Throughout the majority of her Merrimack College career, Jandeliz Hernandez ‘25 had one goal in mind – to bring the Warrior community closer together.
In doing so, she helped found one of the College’s premier community events, Breaking Bread. The annual student-organized dinner celebrates the many identities and cultural differences throughout the Merrimack community.
For her efforts, Hernandez received the 2025 Merrimack Medal. Merrimack’s highest non-academic award, the medal recognizes a graduating senior who exemplifies outstanding character and achievement.
“It feels very surreal,” Hernandez said of winning the award. “When I first got involved on campus, I genuinely wanted to see a change. You don’t typically get involved to receive something – you always want to give. That’s been one of my motivating factors. I want people who have similar identities as myself to have a voice on campus.”
Breaking Bread came about during Hernandez’s first year at the Unity House. What started as a small dinner with first-generation students turned into a marquee event that more than 170 students, faculty and staff attend each year.
“At this year’s L.E.A.D. Awards, we won Campus-Wide Program of the Year,” Hernandez said. “I feel so honored to be part of something that’s so big on campus. It’s super sacred to me.”
A Lawrence native, Hernandez said she had some trouble adjusting to campus life during her first year. As a sophomore, she decided to challenge herself by becoming a FYS mentor.
“People could confide in me about their experiences on campus,” Hernandez explained. “I think they really related to my story as a freshman and where I’ve come from.”
Helping others gave Hernandez a sense of purpose on campus. Eventually, she was asked to apply for a Unity House student coordinator position.
“Who would’ve thought that three years later, (the Unity House) would become the foundation of who I am now,” Hernandez said.
Hernandez hopes to use her degree in marketing to pursue a career in event planning. Breaking Bread, she said, has given her valuable experience in the field.
