Roger Williams University: Students Recognized For Academic Excellence And Contributions To RWU Community

Press release from Roger Williams University:

By Kelly Brinza

May 7, 2025

BRISTOL, R.I. – Roger Williams University highlighted the hard work of dozens of students this weekend at the Student Achievement Awards. The ceremony on May 4 is a time-honored tradition hosted by the Division of Student Life that recognizes dedication, leadership, and on-campus accomplishments. A total of 75 awards were presented at the celebration held in the Campus Recreation Center Field House.

“The RWU Achievement Awards is a wonderful tradition that our community looks forward to each year,” said Carol Sacchetti, Associate Dean of Students and Director of Student Programs, Leadership, and Orientation. “It is wonderful to hear the accomplishments of our students and to be able to honor them with their friends and family in the audience.”

“We believe that as a result of their experience at RWU, students will go on to meaningfully contribute to thriving and diverse communities,” said John King, Vice President for Student Life.

The ceremony included a moment of silence to remember Paige Moreau, a junior Architecture major who experienced a medical emergency and passed away last month while studying abroad in Florence, Italy. She was later honored with the Class Award for the Class of 2026, which King accepted on her family’s behalf.

In addition to student awards, Denielle Emans, Assistant Professor of Graphic Design Communications, was honored with the Dr. Mark Gould Commitment to Student Learning Award, which is voted on by students and awarded to a faculty member who embodies a commitment to education and their students.

The following students received awards:

The Outstanding Admissions Ambassador Awards recognize and commend students who best reflect the mission and philosophy of the Office of Admission.

Outstanding Admissions Ambassador Awards

Mya D’Antonio ’27

Kaylee Jackson ’26

Steven Stanzione ’26

The Charles J. Kelley Award recognizes a student for outstanding work in health promotion to the RWU community.

Charles J. Kelley Health Service Award

Sophia Gatto ’25

The Title IX Violence Prevention & Sexual Assault Awareness Recognition Award honors students who have worked closely with the Title IX office over the past year.

Title IX Violence Prevention and Sexual Assault Awareness Award

Samuel Filiaggi, L’25

The Roger Williams University Sustainability Award recognizes a student who made great strides in promoting sustainable practices within our campus community.

Sustainability Award

Sydney Zobel ’26

The Club and Organization Members of the Year awards were created to recognize the efforts of Club and Organization members who continuously went above and beyond their duties.

Club Member of the Year

Hannah Caple ’26

Khalil Gooden ’25

Organization Member of the Year

Samuel Carter ’27

Sage Shuster-Wright ’27

The James R. Russo Award is given annually by the Department of Athletics to senior student-athletes who have the highest grade-point averages.

James R. Russo Award for Athletic Academic Excellence

Ruby Hope ’25

Ryan Thomas ’25

Class Awards honor students of each class year who live out the mission of the university and their love of the community through service to the university.

Class Awards: Class of 2025

Alexandra Cos ’25

Jayson Dixon ’25

Khalil Gooden ’25

Jill Nugai ’25

Class Awards: Class of 2026

Paige Moreau ’26

Nathan Tassey ’26

Amanda Walsh ’26

Class Awards: Class of 2027

Ryleigh Costa ’27

Hannah Driscoll-Carignan ’27

Sarah MacDonald ’27

Lily Ward ’27

Class Awards: Class of 2028

Lola Bergeron ’28

Matthew Maddan ’28

Manase Mutshima ’28

Dorothy Riley ’28

The Intercultural Center Values and Service Award honors students who have demonstrated sustained commitment to the values of the Intercultural Center initiatives through their engagement and service.

Intercultural Values and Service Award

Sherisa Smith ’25

The Resident Assistant of the Year Award is given to an outstanding staff member who goes above and beyond their responsibilities.

Resident Assistant of the Year Award

Emily Wildfeuer ’27

Commitment to Residence Life & Housing

James Vigar M’26

The Peer Mentor of the Year Award recognizes an outstanding Peer Mentor who demonstrated commitment, reliability, professionalism, and enthusiasm throughout the year.

Peer Mentor of the Year Award

Ronia Clarence ’25

The International Student Leadership Award was created to recognize a student for their dedication and commitment to campus internationalization and international engagement.

International Student Leadership Award

Daniel Romero Rodriguez ’23, M’25

Abida Mohammady ’26

The Melissa Carrasquillo Award for Intercultural Citizenship is awarded to a graduating senior who demonstrated exceptional commitment to social justice and inclusion.

Melissa Carrasquillo Award for Intercultural Citizenship

Waldino Joseph ’25

Abigail Valenzuela ’25

The Student Senate awarded the following scholarships:

Student Senate Scholarship in Activism

Coralee Garcia ’27

Amy Howell ’27

Tenley Wojt ’27

Student Senate Scholarship in Academic Achievement Scholarships

Kurtis Waters ’28

Hannah Caple ’26

Chelsea King ’26

Student Senate Academic Resource Scholarship

Zehra Atay ’28

Brianna Carlin ’26

Demir Dirik ’26

Wanjuki Maina ’26

Lindsey Savoie ’28

Liam Walter ’26

The Dr. J. Harold G. Way Scholarship Award was established in memory of Dr. Harold Way, a former university faculty member from 1969 to 1974. This award is based upon a student's strong academic standing and their contribution to the university community.

Dr. J. Harold G. Way Scholarship

Gabriela Hernandez ’27

The Lt. Charles A. Henderson, USN '99 Spirit Award includes a monetary award in memory of Lt. Charles A. Henderson III USN '99. It is awarded to a graduating senior with graduate school aspirations who best and most consistently demonstrates the embodiment of a true scholar.

Lt. Charles A. Henderson Spirit Award

Abida Mohammady ’26

Lt. Charles Henderson Outstanding Tutor Award in Writing

Brianna Lotti ’25

Lt. Charles Henderson Outstanding Tutor Award in Math

Prabidhi Rana ’25

Lt. Charles Henderson Outstanding Tutor Award in Science

Jules Gerstner ’25

The Karen R. Haskell Senior Leadership Award is named for former Dean of Students, Dr. Karen Haskell, who fully embraced sustained student leadership and engagement in the campus community.

Dr. Karen Haskell Outstanding Senior Leadership Award

Isabel Cyr ’25

Zoey Cormican ’25

Tabitha Klaus ’25

Matthew Milotakis ’25

Sherisa Smith ’25

The President's Core Values Medallion recognizes graduating students who best exemplify the core values of the institution.

Presidential Core Medallion

Michael Cifuentes ’25

Cathleyn Manfield ’25

Lindsay Gaiser ’25

Daniel Fontana ’25

Waldino Joseph ’25

Cassandra Mastroianni ’25

Jeremiah Farrell ’25

Ruby Hope ’25

Emma Hansen ’25

Matthew Milotakis ’25

Alexandra Cos ’25

Chris Persechino ’25

Mackenzie Morgenweck ’25

Taylor Quinn ’25

Zoey Cormican ’25

Hannah Ilagan, M’25

Andrew Dunphy, L’25

This press release was produced by the Roger Williams University. The views expressed here are the author’s own.