2025 Undergraduate Awards

Delaney, Townsley, Yeager Award

This award recognizes and supports foreign study and internships abroad. The recipients will be receiving the award in recognition and support of their foreign study endeavors.

World Languages and Cultures – Presented by Professors Pilar Pinar and Gregoire Youbara

Jeffrey Levitt

Conrad Angelo Santos

Estelina Kovacs

Krystal Sanders

Joseph L. Mattivi Achievement Art Student Award

Award is given to students who have gone above and beyond their class and program requirements; Excelling in their studies, assignments and projects; Willingness to assist their Arts & Media Design student peers; Showing true leadership in the field of Art and Media Design.

Arts and Media Design – Presented by Professor Scott Carollo

Jihad Johnson

Constellation Leadership Art Student Award

Given to a senior art student whose work and presence have reliably energized our community, demonstrating leadership, innovation, and a lasting commitment to the arts.

Art and Media Design – Presented by Professor Scott Carollo

Kaitlyn Ruble

Emerging & Promising Art Student Award

This award celebrates a junior art student whose creative potential is sustainable and promises to light the way for the future of art.

Arts and Media Design – Presented by Professor Scott Carollo

Zoe Abrams-Gay

Jake Mannick

Linwood Smith Scholarship Award

The Linwood Smith Memorial Scholarship was established by the initial donor, Elwood L. Miles, brother of Linwood Smith. The fund provides scholarship assistance to undergraduate African- American deaf and hard-of-hearing junior and senior students, with a GPA of 2. 5 or better.

Center for Black Deaf Studies – Presented by Professor Joseph Hill

Sadam Mohamed

Justin Mushette

Stephanie Jean Herring

Brandon Washington

Davina Mayor

The Marie J. Philip Award for Student Excellence in Deaf Studies

GPA = 3.0 or better. Exhibits leadership potential. Contributes to Departmental activities

Deaf Studies – Presented by Professors Dirksen Bauman and Genie Gertz

Krystal Sanders

History Program Writing Competition Award

The Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War, 1861 – 1865 presents the Undergraduate Writing Competition for the best history paper on a Civil War topic.

History – Presented by Professor Dr. Jannelle Legg

First Place

Aubrie Bauer

Second Place

Zora Elliot-Mendelsohn

Third Place

Catelina Martinez

Top History Major, Sponsored by Daughters of the Union Veterans of the Civil War, 1861-1865

Given to graduating senior History majors who excelled academically in History courses as demonstrated by their major GPA and other academic coursework, and who demonstrated a commitment to the Department and the Community.

History – Presented by Professor Dr. Jannelle Legg

Aubrie Bauer

Lorelei Becktel

Grace Benham

Jacqueline Gonzalez

James E. Haynes Award for Excellence in the Study of Philosophy

Named for the first Deaf person to earn a Ph.D. in philosophy. This award recognizes students who exhibit outstanding aptitude for understanding the nuances and complexities of philosophy. Students who receive the award display a temperament of critical reflection and show commitment to philosophy and philosophical discourse in the classroom and beyond.

Philosophy – Presented by Professor Barbara Stock

Neila Eaddy

The Victoria LeBlanc Memorial Scholarship

In life, Victoria was a force of light (Luce means “light”), and since hersing, she remains a source of inspiration for lives she touched as a Deaf theatre article, leader, poet, and writer. This scholarship provides financial support for tuition scholarships for full-time deaf or hard of hearing students seeking a degree in English or Theater from the University.

Theatre and Dance – Presented by Professor Ethan Sinnott

Courtney Bronson

Tyler Furzland

Gilbert C. Eastman Award

This award is given to a full-time junior majoring in Theatre, with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, and Theatre major GPA of 3.0 or better.

Theatre and Dance – Presented by Professor Ethan Sinnott

Vincente Artino

Jeremy Pitts

Theatre Senior Service Award

Awarded to a theatre major based upon: 1. Number of shows the student has participated in 2. Visibility in the Theatre Program 3. Willingness to help with production tasks 4. Overall contribution to the Theatre Program

Theatre and Dance Presented by Professor Ethan Sinnott

Taylor Victor

Psi Iota Xi Dance Award

Performance ability; Loyalty to Gallaudet Dance Company; Financial need; Service to Gallaudet Dance Company; GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Theatre and Dance – Presented by Brooke Roberts and Ashley Pigliavento

Marilyn Puebla

Liberace Award for Excellence in Dance, Music, and Theatre

GPA of 3.0 or higher; Full-time student majoring in Theatre and/or minoring in Dance; Strong interest in music; Contributes to the Theatre and Dance Program.

Theatre and Dance – Presented by Brooke Roberts and Ashley Pigliavento

Marilyn Puebla

The George W. Veditz Award

To a student with GPA = 3.0 or better who exhibits leadership potential and contributes to Departmental activities.

ASL Studies – Presented by Professor Wanda Riddle

Brenna Koskie

ASL Honor Society

ASL Studies – Presented by Professor Wanda Riddle

Jon Anderson

Chandra Bishop

Jaylen Johnson

Brenna Koskie

Enrico Miller

Anya Pothorski

Jewel Rocha

The Outstanding Undergraduate Education Award

Exemplary commitment to and achievement in teaching and learning given to an outstanding undergraduate Education major

Education – Presented by Professor Helen Thuman

Amalia Mihalakakos

The Metamorphosis Award

A student who demonstrates an extraordinary transformation through undergraduate studies in our Teacher Education program.

Education – Presented by Professor Helen Thuman

Cynthia Ortega

Marie Jean Philip Award

Exemplary graduating interpretation senior who demonstrates excellence in academics and interpreting.

Interpretation and Translation – Presented by Pamela F. Collins

Kailee Bates

Blaise Wafo Ndetatsin Award

Graduating interpretation senior who made outstanding contributions to a Deaf community on and/or off the university campus.

Interpretation and Translation – Presented by Professor Pamela F. Collins

Sam Michaelson

Atlas Rideout

Casterline and Croneberg Linguistics Student Award

Given to an outstanding student of Linguistics with a 3.0 GPA or higher

Linguistics – Presented by Professor Pamela Wright

Chikako Tamaki

Charles R. Ely Award

Named in honor of Dr. Charles Ely, Class of 1892, also a Gallaudet faculty member and a college Vice President. His family established the award in 1939, and is given to the biology and chemistry students who show the most proficiency in the sciences, high GPA, work ethics, and involvement in the program.

Biology and Chemistry – Presented by Professor Paul Sabila

Roman Alvarez

Andrew Crawford

Carter R. Johnson

Hiruni Hewapathiranage

Blessed Mbogo

Information Technology Award

Given to the most outstanding student who entered the IT program this year.

Information Technology – Presented by Professor Raja Kushalnagar

Kodi Lee

Leon Auerbach Freshman Mathematics Award

Given to outstanding freshman mathematics student(s).

Mathematics – Presented by Professor Mohammad Obiedat

Hiruni Hewapathirana

Lev Shayman

Nana Akohene Owusu Ansah

Academic Excellence in Public Health Award

This award acknowledges a student’s consistent dedication to academic success and achievement.

Public Health Program – Presented by Professor Abbi Simons

Kimberly MacLeod

Excellence in Public Health Leadership

This award recognizes a student who has demonstrated commitment, growth, and leadership in the field of public health at Gallaudet.

Public Health Program – Presented by Professor Abbi Simons

Lucian Blanks

Public Health Summit Award

This award honors a student’s journey of progress and discovery and recognizes transformation, resilience, and rising to new heights.

Public Health Program – Presented by Professor Abbi Simons

Hannah Puent

Dr. Frank B. Sullivan “Excellence in Business” Award

Awarded to the most outstanding graduating senior in the Department of Business.

Business – Presented by Professor Lawrence Musa

Alyssa Glennon

The Joe Mattivi Scholarship Award

Financial scholarship awarded to juniors who excel academically with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Business – Presented by Professor Lawrence Musa

Lucas Riley

Vincente Artino

Dr. Stephen Chaikind Professional Development Award

Awarded to a student who has shown the most dedication to academics since entering the program.

Business – Presented by Professor Lawrence Musa

Raven Washington

The Department of Business Academic Excellence Award

Award for outstanding graduating seniors in each program

Business – Presented by Professor Lawrence Musa

Accounting:

Elijah Solomon

Business Administration:

Crystal Salit

Risk Management & Insurance:

John Scarboro

The Department of Business Student Service Award

Student who provides the most outstanding service to the Department of Business

Business – Presented by Professor Lawrence Musa

Crystal Salit

Alyssa Glennon

Michaela Kelley

ZaniBelle Hoglind

Abraham Chukwuma Scholarship

Abraham Chukwuma Scholarship honors Professor Emilia Chukwuma’s belated father, awarded to freshman, sophomore, or junior, majoring in business and is in good academic standing.

Business – Presented by Professor Lawrence Musa

Katelyn Aquino Uribe

Xi Gamma Chapter of International Business Honor Society, Delta Mu Delta

Seniors who have GPA 3.25 and above. They will wear a gold Delta Mu Delta Pin and an official DMB Honor cord on graduation day.

Business – Presented by Professor Hollie Fallstone

Charles Clark

Mignon Estores

Danielle Fisher

Kyle Florio

Matteo Giasanti

Alyssa Glennon

ZaniBelle Hoglind

Smith Mamboh

Lucas Riley

Melany Salcedo

Benavides

Crystal Salit

Kylar Sicoli

Elijah Solomon

Anh Vo

Kelly Webster

Brielle Worley

Alice M. Teegarden Memorial Award

* Recognizes excellence in Public Presenting *Communication Studies major or minor *Completed/currently taking COM 290: Public Presentations *Have a minimum GPA of 2.75 *Currently be enrolled as a student in good standing, as determined by the institution’s policies

Communication Studies – Presented by Professor Stacy Nowak

Jalina Dietz

Mary Land

Shayla Rochette

Lambda Pi Eta National Communication Honor Society

Demonstrates excellent academic standing; Represents the upper 35% of the graduating class; Demonstrates commitment to the field of communication

Communications Studies – Presented by Alona Zfati and Ella Stromber

Jalina Dietz

Aspen Goldstein

Aryzona Marsh

Salt Morton

Shayla Rochette

Chloe Saunders

Belinda Toledo

Azeb Visco

Gisella Visco

Peace Corps Prep Certificate

Government presented by Professor Erin Farley 

Jeffrey Levitt

Dorothy Polakoff Award for Professional Development

Demonstrates exceptional professional growth during the major as reflected in performance in social work courses and internships.

Social Work – Presented by Professors Connie Pucci, Terese Rognmo, and Hayley Stokar

Zulmi Marshall

Dorothy Polakoff Award for Rising Social Work

Demonstrates outstanding performance in class, field, and the program. Illustrates a commitment to excellence and a drive to be a lifelong learner. An asset to the field and the value of social justice.

Social Work – Presented by Professors Hayley Stoker, Terese Rognmo, and Connie Pucci

Tye Lovato

Dorothy Polakoff Award for Academic Excellence

Awarded to the senior social work major with the highest academic achievement as measured by GPA.

Social Work – Presented by Professors Hayley Stoker, Terese Rognmo, and Connie Pucci

Hanna Johnston-Shaw

Phi Alpha National Honor Society

Top 35% for GPA, demonstrates academic excellence, contributes to the social work program.

Social Work – Presented by Professors Connie Pucci, Terese Rognmo, and Hayley Stokar

Muna Abanoor

Diana Collins

SJ Herring

Kelly Marquez-Carbajal

Sophia Martinez

Mika Mitchem

Alejandro Rea

Haylie Kircher

Jezelina Bumala

Outstanding Psychology Major Award

Recognizes graduating senior psychology student(s) who have demonstrated exemplary scholarship, outstanding professional growth, and promise for making significant contributions in the field of psychology

Psychology – Presented by Professors Shilpa H. Lacy and Morgane Vincent

Lorelei Becktel

Elizabeth Droubi

Kate McClyman

Xin Lu Wall

Outstanding Research Achievement Award

Recognizes graduating senior psychology student(s) who have distinguished themselves in psychological research.

Psychology – Presented by Professors Deborah Schooler and James Waller

Elizabeth Droubi

Blessed Mbogo

Outstanding Psychology Intern Award

Recognizes graduating senior psychology students who have used the application of psychology to make a significant impact during internship.

Psychology – Presented by Professors Shilpa H. Lacy and Morgane Vincent

Emily Dominguez

Galvan Award of Excellence

The Galvan award recognizes a graduating senior psychology student who embodies the values of life-long learning, perseverance, commitment to education.

Psychology – Presented by Professors Dennis Galvan, Deborah Schooler and James Waller

Jamie Gleason

Hannah Kohl

Lauren Taneyhill

Jason Williams

Tiffany Zink

Dorothy Hamberg Memorial Award

Awarded to a PER major who exemplifies the characteristics of Dorothy Hamberg through academic, leadership, and service accomplishments.

Physical Education and Recreation – Presented by Professor Vanessa Arp

Mallory Garcia