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Student Awards Presented at 2026 Spring Honors Convocation
Annual ceremony recognizes students' exemplary academic, leadership and service achievements
University News | May 4, 2026
Photo Gallery: 2026 Spring Honors Convocation
Virginia Wesleyan University’s 2026 Spring Honor Convocation was held on May 1, as part of the day-long Spring Undergraduate Research Forum. The annual event paid tribute to exemplary student accomplishments in academics, leadership and service. President Scott D. Miller was joined by VWU faculty and members of the community to present the awards in the Brock Theatre in the Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center.
“Today, we recognize students whose dedication, resilience, and pursuit of excellence have distinguished them among their peers,” said President Miller during his welcoming remarks. “Whether you are preparing to graduate or continuing your academic journey, your contributions strengthen the intellectual and cultural life of this community. We applaud not only the students receiving individual honors, but also the faculty whose mentorship made these achievements possible. Excellence in teaching and learning is a shared endeavor, and it is the foundation of our academic community.”
President Miller began the awards portion of the program by presenting the first award to the recipient of the 2026 President’s Leadership Award.
“This award recognizes one graduating senior who exemplifies the University’s highest ideals: exceptional character, academic excellence, service, and leadership,” noted President Miller. “This year’s recipient is a leader whose contributions span academics, athletics, and campus life—strengthening every community she has been part of. A member of the Batten Honors College, she is an outstanding business student majoring in accounting with a minor in communications. Her academic excellence has been recognized with the Cass Award. As senior captain of the women’s soccer team, she has demonstrated leadership, discipline, and integrity, earning selection to the 2025 ODAC Sportsmanship Team. Her leadership extends beyond athletics. She is an active member of the NCAA Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and serves as a student representative on the Athletics Management Council. She has also represented the University during the SACSCOC reaffirmation of accreditation visit and contributed to the annual Marlin Business Conference. In every setting, she leads with integrity, accountability, and a collaborative spirit—truly embodying and elevating the mission of the University. It is my distinct pleasure to present the 2026 President’s Leadership Award to Megan Setlak.”
The program continued with presentations of individual departmental awards and special recognitions for outstanding leadership and academic achievements, celebrating stellar students and their extraordinary accomplishments.
Students on the President’s List and Academic Dean's List, in Honor Societies and the Batten Honors College, as well as the Class of 2026, were also recognized by Provost and Vice President Dr. Deirdre Gonsalves-Jackson.
Congratulations to the 2026 Award Recipients!
The following students were recognized for outstanding academic achievement, leadership, and excellence across disciplines:
President’s Leadership Award
Megan Setlak
Sociology & Criminal Justice Department Honors Award
Laci Campbell, Haley Haydon, Emile Dajc, Madison Moore
Political Science Department Award
Breanne Bessette, Abigail Carson
History Department Award
Ethan Mejzak, Andrew Steiner
Psychology Research Award
Ella Clingenpeel
Distinguished Graduating Senior in Psychology
Nathan Prince
Library Research Award
Andrew Steiner, Skyler Martinson
Dora H. Dobrin Award for Excellence in Social Work
Kyla Robberecht
Sustainability Management Award
Olivia Knight
Cass Award
Haley Sadler
Academic Achievement Award
Hovhannes Madanyan
Outstanding Performance in Special Education
Julia Hathaway
Outstanding Performance in Master of Education
Mikayla Dayton
Outstanding Performance in Elementary Education
Anita Gaddis
Delta Kappa Gamma Award
Sydnee Washington
Virginia Scholars Award (Delta Kappa Gamma)
Sydnee Washington
Outstanding Major in Sport and Recreation Management
Nicholas Valentin
Outstanding Major in Recreational Therapy
Juliana Anderson
Rising Star Award
Alexandra Ortega
Department of Biology Outstanding Senior
Marleigh Breitwieser, Salena Grace Jones, Lieselotte Hazelwood
Outstanding Senior Award in Biochemistry
Vasylyna Fedun
Outstanding Senior Award in Chemistry
Anna Greenleaf
Earth and Environmental Sciences Distinguished Graduate Award
Victoria Haneline, Elliot Fylstra
Environmental Studies Distinguished Graduate Award
Erin Beaudry, Tyler Noll
Classics Award
Regis Collins
Latin Award
Skyler Martinson
Sharon L. Payne Award for Excellence in Gender, Women, and Sexuality Studies
Debra Buckalew
Media and Communication Award
Lily Reslink
Journalism Award
Lily Reslink
Vivian Teter Creative Writing Award
Elena Lichtenwalner
Outstanding English Major Award
Meadow Schmitt
An Academic Fair & Poster Session in the CMAC of the Jane P. Batten Center immediately followed the Honors Convocation.