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ALUMNI COUNCIL ESSAY CONTEST AWARD

The 2025 essay prompt asks students to reflect on the current campus climate at �鶹��ýamid heightened political and social tensions affecting higher education. It explores whether �鶹��ýfosters an environment that encourages open debate, critical questioning, and viewpoint diversity, and invites students to provide specific examples. The prompt also challenges students to consider how these ideals intersect with the ethical and moral implications of the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in academic and personal settings.

Recipients:

First Place: "On the �鶹��ýExperience and Its Emphasis on Diverse Viewpoints" - Cally Gudroe (Communications and Media Arts, ’28) 

Second Place: "On the �鶹��ýExperience and Its Emphasis on Diverse Viewpoints" - Edward Iannuzzi-Sucich (Marine Affairs, ’27)

Third Place: “�鶹��ýand the Political Environment” - Madison Gilbert (Environmental Studies, ’28) and "Breaking the Ice; Are We Creating Space for Political Discourse at UNE?" - Piper Stagg (Marine Sciences, ’27)

COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD

For any student who has demonstrated an exemplary commitment to serve others in the University or greater community. Academic achievement must also have been demonstrated. Examples of the nominee’s service contributions for this current academic year and other years are requested.

Recipient: 

Molly Beeley (Business Administration, ’25) and Sophia Ouellette (Business Administration, ’25)

GLOBAL EDUCATION AWARD

For any student who has demonstrated an exemplary commitment to global citizenship by participating in �鶹��ýGlobal Education programs, such as semester or year abroad, faculty-led travel course(s), volunteer programs or internship(s) abroad. Examples of the nominee's global experiences for this current academic year and other years are requested.

Recipient: 

Jordyn Holbrook (Medical Biology, ’25)

HANNAH FIELDS-LENEHAN FINE ARTS AWARD

This award honors the legacy of Tim Lenehan ’71’s mother, Hannah Fields-Lenehan, by celebrating the value of artistic and creative expression in all people. All undergraduate students are invited to submit artwork to be voted on by �鶹��ýcommunity members. The top three students who receive the most votes are awarded special recognition.

Recipients:

First Place: “Portrait of Jamie” - Jhana LoRe-Prue ’25

Second Place: “A Dog Who Chases After Rabbits Will Dream of Rabbits” - Anna Maria Biagi ’25 

Third Place: “Folkloric Alphabet Artist's Book” - Chloe Boulle ’27

JACQUES DOWNS AWARD FOR ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

Recognizes the most accomplished �鶹��ýCollege of Arts and Sciences graduating senior. Considerations for this award are primarily the student’s academic achievement (overall GPA, number of semesters on the Dean’s List, and academic awards and scholarships), scholarly work (original undergraduate research, scholarship, and creative activity), and service considerations during their �鶹��ýcareer.

Recipient: 

Katelyn DeWater (Marine Sciences, ’25)

JUNIOR ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE AWARD

For any junior who has excelled in their academics. Considerations for this award are primarily the student’s academic achievements (overall GPA, number of semesters on the Dean’s List, and academic awards and scholarships), collegiality, and scholarly work (original undergraduate research, scholarship, and creative activity). Service considerations during their �鶹��ýcareer will also be considered.

Recipient: 

Samantha Medeiros (Nursing, ’26)

SOPHOMORE ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE AWARD

For any sophomore who has excelled in their academics. Considerations for this award are primarily the student’s academic achievements (overall GPA, number of semesters on the Dean’s List, and academic awards and scholarships), collegiality, and scholarly work (original undergraduate research, scholarship, and creative activity). Service contributions during their �鶹��ýcareer will also be considered.

Recipient: 

Megan Gamache (Nursing, ’27)

STUDENT LEADER AWARD

For any student who has demonstrated excellence in leadership at the University. The nominee should demonstrate a commitment to excellence that results in positive change in the University community, possess a balanced collegiate lifestyle, and serve as a role model. Examples of specific contributions for this current academic year and other years are requested. Academic achievements will also be considered.

Recipient: 

Naomi Cote (Neuroscience, ’25)

SUSAN J. HILLMAN SCIENCE/MATH EDUCATION AWARD

This award is for a �鶹��ýCollege of Arts and Sciences student who shows dedication to STEM education and professional promise as a STEM educator. Students with formal (classroom) or informal (outreach) teaching experience in STEM fields including, but not limited to, mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, neuroscience, environmental science, and psychology will be considered. The awardee should have a bright intellect and be known as a role model and mentor among their peers.

Recipient: 

Matt Pechkis (Secondary Education, ’25)

Outstanding Researcher/Scholar For Medicine or Public Health

Recipient: 

Jessica Howard (Neuroscience, ’25)

Outstanding Researcher/Scholar in the Natural Sciences

Recipient: 

Katelyn DeWater (Marine Sciences, ’25)

Outstanding Researcher/Scholar in Social Sciences, Humanities, and Business

Recipient: 

Ella Murthi (Aquaculture and Aquarium Sciences and Environmental Science, ’25)

Sustainability Leadership Awards

Undergraduate Student Sustainability Leadership Award

Recipient: 

Cloey Parlapiano (Aquaculture and Aquarium Sciences and Environmental Science, ’25)

Graduate Student Sustainability Leadership Award

Recipient: 

Virginia May (M.S. in Environmental Science, ’25)

College of Business

Outstanding Student Award for Business Administration

Recipient: 

Sean McCarthy (Business Administration, ’25)

Outstanding Student Award for Sport and Recreation Management

Recipient: 

Samantha Fickett (Sport and Recreation Management, ’25)

Outstanding Student Award for Sustainability and Business

Recipient: 

Scott Clemons-Baker (Sustainability and Business, ’25)

Gender, Women, and Sexuality Studies

Outstanding Student for Gender, Women, and Sexuality Studies

Recipient: 

Elia O’Hara (English and Political Science, ’25)

Jessica Cox Henderson 1886 Award for Activism

Recipient: 

Ruby Motulsky (Marine Sciences, ’25)

School of Arts and Humanities

Outstanding Student Award for Art

Recipient: 

Thomas Garcia (Art and Design Media, ’25)

Outstanding Student Award for Communications

Recipient: 

Emily Hedegard (Communications and Media Arts and English, ’25)

Outstanding Student Award for English

Recipient: 

Elia O’Hara (English and Political Science, ’25)

Outstanding Student Award for History

Recipient: 

Candace Baker (History, ’25)

Outstanding Student Award for PHILOSOPHY

Recipient: 

Theodore Young (Business Administration, ’25)

Outstanding Student Award for Writing

Recipient: 

Alexa Livingston (Environmental Studies, ’25)

School of Education

Outstanding Student Award for Elementary/Middle Education

Recipient: 

Maya Monteiro (Elementary/Middle Education, ’25)

Outstanding Student Award for Education Studies

Recipient: 

Evan Brown (Education Studies, ’25)

Outstanding Student Award for Special Education

Recipient: 

Morgan Bassett (Special Education, ’25)

School of Biological Sciences

Outstanding Student Award for Biological Sciences

Recipient: 

Ariane Leon (Biological Sciences, ’25)

Outstanding Student Award for Medical Biology – Medical Sciences

Recipient: 

Koby LaRose (Medical Biology, ’25)

Outstanding Student Award for Medical Biology – Pre-Physician Assistant

Recipient: 

Emma Colby (Medical Biology, ’25)

School of Computer sciences and data analytics

Outstanding Student Award for Applied Mathematics

Recipient: 

Rachel Dupre (Applied Mathematics, ’25)

School of Molecular and Physical Sciences

Outstanding Student Award for Biochemistry

Recipients: 

Amaya West (Biochemistry, ’25)

Outstanding Student Award for Chemistry

Recipient: 

Terrance Meinardus (Marine Sciences and Chemistry, ’25)

Outstanding Student Award for LABORATORY Science

Recipient: 

Abby Walsh (Laboratory Science, ’25)

School of Marine and Environmental Programs

Outstanding Student Award for CLIMATE CHANGE STUDIES

Recipient: 

Annika Doeppers (Marine Sciences, ’25)

Outstanding Student Award for Marine Sciences – Oceanography 

Recipient: 

Terrance Meinardus (Marine Sciences and Chemistry, ’25)

Outstanding Student Award for Marine Sciences ­– Marine Biology

Recipient: 

Katelyn DeWater (Marine Sciences, ’25)

Outstanding Student Award for Marine Affairs

Recipient: 

Samantha Ryea (Marine Affairs, ’25)

Outstanding Student Award for Aquaculture and Aquarium Science

Recipient: 

Nick Kachmarik (Aquaculture and Aquarium Sciences, ’25)

Outstanding Student Award for Environmental Studies

Recipient: 

Alexa Livingston (Environmental Studies, ’25)

Outstanding Student Award for Environmental Science

Recipient: 

Caroline Fales (Environmental Science, ’25)

Outstanding Student Award for Geographic Information Systems

Recipient: 

Ruth Ellis (Environmental Science, ’25)

School of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Outstanding Student Award for Animal Behavior

Recipient: 

Brooke Coen (Animal Behavior, ’25)

Outstanding Student Award for CRIMINOLOGY

Recipient: 

Hailey Miranda (Criminology and Sociology, ’25) and Anthony Stowell (Criminology, ’25)

Outstanding Student for Mental Health Rehabilitation

Recipient: 

Sarah Gray (Psychology, ’25)

Outstanding Student Award for Neuroscience

Recipient: 

Olivia Mamula (Neuroscience, ’25)

Outstanding Student Award for Political Science

Recipient: 

Elia O’Hara (English and Political Science, ’25)

Outstanding Student Award for Psychology

Recipient: 

Magdalene Meek (Psychology, ’25)

The Excellence in Faculty Mentoring and Advising Awards

COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES

Recipient:

Christina Leclerc, Ph.D. Teaching Professor in Psychology

WESTBROOK COLLEGE OF HEALTH PROFESSIONS

Recipient:

Casey Ouellette, M.S., CEP,  Clinical Professor and Internship Coordinator, Exercise and Sport Performance

COLLEGE OF BUSINESS

Recipient:

Jeremy Pare, M.S., LPD, Assistant Teaching Professor, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship

The Debra J. Summers Memorial Award for Teaching Excellence

Recipient:

Krysten Gorrivan, M.S.Ed., Assistant Teaching Professor, Education