Daemen University honored exceptional graduates during the 2026 Annual Excellence Awards, a ceremony that recognizes top scholarship and achievements across each academic department, as well as campus-wide contributions, on Friday, May 15. 
Sabrina Fennell, associate vice president for student success, welcomed attendees, saying, “Our Academic Excellence Awards Ceremony is a wonderful tradition for us to celebrate our students’ intellectual curiosity, profound research, and academic achievements. I am always honored to be a part of such a special evening to recognize the future leaders and visionaries who make up Daemen’s finest.”
President Gary A. Olson presented the President’s Award to Deborah Periannan, recognizing them for enhancing the Daemen community through their record of extraordinary accomplishment across scholarship, student life, and community life, and exemplifying the university’s values, goals, and ideals throughout their college journey.
Periannan graduated with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a minor in women’s studies. They has served as a lead Diversity Ambassador in the HOPE Center (Home for Opportunity, Purpose, and Engagement) for all four years at Daemen—the first student to do so. Periannan also served as a Tri-Scholar mentor, an orientation leader, academic coach for the Student Success Center, and a peer counselor for the HEOP (Higher Education Opportunity Program) Summer Program.
Vice President for Student Affairs Kerry Spicer presented the Mary Angela Canavan Award to Ava Stoller in recognition of her significant contributions to student life at Daemen. Stoller completed three years of pre-pharmacy at Daemen and will be attending the University at Buffalo as part of a 3+4 Program with the UB School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. She has been a resident assistant for the past two years and a member of the women’s lacrosse team through early Spring 2026.
“Ava has distinguished herself as an RA through her empathy, go-getter attitude, and willingness to mentor and support residents and peers,” said Spicer. “She has a keen ability to build meaningful connections with others, which has made her one of the most well-regarded RAs on campus.”
Damian Desbordes, ’08, ’13 chair, Alumni Association Board of Directors, and Kate Hammer, ’06 senior associate vice president for advancement, presented the Alumni Senior Award to first-generation transfer student Gaitrie Singh who graduated with a BS in paralegal studies.
“Gaitrie’s dedication to both her academic and professional pursuits have defined her journey at Daemen,” said Desbordes, adding, “Through her service as a tutor, she has uplifted her peers, guiding them through complex legal studies with patience and care. Her leadership as President of the Paralegal Studies Club, along with her involvement in Tri-Alpha, ALHANA, HEOP, and the American Women’s Association, reflects her passion for community and empowerment.”
Additional awards include:
Campus-Wide Awards
- Tradition Keeper Awards | Gracie Brown | Luca Dirose | Anna Mangialomini | Emily Melquist | Angelina Natale | Alaina Roberts | Madeline Straub | Makenna Tront
Departmental Awards
COLLEGE OF ARTS, SCIENCES, AND EDUCATION
Criminal Justice
- Outstanding Senior Award | Emma Fenwick
Education
- Undergraduate Excellence in Education Award | Jacqueline Simpson
- Graduate Excellence in Education Award | Kimberly Rosenfeld
- Professionalism in Teaching and Learning Award | Summer Cole
English
- John T. Masterson Award for Excellence in English | Kaity Hersee
- Senior Capstone Award | Jenna Havert
History & Political Science
- Department Valedictorian | Mackenzie Clogston
- Samuel E. Morrison Award for Best Senior Capstone | Sylvie Dickerman
Natural Sciences & Mathematics
- Outstanding Natural Sciences Research Student | Jacob Goss | Alexis Nguyen
- Outstanding Natural Sciences Student | Sabrina Adamson
Psychological Sciences
- Academic Achievement Capstone Award | Anna Mangialomini
- Departmental Research Scholar | Lexi Drum
Visual and Performing Arts
- The Sweatbox Award for ARCS and Weight | Annamarie Pope
- The Sweatbox Award for Timing and Spacing | Luthart
- Excellence in the Visual Arts Award | Moira Blood
COLLEGE OF HEALTH, HUMAN SCIENCES, AND BUSINESS
Alfiero School of Business
Accounting
- Academic Excellence in Accounting | Iris Roach
Business Administration
- Academic Excellence in Business Administration | Rebecca Schultz
Golisano School of Health & Human Sciences
Behavioral Science
- Academic Excellence Award, ABA Program | Shiann Battieste | Liisa Leo-Smith | Amber Meli
- Experimental Research and Dissemination of Behavior Analysis Award | Sastiana Etienne
Health Promotion
- Student of Distinction | Ella Bouley
- Academic Excellence | Danielle Kulik
Leadership and Innovation
- John S. Frederick Creative Leadership Award | Paula Mercado Amin
Public Health
- Master of Public Health Leadership and Advocacy Award | Madeleine Erno | Ezra Mosegi
Social Work & Sociology
- Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) Outstanding Student Award | Betesha Thompson-Johnson
- Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) Outstanding Performance in Practicum Education Award | Tanisha Brooks
- Master of Social Work (MSW) Outstanding Student Award | Pessie Koplowitz
- Master of Social Work (MSW) Outstanding Performance in Practicum Education Award | Francesca Agugliaro
SCOTT BIELER COLLEGE OF HEALTH PROFESSIONS
Nursing
- Emerging Nurse Leader Award | Emily Harrell
- Excellence in Advanced Nursing Practice Award | Stacy Brockway
- Dr. Mary Lou Rusin Outstanding Leader Award | Corinne Hill
Physical Therapy
- Richard Schweichler Award for Academic Excellence | Keegan Reardon
- Physical Therapy Department Faculty Recognition Award | Dana Bacher
- New York Physical Therapy Association (NYPTA) Student Participation Award | Cassandra Ashline
Physician Assistant Studies
- Physician Assistant Student Academic Excellence Award | Briana Willick
- Physician Assistant Student Clinical Excellence Award | Brianna Walker
- Physician Assistant Student Outstanding Future Professional Award | Jacob Elias