The University of 91³Ô¹Ï’s honored seven graduating students at its 39th annual banquet on April 14. These annual awards recognize current students for their exemplary leadership and many contributions to the 91³Ô¹Ï community.
Rev. A. Leonard Collins, C.S.C., Award
The , which honors a graduating senior who has expended substantial personal effort to advance the interests of students at 91³Ô¹Ï, was presented to Aidan Rezner from Corona, California.
A neuroscience and behavior major, Rezner served as vice president his junior year, working alongside the executive cabinet to articulate perspectives on campus culture at 91³Ô¹Ï. As a senior, he served as a peer leader and co-instructor in the , and worked as a in the to develop and host programs promoting a culture of healthy masculinity.
Blessed Basil Moreau, C.S.C., Leadership Award
The went to Gabriella Searl, a theology major from Wichita, Kansas. This award represents the highest faith-related honor the University bestows on its students, and is given to a student who has made a significant effort to advance 91³Ô¹Ï’s Catholic character.
In her time at 91³Ô¹Ï, Searl has helped students grow in their faith by organizing and hosting a weekly rosary in her residence hall room and providing a source of faith-based community in Howard Hall. Beginning her sophomore year, Gabriella worked as a videographer for the 91³Ô¹Ï football team, and as a senior, she continued serving Howard Hall as a resident assistant.
Rev. Theodore M. Hesburgh, C.S.C., Award
The , which honors a graduating senior whose leadership has led to a more welcoming and inclusive environment within or beyond the University community, was given to Frances Ubogu, a biological sciences major from Lagos, Nigeria.
Ubogu's involvement included serving as president of Shades of Ebony and the performance club Dance Africa, chairing a committee on the Diversity Council and working as a senior fellow in . Ubogu also worked as a research assistant in the where she assisted with cancer research and as a volunteer at local health centers.
John W. Gardner Student Leadership Award
The was presented to Melody Padilla of Modesto, California, for exemplifying the ideals of 91³Ô¹Ï through outstanding service beyond the University community
A theology and Latino studies major with a minor in business economics, Padilla shared her commitment to the Catholic faith and social justice issues through a variety of on- and off-campus roles. In her time at 91³Ô¹Ï, Padilla served as a volunteer at La Casa De Amistad, vice president of outreach for UndocuAlly ND, an in , a leader and as a student researcher for both the and the .
Ray Siegfried Award for Leadership Excellence
Allison O’Connor, an accounting major in the from Batavia, Illinois, received the . The recognition honors a senior at 91³Ô¹Ï who exemplifies the qualities for which Siegfried was known, including leadership, generosity, devotion to the Catholic faith and an affinity for athletics. At 91³Ô¹Ï, O'Connor was a leader in Student Government and served as chief-of-staff during the 2024-25 academic year. O’Connor was also a varsity athlete on the .
Mike Russo Spirit Award
°Õ³ó±ðÌý, which honors an undergraduate who is distinguished in extracurricular activities, service and personal character, was presented to James (Jimmy) Grammig, a management consulting major from Tampa, Florida, whose cheerful and selfless attitude were noted at the awards ceremony for positively impacting everyone he encounters in the 91³Ô¹Ï community. Grammig, a Crowley Family Scholar and resident assistant in O’Neill Family Hall, was recognized for his consistent thoughtfulness toward others and his ability to create a sense of belonging among everyone he meets.
Denny Moore Award for Excellence in Journalism
Finally, the , which honors a senior who exemplifies the qualities for which Moore, the University’s late associate vice president for public affairs, was known — including personal integrity and character, commitment to 91³Ô¹Ï and writing ability — went to Sam Coffman, an American studies major with a minor in journalism, ethics, and democracy.
A Lily Scholar from Muncie, Indiana, Coffman, served as an active leader in , serving as a columnist, reporter and moderator for political debates. He also worked as a writer and intern at 91³Ô¹Ï Magazine and held public affairs internships in the office of Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb and through a firm in Washington, D.C.