Lehigh Honors Outstanding Student Leaders at Annual Awards Ceremony

“They are scholars, athletes, leaders, public servants, mentors and role models in the best sense of the words,” she said. “They model the ability to juggle rigorous academics with very busy and demanding schedules, yet they devote significant time and energy to a number of pursuits that positively impact the Lehigh experience for all students.

“But as impressive, accomplished and self-motivated as they are, they would all tell you that they didn’t get here alone,” she added. “The support from all of you has been invaluable. We are grateful for the fact that you could join us on this very special occasion.”

On hand for the ceremony were President John Simon and Provost Pat Farrell, who presented the University Service Award and the Bosey Reiter Leadership Cup, respectively.

In presenting the Bosey Reiter Leadership Cup to Jamir Connelly and Jamal Connelly, Farrell said that both young men exemplified the qualities of leadership, which was defined by President Theodore Roosevelt as “resolution, courage, energy, power of self-control, combined with a fearlessness in taking the initiative and assuming responsibility; a just regard for the rights of others,” combined with unflinching determination and the “fundamental gift of common sense.”

Simon’s presentation of the University Service Award to Paige Hapeman honored a senior whose “influence, ideals and activities have been unselfishly devoted to the best interests of her fellow students,” he said. “And as we’ve seen today, Lehigh is blessed with extraordinary students who care deeply about the institution and our campus culture. In addition to thriving academically, these students find the time and energy to nurture dialogue, create a more welcoming environment for all students, develop engaging programming, encourage activism on important social issues and step up in leadership roles. Working across constituencies, they have all contributed to a better Lehigh, and we thank them for that.”

Vice Provost for Student Affairs Ric Hall presented the Contribution to Student Life Awards, which recognizes Lehigh underclassmen who have significantly contributed to the quality of student life. “As each of you move through your time here, Lehigh leaves an impression on you and you leave your impression on Lehigh.”

Award recipients included:

University Service Award
Paige Hapeman

Bosey Reiter Leadership Cup
Jamir Connelly

Jamal Connelly
Deborah Pearsall Prize
Yunyun (Winnie) Gu

Stacie Nadel

David Hellekjaer Memorial Award

Juwon Morrow

John W. Smeaton Pillar of Integrity
Lidia Breen

Contribution to Student Life Award
Raahil Amarshi

Gehar Bitar

Amanda Boyer

Jessica Donaldson

Hannah Edwards

Annika Jansa

Olive Krupinska

Jenny Lin

Kevelis Matthews-Alvarado

Cameron McKenna

Ryan Paradise

Emily Preble

Owen Quinn

Joey Recupero
Jesse Seaverns

Mitul Sutri

James J. Duane III Student Life Leadership Award
Nia Baker

Tom Ball

Lidia Breen

Mary Ellen Carron

Jamal Connelly

Jamir Connelly

Laura DeFelice

Sara Fuertes

Cole Geryak

Winnie Gu

Paige Hapeman

Maura Henderson

Reagan Jahn

Austin Katz

Harrison Kauffman

Grace Kim

Sabrina Mertz

Stacie Nadel

Amelia Templeton

Danny Weaver

Giovanni Zlaket

Outstanding Educational Programming Award
5 Senses of Consent program (Break the Silence Peer Educators)

Exemplary Cultural Programming Award
Holi (South Asian Student Association, SASA)

Student Club/Organization of the Year Award
South Asian Student Association (SASA)

Student Club/Organization Advisor of the Year Award
Dr. George P. White, Director of Student Access and Success and advisor to F1RST

Student Senate Leadership Award
Victoria Campbell

Jasmine Wung

Residence Hall Association Character Award
Peter Hauman

Ujima Award
Raahil Amarshi

Kevelis Matthews-Alvarado

Service Above Self Award
Laura DeFelice

Jenny Lin

Allegiance Award

Tom Ball

Cole Geryak

Chris Hunt

Harrison Kauffman

Sabrina Mertz

Alumni Association Undergraduate Merit Awards
Emily Brown

Beatrice (Bea) Maloney