Award Recipients - Readability

The Division of Student Affairs Celebrates Student Achievement, 2021

Keyyata Bonds - chAMPion Award, Alma Mater Productions

Keyyatta is truly deserving of the chAMPion award because of her passion for AMP. This year, Keyyatta served as the 2020-2021 Executive Director of AMP and stepped in mid-year to help with other important responsibilities internal to the organization. Keyyatta has been extremely supportive of her fellow AMP members, often attending as many events as possible whether they were virtual or in-person. She has been integral in building member relations, policies, and other key changes that will help AMP flourish moving forward. Her effort towards building positive change within the organization will be felt for a very long time. AMP thanks Keyyatta for her dedication to the organization over the past few years. AMP is better because of your positive impact! Congratulations!

Eric Caligiuri - chAMPion Award, Alma Mater Productions

Eric has truly shown what it takes to be a chAMPion this year through his efforts on AMP! Eric served as the 2020-2021 AMP Films chair from afar during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. He also stepped into a director role mid-way through the year to help the organization stay consistent with leadership, advertising, and recruitment. Eric juggled multiple roles and always did it with professionalism and kindness. He is a dedicated, organized, and motivating leader as well as just a genuinely likable and kind person. My AMP experience has really been shaped in such a positive way by getting to work with him!” Alma Mater Productions wants to thank Eric for his dedication to the organization over the past few years! AMP is better because of your positive impact! Congratulations!

Angela Vasishta - Kenna Mills Award, Campus Living

Angela first became involved with community council in her freshman year (2017) as a hall representative on the Botetourt Community Council. She joined W&M RHA in her sophomore year as a community and was recognized as Representative of the Year. She has spent the past two years as a member of the executive board. In this time, she has successfully planned a number of events for residential students. She has thought about creative ways to engage students and support their well-being—including moving international night to be virtual and making wellness kits to distribute. Angela genuinely demonstrates servant-leadership to better the William & Mary residential community and we are pleased to recognize her as the recipient of the Kenna Mills Award.

Driscoll Taylor - National Residence Hall Honorary Director's Award, Campus Living

Established to recognize a graduating member of the student staff who has consistently demonstrated a commitment to Campus Living. These individuals are leaders in the residence hall community and among their staff. They have demonstrated a commitment to building inclusive communities, fostering meaningful relationships, developing creative hall initiatives, supporting hall governance and self-determination, and excelling in the expectations of their role. Driscoll has supported the department consistently over the past five years. When a student or staff member voices concern, they listen and then work to explain the other side to help them better understand or clarify. To have an advocate for the department, who has also been an advocate for residents and staff and for their years of dedicated service makes this nominee deserving.

Kamila Mehdi - L. Tucker Jones Award, Campus Recreation

This award goes to a senior student, or students, who have best exemplified high ideals, participation, leadership, distinction and/or service to the Campus Recreation program and more importantly to the students, faculty and staff of William & Mary. This year’s L Tucker Jones Memorial Award goes to Kamila Mehdi. Kamila holds several positions with Campus Rec. She is a FitWell Instructor, a Facility Attendant and captain of the Women’s Ultimate Frisbee Club. Kamila’s supervisors all praise her optimism, enthusiasm and genuine authenticity. Kamila is the type of person who works to lift those around her, while striving to also take care of herself. Kamila is a model of wellness for the William & Mary community. Congratulations, Kamila!

Alexandra Harris - The Multicultural Leadership Award, Center for Student Diversity

Zan has held various roles on campus to include Multicultural Recruitment Intern in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, PLUS Counselor, and Center for Student Diversity as an Office Assistant. With the various titles that she holds and the research that’s she takes part in through the School of Education and the Government department, her focus always goes back to equity in education, and creating a sense of belonging for student of color at William & Mary. She not only supports the offices and student organizations that given her a sense of belonging, but reaches back to help other students feel that same sense of community while helping them find their way. Thank you Alexandra Harris for your commitment to diversity and the college community.

Ifeoma Ayika - The Multicultural Leadership Award, Center for Student Diversity

Presented annually to a graduating student who has shown a deep commitment to diversity and has expanded cultural consciousness and appreciation within the college community by their leadership. This year's award goes to a hardworking, inspirational, and thoughtful student who not only shows a deep commitment to diversity but also inspires others to lead in a courageous and meaningful way. Ayika's work as a Co-Chair of the Student Assembly Reparations Committee and Undersecretary of Multicultural Affairs has enabled important conversations to begin. Ayika's work continues to bring actionable change aimed to expand cultural consciousness and appreciation of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the William & Mary Community.

Jamelah Jacob - Ernestine Jackson Award, Center for Student Diversity

The Ernestine Jackson Award for Cross Cultural Understanding was created to recognize a student who has promoted and contributed to building positive relationships between all members of the William & May Community through their campus involvement, leadership, and spirit. Jamelah demonstrates a love and a commitment to the Asian & Pacific Islander American (APIA) Studies department where she studies, her job at the Center for Student Diversity (CSD), the Filipino American Student Association (FASA), and all organizations that she serves.

Loni Wright - Carroll F.S. Hardy Trailblazer, Center for Student Diversity

The Carroll F. S. Hardy Trailblazer Award recognizes a graduating student who has used their academic and extra-curricular pursuits to exhibit an appreciation and commitment to diversity. The recipient of this award is also an individual whose example has motivated other students to follow the model of achievement and service that they have set.

Kate Lucas - Ferguson Blair Publishing Institute Scholarship, Cohen Career Center

The Ferguson Blair Publishing Institute Scholarship is awarded to two students to attend one of the 3 premiere summer publishing institutes at either NYU, Columbia, or UC Denver. The publishing institutes offer an unparalleled entry into the world of publishing, enabling students to learn about the industry, gain and practice skills, and make connections in the field. Kate Lucas is our first place winner for 2021. Kate's experience, application, and essay set her apart from the rest of the applicants and placed her first among the selection committee's scores. Kate's initiative to gain relevant experience during the summer of 2020 was admirable and shows her dedication to publishing. The committee is pleased to award her this scholarship that will enable her to attend Columbia this summer and build towards her publishing career.

Louise Strange - Ferguson Blair Publishing Institute Scholarship, Cohen Career Center

The Ferguson Blair Publishing Institute Scholarship is awarded to two students to attend one of the 3 premiere summer publishing institutes at either NYU, Columbia, or UC Denver. The publishing institutes offer an unparalleled entry into the world of publishing, enabling students to learn about the industry, gain and practice skills, and make connections in the field. Louise is our second place winner for 2021. The committee was impressed with her ability to gain relevant experience both domestically and while abroad studying at St. Andrews. We are thrilled to offer her funding towards attending Columbia this summer and hope that it is an invaluable experience for her.

The Cypher Award, Student Assembly

These graduating students recognized as stewards of our university core values of Belonging, Curiosity, Excellence, Flourishing, Integrity, Respect, and Service. And for their unceasing efforts to make a meaningful difference while at William & Mary.

Kylin Adams	Angela Geraci	John Lesko	William Ryu
Aria Austin	Neal Going	Yu Mao	Clesea Scott
Ifeomasinachukwu Ayida	Prateek Govindaraj	Nicholas Matuszewski	Cara Simpson
Caleb Baker	Jonathan Harper	Megan McCarthy	Arnytria Smalls
Ethan Brown	Peter Hayden	Robert Metaxatos	Brendan Switts
Madeline Brown	Gabrielle Jawer	Celia Metzger	Helen Tariku
Macy Calder	Anthony Joseph	Margarita Orozco	Judith Tauber
Celeste Chalkley	Sonia Kinhabwala	Samantha Phillips	Gabrielle Vance
Jessica Clatterbuck	Jordan Kula	Mikaela Phillips	Kyle Vasquez
Matthew Crittenden	Ricky Lee	Teresa Ruona	Loni Wright

Hermandad de Sigma Iota Alpha, Inc - Sorority Chapter of the Year, Fraternity & Sorority Life

Awarded to one outstanding sorority chapter each year. This year, criteria for the award included chapter philanthropic efforts; social advocacy; diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts; and member engagement. The Beta Delta chapter of the Hermandad de Sigma Iota Alpha, Inc. (SIA) has thrived as a chapter and as the only Latin-based Greek-lettered organization at William & Mary. SIA embodies service by constantly promoting the well-being of others and looking to support individuals or groups that are in need of support and giving back to the local community. While their commitment to social advocacy and service is remarkable, SIA excels particularly in creating an inclusive chapter environment and advocating for inclusion on campus and in the community. As an organization made up of predominantly first generation and/or low income students, SIA made an effort to educate younger students about topics that are not easily accessible to first generation students. These are just some examples in which SIA and the Hermanas flourish on campus. As an organization, SIA is a model of social change and engagement worthy of recognition.

Alpha Tau Omega - Fraternity Chapter of the Year, Fraternity & Sorority Life

Presented to one outstanding fraternity chapter each year. This year, criteria for the award included chapter philanthropic efforts; social advocacy; diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts; and member engagement. The Kappa Kappa chapter of Alpha Tau Omega has embodied criteria for the award this year in numerous ways. Among other notable considerations, the chapter has raised almost $5,000 for their annual Out of the Darkness Walk, despite the pandemic. In social advocacy work, Alpha Tau Omega holds continuing education programs and promotes mental health awareness through Tau Talks. Finally, ATO is committed to DEI work through its active dialogue on the issue and participation with the IFC's DEI Committee. In sum, Alpha Tau Omega has maintained a strong sense of brotherhood within their chapter throughout the pandemic and continues to flourish as a leader in the fraternity community.

Alton Coston - Fraternity Member of the Year, Fraternity & Sorority Life

Alton, though a sophomore, has accomplished many things. He has rebirthed the African American Male Coalition, and is the current president. He was a presenter for TEDxWilliam & Mary. He is a President's Aide, a Jackie Robinson Scholar, the recipient of the Spike Lee Award, and many others. He spent the summer as a Policy Advocacy Intern with the ACLU of VA and is currently a member of and volunteer for the New Virginia Majority. And this is just the beginning. In every aspect of his life, Alton looks for new ways to advocate for the things he believes are just. Not an individual to complain or be cemented into circumstance, Alton is consistently correcting the circumstances he is in. He is an open book for the community, a pillar of intuition and ingenuity, and doesn't shy away from difficult tasks, as long as the ends justify the means. In every way, Alton is the future of William & Mary, and of our nation. He is a member of our community consistently creating spaces for our community to flourish. Alton is the bridge between the future W&M wants, and the struggles we face now.

Mackenzie Adkins - Sorority Member of the Year, Fraternity & Sorority Life

As the last member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated on campus [up until this past month], Mackenzie had a grueling task. She had to meet the national mandates, manage finances, and bring in new members. Mackenzie has done this job almost FLAWLESSLY. She attended National Pan-Hellenic Council meetings weekly, and provided insight that we would lack without her. She has raised funds for future NPHC initiatives, held events such as the relaxing paint and sip, done Zoom activities that are accessible to the university, and held informational's for people to learn about and engage in the rich history of her sorority. She still runs the Adopt-a-Highway initiative for her sorority and has been a clear leader in cleaning up her community. Mackenzie is the embodiment of service. No matter how much she has on her plate, she has never faltered, wavered, or complained. In fact, she tends to be the voice of reason for our collective and doesn't shy away from difficult work. When she brings in new members, the standards for success will be extremely high and will benefit the W&M community.

Anthony Joseph - The Flourishing Award, Health & Wellness

The Flourishing Award is awarded each year to a student, faculty and staff member who demonstrates an intentional commitment to the core principles of flourishing: positive emotions, engagement, positive relationships, living with meaning/purpose, self-improvement/achievement, and vitality.

Corinne Picataggi - The Flourishing Award, Health & Wellness

The Flourishing Award is awarded each year to a student, faculty, and staff member who demonstrates an intentional commitment to the core principles of flourishing: positive emotions, engagement, positive relationships, living with meaning/purpose, self-improvement/achievement, and vitality.

Mark Hofer - The Flourishing Award, Health & Wellness

Caroline Brown - Howard M. Fraser, Hispanic Studies

Awarded to an outstanding graduating Hispanic Studies major with a strong record of achievements in the program. Caroline shares she thoroughly enjoyed the classes, in particular the opportunity to study abroad in La Plata, Argentina. Next year she will attend the University of Virginia to pursue my master's degree in ESL. Upon completion of that program, she plans to work as either an ESL teacher or a teacher in a bilingual elementary school.

Mackenzie Krol - R. Merritt Cox Award, Hispanic Studies

Awarded to an outstanding graduating Hispanic Studies major with a strong record of achievements in the program. Mackenzie notes that through the program, she has ;earned that there is more to translating than knowing the language, and that the cultural knowledge gained throughout the Hispanic Studies curriculum is crucial to successful translation work. One class in particular, illuminated a career path she had previously never considered but is incredibly excited about pursuing. In the fall, Mackenzie will be attending Wake Forest University in pursuit of a Master of Arts in Interpreting & Translation Studies.

Beau Nardo - MLL Outstanding Achievement Award for Excellence, Hispanic Studies

Awarded to an outstanding graduating Hispanic Studies major with a strong record of achievements in the program.

Max Minogue - MLL Outstanding Achievement Award for Excellence, Hispanic Studies

Awarded to an outstanding graduating Hispanic Studies major with a strong record of achievements in the program.

Julia Tripodi - R. Merritt Cox Award, Hispanic Studies

The Merritt Cox award was established in memory of Professor R. Merritt Cox, distinguished specialist in 18th-century Spanish literature, and a highly esteemed colleague. The award recognizes a student who has demonstrated a deep appreciation and broad interest in Hispanic Studies, has achieved an outstanding level of academic excellence in our program, and who will pursue a graduate degree in a field related to Hispanic Studies. Julia shares "I am so grateful for my experience in the Hispanic Studies department at William & Mary and am honored to be recognized for my appreciation of the discipline and my accomplishments in it. I am excited to carry my Hispanic Studies experience with me as I move on to earn my master’s in teaching ESL at UVA.

Christina Sherer - Howard M. Fraser, Hispanic Studies

This award recognizes the graduating Hispanic Studies major who has made significant achievements in research and service. Cristina shares "I owe countless thanks to these programs for giving me the tools to conduct research on language inclusivity and neo-pronouns in Spanish, a topic which has real and measurable impacts on the wellbeing of trans and queer youth learning Spanish. I never thought that a question sparked by a podcast I listened to on the beach in Spain could define my scholarship at William & Mary as well as my future, but I am so grateful to have conducted my research with kindness and respect as my leading principles. Due in no small part to my research, I have developed a deep passion for equity in education which will lead me back to William & Mary this summer to work towards my MAEd in ESL & Bilingual Education at the School of Education.

Felecia Hayes - Tradition of Service, Office of Community Engagement

Felecia exemplifies active citizenship through her commitment to prioritizing marginalized communities, challenging systems of injustice, and leading sustained collective action. Felecia is the heart, soul, and voice of the student-led Black Lives Matter protests that she began in the summer of 2020. In these weekly protests, Felecia has resisted complacency and instead embraced the demanding work of engaging across difference and inspiring others to act. She has shown incredible resilience and adaptability, including developing a protest strategy that allowed students to show up safely and abide by COVID protocols. While managing logistics like social distancing and water distribution, Felecia also challenged her peers to learn from their discomfort and grow in their own active citizenship. Her work as Diversity and Inclusion Chair of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee expanded her impact. Felecia’s vulnerability and authenticity when sharing about her experiences and commitment to the movement has been a powerful force for positive change. She is a strong and urgent voice of consciousness at William & Mary, much deserving of this recognition. Congratulations, Felecia!

Grace Ford-Dirks - Maria Leonard Senior Award, Student Tansition Engagement Programs

Determining this recipient is always a challenging process. However, Grace stood out because of her academic standing and philosophy. Grace earned a 3.84 GPA while pursuing a major in History (NIAHD) and a Classical Studies minor. Her dedication to fulfilling her academic potential has taken her to new levels of quality and engagement within her work. Recently named to Phi Beta Kappa and the American Collegiate Rowing Association Academic All-American Team three years in a row, this reflects her academic achievements as a member of the Club Rowing Team at W&M. Looking forward, she will be a Lois F. McNeil Fellow in the Winterthur Program in American Material Culture at the University of Delaware, the country's premier material culture graduate program. Grace has also been awarded a Frank L. Horton Fellowship to attend the 2021 Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts (MESDA) Summer Institute, which this summer will be emphasizing the Chesapeake Bay region. Without a doubt, she truly embodies Alpha Lambda Delta’s value of the pursuit of learning. Congratulations, Grace!

Emily Richardson - Patriot's Dream Veternans Scholarship, Student Veteran Engagement

Awarded to an undergraduate student who demonstrates and espouses the values of William & Mary. Selection is made based upon commitment to student excellence and the overall commitment to the William & Mary community. After her distinguished service in the U.S. Navy, Emily took on active roles in the veteran and campus communities as soon as she arrived, joining the Student Veterans of William & Mary and the Anthropology Club, even though she commutes to campus. Now the student veterans' Chief-of-Staff, Emily plans and executes veteran events and meetings, and serves as a representative for William & Mary in the Ivy League Veterans Council, as well as regional and national veteran conventions.

Emily Borkowski - The Knowlton Award, Student Unions & Engagement

Emily has served as the student supervisor for Union Central, the game room in Sadler, for the past year and has been instrumental in making the “UC” more than a collection of pool tables and video games, she has made it a true destination. Emily created a completely touchless check-out system that included capacity and time limits, distancing measures, and sanitation protocols that were in line with the university’s guidance. She was sure that the UC could offer a safe place for people to enjoy each other’s company. Emily created a slate of events, from pool tournaments to video game nights elsewhere in Sadler that continued to build community around the UC. She also created and curated the UC social media accounts which have helped increase recognition of both the UC and Student Unions & Engagement as a whole. Congratulations!

Haley Gorman - Boes/Tucker Volunteer of the Year, The Haven

The Haven is a peer-based confidential, welcoming, and inclusive resource center for those impacted by sexual violence and harassment, relationship abuse, stalking, and other gender-based discrimination. The award is named after Hannah Boes ‘14 and Mallory Tucker ‘15, two students instrumental in establishing The Haven at WM. This award is presented to the student or students that have shown exemplary dedication to the mission of The Haven and who have provided leadership to their peers in serving as Confidential Advocates.

Sophia Kingsley - Boes/Tucker Volunteer of the Year, The Haven

Katherine Yenzer - Boes/Tucker Volunteer of the Year, The Haven

Alexandra Byrne - W. Wilford Kale, Jr. Journalism Award, University Communication

This award was established to honor a student who has shown excellence in journalistic writing at William & Mary. The university has given this award since 1979 following its endowment by W. Wilford Kale, Jr., an alumnus of William & Mary, who for many years was a reporter with the Richmond-Times Dispatch and the head of the local Williamsburg Bureau. Alexandra serves as news editor of the campus newspaper, The Flat Hat, and as associate editor of the Monitor Journal of International Studies. Previously she served as an intern for The Flat Hat news and opinion sections before becoming chief staff writer. Alexandra’s reporting and writing are outstanding, covering a range of timely topics. As chief staff writer of The Flat Hat, she significantly expanded that role to add the depth of long-form investigative journalism to the publication’s coverage.

Claire Hogan - The Rex Smith Scholarship, University Communications

This scholarship was established in 1960 by friends of Rex Smith, an alumnus of William & Mary and longtime writer and editor for the Associated Press. The earnings from the endowment are presented annually to a student who participates in publication activities at the university. Claire serves as editor-in-chief of the campus newspaper, The Flat Hat. She started out as an intern before working as online editor and digital media editor there, as well as participating in the Sharp Seminar. Her reporting and writing excel, and she has been responsible for several new initiatives at The Flat Hat. These include streamlining its copy-editing process, updating its website, creating new guidelines for its opinions section and introducing a new office of the ombudsman to handle complaints.