Student Life Award Banquet Winners 2024–2025

/ June 4, 2025/ Faculty, Staff, Students

Below are the recipients of the 2025 Student Life Awards. A formal celebration took place on April 30, 2025. Congratulations to all of our leaders!

Multicultural Involvement Award:

  • Recognizes exceptional contributions to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for all.
    • Recipient: Kayliyah Forbes ’25.

Margaret “Marge” Kender Student Life Trailblazer Award:

  • Honors leadership across the student life department, new pathways for student success, and generosity toward others.
    • Recipient: Mary Frances McNulty ’26.

The John A. Hanley Spirit of DeSales Award:

  • Given to an individual whose actions, attitude, and spiritual life positively influence the DeSales community.
    • Recipient: Gianna McGann ’25.

Dr. Jerry Joyce Student Engagement and Leadership Award:

  • Recognizes leadership in student activities, engagement in clubs and organizations, and dedication to school spirit.
    • Recipient: Evan Colburn ’26.

Dr. Gregg Amore First-Year Experience Award:

  • Celebrates first-year students who exemplify Golden Council traits and inspire character growth in others.
    • Recipients: Allison Szychulski ’28 and Ayisha Nimaga ’28.

Parent Association Award for Outstanding Individual Service:

  • Honors a student who strengthens the lives of others through service to the community.
    • Recipient: Connor McGill ’25.

Rev. James Finnegan Community Service Award for Outstanding Individual Service:

  • Awarded to an individual who selflessly serves fellow students on and off campus.
    • Recipient: Taliyah Coffee ’26.

Rev. James Finnegan Community Service Award for Organizational Service:

  • Recognizes a group’s commitment to giving back through time and acts of kindness.
    • Recipient: The men’s baseball team.

Troy Bauer Career Ambassador Award:

  • Celebrates exceptional peer advising and service to the Career Development Center.
    • Recipient: Anna Gardiner ’25.

Helen Danko and Jean Maurer Wellness Award:

  • Recognizes students who contribute meaningfully to the wellness of the DeSales student body.
    • Recipients: Grace Carango ’26 and Keira Scanlon ’26.

George S. Salzmann SGA Award:

  • Honors leadership and outstanding contributions through the Student Government Association.
    • Recipient: Bobby Dingell ’26.

James F. Kilcur SGA Class Leadership Awards:

  • Given to students in each class who demonstrate outstanding leadership and serve as role models.
    • First-year: Helana Alesha ’28.
    • Sophomore: Megan McLain ’27.
    • Junior: Adam Perone ’26.
    • Senior: Caroline Erb ’25.

Linda Zerbe SGA Program of the Year:

  • Recognizes programs that support diversity and engage the campus community.
    • Recipients: The Best Buddies Ball and Special Olympics Polar Plunge.

SGA Student Organization of the Year Award:

  • Awarded to organizations whose leadership and programming support the DeSales mission.
    • Recipients: The Student Nurses’ Association and Students for Sustainability.

SGA Sister John Marie Outstanding Staff Member of the Year:

  • Honors a staff member who provides exceptional service to students.
    • Recipient: Maurice Stallings.

SGA Dr. Jeffrey Focht Outstanding Faculty Member of the Year:

  • Recognizes a faculty member for outstanding service to the student body.
    • Recipient: Elisabeth Felten.

SGA Outstanding Support Staff:

  • Presented to staff members who show extraordinary support and compassion to students and visitors.
    • Recipients: Kelly Fuderer and Albino Soleta.

Questions? nicholas.luchko@desales.edu