Students Honored for Contributions to Student Life

More than 65 students were recognized for their lasting contributions to student life at Lehigh during the annual Student Life Leadership Award ceremony, which was held in early May in Packard Auditorium. The event followed a reception for the award recipients and their families in the Asa Packer Dining Room.

On hand to mark the event were President John D. Simon, who presented the University Service Award, Provost Pat Farrell, who presented the Bosey Reiter Leadership Cup, Interim Vice Provost of Student Affairs Ian Birky and Interim Dean of Students Katherine Lavinder.

Lavinder also presided over the two-hour event and welcomed attendees who gathered to mark the annual tradition of “recognizing, honoring and celebrating the accomplishments of some of the university’s most remarkable young men and women.”

All of those honored at the SLLA ceremony “have distinguished themselves in service to the community and devoted significant time and energy into shaping the Lehigh culture in a positive and productive way,” she said.

Lavinder also presented an award named in honor of the former Vice Provost for Student Affairs John Smeaton, who retired from that role in 2016 after 32 years at Lehigh. The John W. Smeaton Pillar of Integrity was bestowed upon a graduating senior who “has been unwavering in contributing to a campus community that is inclusive and respectful for all” and who consistently embraced the “leadership qualities that made Dr. Smeaton such a beloved and valued administrator: wisdom, compassion, thoughtfulness, a sense of fairness and, perhaps most importantly, integrity.”

The first Pillar of Integrity went to Dakota DiMattio who, Lavinder said, was recognized for her strong moral bearing, her commitment to bolstering inclusivity on campus, and her work in a variety of roles that exhibited her tireless efforts to improve the quality of life for students. “Her attitude,” one nominator wrote, “is incomparable among students.”

Smeaton was also on hand for the presentation of the award created in his honor.

Simon presented the University Service Award, which is given to seniors whose “influence, ideals and activities have been unselfishly devoted to the best interests of his or her fellow students.” This year’s recipients were Kristen Mejia, who was praised as an incredible leader and accomplished student—as well as a “powerful force for change in the community” —and Aakash Phulwani. Simon said one of Phulwani’s nominators said he brought a “tangible energy” to the groups he participated in and is someone who is “always doing, always achieving so that he can be the best version of himself.”

Farrell presented the Bosey Reiter Leadership Cup to Gladys Castellon and Bruke A. Mammo. Farrell praised Castellon for her committed, passionate, caring and honest engagement with the campus community, noting that one nominator said that she has been “an inspiration to many and her humble leadership style has made her a role model for her peers.”

Mammo was described as “a driving force on Lehigh’s campus who always goes out of his way to make sure everyone is included. As one nominator said, “If all people on our campus and planet were like Bruke, no would feel left out, everyone would feel loved.”

The Pearsall Prize is given in memory of student Debbie Pearsall, who died five years ago.

Interim Associate Dean of Students Lori McClaind presented that award to Kelly M. Mayid and Summer A. Sullivan, who both exemplified the attributes that Pearsall embodied throughout her life: engaged leadership, an inexhaustible attitude about challenges and opportunities and a commitment to “do the right thing,” regardless of popularity.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, Simon noted that Lehigh “has been blessed with extraordinary students who care deeply about the institution and our campus culture.” In addition to thriving academically, the students also found the time and energy to “nurture dialogue, create a more welcoming environment for all students, develop engaging programming, encourage activism and step up in leadership roles.

All of the students recognized at the ceremony “contributed to a better Lehigh, and we thank them for that,” Simon said.

Additional recipients of student life leadership awards included the following:

Contribution to Student Life Award

Laura L. Barnes
Charles J. Bickhart
Taj K. Blount-Oden
Ian M. Davis
Liyala Djenne Dickens
Quinci K. Mann
Sabrina L. Mertz
Rachel Y. Okun
Tanairy Ortiz
Alyssa E. Riporti
Emily D. Ryan
Michael J. Schwab
Aislinn R. Strohecker
Emma R. Strong
Jasmine R. Wung
Giovanni Zlaket

James J. Duane III Student Life Leadership Award

Matthew J. Bonshak
Margaret A. Burnett
Jamie M. Campisi
Gladys Castellon
Julianne D'Orazio
Dakota M. DiMattio
Minah Ebrahim
William J. Kuehne
Zachary J. Maguire
Bruke A. Mammo
Kelly M. Mayid
Kristen M. Mejia
Julia L. Patterson
Aakash R. Phulwani
Danielle K. Schiraldi
Bailey A. Shelton
Samantha J. Tomaszewski
Madeline K. Walsh
Madeleine H. Wescott
Justin R. White
Justin T. Worley
Angela K. Young

Outstanding Educational Programming Award
WLVR’s Prof Talks Show

Excellence in Entertainment Programming Award
Lehigh’s Largest Leaf Pile

Exemplary Cultural Programming Award
Salam Neighbor film screening and discussion

Student Club/Organization of the Year Award
The Happiness Collective

Student Club/Organization Advisor of the Year Award
Amir Tejani for the Lehigh Hyperloop organization

Student Senate Leadership Award
Alison M. Bergin
Kallyse J. Duddlesten
Kiana C. Nieves
Aakash R. Phulwani
Matthew D. Rothberg
Yasmina M. Sirgi
Aislinn R. Strohecker

Residence Hall Association Character Award
Malcolm B. Scobell

Ujima Award
Liyala Djenne Dickens
Tanairy Ortiz

Service Above Self Award
Augusta K. Alwang
Katie M. Morris

Allegiance Award
Roger S. Blumin
Margaret A. Burnett
Laura E. Courtney

Alumni Association Undergraduate Merit Awards
Dakota M. DiMattio
Caraline R. Jeffrey
Kaitlyn M. Ruffing

Photos by John Kish IV