Daemen University honored students during the annual Student Leadership Awards luncheon on May 1.
The luncheon, held in the John R. Yurtchuk Student Center social room, recognized students for their leadership beyond the classroom, including contributions that have made a lasting impact on the Daemen community.
Aysha Waddell and Dr. Kerry Spicer
“The Student Leadership Awards luncheon, like many of our year-end recognition events, honors students’ hard work, achievements, and scholarship throughout the year,” said Dr. Kerry Spicer, Daemen’s Vice President of Student Affairs. “The luncheon has a wide range of awards, including departmental awards, club and organization awards, and campus-wide awards. I am always so impressed with how accomplished all Daemen students are, award or not! It is truly inspiring to hear about all of the great things they have done during their time with us.”
The 2025 Chris Malik Student Leader of the Year Award was presented to Aysha Waddell for her significant involvement and leadership across many capacities of the university.
Additional award recipients include:
Student Success Center
- Mary Jane Orffeo / Mary A. LoCurto Community Service Award: Alex Marsh
- Peer Mentor Award: Corey Brillman
Student-Athlete Advisory Committee
- E-board member: Kitsa Scime, David Schwinger, Yinett Del Leon, Bradyn Winters
Orientation Leaders
- Outstanding Service: Bella Cimato
- Teamwork: Elliott Stephenson
- Rising Star: Nick Schopp
- Unsung Hero: Kai Powell
- Lead Orientation Leader: Zoe Bonar, Jacob Cantie, Dakota Gold, Peri Swackhammer
Campus Activities Team
- Recognition for Excellent Service on the CAT Team: Victoria Baldassare, Sam Kabel
Arthur O. Eve Higher Education Opportunity Program
- Outstanding Senior Award: Alpha Bah
- TRI Award: Alayna Jobe-Lyon
Center for Diversity and Inclusion
- Outstanding Service Award: Cadence Russell, Debbie Periannan
Department of Veterans and Family Services
- Daemen University Veterans Achievement Award: Graham Meagher
Student Physical Therapy Association
- Student Leadership Award: Dana Bacher, Jacob Canty
Nursing
- Nightingale Award: Megan Chamberlin
Housing and Residence Life
- Years of Service Recognition: Robert Chaffee, Cassandra Moss, Briana Willick, Josephine Binczewski
Insight Student Newspaper
- Insight Leadership Award: Cadence Russell
Admissions Tour Guides
- Outstanding Leader Award: Jill Baltzley and Amee Sprague
- Student Spotlight Award: Maddy Rowe
Global Programs
- Trailblazer Award: Aaliyah Deaton
Enrollment Management
- Outstanding Caller & Office Assistant: Kiana Webber
Delta Phi Mu
- Delta of the Year Award: Riley Bolender
- Rose Carnation Award: Isabella Cimino
Alumni Relations/ Student Alumni Ambassadors
- Michael G. Patane/Andrew C. Wheeler Outstanding Leadership Award: Michelina Ricotta
- Sarah N. Hartman Outstanding Leadership Award: Zoe Bonar
Student Activities
- Student Organization Program of the Year: Wildcat Thrifts from the Business Club