Office of Communications and Marketing
With a new lineup of ceremonies that reflects the College’s growing stature, Merrimack recognized the academic achievements of more than 1,250 graduates.

Over 300 attendees celebrated this year’s best and brightest Merrimack students and organizations at the annual L.E.A.D. Awards.
The ceremony, held on Wednesday, April 26, at the Rogers Center for the Arts, saw Paul Mulhern, associate director of residence life, as the evening’s master of ceremonies. Father Raymond Dlugos, O.S.A., vice president for mission and ministry, opened the event with a prayer.
Afterward, Allison Gill, vice president of student affairs and success, delivered opening remarks. She stated that in the past year, the Student Government approved 15 new student organizations and more than 1,000 student events were held.
“It has been a great year and we have much to celebrate,” she continued. “The Merrimack name and brand is strong and for those here that are seniors, know that this is something to be extremely proud of as you become a Merrimack alum.”
The SWAG Award is presented to students or student organizations that create a positive impact on the Merrimack community and are examples of what it means to be a Merrimack Warrior.
Ollie Piazza
Men’s Ice Hockey
This award is given to the program that educated and fostered open conversations about diversity and inclusion on the Merrimack campus.
Latinx Showcase, hosted by the Association of Latinos Moving Ahead
This award recognizes a student organization that has cultivated awareness of diversity and inclusion on campus through programming, lectures and informational events.
Association of Latinos Moving Ahead
These awards are presented to students who stand out among their peers as those who exemplify enthusiasm in Merrimack College through their attitude, behavior and involvement. They maintain high standards of learning, are involved in a variety of facets of campus life and serve as role models to other students.
Gabriella Zola ’26
Mariia Diahilieva ’26
Bryan Costa ’25
Jandeliz Hernandez ’25
Amber Bean ’24
Harrison Bell ’24
This award is given to a student leader on campus who is actively involved in student organizations and various offices on campus. They support campus events and encourage others to support and participate in campus events and initiatives.
Sean Janerico
Evan Jones
This is a new award that recognizes a student that has cultivated awareness of diversity and inclusion on campus through programing, lectures, and informational events.
Rowan Salhi
Autumn Bates
This award is given to the students or organizations that best exemplify the Augustinian Catholic values of Merrimack College.
Antonio Ferriera
This award is presented to a student-run arts organization that has contributed significantly to the cultural climate and fine arts atmosphere of the College and the surrounding community.
MackBelievers Improv Club
This award is presented in recognition of outstanding character and unheralded service to the Merrimack College community.
Annie Santerre
This award is presented to the student-run program that most successfully developed, promoted, executed and positively impacted the Merrimack community.
Family Feud, hosted by the Athletic Diversity Committee
This award is given to the academic affiliated student organization that demonstrates a commitment to academics and a dedication to developing skills through co-curricular activities.
American Marketing Association
This award is given to the senior or seniors who have made an outstanding contribution to the senior class.
Rebecca Needleman
This award is given to the student organization that strives to improve in the areas of programming, recruitment, retention, administrative tasks and co-sponsorship with other organizations and offices on campus throughout the year. This organization sets the bar for all other student organizations.
Let’s Innovate
This award is given in recognition of outstanding service to the Merrimack College community. The award was established by the Senior Class Gift of the Class of 2010 in honor of Travis Kong, a member of their class who passed away during his sophomore year.
Emma Gorski
Cintia Khouzami
Nicole Hersey
Kiley Martel
Abigail White
This award is presented to a senior who is a role model for others and who, through his or her lifestyle, emulates Fr. Murray’s concern, open-mindedness and compassion for others and makes a conscious attempt at social and spiritual growth. The award was established by members of the Class of 1983 to honor Fr. Murray, a former vice president for student life at Merrimack.
Lily Schaefer-Calderon
Jasmine Gonzalez
The Merrimack Medal is awarded to the senior who exemplifies outstanding character and achievement of service to their classmates and the Merrimack College community. This is considered the most prestigious non-academic award.
Nick Barber
For more information on the Athletic Lead Awards, click here.