Student involvement on and off Merrimack College’s campus continued to grow during the 2024-25 academic year. There are now 80 officially recognized student organizations at Merrimack, the most ever, which collectively hosted more than 500 events over the year and raised thousands of dollars for important causes.
That spirit of engagement, service and Merrimack pride was celebrated at the College’s L.E.A.D. Awards on Wednesday, April 23, in the Rogers Center for the Arts. Held annually, L.E.A.D. awards recognize student leaders, student organizations and student-athletes who go above and beyond. It also honors faculty and staff for their support of students throughout the year.
“It is you, the students, who have represented the Merrimack name both on campus and throughout our greater community,” Sarah Dionne, interim dean of students, said in her opening remarks. “You have led service projects, won championships, contributed to research and worked every day to make the Merrimack community a stronger and better place. We are so thankful to each and every one of you for your dedication.”
Congratulations to the students and organizations recognized at this year’s L.E.A.D. Awards.
Warrior Spirit Award
Presented to students or student organizations who create a positive impact, add a little boost to Merrimack’s step and are examples of what it means to be a Merrimack Warrior.
Anthony Beras ’27
Rory Perretti ’26
Blue and Gold Award
This award is presented to the SGA-recognized student organization that sponsored an outstanding program or event that raised social and cultural awareness among the Merrimack community and generated conversations on campus.
The Association of Latinos Moving Ahead
Outstanding Student Leader Awards
This award honors select students from each class year who stand out among their peers by demonstrating the leadership values of collaboration, belonging, integrity, scholarship and service.
2026
Emily Hanrahan
Ambar Cheuveret
2027
Deborah Ndayisaba
Nate Llaga
2028
Tess De Jesus
Carlyle Calixte
Donna Swartwout Unsung Hero Award
This award is presented to a student leader on campus who is actively involved in student organizations and various campus offices. They support campus events and encourage others to do the same.
Aidan Gibbs ’24
Unity Award
This award recognizes a senior who has demonstrated exemplary commitment to access, belonging and opportunity by making significant contributions to promoting a culture of awareness, advocacy and acceptance.
Chris Rincon ’25
Fr. Jim Wenzel, O.S.A., Mission Award
The Fr. Jim Wenzel, O.S.A., Mission Award is given to students or organizations who best exemplify Merrimack’s Augustinian Catholic values. It is named for Fr. Wenzel, who gave countless years of service to Merrimack.
Ally McKenna ’25
New Student Organization of the Year
This award is presented to a SGA-recognized student organization that was created within the past three academic semesters. This organization has shown considerable initiative and development as an organization and has worked hard to not only build a strong interest group but has also given back considerably to the Merrimack community.
Belonging for Asians Organization
Joseph P. Daley Award
This award is presented in recognition of a senior who demonstrates outstanding character and unheralded service, and immerses themselves within the Merrimack community.
Addison Molloy ’25
Unsung Student Organization of the Year
This award is presented to a SGA-recognized student organization that has made tremendous strides this year in promoting and expanding its organization’s impact on the campus.
Black Student Association
Allen J. Ash Outstanding Service Award
This recognizes seniors who have enlightened the minds of their peers and the Merrimack community by imparting intellectual and spiritual knowledge.
Evelyn Ocegueda ’25
Jacob Symmes ’25
Travis G. Kong Student Leadership Award
This award is given to seniors who have empowered the lives of the Merrimack community. Through their dedication, these students positively impact their peers’ lives. The award was established by the class gift from the Class of 2010 in honor of Travis Kong, a member of their class who passed away during his sophomore year.
Mia Sukeforth ’25
Brian Bouwman ’25
Kaitlyn Koza ’25
Natlie Harwood ’25
Caitlin Henaghan ’25
Campus-Wide Program of the Year
This award is presented to the student-run program that was the most successfully developed, promoted and executed, and had a positive impact on the Merrimack community.
Breaking Bread
Student Organization of the Year
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 campus offices. This organization sets the bar for all other student organizations.
Her Campus
Fr. William J. Murray, O.S.A., Memorial Award
This award is presented to a senior who is a role model for others; who, through their 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.
Bryan Costa ’25
Merrimack Medal
The Merrimack Medal is awarded to the senior who exemplifies outstanding character and achievement of service to their classmates and the Merrimack community. It is the most prestigious non-academic award the College can bestow on a student.
Jandeliz Hernandez ’25
Athletics Awards
Rookie of the Year Award
Presented to male and female student-athletes in their first year of college eligibility who have exceptional athletic talent, are team players and hard workers. These student-athletes demonstrate sportsmanship and coachability.
Caden Cranston ’28
Chloe Goofers ’28
Mia Fiore ’28
Club Sports Team of the Year Award
This award is given annually to the Merrimack club sports team that has achieved success in competition and exhibited a commitment to student-driven leadership through community involvement and positively representing Merrimack College as a whole.
Women’s Club Volleyball
Athletics Unsung Hero Award
The Unsung Hero Award goes to an individual who works tirelessly behind the scenes to support Merrimack’s student-athletes. This person has a great appreciation and pride for Merrimack College Athletics.
Amy Shirley
Athletics Faculty Member of the Year
The Faculty Member of the Year is a major supporter of athletics at games, in the classroom and in the community. They are as passionate as the most loyal fan and their positive impact on the Athletic Department does not go unnoticed.
Andrea Wamboldt
Strength & Conditioning Athlete of the Year
These awards recognize male and female student-athletes whose athletic accomplishments reflect their dedication to strength training and conditioning. These athletes are also recognized for their academic and personal accomplishments and their integrity as student-athletes.
Armandas Plintauskas ’26
Sydney Shinopulos ’25
Athletics Community Service Award
This award is given to a team that demonstrates the core ideals of the Augustinian tradition in their endeavors beyond competition.
Women’s Basketball
Intramural Participant of the Year
This award is presented to the Merrimack intramural participant who has not only achieved success, but was also a regular participant, showed great sportsmanship and enhanced the overall intramural experience for the student body.
Nick Carullo ’27
Academic Team of the Year
The Academic Team of the Year award is given to a men’s and women’s team that not only played at a high level in their respective sports, but also excelled in the classroom.
Men’s Soccer
Women’s Ice Hockey
Athletic Director Awards
These awards are given to student-athletes who have excelled as representatives for Merrimack College. They work tirelessly in competition, in the weight room, in the classroom and in the community.
Jill Krouse ’24, M’25
Ava Mazzotta ’25
Dan Camelio ’24, M’25
Devin McGovern ’25
Olivia White ’25
Sky Tucker ’26
Cassidy Anschutz ’24, M’26
Ella Cormier ’25
Henrik Lindeman ’25
Jahaida Gabriel ’24, M’25
Lliam Davis ’25
Dempsey Lajoie ’25, M’26
Athlete of the Year Award
Adam Budd Clark
Lindsey Atkinson ’27
David A. Rafferty III Memorial Award
The Rafferty Award is presented to a graduating senior in recognition of athletic and academic achievement and leadership within the college community. The Rafferty Award has also served as the Athletic Department’s Scholar-Athlete of the Year Award.
