University of New England Honors Top Students with 2024 University Awards

ALUMNI COUNCIL ESSAY CONTEST AWARD

The 2024 essay prompt explores the tension between the growing reliance on AI in our lives and the ethical, moral, and human considerations that guide decision-making. It highlights the limitations of AI in capturing the nuances and intangible factors that shape real-life choices. The students were asked to reconcile this conflict and share perspectives on how to balance the increasing influence of AI with the ethical and moral values that should underpin our personal and professional decisions.

Recipients:

First Place: “Human Identity in an AI Filled World” by Edward Iannuzzi-Sucich

Second Place: “What AI Can't Replace” by Alexa Livingston

Third Place: “Our Future With AI” by Elaina Sarsfield

COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD

For any student who has demonstrated an exemplary commitment to serve others in the University or greater community. Academic achievement must also have been demonstrated. Examples of the nominee’s service contributions for this current academic year and other years are requested.

Recipient: 

Sophia Moschella (Medical Biology and Medical Science, ’24)

GLOBAL EDUCATION AWARD

For any student who has demonstrated an exemplary commitment to global citizenship by participating in UNE Global Education programs, such as semester or year abroad, faculty-led travel course(s), volunteer programs or internship(s) abroad. Examples of the nominee's global experiences for this current academic year and other years are requested.

Recipient: 

Grace Curley (Neuroscience, ’24)

HANNAH FIELDS-LENEHAN FINE ARTS AWARD

This award honors the legacy of Tim Lenehan ’71’s mother, Hannah Fields-Lenehan, by celebrating the value of artistic and creative expression in all people. All undergraduate students are invited to submit artwork to be voted on by UNE community members. The top three students who receive the most votes are awarded special recognition.

Recipients:

First Place: Jhana Prue

Second Place: Thomas Garcia

Third Place: Marissa Carter

JACQUES DOWNS AWARD FOR ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

Recognizes the most accomplished UNE College of Arts and Sciences graduating senior. Considerations for this award are primarily the student’s academic achievement (overall GPA, number of semesters on the Dean’s List, and academic awards and scholarships), scholarly work (original undergraduate research, scholarship, and creative activity), and service considerations during their UNE career.

Recipient: Kaylee Emery, (Medical Biology and Medical Science, ’24)

JUNIOR ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE AWARD

For any junior who has excelled in their academics. Considerations for this award are primarily the student’s academic achievements (overall GPA, number of semesters on the Dean’s List, and academic awards and scholarships), collegiality, and scholarly work (original undergraduate research, scholarship, and creative activity). Service considerations during their UNE career will also be considered.

Recipient: 

Brooklynn Merrill (Neuroscience, ’25)

SOPHOMORE ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE AWARD

For any sophomore who has excelled in their academics. Considerations for this award are primarily the student’s academic achievements (overall GPA, number of semesters on the Dean’s List, and academic awards and scholarships), collegiality, and scholarly work (original undergraduate research, scholarship, and creative activity). Service contributions during their UNE career will also be considered.

Recipient: 

Will DeFroscia (Chemistry, ’26)

STUDENT LEADER AWARD

For any student who has demonstrated excellence in leadership at the University. The nominee should demonstrate a commitment to excellence that results in positive change in the University community, possess a balanced collegiate lifestyle, and serve as a role model. Examples of specific contributions for this current academic year and other years are requested. Academic achievements will also be considered.

Recipient: 

Ashleigh Marshall (Nursing, 24)

SUSAN J. HILLMAN SCIENCE/MATH EDUCATION AWARD

This award is for a UNE College of Arts and Sciences student who shows dedication to STEM education and professional promise as a STEM educator. Students with formal (classroom) or informal (outreach) teaching experience in STEM fields including, but not limited to, mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, neuroscience, environmental science, and psychology will be considered. The awardee should have a bright intellect and be known as a role model and mentor among their peers.

Recipient: 

Cassandra McKiel (Elementary/Middle Education, ’24)

EXPERIENTIAL EDUCATION AWARD

For the undergraduate who has accomplished professional preparation, civic engagement, and global awareness as critical to their academic career (and liberal arts education) through diverse involvement in experiential education programs offered on the University campus including internships, research, community service, and global education. Involvement in three or more of the above areas is required. Demonstrated leadership in at least two of the above areas is preferred.

Recipient: 

Megan Pike (Marine Science, ’24)

CAS DEAN’S LEADERSHIP AWARD

The College of Arts and Sciences Dean’s Leadership Award was established to honor a CAS student who exemplifies the value of a liberal arts education by bringing together academic excellence with demonstrated applications beyond the classroom while also engaging in leadership activities in the college. 

Recipient: 

Samantha Lagasse (Psychology, ’24)

Outstanding Researcher/Scholar in the Natural Sciences

Recipient: 

Peter Swanson (Chemistry, ’24)

Outstanding Graduate Researcher/Scholar

Recipient: 

Aubrey Jane (M.S. Marine Sciences, ’24)

EXCELLENCE IN GRADUATE TEACHING AWARD

Recipient: 

Kathyrn McGee (M.S. Biological Sciences, ’25)

College of Business

Outstanding Student Award for Business Administration

Recipient: 

Rachel Sledjeski ’24

Outstanding Student Award for Sport and Recreation Management

Recipient: 

Tyler Calhoun ’24

Gender, Women, and Sexuality Studies

Outstanding Student for Gender, Women, and Sexuality Studies

Recipient: 

Dez Schrankel ’24

Jessica Cox Henderson 1886 Award for Activism

Recipient: 

Elizabeth Mitchell ’24

School of Arts and Humanities

Outstanding Student Award for Art

Recipient: 

Lilliana Gurney ’24

Outstanding Student Award for Communications

Recipient: 

Mya Hankes ’24

Outstanding Student Award for English

Recipient: 

Victoria Robichaud ’24

Outstanding Student Award for History

Recipient: 

Benjamin Fitzgerald ’24

Outstanding Student Award for Writing

Recipient: 

Thomas Garcia, ’24

School of Education

Outstanding Student Award for Art Education

Recipient: 

Daphne Wilkerson ’24

Outstanding Student Award for Elementary/Middle Education

Recipient: 

Cassie McKiel ’24

Outstanding Student Award for Education Studies

Recipient: 

Juliet Fluty ’24

Outstanding Student Award for Special Education

Recipient: 

Lauren Lepage ’24

School of Biological Sciences

Outstanding Student Award for Biological Sciences

Recipient: 

Sienna Matregrano ’24

Outstanding Student Award for Medical Biology – Medical Sciences

Recipient: 

Anjana Govindaraj ’24

Outstanding Student Award for Medical Biology – Pre-Physician Assistant

Recipient: 

Karl Mohr ’24

School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences

Outstanding Student Award for Applied Mathematics

Recipient: 

Cormac Collins ’24

Outstanding Student Award for Biochemistry

Recipients: 

Shannon Alvino ’24 and Savannah Wakita ’24

Outstanding Student Award for Chemistry

Recipient: 

Peter Swanson ’24

Outstanding Student Award for Data Science

Recipient: 

AJ Lusty ’24

School of Marine and Environmental Programs

Outstanding Student Award for Marine Entrepreneurship

Recipient: 

Timothy Michalik ’24

Outstanding Student Award for Marine Sciences – Oceanography 

Recipient: Willa Dolley ’ 24

Outstanding Student Award for Marine Sciences ­– Marine Biology

Recipient: 

Sophia Tearman ’24

Outstanding Student Award for Marine Affairs

Recipient: 

Sophie Piette ’24

Outstanding Student Award for Aquaculture and Aquarium Science

Recipient: 

Daniel Lucas ’24

Outstanding Student Award for Sustainability and Business

Recipient: 

Alyssa Wallingford ’24

Outstanding Student Award for Environmental Studies

Recipient: 

Nikki Valentine ’24

Outstanding Student Award for Environmental Science

Recipient: 

Matthew Pittsley ’24

School of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Outstanding Student Award for Animal Behavior

Recipient: 

Addy Leifer ’24

Outstanding Student Award for Applied Social and Cultural Studies

Recipient: 

Anika Koopman ’24 

Outstanding Student for Mental Health Rehabilitation

Recipient: 

Lauryn Alley ’24

Outstanding Student Award for Neuroscience

Recipient: 

Connor Nowak ’24

Outstanding Student Award for Political Science

Recipient: 

Aiden Hosein ’24

Outstanding Student Award for Psychology

Recipient: 

Gracie Ouellette ’24