2026 Award Winners

Antar has demonstrated exceptional leadership throughout his undergraduate career, holding impactful roles across fraternity leadership, large-scale university philanthropy, and cultural and academic organizations.  Most notably, he led a comprehensive organizational turnaround by introducing systemic reforms in academic accountability, recruitment, and leadership-aligned new member education. Beyond organizational leadership, Antar’s has a long-standing commitment to service and youth tutoring to reflect a deep, sustained dedication to community impact.

Vinya stands out for her ability to tackle complex institutional challenges with creativity, strategy, and purpose. Her leadership is both intellectual and action-oriented, as she confidently engages in difficult conversations and challenges her peers to think critically and lead with intention. Beyond her legislative impact, Vinya is a trusted mentor and role model who empowers other student leaders to navigate governance systems with confidence. Through her voice, guidance, and example, she elevates the standard of leadership and inspires lasting change across the student body

Jui has served as the lead captain for the annual MARK Leadership Conference.  The conference has exemplified innovation, resilience, and a deep commitment to leadership development and community building at Rutgers. Composed of student leaders from across the campus, the team reflects sustained involvement, collaboration, and a shared dedication to making a meaningful impact.  Despite challenges, their collective work highlights the power of teamwork and vision in creating lasting, positive change within the university community.

Eilam is unable to join us tonight; however, we want to acknowledge his contributions to Rutgers. Eilam is a Filmmaking major who has successfully fused creative storytelling with agricultural science. Over several years, he partnered with Rutgers scientists, farmers, and the PE Marucci Center to produce an impactful video series addressing major pest challenges in New Jersey’s cranberry and blueberry industries. Beyond his academic work, Eilam demonstrates strong leadership by organizing international, dialogue-driven seminars that foster collaboration and critical thinking among young leaders.

Sam is a collaborative, forward-thinking leader whose ability to unite diverse perspectives has driven meaningful, lasting change within the Rutgers community. He consistently built bridges among student leaders, student organizations, and university stakeholders to advance a more equitable and student-centered funding system. Sam is also an active fraternity member and an accounting major, reflecting his strong commitment to leadership and campus engagement.

Malak distinguishes herself as a leader who combines vision, initiative, and genuine care for her community. She creates inclusive spaces where individuals feel supported, informed, and empowered to succeed. Malak has played a key role in strengthening connections between the Rutgers APIDA community and the broader New Jersey APIDA community through intentional engagement experiences.  She helped develop the “Academic Glow Up” panel, a transformative campus-wide collaboration connecting students to essential academic and career resources.

Hamida has made an exceptional impact through her work supporting international students in multiple student employment roles consistently demonstrating initiative, professionalism, and dedication. Hamida’s clear, culturally responsive communication has helped students navigate complex processes with greater confidence and understanding, strengthening their transition to Rutgers. Beyond her direct service work, she has extended her impact as a peer instructor and mentor, guiding first-year students and empowering them to succeed.

Matt’s leadership has played a major role in strengthening recruitment, admissions, and enrollment efforts over the past three years. Beginning as a Lead Ambassador and advancing to Undergraduate Intern for Enrollment and First-Year Transition, he has demonstrated exceptional initiative and growth. Matt has provided guidance, structure, and mentorship for nearly 100 Honors College Ambassadors, fostering a strong sense of teamwork and purpose. Through his efforts, prospective and incoming students have been warmly welcomed, well supported, and meaningfully engaged in the Rutgers community.

Lesly exemplifies growth, dedication, and leadership, advancing from a first-year team member at the Busch Student Center to ultimately Area Manager. She consistently pushes herself to develop professionally, thoughtfully connecting her work in the student center to her academic training as a nursing student by applying real-world skills to everyday operations. She approaches every interaction with professionalism, fairness, and respect, ensuring policies are clearly communicated and consistently upheld. Most notably, Lesly leads by example, always willing to step in, do the work, and set the standard for creating a welcoming and effective community space.

Blythe began as a Field Supervisor, skillfully managing multiple simultaneous events, resolving conflicts, and responding to emergencies with calm professionalism and empathy. She quickly advanced to Field Manager, where she led student staff, ensured coverage seven days a week, and consistently stepped up—even for early-morning shifts—without hesitation. Beyond her professional roles, Blythe has been a dedicated leader in Club Sports, serving as a team officer, council member, and advocate who has helped shape funding decisions and strengthen the club sports community.

Sephora is a graduating senior earning her bachelor’s degree in Public Health, balancing academic excellence with the demands of Division I athletics. An international student from Sheffield, England, she successfully navigated a rigorous academic program alongside more than 20 hours per week of training, travel, and competition. Sephora is a member of Chi Alpha Sigma, the National College Athlete Honor Society, and a recipient of Academic All–Big Ten honors. She has competed with distinction as a varsity diver for all four years, representing Rutgers on the national stage at the Big Ten Conference and NCAA Championships.

Cassandra is deeply committed to serving her community, consistently seeking new ways to make a positive impact through activism, entrepreneurship focused on helping children, counseling, and everyday acts of support. She is a highly respected member of GSAPP and the broader Rutgers academic community, known for her compassion and reliability. Cassandra leads through service, regularly lending her time, energy, and skills to support her peers and strengthen her community. Her dedication to uplifting others and creating meaningful change reflects outstanding leadership and character.

Samantha has made a lasting impact on students, programs, and the broader Rutgers community through her service as Graduate Coordinator for Lead Up Academy and Experiential Education over the past two years. She has approached her work with purpose, care, and a deep commitment to uplifting others through leadership, service, and advocacy. Samantha is an exceptional scholar preparing to graduate this May with her master’s degree in College Student Affairs, balancing academic excellence with meaningful community engagement. Her contributions reflect intellectual rigor, compassion, and a clear dedication to creating positive, lasting change.

Naomi exemplifies outstanding leadership, initiative, and commitment to community impact. Through her dedication to the East Brunswick Youth Tennis program, she has raised awareness, promoted healthy lifestyles, and inspired young people in her community to engage in the sport. She has achieved this meaningful impact while competing on the Rutgers women’s tennis team and pursuing a demanding pre‑med academic path. Naomi’s intellectual energy, service-oriented mindset, and positive example make her a powerful role model for local youth.

Alex is a dedicated Bonner Leaders participant whose commitment to service and community engagement truly stands out. She consistently goes beyond its requirements by volunteering with local nonprofits and building meaningful relationships through hands-on service. She has also taken on a leadership role within the Bonner Leaders program as a student fellow, helping plan a national conference serving 350 students, staff, and community partners. Alex’s drive, passion for social impact, and willingness to lead make her an exemplary student and community leader.

As the Scarlet Knights Chapter exemplifies impactful, values-driven service through a strategic focus on sustainability, responsiveness, and community connection. Rather than treating service as isolated events, the chapter has built a thoughtful framework that aligns its efforts with evolving campus and community needs. By organizing programs around themes of wellbeing, compassion, and belonging, NRHH delivers consistent and purposeful initiatives that mutually reinforce one another.

Amira is the founder and president of Rutgers’ chapter of Together Educating All Children in Hospitals. Under her leadership, the chapter built partnerships with five long-term pediatric care facilities, coordinating weekly visits and regular science kit drop-offs that bring hands-on learning and joy to hospitalized children. TEACH has grown to more than 600 members and volunteers, reaching over 400 children across New Jersey while engaging Rutgers students from a wide range of academic and career interests. Her vision, dedication, and sustained commitment have created a lasting organization that will continue to benefit children and the Rutgers community for years to come.

Alice exemplifies Rutgers’ values through her rare combination of academic excellence and deep civic responsibility. She has led influential student organizations and initiatives that demonstrate how scholarship and community engagement strengthen one another. She is a powerful catalyst for thoughtful campus dialogue, creating spaces for respectful, empathetic conversations through initiatives like Talking Across Differences and the founding of the Yard Forum. Alice’s leadership spans legal, political, cultural, and academic spaces, including roles with Rutgers Mock Trial and the Eagleton Institute.

Lilly leads with heart, energy, and a deep commitment to community. From the start, she has brought genuine enthusiasm and positivity that creates welcoming spaces where students feel valued and excited to engage. Lilly has played a key role in strengthening the culture of student leadership while serving as a visible, approachable ambassador across campus. Whether supporting student organizations, advancing campus initiatives, or representing student voices in meetings and events, she shows up with authenticity and pride. Her contagious spirit and dedication consistently remind the community of the purpose and power of student leadership.

Henry has distinguished himself as a dedicated leader in service through his strong support of Elijah’s Promise, an organization that has long addressed food insecurity and created career pathways in the New Brunswick community. Through his leadership role with Chef’s Night, the organization’s premier annual fundraiser, he went beyond participation by actively engaging and mobilizing others to support the mission. Henry encouraged his Rutgers football teammates to get involved, helping transform awareness into meaningful action. By building on a long-standing tradition of student-athlete service, he has helped foster a culture of humility, teamwork, and community commitment.

Murat has distinguished himself through an extraordinary commitment to research, beginning in his very first semester and demonstrating rare initiative and intellectual maturity early in his undergraduate career. As a freshman, he stood out as the only first-year student presenting at a research symposium and quickly advanced into graduate-level research environments, earning team-based award recognition along the way. Most notably, Murat now leads an innovative, sustainability-focused research effort on digital-twin-enabled diagnostics for buildings and data centers, integrating advanced sensing, analytics, and data-driven modeling.

Vidushi has demonstrated outstanding academic enrichment through an exceptional record of independent, interdisciplinary research marked by intellectual rigor, creativity, and critical thinking. She secured and excelled in diverse research opportunities across geology, planetary science, oceanography, and geochemistry, including co‑authoring a peer‑reviewed publication based on her Mars remote sensing research. Most recently, her selection for competitive research experiences and acceptance into top graduate programs reflect the lasting impact and excellence of her academic work.

Petras exemplifies exceptional academic enrichment through his rare ability to design innovative experimental protocols that push well beyond standard undergraduate research expectations. He independently refines complex hypotheses, leads experiments with graduate-level autonomy, and has authored three peer‑reviewed publications—two as first author, an unprecedented achievement in his research group. Petras also demonstrates civic leadership as a Lead Manager for Rutgers Habitat for Humanity, distinguishing himself as a scholar, innovator, and community leader.

As president and co‑founder of a student organization, they built inclusive communities that celebrate diversity and inclusion, growing attendance from small gatherings to events welcoming over 100 participants. Their leadership brought culturally significant programming to campus, including ballroom-inspired events and workshops. Academically, they served on Rutgers Moot Court, held editorial leadership roles with the Undergraduate Law Review, and earned recognition for a published essay examining the politicization of transgender communities. Through campus organizations and civic engagement initiatives, they have expanded visibility, inspired peers, and served as a powerful role model for students navigating identity, leadership, and belonging.

Thomas has shown a deep and sustained commitment to advancing inclusion and advocacy for people with disabilities both at Rutgers and beyond. He has actively engaged with the disability community, translating lived experiences into practical tools for allyship that continue to support students through ongoing use by campus partners. Through his internship at The Arc, he developed and delivered DEI training materials and helped lead strategic outreach efforts that strengthened community engagement and promoted person-centered care.

Kal Rivera has been a powerful advocate for social justice and inclusion throughout their time at Rutgers, shaping both their academic path and campus involvement. They have pursued these commitments through majors in psychology and women’s, gender, and sexuality studies, as well as through research on moderating online forums for men experiencing trauma. Beyond the classroom, Kal has led meaningful efforts to promote inclusion by founding and serving as president of Rutgers LIFTS.  He has also held leadership roles in Iota Iota Iota and the Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Honors Society.

Casey is deeply committed to supporting incoming SAS Honors first-year students as they transition from high school to college. She also represents Rutgers with distinction at education and pedagogy events. As President of the Future Teachers Association, she led the organization’s participation in the 2025 Read Across America event at Lincoln Elementary School in New Brunswick. Additionally, as President of Sigma Tau Delta, she served as the sole representative from Rutgers’ Alpha Pi Xi Chapter, presenting creative nonfiction at a national conference in Pittsburgh.

Shivalik has demonstrated exceptional leadership as a General Biology Practice Group Facilitator supporting students in both General Biology I and II. By building strong trust and rapport, Shivalik created a learning environment where confidence and engagement thrived. He regularly stepped into peer leadership by guiding facilitator preparation meetings and using collaborative teaching strategies that empowered students to think critically and teach one another. Most importantly, Shivalik fostered an inclusive, low‑stakes space where first‑year students felt comfortable reasoning aloud, learning from mistakes, and growing their confidence in rigorous scientific thinking.

Maanasa has made a meaningful impact as a Barbara Voorhees Mentor, guiding underclass students through their transition to college while fostering inclusive, discussion-based learning grounded in feminist pedagogy. As a peer mentor in the Knowledge and Power course, she created a welcoming, student-centered environment that encouraged critical thinking, open dialogue, and reflection on complex social issues. She further strengthened her leadership by completing advanced coursework in inclusive pedagogy and intentionally applying these principles in her mentoring practice.

Amelie was selected to design and teach a one‑credit Exploring Business course for first‑year students, a distinction that reflects her strong leadership and instructional promise. Her ten‑week FIGS course thoughtfully blended foundational business concepts with topics such as wellness, campus belonging, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. As a peer instructor, she demonstrated exceptional mentorship, building genuine rapport and engaging students through empathy, active learning, and inclusive discussion. Through her intentional and student‑centered approach, Amelie created a classroom environment where students felt supported, empowered, and confident to thrive.

Christopher has not only met but exceeded the highest standards of leadership through his exceptional achievements and sustained impact throughout his four years at Rutgers. He has balanced academic excellence with an unwavering commitment to improving the student experience for all. Christopher has been an inspiring advocate for access, inclusion, and uplift, consistently using his voice to support his peers and build stronger communities. He has represented students at the highest levels through service on the University Senate and Board of Trustees and currently serves as Student Body President for the 2025–26 academic year. In this role, he has led with purpose and integrity, prioritizing collaboration, strengthening communication with university leadership, and ensuring student voices remain central to decision-making.

Grace is an accomplished Division I student-athlete on the Rutgers Women’s Swimming and Diving team who exemplifies excellence in academics, athletics, and leadership. Her commitment to public service and scholarship is reflected in her receipt of the Rutgers Eagleton Washington, D.C. Award and her selection to attend national academic conferences and programs. Grace was also endorsed by Rutgers as a 2025 candidate for the University of Oxford Rhodes Scholarship, reflecting exceptional intellect and leadership potential. Beyond academics and athletics, she continues to serve her community through research, internships, campus employment, and honor societies, representing Rutgers with distinction.

Julia has demonstrated exceptional leadership and service, dedicating herself to strengthening the intramural sports program and student experience. Beginning as an intramural official in 2022, she rose through the ranks to supervisor, manager—the highest undergraduate role—and now serves as Graduate Intern, playing a central role in restoring and elevating the program post‑pandemic. As a primary point of contact, Julia expertly manages complex scheduling, staffing, and facility operations. She also revitalized the program’s social media presence, increasing engagement and launching popular initiatives like championship MVP interviews. Through tireless dedication, Julia has enhanced the experience for thousands of students and created a meaningful, supportive workplace for over 80 staff members.

Yhosep  has demonstrated exceptional leadership through sustained, multi‑year contributions across student organizations, academic administration, and community engagement. His work is grounded in a deep commitment to equity, access, and linguistic justice, reflected in his leadership  He has served in key academic leadership positions that strengthen language education and program administration. Beyond campus, Yhosep has organized ESL classes and built partnerships with community institutions, including the Unity Square Community Center and the Mexican Consulate. Through departmental, university-wide, and community initiatives, he has consistently expanded access, amplified voices, and created lasting impact.

Chloe has demonstrated remarkable leadership. She rose through leadership roles within the Hult Prize at Rutgers, ultimately serving as Campus Director and representing the university at international competitions in Paris and London. Under her leadership, the program expanded into ScarletPitch, a campus‑wide pitch competition. Chloe also secured meaningful partnerships with organizations such as Johnson & Johnson and Northwestern Mutual, helping generate funding for student opportunities and national and international engagement. She consistently leads with strategic vision, follow‑through, and a deep commitment to creating opportunities that benefit the broader student community.

Christopher’s achievements reflect sustained academic excellence, innovative leadership, and meaningful service. He has challenged himself through advanced coursework and earned multiple competitive honors while consistently translating classroom knowledge into real‑world applications. As president of the Undergraduate Food Science Club, Christopher expanded student engagement by organizing large-scale industry networking events and leading impactful campus programming. He has also demonstrated strong innovation and mentorship as a two‑year captain of a national product development competition team, guiding peers through the full lifecycle of product design.  Christopher has consistently elevated those around him while strengthening connections between students, academia, and industry.

Isa is an exemplary student leader whose undergraduate career reflects a strong commitment to justice, service, and interdisciplinary excellence. She thoughtfully integrates climate justice and legal advocacy to uplift systemically marginalized communities. Isa has held numerous leadership roles, including serving as a two‑time executive board member, policy intern, special events coordinator, and community service officer. Her impact spans collaborations with campus and statewide partners such as the Helyar House Cooperative Living Community, the New Jersey Department of Corrections, Rutgers University Police Department, and the New Jersey Food Democracy Collaborative. Through sustained leadership and advocacy, Isa has made a meaningful and lasting contribution to Rutgers and the broader New Jersey community.

Sarah exemplifies sustained leadership, service, and academic excellence through her wide-ranging impact across the Rutgers community. Within Kappa Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc., she held nine roles and rose to Chapter President, strengthening the organization’s financial stability, programming, and cultural engagement. Her leadership in Circle K International grew membership, raised more than $3,800 for philanthropy, and supported global education initiatives through UNICEF. Sarah has also advanced service and advocacy through Rutgers Dance Marathon and played a key leadership role as President of the Cap and Skull Senior Honor Society. Alongside her service, she has made a lasting academic impact shaping coursework for more than 1,500 introductory students.