Nichols honors student leadership and service at annual awards

DUDLEY, Mass. – Nichols College recognized outstanding student leaders during its annual Student Life Awards ceremony on Monday, April 20. The event spotlighted students and organizations making a difference on campus—whether by leading standout programs, creating a more inclusive community, or going above and beyond in their roles.

Honors included the Bison Excellence and Legacy Awards, which recognize upperclassmen who embody what it means to be a Nichols leader, as well as distinctions for student belonging, outstanding leadership and contributions to campus life. From first-year students to graduating seniors, recipients were applauded for their initiative and dedication, demonstrating the student-driven culture that is part of the Nichols College experience.

Here’s the list of honorees and awards:

Outstanding Student Organization of the Year is presented to the student organization that has made a significant impact on campus life while demonstrating exceptional leadership development among its members.

Award recipient: Wellness Club; executive committee members Aidan Giunta, Janaisa Mendoza, Leah Nadeau, Franklin Portillo Valiente

Advisor of the Year recognizes a student organization advisor who exemplifies the spirit of the Nichols College community.

Award recipient: Tyler Dippel, digital and social media marketing specialist, Office of Marketing and Communications at Nichols, for his work with Bison Productions

Program of the Year recognizes an outstanding program developed, promoted and executed by a student organization.

Award recipient: Campus Activities Board – Fels of Scream event; executive committee members Riley Bassett, Lily Clifford, Aidan Downey, Zach Gallo, Zoe Nicholls and Trystan St. Pierre

Community Service Leader of the Year is presented to a student who exemplifies outstanding dedication to community service and leadership.

Award recipient: Leah Nadeau

Student Belonging Award recognizes a student who exemplifies a deep commitment to cultivate a campus environment that emphasizes equity, well-being, diverse perspectives and inclusivity.

Award recipient: Ema Jaskova

Outstanding Work Study Student Award recognizes a work-study student who has made a meaningful impact on their office through dedication, professionalism and initiative.

Award recipient: Emerson Kearns

Rita A. Gatzke Memorial Student Government Association Appreciation Award is presented each year by the Nichols College student body to a faculty or staff member who has made a profound impact on the Nichols College community.

Award recipients: Averie Bye-Dickerson, events and operations coordinator, Center for Student Involvement

Class of 2027 Scholarship is this year’s Senior Class Scholarship, which is awarded annually to Nichols College students who exemplify leadership and involvement in the Nichols community.

Award recipients: Rylee Barrieault and Hannah Cozza

James C. Gahan IV ’04 WNRC Dedication Award is given to a member of the Nichols College Radio Club who exemplifies dedication and service to the club.

Award recipient: James Geehan

Residential Leadership Award is presented to a Resident Assistant who exemplifies outstanding dedication to community service and leadership.

Award recipient: Megan Curran

Exceptional Leadership Award recognizes one exceptional student from each class who stands out as a leader in the Nichols College community.

Award recipients:

Class of 2026: Avery Moriarty

Class of 2027: Trystan St. Pierre

Class of 2028: Destiny Gardner

Class of 2029: Justin Massa

Bison Trailblazer Award recognizes outstanding first- or second-year students who have made a significant impact on the Nichols College campus.

Award recipients: Isabelle Brennan, Alexandra Davila, Gavin Duckworth, Isabella Fleury, Mackinley Giblin, Mike Orvil, Tyler Poshkus

Bison Excellence Award recognizes outstanding juniors and seniors who fully embody the mission of Nichols College and the spirit of student life.

Award recipients: Nasir Bridgewater, Gabrielle Case, Dylan Clark, Gino Di Vito, Makala Dube, Tianna Fernandez, Zach Gallo, Ella Haker, Zoe Nicholls, Olivia Pedro, Aaron Portes, Adriana Romano, Allison Silliman, Charis Vogler

Bison Legacy Award recognizes two outstanding seniors who have exemplified exceptional leadership, both academically and through their involvement in extracurricular activities.

Award recipients: Kaitlin Baca and Jeffrey Falcone

(Pictured: Student leadership awards recipients for 2026 pose for a group photo.)