Student Leadership Celebration
Staff from the Division of Student Life, in partnership with campus colleagues from Student Success, Admissions, Mission & Ministry and Sustainability hosted this year’s Leadership Celebration in recognition of students, student-driven groups, and student organizations that serve the Saint Mary’s community.
Here is the list of awards and recipients for the Student Leadership Awards for 2022-2023.
SPIRIT OF SAINT MARY’S AWARD
This year’s Spirit of Saint Mary’s Award goes to a faculty or staff member who goes out of their way to support, help, and/or have an active presence at many student-sponsored programs, events, activities, and training. When students need them, they are there. They embody positivity, and a willingness to learn and are an active member of the SMC community.
- Lauren Fukunaga, Sr Payroll Specialist
RISING STAR
This award was given to first-year & transfer students who have exemplified outstanding leadership and/or involvement during their first year at Saint Mary's.
- Harsh Singh
- Aya Banaja
- Kate Contil
- Gwen Penalber
- Rebecca Carranza
- Lexington Freeman
- Leonardo Romo
- Erin Colville
- Cerys Price
- Adrian Lossada
- Lillian Lasalle
- Brandon Valerio
- Regina Molitoris
- Zoey Cardosa
- Gabriella Parnagian
LUMINARY AWARD
This award is given to students in their second year at Saint Mary's who have exemplified outstanding leadership and/or involvement and has positively influenced others.
- Kalilah Epperson-Lee
- Hana Rose Lizama
- Marissa Montelongo
- Marissa Nishihara
- Jose Miranda
- Demetri Papageorge
- Allison Edwards
- Jessalynn Torres
- Bashire Jamil
- Reeya Dharmadhikari
- Sharbel Aboubechara
- Roya Amirsheybani
- Isaac Serrano-Torres
- Lauren Moreno
- Emeli Ruiz
UNSUNG HEROES
This award is given to a student who works very hard behind-the-scenes and is rarely in the spotlight.
- Amanda Hofmann
- Joseph Garrett
- Trinity Boykin
- Katherine Hammond
GROUNDBREAKER AWARD
This award honors and recognizes those groups and/or individuals that have provided excellent programs and services utilizing creativity and innovative use of technology. This ground-breaker has rethought uses of space, inspired the use of technology, and provided imaginative opportunities for student engagement.
- Lauren Kearney
- Norah Besette-Denwood
LEADING FOR CHANGE
Those who work for change understand that the goal of leadership is to have a positive impact on one's community. The recipient, or group, of this award will have made a significant positive change on the campus or community through their leadership and commitment.
- Kobe Onedera
- Emily Lascala
PROGRAM OF THE YEAR
This award is given to a program/event that has made a positive impact on the student experience. The program may be a one-time event or on-going series of events. To qualify, the event must be student-led and must have taken place during the current academic year.
- Pass the Plate
STUDENT ORGANIZATION OF THE YEAR
This award is given to a student group that has exemplified outstanding leadership, involvement in the Saint Mary's community, and commitment to its mission.
- Muslim Student Association
- Free Store
BROTHER DOMINIC BERARDELLI LASALLIAN LEADERSHIP AWARD
Presenter: Br. David Caretti
This award is given to a student who, through their leadership and involvement, exemplifies one or more of the following Lasallian Core Principles:
- Faith in the Presence of God
- Concern for the Poor and Social Justice
- Respect for All Persons
- Inclusive Community
- Quality Education
In addition, the recipient is a student who embraces the spirit of Br. Dom – a positive attitude, willingness to learn, involved in the fabric of our community life, has a presence and is a “face” of Saint Mary's, and is the epitome of hospitality.
- Rachel Carrillo
STUDENT LEADER OF THE YEAR
This award is given to a Junior or Senior student who has exemplified outstanding leadership through mentoring other students, demonstrated service to the Saint Mary's community, and creating engagement opportunities on campus. (Please note the differences between this award & the Milliken Award, which is awarded to a graduating senior distinguished for unselfish devotion to student affairs.)
- Tyra Thompson
