University of New England honors students with 2025 University Awards
The University of New England celebrated the exceptional academic achievements and community contributions of its undergraduate students at the 2025 University Awards ceremony held at the Harold Alfond Forum on UNE's Biddeford Campus on Tuesday, April 22. The annual event provides an opportunity to formally recognize students who have demonstrated outstanding scholarship, leadership, and service.
The awards are the result of a rigorous selection process by a committee comprising representatives from the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), College of Business (COB), the Faculty Assembly Student Affairs Committee, the Global Education Program, the CAS Internship Office, the UNE Office of Student Affairs, and the Westbrook College of Health Professions (WCHP) faculty.
“At UNE, we take academic excellence and student leadership extremely seriously, and we understand that the achievements we celebrate on campus are just the beginning—a foundation for even greater accomplishments as (students) go out into the world,” said Wes Renfro, Ph.D., dean of CAS, during the event. “It never ceases to amaze me how transformative four years can be in the life of a young person ... Tonight is a time to pause and applaud (our students’) progress along this journey, and I am excited to celebrate alongside you.”
University Awards
ALUMNI COUNCIL ESSAY CONTEST AWARD
The 2025 essay prompt asks students to reflect on the current campus climate at UNE amid heightened political and social tensions affecting higher education. It explores whether UNE fosters 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 UNE Experience and Its Emphasis on Diverse Viewpoints" - Cally Gudroe (Communications and Media Arts, ’28)
Second Place: "On the UNE Experience and Its Emphasis on Diverse Viewpoints" - Edward Iannuzzi-Sucich (Marine Affairs, ’27)
Third Place: “UNE and 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 UNE Global 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 UNE community 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 UNE College 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 UNE career.
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 UNE career 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 UNE career 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 UNE College 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
