SWAG��Ƶ Honors Top Students with 2024 University Awards

April 26, 2024

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Biddeford, Maine

SWAG��Ƶ Honors Top Students with 2024 University Awards

Held at the Harold Alfond Forum on SWAG��Ƶ's Biddeford Campus on Tuesday, April 23, the annual event provides an opportunity to formally recognize students who have demonstrated outstanding scholarship, leadership, and service.

The SWAG��Ƶ celebrated the exceptional academic achievements and community contributions of its undergraduate students at the 2024 University Awards ceremony. Held at the Harold Alfond Forum on SWAG��Ƶ's Biddeford Campus on Tuesday, April 23, the annual event provides an opportunity to formally recognize students who have demonstrated outstanding scholarship, leadership, and service.

The awards are the result of a rigorous selection process by a committee comprising representatives from the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), the Faculty Assembly Student Affairs Committee, the Global Education Program, the CAS Internship Office, the SWAG��Ƶ Office of Student Affairs, and the Westbrook College of Health Professions (WCHP) faculty.

By honoring its highest-performing and most engaged students, SWAG��Ƶ reinforces its commitment to fostering academic excellence and developing future leaders dedicated to serving their communities.

“The SWAG��Ƶ community consists of many different groups of people, and this event brings us all together to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of our students,” said Jonathan Millen, Ph.D., dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, during the awards ceremony. “At SWAG��Ƶ, we take academic excellence and student leadership very seriously. We also understand that the achievements we celebrate on campus are just the beginning, a foundation for an even greater set of accomplishments that you will attain as you go out into the world."

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 SWAG��Ƶ 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 SWAG��Ƶ 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 SWAG��Ƶ 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 SWAG��Ƶ 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 SWAG��Ƶ 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 SWAG��Ƶ 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 SWAG��Ƶ 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.