2026 Student Life Awards peek behind the mask

Student stories took center stage at Lenoir-Rhyne University’s third annual Student Life Awards. Students, faculty and staff gathered in Shuford Arena on April 20, 2026, to celebrate the individuals and organizations shaping campus life.

Centered on the theme “The Story Behind the Mask,” this year’s program highlighted the personal experiences behind student leadership, creating space for reflection, authenticity and connection across the LR community.

“This year’s show had a purpose that went far beyond the stage,” said Walter Kennedy, coordinator of student engagement. “We designed it to showcase the stories of students that aren’t always told. Through video features, students shared where they come from, what shaped them and how Lenoir-Rhyne has influenced who they are becoming. Their honesty and vulnerability reminded us why we do this work and why creating spaces for students to be fully seen matters so much.”

The LR Jazz Ensemble welcomed guests as they arrived, setting the tone for an evening centered on storytelling, celebration and community. The ceremony opened with remarks from Danny Wooten, director of student involvement and leadership. Then Lenoir-Rhyne President Summer McGee, Ph.D., took the stage to offer congratulations and encouragement.

Collaboration across campus brought the evening’s vision to life. The Alex Lee Career and Professional Development Center partnered with student leaders to support the program’s storytelling focus. An intermission fashion show, hosted by the Alex Lee Career and Professional Development Center and the Brothers of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., featured members of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., the Pride Club and LR Athletics staff, blending style and performance to create another form of storytelling. The center also provided gift cards distributed to students throughout the event.

“Collaborating with the Alex Lee Career and Professional Development Center and Athletics was a deliberate choice to show how the Division of Student Experience is connected, unified and committed to supporting students from every angle,” Kennedy said. “We cannot do this work alone. It truly takes a village, and the village showed up for this program!”

Faculty and administrators from across the university also played a key role in the evening, helping present awards and recognize the accomplishments of LR students and organizations.

The program was directed by Kennedy, with support from Danny Wooten, director of student involvement and leadership; Xavier Powers, graduate assistant for student involvement and leadership; Kayce Yapundich, transfer and academic recovery advisor; and Cassandra Lackey, first-year student advisor.

2026 Student Life Award Winners

Club / Organization of the Year, presented by Chad Rimmer, Ph.D., rector and dean, Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary

Social Justice Collective

Emerging Bear Leader Award, presented by Senta Harvey, director of development

Ashlyn Kirby ’28

Outstanding Faculty Member, presented by Tashara Powers, retail and concessions manager for Lenoir-Rhyne Dining Services

Joe Smith, Ed.D., associate professor of health, exercise and sport science

Outstanding Staff Member, presented by Anna Buchert ’26, Campus Activities Board president

Normandy Schenck, financial aid counselor

Outstanding Student Organization Advisor, presented by Loury Floyd, Ph.D., assistant provost for academic operations

Walter Kennedy, coordinator of student engagement

Vocation and Purpose Award,presented by Debbie Tonnesen, director of the Clemmer-Long Center for Vocation and Purpose

Ace Peake ’28

Fraternity of the Year, presented by India McWhorter, assistant director of counseling services

Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity

Sorority of the Year, presented by Carla Fowler, assistant dean of students

Zeta Tau Alpha Women’s Fraternity

Fraternity and Sorority Life Organization of the Year, presented by Michael McGee, Ed.D., interim dean of the College of Health Sciences

Kappa Delta Sorority

Resident of the Year, presented by Noah Martin, coordinator for residence life operations and facilities

Vadym Rogynskyi ’26

Returning RA of the Year, presented by Noah Martin 

Genesis Becerra-Robles ’26 

Rookie RA of the Year, presented by Noah Martin

DeShaune Turner ’28 

Residence Life Program of the Year, presented by Anastasia Davis, director of residence life and student conduct

Walking Tacos

Southeastern Association of Housing Officers (SEAHO) Service Award, presented by Anastasia Davis

Carson Keaton ’25, M.A. ’26

Dean's Award, presented by Harry Titus, Ed.D., vice president for student experience and dean of students

Avelyn Paulino ’26

Presented by the dean of students to a student who has demonstrated outstanding leadership, dedication and selflessness in working toward the betterment of student life at the university.

Drs. John and Susanne Roueche Award, presented by Christina Walker, Ph.D., associate professor of leadership

Brooks Higginbotham ’27

This award is presented to a rising senior who demonstrates outstanding leadership traits and involvement in campus life. Funding for this scholarship is provided by the Roueche family.

First Year Student Medal, presented by Teena Brooks, director of BEAR Central

Karla San Juan-Martinez ’29

Given by the T. P. Pruitt family of Hickory, North Carolina, in memory of their parents, the medal is awarded each year to the freshman who is considered to be the most outstanding representative of the class in scholarship, participation in college activities, in strength of character, and in general conduct and attitude.

Jerry Shaw Excellence in Programming Award, presented by Amy Hedrick, Ph.D., dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Donnisha Henry, M.A. ’26

Honoring the LR football legend, the Jerry Shaw Excellence in Programming Award is given to a member of the Lenoir-Rhyne community who has exemplified compassion and excellence in student programming.

Michael F. Riley Emerging Leader Award, presented by Beth Wright, Ph.D., student support and outreach specialist

Aaron Feige ’27 

Named for Michael F. Riley, Ph.D., former associate dean of students and director of counseling service, this award recognizes a sophomore student who has worked for the betterment of the campus community through service and involvement.

Intramural Sports 

Pickleball

Carnell Ferguson, Joseph Barrett, Nathaniel Serrano, Jonathan Law, Morgan Madish, Alim Echeverria, Professor Ali Oguz and Professor Tunay Oguz

Chess Club

Gabriel Brown, Calix Caldwell, Trequan Barnes, Dionsima Enongene, Daniel Gladden, Jordan Fennell, Jaleal Thomas, Emmanuel Nwokocha, Serenity Meyers, Ellie Wilhelm, Dominic Torres and Vincent Roncone

E-Sports Club

Zion Moore, Derek Saunders, Dillon Carter, Emely Link and Trequan Barnes

Sand Volleyball

Nicolas Zaque, Kendall Ingram, Alexander Copeland, Vitor Ferreira, Leon Fischer, Brick Bowen, Sam Clarke, Brayden Cresimore, Daniel Deneen, Stewart Simmons, Walker Broome, Caleb Stahl, Aaron Jennings, Runa Muderrisoglu, Vadym Rogynskyi and Antonyio Davis