2019-2020 Student Life Award Winners

Below are the recipients of the 2019-2020 Student Life Awards. A formal ceremony will occur during the 2020-2021 academic year. Congrats to all of our student leaders! 

The John A. Hanley Spirit of DeSales Award

Recipient: Sophia Cipriano ’20 

This honor is awarded to an individual whose actions, positive attitude, and exemplary spiritual life have influenced DeSales University.

Dr. Jerry Joyce Student Engagement and Leadership Award

Recipient: Emily Jacobson ’20 

Presented to an individual who has demonstrated exceptional leadership in student activities, engaged other students through clubs and organizations, and has dedicated himself/herself to enhancing the school spirit of DeSales University to his/her peers and the community.  

Dr. Gregg Amore First-Year Experience Award

Recipient: Mohammed Asad ’23 

Presented to a first-year student who has exemplified the Golden Council traits within his/her personal and academic life, has demonstrated these character traits throughout the campus community, and has exhibited these traits and strengths in a way that has inspired character growth in his/her peers. 

Parent Association Award for Outstanding Individual Service

Recipient: Claudio Velardo ’20

This outstanding honor is awarded to the student who has portrayed a strong willingness to work within the community in an effort to strengthen and improve the lives of others. 

Rev. James Finnegan Community Service Award for Outstanding Individual Service Award

Recipient: Maria Pawlowski ’20 

Presented to an individual who gives of himself/herself for the betterment of his/her fellow students both on and off the DeSales University campus.

Rev. James Finnegan Community Service for Organization Service Award

Recipient: Girls on the Run – Dr. Sue McGorry, Daniel Deshler ’21, and Jessica Vargo ’20 

Presented to a group that is committed to giving back to the community through time and acts of kindness.

Troy Bauer Career Ambassador Award 

Recipient: Jennifer Abraham '20

Presented to an individual who has demonstrated exceptional leadership in advising his/her peers to explore, experience, and achieve their professional goals and follow their passions. Furthermore, this is presented to an individual who has gone above and beyond his/her scheduled duties to promote the Career Development Center and enhance his/her own career growth and development.   

Helen Danko and Jean Maurer Wellness Award

Recipient: Caitlyn Newsom ’21 

This honor is awarded annually to a student who has contributed to the overall wellness of the DeSales student body.

George S. Salzmann SGA Award 

Recipient: Samantha Mullin ’20 

Presented to an individual whose leadership through the Student Government Association has made outstanding contributions to the DeSales community.

James F. Kilcur SGA Class Leadership Awards

First Year: Michael Robinson '23
Sophomore: Nicole Somers '22
Junior: Christian Bryson '21
Senior: Sydney Amato ’20 and Matthew Beard ’20 

This award is given to a first-year student, sophomore, junior, and senior who has exemplified outstanding leadership through academics, extracurricular activities, and who has served as a positive role model for others during the academic year.

SGA Program of the Year

Recipient: IDEAS Club – Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration

This award is presented to an individual or group who has executed the most outstanding campus program to benefit the University. Outstanding programs include programs that contribute to the development of a diverse culture on campus and appeal to a varied audience.

SGA Student Organization of the Year Award

Recipient: Black Student Union 

The Student Organization of the Year is presented to a group that has benefited the community through outstanding programs, leadership on campus, and dedication to the mission of DeSales University.

SGA Outstanding Staff Member of the Year

Recipient: Dr. Eric Hagan - Director of the Center for Educational Resources and Technology

This award is presented to a staff member who has shown outstanding service to the student body of DeSales University.

SGA Outstanding Faculty Member of the Year

Recipient: Dr. Andrew Essig, Professor of Political Science

This award is presented to a faculty member who has shown outstanding service to the student body of DeSales University.