Leadership Awardees for 2025-2026
Each student, staff and faculty member featured here exemplifies leadership and has significantly contributed towards the University's mission of teaching and learning, faith and formation, and service and leadership.
Congratulations to all of the award winners!
Associated Students of the University of Portland (ASUP) Award Recipients
- Event of the Year – Men's Soccer Elite 8
- Club /Organization of the Year – MEChA
- Club Advisor of the Year – Ellie Moore
- Campus Program Board (CPB) Member of the Year – Kaitlin Victoriano
- Senator of the Year – Shane Ruyle
- Faculty Member of the Year – Maureen Briare
- Staff Member of the Year – Charles Bedell
- Student Leader of the Year – Franky Sotelo
Division of Student Affairs and Inclusive Excellence Award Recipients
Outstanding Contributor to Core Themes
Robert DiGrigoli | Dispatcher, Campus Safety
A steadfast advocate for teaching, learning, and student success, Robert consistently ensures that students, staff, and visitors feel supported, informed, and valued. Beyond his formal responsibilities, he generously shares his time and expertise to train colleagues and student workers, provide leadership during critical situations, and strengthen campus safety. Robert's commitment to service, excellence, and the well-being of others is felt across the UP campus every day.
Newcomer in Student Affairs and Inclusive Excellence
Mylea Braun | Wellness Program Coordinator
Mylea is a passionate advocate for student wellness whose creativity and dedication have strengthened public health programming across campus. Despite limited resources, she developed a comprehensive and sustainable wellness curriculum while consistently centering student needs and feedback. Through meaningful partnerships and an unwavering commitment to student well-being, she has made a significant impact on the health and wellness of the UP community.
Newcomer in Student Affairs and Inclusive Excellence
Isabella Vickers | Associate Director of Counseling
Since joining the Health and Counseling team in 2024, Isabella has transformed access to mental health support for UP students through compassionate and innovative leadership. She strengthened counseling services, expanded crisis response resources, and helped bring critical mental health training opportunities to the campus community. Her dedication to student well-being has made a lasting and meaningful impact across UP.
Rev. John Van Wolvlear C.S.C. Award For Outstanding Involvement in Student Affairs
Aidan James Sanchez
A two-term ASUP President and 2023 ASUP Senator of the Year, Aidan championed initiatives that strengthened student engagement and expanded support for students across campus. Beyond student government, he has served as a Lead Student Ambassador, Co-President of the Filipino American Student Association, Residence Life Office Assistant, and member of the Anchor Society. Through every role, Aidan has fostered community, belonging, and school spirit.
Outstanding Contributions to Diversity and Inclusion
Nevaeh Bray
A graduate student-athlete and community builder, Nevaeh helped establish the Pilots Black Student-Athlete organization, expanded opportunities for representation and dialogue, and created spaces that celebrate and uplift Black voices on campus. Through her mentorship, service, and unwavering dedication to ensuring others feel seen, heard, and valued, Nevaeh has helped foster a more inclusive and welcoming UP community.
Center for Gender and Sexuality Allyship
Symone Fiedler
Symone’s dedication, positive spirit, and commitment to fostering an inclusive and welcoming campus community have made a lasting impact on The Center and its continued success. Through her active involvement in CGS events and unwavering support of students, staff, and faculty, she exemplifies the true meaning of allyship.
Outstanding Hall Council Executive Award
Danni Rivera
As Hall Council President of Mehling Hall, Danni demonstrated exceptional leadership by fostering an engaged, welcoming community and leading key initiatives, including the successful Mehling Christmas Party. Through their collaborative approach, innovative systems, and dedication to resident involvement, she strengthened Hall Council effectiveness and enhanced the residential experience for their peers.
Holy Cross Award for Residential Mission
Nic Laurente
Nic’s joyful leadership, genuine hospitality, and steadfast support of residents and staff helped foster a strong sense of belonging within the Christie community. Through intentional programs and meaningful connections, he created welcoming spaces where students felt known, valued, and supported.
Residence Life Pilot Award
Max Hanley
As a first-year resident assistant in the Haggerty & Tyson apartments, Max has demonstrated exceptional dedication to resident care, community building, and service. Through thoughtful acts of support, innovative programming like their popular breadmaking events, and a commitment to fostering belonging, he has made a meaningful impact on the residential experience.
Director’s Award for Meritorious Service within Residence Life
Annie Crockett
Annie’s nearly three years of dedicated service, compassionate leadership, and commitment to building meaningful connections have left a lasting impact on the Kenna Hall community. Through her involvement as an RA, Hall Council leader, Pilots After Dark coordinator, and Resident Assistant Advisory Council member, she has fostered a welcoming and engaged residential experience for countless students.
Rev. John B. Delaunay, C.S.C. Wellness and Advocacy Award
Frances Cardenas
As a Peer Health Educator, Frances has demonstrated outstanding creativity, compassion, and dedication to promoting student wellness through engaging programming and evidence-based health education. Their commitment to fostering a welcoming environment and advancing health equity has made a meaningful impact on the campus community.
Community Care Award
Jamie Allen
Through her years of dedicated service with Campus Safety, Jamie has consistently demonstrated excellence, reliability, and a deep commitment to supporting others. In addition to mastering her responsibilities, she has served as a valued mentor to new student employees, offering guidance, encouragement, and support.
Student Activities Media Award - Brian Doyle
Maggie Dapp
Throughout her time with The Beacon, Maggie has distinguished herself as an exceptional journalist and leader, producing impactful reporting with remarkable accuracy, insight, and compassion. Rising from first-year staff member to Editor-in-Chief, she has shaped the publication’s news coverage through her tireless work ethic, dedication to truth, and commitment to mentoring others.
Campus Ministry Award - Rev. Fred Barr C.S.C.
Mary Jensen
Since her first year on campus, Mary has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to faith, service, and spiritual leadership through her extensive involvement in Campus Ministry programs, retreats, liturgies, and faith formation opportunities. Her humble dedication to serving others, fostering meaningful conversations about faith, and promoting human dignity has made a lasting impact on our campus community.
MCSJ Award - Kate Johnson
Benjamin Barrero
Through his leadership of social justice immersions and unwavering advocacy for immigrant communities, Benjamin has inspired others to engage deeply with issues of justice, dignity, and belonging. His ability to turn compassion into action, while fostering meaningful reflection and community support, has made a profound impact both on campus and beyond.
College of Arts and Sciences Award | Kay Toran
Nicole King
Nicole has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to service through her dedication to supporting older adults, combining compassion, advocacy, and a deep commitment to understanding the aging experience. Through meaningful work in retirement communities and a thoughtful approach to dementia and end-of-life care, she has created lasting connections that honor the dignity and lived experiences of others.
