DUDLEY, Mass. (4/23/2026) – This week, Nichols College hosted two award ceremonies, the Student Life and the Academic Awards, on The Hill. Multiple student-athletes were honored for their hard work in the classroom and their contributions to the campus community.
Student Life Awards
The Department of Student Life held the Student Life Awards Ceremony on Monday, April 20th, where the following students were recognized:
The Student Belonging Award
This award recognizes a student who exemplifies a deep commitment to cultivating a campus environment that promotes equality, well-being, diverse perspectives, and inclusivity. Their dedication to creating a welcoming and supportive atmosphere sets them apart as a role model among their peers. This award celebrates a student who not only believes in the power of belonging but actively works to create it for others. t.
- Ema Jaskova – Women's Ice Hockey
Class of 2026 Scholarship
The Senior Class Scholarship is awarded annually to Nichols College Students who exemplify leadership and involvement in the Nichols community. Established by the Senior Class of the Student Government Association (SGA) and endorsed by Student Life, this scholarship is funded by the individual donations from the members of the graduating class to recognize rising seniors who academic success and co-curricular engagement.
- Rylee Barrieault – Women's Basketball
- Hannah Cozza – Softball
Exceptional Leadership Award
Recognizes one outstanding student from each class who stands out as a leader in the Nichols College community. Through their attitude, behavior, and involvement, these students exemplify enthusiasm, pride, and dedication to the Nichols spirit:
- Avery Moriarty – Women's Ice Hockey (Class of 2026)
- Destiny Gardner – Cheerleading & Women's Track & Field (Class of 2028)
- Justin Massa – Men's Ice Hockey (Class of 2029)
Bison Trailblazer Award
Celebrates outstanding first- or second-year students who have already made a significant impact on campus and show strong potential for future leadership:
- Isabelle Brennan – Women's Ice Hockey & Women's Lacrosse
- Gavin Duckworth – Men's Ice Hockey
- Isabella Fleury – Women's Golf & Women's Track & Field
- MacKinley Giblin – Softball
- Michel Orvil – Football
Bison Excellence Award
Recognizes exceptional juniors and seniors who embody the mission of Nichols College and the spirit of student life. Through their dedication and involvement, these students have shown a commitment to personal growth and the betterment of the campus community:
- Gino Di Vito – Men's Cross Country & Men's Track & Field
- Makala Dube – Women's Lacrosse
- Tianna Fernandez – Women's Basketball
- Olivia Pedro – Softball
- Adriana Romano – Women's Basketball
- Allison Silliman – Softball
- Charis Vogler – Women's Tennis
The Bison Legacy Award
This prestigious honor is awarded to a senior who has demonstrated exceptional leadership both academically and through extracurricular involvement. This student leaves a lasting legacy through their dedication, character, and meaningful contributions to the Nichols College community.
- Kaitlyn Baca – Women's Golf
Academic Awards
The next day, the Academic Awards honored students for their academic achievements and the presentation of endowed scholarships. The following student-athletes were celebrated on the evening:
- Allison Silliman (Softball) was awarded the Sport Management Department Award.
- Myles Mason (Men's Ice Hockey) and Will Migliaccio (Football) were presented with Professor Keith Corkum Endowed Scholarships in Economics.
- Among the recipients of the James L. Dunbar Endowed Scholarship in Criminal Justice and GSX Conference Scholarships were AJ Samuel (Football), Bryce Bonville (Men's Volleyball), and Rosmari Melody Ribera (Women's Soccer).
- Erin Helly (Women's Tennis) received the James C. Gahan IV Endowed Scholarship.
- Keira Goffe (Women's Ice Hockey) was honored with the Hallie Linacre Memorial Scholarship.
- Cela MacDougall (Women's Ice Hockey) was presented with the Marcia A. Behrens '78 MBA '89 Scholarship.
- Cora Brosch (Women's Tennis) and Michaela Fortier (Softball) were honored with the First-Year PDS Teaching Assistants Awards.
