Department of Geography and Economic Development. She gained further academic experience at Arizona State University, then as founding Dean of the John Martinson Honors College at Purdue University as well as Professor of Agricultural Economics. As past President of Chatham University in Pittsburgh, Dr. Phillips helped stabilize the future of that historic institution.<\/p>\n

During her academic career, President Phillips was named a three-time Fulbright recipient, including as a UK Ulster Policy Fellow in Northern Ireland; a Fellow of the American Institute of Certified Planners; and a Fellow of the American Council on Education. President Phillips is a passionate advocate for the vital roles of honors learning; the liberal arts, sciences, fine arts, and athletics; and interdisciplinary teaching and research within academies of higher education.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Faculty & Staff Awards<\/strong><\/h2><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
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St. Mary\u2019s Award<\/h3>\n

Presented by President Rhonda Phillips, Ph.D., FAICP
\nAnita Faye Graves<\/strong>, senior human resources and immigration specialist<\/p>\n

Established in 2017 by President Tuajuanda Jordan and presented to an individual or group whose actions and deeds epitomize the St. Mary\u2019s Way.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Joe Carroll Memorial Staff Award<\/h3>\n

Presented by Ashley Hardy, marketing manager and member of the Staff Senate
\nMark Mimay<\/strong>, HVAC mechanic<\/p>\n

Established in 2012 by the Staff Senate through contributions from the College community to recognize non-exempt staff who dedicate themselves through exceptional integrity and service.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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The Andy Kozak Faculty Contribution to Student Life Award<\/h3>\n

Presented by Jerri Howland, vice president for student affairs
\nTodd Eberly<\/strong>, professor of political science and public policy<\/p>\n

Established in 2011 by Don Stabile, faculty emeritus, to recognize faculty members who are active participants in the student life of the College.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Jordan Teaching Exemplar Award<\/h3>\n

Presented by President Rhonda Phillips, Ph.D., FAICP
\nDiego Villada<\/strong>, assistant professor of theater, dance and performance studies<\/p>\n

St. Mary\u2019s College community who exhibit exemplary teaching within or beyond the traditional classroom of the College.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Norton T. Dodge Award for Scholarly & Creative Achievement by a Junior Faculty Member<\/h3>\n

Presented by Nancy R. Dodge
\nLorena Torres Martinez<\/strong>, assistant professor of biology<\/p>\n

Established in 2003 by Don Stabile, faculty emeritus, to recognize excellence in scholarly and creative achievement.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Homer L. Dodge Award for Excellence in Teaching<\/h3>\n

Introduced by Angela Johnson, professor and chair of the Department of Educational Studies
\nPresented by Nancy R. Dodge
\nDavid Morris<\/strong>, professor of educational studies<\/p>\n

Established in 1985 by the late Norton T. Dodge, faculty emeritus, to recognize excellence in teaching.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Student Awardees<\/h3><\/i><\/div>

Charlotte Acks
\nEmerging Environmental Scholar Award<\/strong>
\nCharlotte Acks, of Glen Burnie, Maryland, is an environmental studies major with minors in art and philosophy. Acks is president of women\u2019s rugby, treasurer of Students of Caribbean Ancestry (SOCA) and a member of the Kickboxing Club, the Kate Farm Club and the Public Art Collective. Acks intends to pursue a master\u2019s degree in sustainable agriculture and nutrition.<\/p>\n

Lucy Adkins
\nMaryland State Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution Scholarship<\/strong>
\nPresented by Stacey Park
\nLucy Adkins is from Frederick, Maryland. A member of Phi Beta Kappa, Phi Alpha Theta and Sigma Tau Delta honor societies, Adkins\u2019 future plans include working in an academic library as an archivist.<\/p>\n

Taylor Baker
\nEducational Studies Book Award<\/strong>
\nTaylor Baker, of Prince Frederick, Maryland, is a member of Phi Beta Kappa and Sigma Tau Delta honor societies. Baker participates in Intervarsity and plans to enroll in the Master of Arts in Teaching program.<\/p>\n

Mia Benzon
\nTorre M. Meringolo Theater Award<\/strong>
\nMia Benzon is from Havre de Grace, Maryland. A double major in history and political science with a passion for performing arts, Benzon has performed in mainstage productions as well as Double A Cabaret. Benzon interns with the Title IX Office and is a member of the Debate Club. After graduation, Benzon plans to perform in local productions.<\/p>\n

Ashlyn Bonner
\nMargaret Eagle Dixon Award in Literature<\/strong>
\nAshlyn Bonner, of Ellicott City, Maryland, is a double major in English and psychology. A member of the Dean\u2019s List and three-time captain of the varsity women\u2019s soccer team, Bonner is also a student ambassador for the Admission Welcome Center. After graduation, Bonner will work as a marketing associate for the Fire Safety Research Institute.<\/p>\n

Camden Brooks
\nBusiness Administration Department Award<\/strong>
\nCamden Brooks, is from Huntingtown, Maryland. A business major and member of the Dean\u2019s List, Brooks plans to become a certified public accountant.<\/p>\n

Caleb Bryan
\nMattie M. Key Award in Mathematics<\/strong>
\nCaleb Bryan is from Leonardtown Maryland. A member of the Music Club, Bryan joins the MAT Program in July to become a secondary math teacher.<\/p>\n

Abby Chappell
\nOutstanding Achievement in Principles of Biology<\/strong>
\nAbby Chappell is from Waynesboro, Pennsylvania. A laboratory research assistant for Dr. Elka Porter, Chappell will study abroad at James Cook University in Australia next semester. Post-graduation, Chappell intends to pursue a career in natural resources management.<\/p>\n

Erin Clark
\nPhysics Faculty Award for Outstanding Research<\/strong>
\nErin Clark, from Ellicott City, Maryland, is a member of the varsity women\u2019s soccer team and serves as a tutor for both math and physics. Clark plans to pursue a Ph.D. in medical physics.<\/p>\n

Joanna Cleaver
\nThe SEA (Student Excellence Award) in Marine Science<\/strong>
\nJoanna Cleaver is from Frederick, Maryland. A member of Phi Beta Kappa honor society and the Dean\u2019s List, Cleaver has studied abroad in Australia and Thailand. On campus, Cleaver plays piano for Jazz Combo, Jazz Ensemble, and Orchestra, and is a member of Music Club, Burlesque Club, and Sustainability Club, as well as a Kate Farm intern. After graduation, Cleaver plans to work on an organic farm in Italy to learn about sustainable agriculture.<\/p>\n

Catherine Costello
\nDean\u2019s Award for Academic Excellence in the First Year<\/strong>
\nPresented by Libby Williams
\nCatherine Costello is from Port Deposit, Maryland. A member of the Creative Writing Club, Costello plans to pursue a career as an early childhood educator.<\/p>\n

John Crook
\nThomas Penfield Jackson Award for Civic Responsibility & Democratic Citizenship<\/strong>
\nPresented by Patricia Jackson
\nJohn Crook, from Centreville, Maryland, is a program student ambassador for philosophy and an intern with the Office for Career Development and Community Engagement. Previously, Crook interned with the Center for the Study of Democracy, the Kate Chandler Campus Community Farm and Solomon\u2019s Shoppe. After graduation, Crook plans to pursue graduate study in philosophy, public policy or social work.<\/p>\n

Brynn Desmond
\nKate Chandler SMP Award for the Study of Literature, Writing & the Environment<\/strong>
\nBrynn Desmond is from Pittsville, Maryland. A member of the Dean\u2019s List, Sigma Tau Delta honor society and a St. Mary\u2019s Scholar, Desmond plans to pursue a master\u2019s degree in library science.<\/p>\n

Sophie Dingman
\nLisa Zsebedics Memorial Award<\/strong>
\nSophie Dingman, from Crofton, Maryland, studies psychology and art and works at the Daily Grind. After graduation, Dingman plans to become an art therapist.<\/p>\n

Clara Divjak
\nJaie M. Perrizo Human Services Award<\/strong>
\nClara Divjak is from Preston, Maryland. A member of Psi Chi honor society, Divjak conducted directed research as part of completing a major in psychology. Divjak intends to pursue graduate school and become a licensed therapist.<\/p>\n

Clara Dodson
\nDepartment Award in Anthropology<\/strong>
\nClara Dodson, of Rosedale, Maryland, is a member of the Dean\u2019s List, president of the Sustainability Club and participates in Burlesque Club. After graduation, Dodson plans to go to graduate school.<\/p>\n

Eve Douglas
\nHenry Rosemont Peace & Justice Award<\/strong>
\nPresented by Genevieve Rosemont Yellin
\nEve Douglas is from Frederick Maryland. An executive member of the Veggie Co-op and an on-campus yoga instructor, Douglas to continue teaching yoga and pursue a career in animal welfare.<\/p>\n

Ugonna Ejekwu
\nDepartment of Chemistry & Biochemistry Award for Excellence in Biochemistry<\/strong>
\nUgonna Ejekwu is from Beltsville, Maryland and is a member of Beta Beta Beta honor society and the Dean\u2019s List. Ejekwu is president of the SGA and a member of the Shared Governance Committee, Music Club, SMAC\/BOSS and the African Students Association. After graduation, Ejekwu plans to get her Ph.D. in microbiology and immunology.<\/p>\n

Arianna Fields
\nFaculty Scholarship Award<\/strong>
\nArianna Fields is from Baltimore City, Maryland. Both a Landers and DeSousa Brent Scholar, Fields also is a member of Intervarsity Christian Fellowship. After graduation, Fields plans to be a high school educator in English and creative writing.<\/p>\n

Corinne Frederick
\nWomen, Gender & Sexuality Award<\/strong>
\nCorinne Frederick is from Baltimore, Maryland. Frederick is a member of the management co-op at the Kate Chandler Campus Community Farm and the Orientation Team, and was a student panelist for the WGSX Colloquium. Frederick plans a career in agriculture.<\/p>\n

Haley Gambrell
\nDeak Reynolds Economics Award<\/strong>
\nHaley Gambrell is from Frederick Maryland. A member of Phi Beta Kappa and Omicron Delta Epsilon honor societies and a DeSousa Brent Scholar, Gambrell is also an orientation coordinator, a student ambassador coordinator for Admission, a classroom assistant for math and a member of SAGE and OS3. After graduation, Gambrell begins a Ph.D. program in agriculture and resource economics this fall at the University of Maryland.<\/p>\n

John Gaskins
\nAlice Fluery & Arthur S. Zamanakos Prize in Music<\/strong>
\nJohn Gaskins, from Waldorf, Maryland, is a member of the St. Mary\u2019s Singers and participates in the performing arts programs. Gaskins intends to pursue work in the entertainment industry, performing on a cruise ship or at an amusement park.<\/p>\n

Allison Glaser
\nMargaret Eagle Dixon Award in Literature<\/strong>
\nAllison Glaser is from Parkville, Maryland. An English major with minors in philosophy and WGSX, Glaser is co-editor-in-chief of AVATAR and a senior tutor at the Writing and Speaking Center, as well as an assistant to the Chesapeake Writers\u2019 Conference and intern at the St. Mary\u2019s Arts Council. After graduation, Glaser plans to pursue a career in a library or nonprofit organization.<\/p>\n

Kal Godfroy
\nGale West Parmentier Arts Alliance Award for Creative Writing<\/strong>
\nPresented by Kathy Glockner
\nKal Godfroy is from Frederick, Maryland. A member of Phi Beta Kappa and Sigma Tau Delta honor societies, Godfroy is co-editor-in-chief of AVATAR and a member of Dance Club. Having studied abroad in Granada, Spain, Godfroy plans to work as a Spanish\/English interpreter or in nonprofit work.<\/p>\n

Kaleena Gonzalez
\nWilhelm Wundt Award<\/strong>
\nKaleena Gonzalez, from Waldorf, Maryland, is a member of Intervarsity Christian Fellowship. After graduation, Gonzalez plans to get a job working with kids before pursuing a graduate degree.<\/p>\n

Kaylee Holston
\nAward for Excellence in Spanish<\/strong>
\nKaylee Holston is from Sunderland, Maryland. A member of Phi Beta Kappa and Psi Chi honor societies, Holston is a program student ambassador for Spanish and a track and cross country student coach. After graduation Holston plans to become a child psychologist.<\/p>\n

Laura Howe
\nMichael S. Glaser Award<\/strong>
\nLaura Howe is from Kensington, Maryland. A member of Phi Beta Kappa and Phi Delta Phi honor societies, Howe is also an employee at the Daily Grind and a member of Dance Club and Burlesque Club. After graduation, Howe plans to pursue an MFA in Creative Writing and start a career in teaching.<\/p>\n

Dina Jones
\nEdward T. Lewis Poetry Award<\/strong>
\nDina Jones is from Waldorf, Maryland. A member of Phi Beta Kappa and Sigma Tau Delta honor societies, Jones earned an Elite 20 Award for indoor and outdoor track and field. Jones plays the flute in the SMCM Orchestra and Jazz Band, and intends to pursue music professionally as a career.<\/p>\n

Faith Kessell
\nKate Chandler Early Achievement Award for the Study of Literature, Writing & the Environment<\/strong>
\nFaith Kessell is from Woodsboro, Maryland. A participant in Habitat for Humanity and a student ambassador, Kessell plans to live at the beach and teach elementary school.<\/p>\n

Emma Kurtz
\nThe Weitzel Award for Research in the Sciences<\/strong>
\nEmma Kurtz is from Newtown, Pennsylvania, and is a St. Mary\u2019s Scholar. Kurtz was a part of the 2025 Climate Affect Earth Day Puppet Show and enjoys recreational sailing. After SMCM, Kurtz plans to pursue graduate school programs in chemistry and biochemistry, to become a professor or researcher with a focus on developing biochemical solutions to better public health.<\/p>\n

Judas Lackey
\nMuseum Studies Award<\/strong>
\nJudas Lackey is from Lemoore, California. A St. Mary\u2019s Scholar and member of the Dean\u2019s List, Lackey is also a student manager at the Boyden Gallery and art editor of AVATAR. In 2025, Lackey was a SURF fellow. After graduation, Lackey begins a master\u2019s program in art history at American University.<\/p>\n

Brenden Lane
\nMendel Award in Biology for Outstanding Achievement in the Second Year<\/strong>
\nBrenden Lane is from Frederick, Maryland. A biochemistry and biology double major, Lane conducted directed research with Dr. Shanen Sherrer and was a teaching assistant for Principles of Biology. After SMCM, Lane plans to pursue medical school to become a dermatologist.<\/p>\n

Summer LaRocco
\nAward for Excellence in Chinese<\/strong>
\nAsian Studies Award Board of Trustees Award<\/strong>
\nMargaret B. Marlay Award for English OR History<\/strong>
\nSummer LaRocco, of Leonardtown, Maryland, is a member of Phi Beta Kappa, Sigma Tau Delta and Phi Alpha Theta honor societies, and the current Student Trustee. A double major in Asian studies and English, LaRocco studied in Taiwan on a Fulbright-Hays Fellowship in 2024. The Asian Studies Program Student Ambassador, Student Ambassador Manager for the Office of Admission, and the Secretary for the Asian Pacific-Islander American Culture Club, LaRocco plans to pursue a career in international affairs and public administration.<\/p>\n

Bea Lehman
\nVirginia M. Stein Arts Alliance Award for Outstanding Work for the Stage<\/strong>
\nPresented by Kathy Glockner
\nBea Lehman is from Silver Spring, Maryland. Vice president of InterChorus A Cappella and a member of the St. Mary\u2019s Singers, Jazz Combo, and Double A Cabaret, Lehman will pursue acting professionally in Washington, D.C.<\/p>\n

Danielle Levesque
\nAward for Excellence in French<\/strong>
\nDanielle Levesque, of Silver Spring, Maryland, is president of Archery Club and a member of Dance Club, Offshore Club and Stitchcraft Club. After graduation, Levesque intends to work in the zoology\/wildlife conservation field while pursuing a graduate degree in that area.<\/p>\n

Aurora Lewis
\nBiology Department Award for Academic Distinction & Service<\/strong>
\nAurora Lewis is from Magnolia, Delaware. On campus, Lewis is a greenhouse technician, a directed research student and assistant. After graduation, Lewis plans to pursue a career in genomics and bio-informatics, or in forensic genetics.<\/p>\n

Sophia Lin
\nDepartment Award in Computer Science<\/strong>
\nSophia Lin is from California, Maryland.<\/p>\n

Mason Lipczenko
\nWilliam James Prize<\/strong>
\nMason Lipczenko is from Olney, Maryland, and a member of Sigma Tau Delta honor society and the Ethics Bowl Team that placed in the quarterfinals at the national competition last month. Lipczenko is a student ambassador for Office of International Education, president of the Historic Swordfighting Club, captain of SMUT and a member of Burlesque Club. After SMCM, Lipczenko plans to study philosophy in graduate school.<\/p>\n

Hannah Lowry
\nDepartment Award for Excellence in Biology<\/strong>
\nHannah Lowry, of Ellicott City, Maryland, is a member of Phi Beta Kappa and Beta Beta Beta honor societies. Lowry is a tutor and research assistant for the Department of Biology and plans to pursue a career in clinical research.<\/p>\n

Madolyn Mandeville
\nWilliam James Prize<\/strong>
\nMadolyn Mandeville is from Mechanicsville, Maryland. After graduation, Mandeville joins the MAT Program to prepare to teach secondary mathematics.<\/p>\n

MJ Manwell
\nRhoda-Stark Memorial Award in Gender Studies<\/strong>
\nMJ Manwell is from Silver Spring, Maryland. After graduation, Manwell plans to publish their first novel within the next year.<\/p>\n

Henry Marks
\nDepartment Award in Political Science<\/strong>
\nHenry Marks is from Washington, D.C. A member of Pi Sigma Alpha honor society, Marks is a former SGA Parliamentarian and Senator, as well as Vice President of Softball Club. After graduation, Marks looks forward to law school.<\/p>\n

Adam Martin
\nEconomics & Business Faculty Award<\/strong>
\nMale Scholar Athlete<\/strong>
\nAdam Martin, of Kent Island, Maryland, is a member of the varsity men\u2019s lacrosse team and the Student Investment Group. After graduation, Martin begins a career in financial advising with Chesapeake Investment Planning.<\/p>\n

Suri Martinez Gallegos
\nFaculty Scholarship Award<\/strong>
\nSuri Martinez Gallegos is from Mechanicsville, Maryland. An assistant counselor with kids and teens college programs, as well as a mentor trainee instructor at College of Southern Maryland, Martinez Gallegos plans to pursue graduate studies in counseling<\/p>\n

Nasyr Mathis-Chamberz
\nJohn R. Petruccelli Memorial Award<\/strong>
\nNasyr Mathis-Chamberz is from Hyattsville, Maryland. Vice president of Black Student Union, a peer mentor for Office of Career Development & Engagement, student mentor for SMCM Navigator Leadership Program and a member of Intervarsity, Mathis-Chamberz is a former SGA Senator and member of the Music Club. After SMCM, Mathis-Chamberz will pursue a master\u2019s degree in urban development and policy. His long-term goal is to run for president of the U.S.<\/p>\n

Cara McMahon
\nCoopersmith Leadership Award<\/strong>
\nPresented by Jonathan Coopersmith
\nCara McMahon is from Timonium, Maryland. A student manager at the Daily Grind and a Student Ambassador for the Political Science program, McMahon plans to pursue a Ph.D. in American politics and political theory at The Johns Hopkins University.<\/p>\n

Krystal Moore-Nicks
\nMyron G. Marlay Award for Science<\/strong>
\nKrystal Moore-Nicks, of Baltimore, Maryland, is a DeSousa-Brent Scholar, Student Ambassador for the Marine Science program, and president of Anime Club. After graduation, Moore-Nicks plans to take a gap year to focus on finishing up her research from her St. Mary\u2019s Project and then attend graduate school for her Ph.D.<\/p>\n

Katherine Nastick
\nAward for Excellence in Latin American Studies Colton History Award<\/strong>
\nPresented by Stacey Park
\nKatherine Nastick is from Rockville, Maryland. A member of InterChorus A Cappella, a residence hall coordinator, and an intern at Historic St. Mary\u2019s City, Nastick will continue her work in museum education and living history after SMCM.<\/p>\n

Meredith Nishiura
\nThe SEA (Student Excellence Award) in Marine Science<\/strong>
\nMeredith Nishiura is from Baltimore, Maryland, is a chemistry tutor, a biology teaching assistant, a field research assistant for the St. Mary\u2019s River Watershed Association, and a member of the St. Mary\u2019s Singers. After graduation, Nishiura plans to serve in the Peace Corps and then pursue a Ph.D. in marine biology.<\/p>\n

Bridget Norton
\nDavid Beers Quinn Award in History<\/strong>
\nBridget Norton is from Annapolis, Maryland, and is a staff member of The Point News. After graduation, Norton plans to take a gap year before going to graduate school.<\/p>\n

Elena O\u2019Connor
\nDepartment Award in Physics<\/strong>
\nElena O\u2019Connor is from Kensington, Maryland. A member of Phi Beta Kappa and Sigma Pi Sigma honor societies, O\u2019Connor is also treasurer of the Students for Justice Club and a member of Zero Degrees Club. After graduation, O\u2019Connor begins work at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission as a member of the 2026 cohort of the Nuclear Regulatory Apprenticeship Network program. Future plans include graduate school for a Ph.D. in engineering.<\/p>\n

Elsa Oates
\nPsychology Major Award<\/strong>
\nElsa Oates is from Eldersburg, Maryland. A member of Phi Beta Kappa and Psi Chi honor societies, Oates is president of the Psychology Club, lead teaching assistant for the Department of Psychology, and student lead in Dr. Ehman\u2019s directed research lab. After graduation, Oates begins a master\u2019s program in counseling psychology at Towson University.<\/p>\n

Michael Oliver
\nPatti Runco Arts Alliance Award for Outstanding Work in the Annual Student Art Exhibit<\/strong>
\nPresented by Kathy Glockner
\nMichael Oliver, of Waldorf, Maryland, is a member of the Dean\u2019s List and enjoys the Music Club. After SMCM, Oliver intends to pursue an MFA.<\/p>\n

Madeleine Phillips
\nLouise Victoria Lusby Award for Academic Achievement in Economics<\/strong>
\nMadeleine Phillips is from Ellicott City, Maryland. A member of Omicron Delta Epsilon honor society, Phillips is editor-in-chief of The Point News and Student Ambassador for the Department of Economics and Business Administration & Management. After graduation, Phillips plans to pursue a career in sustainable development. She would like to serve abroad through a Fulbright or the Peace Corps.<\/p>\n

Presley Pickeral
\nNeuroscience Department Award<\/strong>
\nPresley Pickeral is from St. Inigoes, Maryland. A member of Nu Rho Psi and Psi Chi honor societies, Pickeral is a teaching assistant in biology and psychology, a member of the Neuroscience Club, and is involved in neuroscience research as well as being the Neuroscience Program Student Ambassador. This fall, Pickeral begins a Ph.D. program in neuroscience at Virginia Tech.<\/p>\n

Julia Rapier
\nAfrican & African Diaspora Studies Award<\/strong>
\nAllison Quinn Award in History<\/strong>
\nJulia Rapier is from Dunkirk, Maryland. A member of Phi Beta Kappa, Phi Alpha Theta, Pi Delta Phi, and Pi Sigma Alpha honor societies, Rapier is a St. Mary\u2019s Scholar, a member of SAGE, the Student Trustee in training, and a member of the Academic Judicial Board. Twice published in SMCM\u2019s Political Science Journal, Open Water, Rapier will pursue a master\u2019s degree in international relations with a concentration in conflict, diplomacy, and human rights before joining the foreign service.<\/p>\n

Haley Resico
\nMattie M. Key Award in Music<\/strong>
\nHaley Resico is from St. Mary\u2019s County, Maryland. A member of SMCM Orchestra and Jazz Ensemble, Resico plans to teach K-12 music.<\/p>\n

Li Rizek
\nDepartment Award in Public Policy<\/strong>
\nLi Rizek, of Davidsonville, Maryland, is a public policy major with minors in sociology, economics and political science. A member of Phi Beta Kappa and Pi Sigma Alpha honor societies, Rizek has worked and volunteered in many roles on campus and in St. Mary\u2019s County, and received the 2025 SMCM Student Community Service Award. Rizek will attend Bryn Mawr College to earn a master\u2019s degree in social service and plans to pursue a career as a social worker.<\/p>\n

Lillian Sadowski
\nMargaret Floy Washburn Award<\/strong>
\nLillian Sadowski is from Oakland, Maryland. A member of Phi Beta Kappa and Psi Chi honor societies, Sadowski plans to work in order to gain more research experience before pursuing graduate school.<\/p>\n

Riley Sandoval
\nHampton Davey Award<\/strong>
\nRiley Sandoval is from Olney, Maryland, and a double major in public policy and political science with a minor in economics. A member of Psi Sigma Alpha honor society and the 2025 recipient of the David and Ginny Rosenbaum Award for Excellence in Journalism, Sandoval will take a gap year to gain valuable work experience before pursuing a master\u2019s degree in international development.<\/p>\n

Sarah Sbordone
\nEnglish Department Award For Scholarship<\/strong>
\nSarah Sbordone is from Newburgh, New York, and earned three associate\u2019s degrees before transferring to SMCM in 2024. A member of the Dance Club, Sbordone plans to complete the MAT Program at SMCM and teach secondary English Language Arts in Maryland while also continuing to teach dance to preschool and elementary students.<\/p>\n

Kelsie Schlichting
\nKathy Glockner Arts Alliance Award for Theater Excellence<\/strong>
\nPresented by Kathy Glockner
\nKelsie Schlichting is from Columbia, Maryland. An active member of the theater program as a student scenic designer, Schlichting plans to work at the Performing Arts Center in Columbia, Maryland.<\/p>\n

Kiergan Shearin
\nDepartment Award in Sociology<\/strong>
\nKiergan Shearin is from Odenton, Maryland. Active with AVATAR, Philosophy and FUSE Clubs, Shearin\u2019s post-graduate plans are to work in social psychology research before pursuing graduate school.<\/p>\n

Robert Shively
\nDepartment Award in Mathematics<\/strong>
\nRobert Shively is from Potomac, Maryland, and a member of Phi Beta Kappa honor society. Recipient of the Atlantic East Elite 20 Award in men\u2019s swimming as well as the recipient of the Winter Male Rookie of the Year Award, Shively will pursue master\u2019s degree in artificial intelligence at the University of Texas at Austin.<\/p>\n

Aldous Simms-Clark
\nBarbara Bershon Arts Alliance Award in Music<\/strong>
\nPresented by Kathy Glockner
\nAldous Simms-Clark is from Reisterstown, Maryland. After graduation, Simms-Clark plans to work as a professional musician in the Washington, D.C. area.<\/p>\n

Carter Summers
\nMargaret B. Marlay Award for History<\/strong>
\nCarter Summers is from Arnold, Maryland. This summer, Summers plans to travel across the Himalayas before heading to the United Kingdom in the fall to pursue a master\u2019s degree in intellectual history.<\/p>\n

Sydney Tardanico
\nEducational Studies Book Award<\/strong>
\nSydney Tardanico is from Norfolk, Massachusetts, and a member of the Creative Writing Club. After graduation, Tardanico joins the MAT program to prepare to teach secondary English.<\/p>\n

Charlotte Thomas
\nWilliam Thomas Rowe Endowed Scholarship in Art<\/strong>
\nPresented by Jane Rowe & Nancie Rowe Lumpkins
\nCharlotte Thomas is from Bethesda, Maryland, and has a double major in art and biology. Thomas is a member of the Beta Beta Beta honor society and the varsity women\u2019s soccer team as well as a member of the Soccer Club. After graduation, Thomas plans to continue her art education in a scientific illustration program.<\/p>\n

Claire Thompson
\nThe Robert H. Goldsmith Award for Excellence in Chemistry<\/strong>
\nClaire Thompson is from Lancaster, Pennsylvania. A chemistry lab assistant and tutor, Thompson is a member of the varsity rowing team and the Fishing Club. This summer, Thompson will work at the Bigelow Laboratory in Boothbay, Maine.<\/p>\n

Alli Thress
\nGeneva Boone Award for Outstanding St. Mary\u2019s Projects<\/strong>
\nAlli Thress, of Elkton, Maryland, is a Student Ambassador for the Office of International Education and a member of the varsity women\u2019s rowing team. After graduation, Thress plans to pursue a master\u2019s and Ph.D. in sociolinguistics.<\/p>\n

Brandy Turnbull
\nBenjamin Banneker Award for Academic Excellence in Environmental Sciences<\/strong>
\nBrandy Turnbull is from Spokane, Washington and Valdosta, Georgia. An environmental studies major with an educational studies minor and member of the Dean\u2019s List, Turnbull serves the SGA as Commuter Senator, a member of the Wellness Committee and a U.S. Navy Command Ombudsman. After graduation, Turnbull will join the MAT Program to prepare to teach science at the secondary level.<\/p>\n

Jena Vanskiver
\nFemale Scholar Athlete<\/strong>
\nJena Vanskiver is from Fallston, Maryland, and is a member of Phi Beta Kappa, Chi Alpha Sigma, and Pi Sigma Alpha honor societies. Vanskiver is current president of the SAAC and captain of the women\u2019s varsity field hockey team with four-time conference recognition as well as four-time appointment to the conference academic team. After graduation, Vanskiver will attend University of Baltimore School of Law to pursue a career in constitutional law and public service.<\/p>\n

Isabel Walder
\nGeneva Boone Award for Outstanding St. Mary\u2019s Projects<\/strong>
\nIsabel Walder, of Greenbelt, Maryland, is a mathematics major and Dean\u2019s List student. A teaching assistant and tutor in math, as well as a member of the Math Club, Walder works at the Daily Grind and Campus Store and was a 2025 SURF fellow. After SMCM, Walder plans to earn a Ph.D. in theoretical mathematics and become a professor.<\/p>\n

Campbell Walsh
\nWangari Maathai Award for Academic Excellence in Environmental Policy and Social Science<\/strong>
\nCampbell Walsh is from Hampstead, Maryland. A Student Ambassador with the Admission Office, a resident assistant and future residence hall coordinator, Walsh is also a barista at the Daily Grind and a circulation assistant at the Landers Library. After graduation, Walsh plans to backpack the Appalachian Trail, then find a job in conservation or environmental advocacy.<\/p>\n

Arin Wilson
\nRhoda-Stark Memorial Award in Gender Studies<\/strong>
\nArin Wilson is from New Windsor, Maryland. After graduation, Wilson plans to work as a technical writer and project manager for political organizations or nonprofits and publish poetry.<\/p>\n

Lizzie Zoz
\nMcCutcheon Family Art Award<\/strong>
\nLizzie Zoz is from Silver Spring, Maryland. Zoz is current president of Bottom County Music Festival, historian for Dance Club and an Orientation Leader. After graduation, Zoz plans to work in graphic design.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>