Annual student awards gala highlights exceptional achievement, leadership

Binghamton University celebrated and recognized some of the outstanding students who contribute to Binghamton’s vibrant culture during the annual Binghamton University Student Awards Gala on May 6 at the Holiday Inn Downtown Binghamton. From student organizations to community engagement to on-campus jobs, students continually go above and beyond to get involved on and off campus, take on leadership roles, and make Binghamton a welcoming community.

Jennifer Keegin, director of campus activities and chair of the Student Awards Gala committee, started the evening off by welcoming guests, who included the students nominated for the 15 awards, those who nominated them, University administrators, and special guests.

“Tonight is a celebration of achievement, dedication, leadership, and the remarkable impact our students have made throughout this academic year,” Keegin said. “We’ve gathered here to recognize individuals whose hard work, perseverance, and passion have helped shape our campus community and inspire those around them.”

Over the course of the evening, University staff, administrators and members of the Student Association executive board presented awards to 13 students, two student organizations, and one staff member, honoring their contributions to the University. Each award winner also received a $500 check.

Keegin also thanked the evening’s sponsors: Al Vos, associate professor emeritus, and Visions Federal Credit Union.

“What makes this ceremony special is that we’re recognizing students for their contributions to areas of the University outside of academics,” said President Anne D’Alleva, who presented the final award of the night, the Student of Distinction Award. “Since I started in November, I’ve noticed a very special campus culture at our University. I’ve been calling it The Binghamton Bond. It’s a sense that people here deeply care about one another and want to go that extra mile to make sure that others are treated well and have an opportunity to succeed. This ceremony has been a wonderful illustration of student commitment to The Binghamton Bond.”

The following awards were presented:

Al Vos Excellence in Community Engagement

Brigitte Tisenchek

Tisenchek is an active volunteer at the Broome County Humane Society, where she walks dogs, supports the pet food pantry, and trains other volunteers. She has also completed shadowing experiences at two veterinary offices, participated in the Binghamton Pre-Veterinary Society, and served as a panelist in a conversation about volunteering for pre-health students. Her experiences were transformative and have motivated her to pursue a career in shelter medicine.

Excellence in Community Engagement (student organization)

Presented by Visions Federal Credit Union, sponsor

J.U.M.P. (Juvenile Urban Multicultural Program) Nation

Founded by members of the Educational Opportunity Program, J.U.M.P. Nation exhibits a commitment to expanding educational opportunity to the next generation of students. In recent years, J.U.M.P. Nation has continued to expand its reach through programs such as the J.U.M.P. Leadership Conference, which brings a mix of middle and high school students to campus to explore leadership, college readiness, and future opportunities. It has also collaborated with other student organizations on initiatives such as Operation Prom, which supports high school seniors by helping ensure they can participate in one of the milestone celebrations of their high school experience.

Excellence in Civic Engagement

Carla-Ann François

François has worked for the American Civic Association as a community immigration and refugee services intern, the Broome County Public Defenders’ Office, and will soon be starting a placement at the Bronx District Attorney’s Office. She was also active on campus in the Haitian Student Association and the Thurgood Marshall Pre-Law Society, where she held multiple elected positions.

Best All Around New Bearcat (first-year)

Annabelle Goyette

Goyette arrived on campus amid recovery from surgery following a severe injury, but she didn’t let that stop her from getting involved. She developed a screen-free activity program for local youth through the Emerging Leaders Program, trained with the powerlifting team, and got involved with the women’s rugby team and Medicine in Sports Club. 

Best All Around New Bearcat (transfer)

Ella DiMezza

DiMezza began seeking out ways to get involved on campus immediately after transferring to Binghamton through Transfer Student Success events. She soon discovered the Center for Civic Engagement, where she found true connection. She received the Leaders in Engagement, Advocacy, and Democracy (LEAD) badge this fall, completing at least 20 hours of community service. In the spring semester, she became a civil dialogue ambassador, planning events and trainings for campus community members.

BFirst Resilience Award

Jawad Ahmad

In 2020, when a Taliban bombing targeted his school in Kabul, Ahmad refused to accept the disruption to his education, organizing fellow students to protest outside of the Afghan president’s office until the school was reopened. He is the first in his family to attend college, setting an example for his siblings. He is an EMT, the medical director of Steve’s Camp in Livingston Manor, New York, the president of the Pakistani Student Association, and a front desk manager at the EOP and Student Support Services Tutorial Center.

Campus Recreation Employee of the Year

Evangeline Manolas

The staff member who nominated Manolas said: "In every aspect of her role as building manager, Manolas demonstrates initiative, integrity, and dedication. She does not simply meet expectations, she consistently exceeds them. Beyond her direct work with staff, she enhances the experience of every person she encounters, ensuring that everyone feels welcome and respected in our spaces.”

Excellence in Fraternity and Sorority Life

Paige Heggelke

In her roles as Phi Sigma Sigma fundraising chair, a Panhellenic Council recruitment counselor, and Panhellenic Council president, Heggelke increased recruitment participation, improved operational procedures, and enhanced events like the Miss Aphrodite Charity Pageant and the annual Trunk or Treat event. She has been a peer tutor for the athletic department, a student assistant in the Dean of Students Office, and the treasurer for the Student Association Programming Board. Additionally, this February she was recognized by the Northeast Greek Leadership Association as a Greek Leader of Distinction.

Undergraduate Student Employee of the Year

Kayla Williams

Williams was instrumental in the development of Students Advancing Binghamton (SAB), a student-led alumni association through the Office of Alumni Engagement that works to develop student philanthropy education and leadership opportunities, build bridges between current students and alumni, and broaden student engagement on campus to foster a culture of campus pride by creating and sustaining institutional traditions.

Graduate Student Employee of the Year

Sophia Dando

In her work with the Watson Career and Alumni Connections Office, Dando was a catalyst for change, consistently implementing programs that broadened student engagement, improved access to resources, and positively impacted both students and colleagues.

Residential Life Community Builder of the Year

Dior Wright

Wright goes above and beyond expectations in her role as a community assistant and marketing assistant in Newing College, creating a welcoming, engaged, and supportive community where residents feel seen, valued, and included.

Excellence in the Residential Student Experience 

Nabiha Chowdhury

Chowdhury is an apartment assistant in Susquehanna and approaches her work with care, attention to detail, and a genuine passion for supporting others. She has developed thoughtful programming and served as a reliable presence in the community, strengthening connections among residents and contributing to a more inclusive and welcoming living experience.

Student Organization President of the Year

Emily Leighton

Through her dedication to oSTEM, Leighton has increased membership, strengthened engagement, and created a welcoming space for LGBTQ+ students in STEM fields. She introduced innovative initiatives like an executive board internship program to build future leaders, organized large-scale events with record attendance, and successfully coordinated a fully funded trip to a national conference. From professional development workshops to outreach events and partnerships with numerous student organizations, she has expanded oSTEM’s presence across campus and beyond. 

Outstanding Organization of the Year

Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE)

SHPE has made a lasting impact on campus through meaningful programming, professional development, and a strong sense of community. This year, it sent 32 students to a national convention, earning the Bronze Chapter Award, recognizing excellence at a national level. Throughout the year, SHPE collaborated with 16 student organizations on campus, fostering connection, cultural awareness, and growth.

Bearcat Award for Outstanding Service and Support

Madison McQueeney, assistant director of fraternity and sorority life

The Bearcat Award for Outstanding Service and Support recognizes a faculty, staff member or administrator who goes above and beyond to help students. McQueeney demonstrates an unwavering commitment to students — not just as learners, but as individuals navigating challenges, leadership, and growth. From large-scale philanthropic initiatives to innovative programs that connect students across organizations, her work has helped shape a stronger, more connected campus community.

Student of Distinction

Cassandra Kleid

Kleid, a junior double-majoring in history and philosophy, politics and law, with a minor in linguistics, exhibits an impressive and extensive level of engagement across campus. She has served as a peer assistant in Harpur Academic Advising and is a tour guide and tour guide mentor for Admissions. She is a teaching assistant in American Sign Language and works with Campus Activities on Late Nite programming and the Fleishman Career Center, promoting professional development events. She is a member of the Kickline Spirit Squad, president of the Tap That dance club, social chair and choreographer of the Evolution Dance Company, and has interned for Mountain View Jams. She is also the outreach director of the Pre-Law Educational Organization and has also worked with the Thurgood Marshall Pre-Law Society and the Emerging Leaders Program.