Every year during the feverish lead-up to Commencement, the College community takes time to celebrate the outstanding leadership efforts of the individuals and teams who have positively shaped campus life by honoring them at the SGA Leadership Awards ceremony. The event elicited both heartfelt cheers and tears of gratitude.
“It’s a moment to give people their flowers and recognize the energy [and] commitment that often happens behind the scenes but shapes our entire community,” said Simone Medley, associate director of the Student Engagement and Experience (SEE), who co-hosted the event with the Student Government Association (SGA).
Dubbed the “Leadership in Laurels” awards, the ceremony focused on three main categories: Individual Student Awards, Student Group/Event Awards, and Staff, Administrator, and Department Awards — each with subcategories highlighting distinct achievements. This year, there were 30 award recipients, illustrating the community’s commitment to maintaining and growing a campus of care. A highlight was Alex Rodriguez of Community Accountability, Response, and Emergency Services (CARES) receiving the Outstanding Staff Contribution Award for his tireless commitment to the Barnard community.
Faculty, administrators, and students, including many graduating seniors, filled Barnard’s Diana Event Oval and exchanged emotional speeches reflecting on their time at the College and their appreciation for one another’s leadership and service.
Quan Ha ’25, SGA president and the ceremony’s host, used a microphone and charisma to interact with and energize the audience for hours. And when she won a sought-after Bear Pin Award, she gushed with appreciation for Noah Mullenix, program coordinator for Campus-Wide Programs, who later tracked down and presented Ha with a pair of coveted Barnard sweatpants that she had been eyeing. The College’s associate director of multimedia productions, Carrie Glasser P’24, known for capturing some of the best moments on campus, aptly presented the Media Excellence Award to the Barnard Bulletin.
“Receiving the Media Excellence Award is a meaningful affirmation of the work we’ve done this year,” said Sophie Meritt ’25 and Lily Sones ’25, co-editors-in-chief of the Barnard Bulletin, the student-run newspaper. “This recognition is a testament to the importance of documenting history, the responsibility of truth-telling, and the power of student voices.” The award, listed in the Student Group Awards category, was given in recognition of outstanding achievement in print or radio journalism and publication within the campus community.
This year, Access Barnard — the College’s support hub for first-generation, low-income, and international students — received the Departmental Excellence Award, as part of the Staff, Administrator, and Department Awards.
“The SGA Leadership Awards are a wonderful opportunity to affirm the hard work and dedication that, for many, goes otherwise unseen, showcasing the positive impact of support systems and resilience and the growth of student leadership,” said Katie Hyon, executive director of Access Barnard. “It was thrilling to see all of our incredible Access Barnard students who were both nominated and awarded at the ceremony — we love seeing our students getting their flowers!”
As the senior class president of SGA, Aurelia Tan ’25 was one of the 10 top recipients awarded with the Bear Pin Award, reserved for graduating seniors who have demonstrated consistent leadership over the course of their college career.
“What I love about Barnard is how the people and environment here set you up for success in doing whatever you set your mind to,” said Tan. “I am proud of what I’ve been able to do and leave behind at Barnard. As I fasten this Bear Pin onto my regalia, I’ll carry these achievements with me when walking across the stage at Radio City [for Commencement].”
Congratulations to all of the winners from this year, including those who were nominated.
See the full list of award recipients below:
Millicent McIntosh Awards
- Class of 2025: Ananya Malhotra
- Class of 2026: Vasia Tassiopoulos
- Class of 2027: Maria Luiza Leonard
- Class of 2028: Elise Kang
Bear Pin Award
- Sasha Celico ’25
- Quan Ha ’25
- Tahiyah Hussain ’25
- Ananya Malhotra ’25
- Angelic Molos ’25
- Ijeoma Okoh ’25
- Tara Parsons ’25
- Lila Spiro ’25
- Abigail Svelan ’25
- Aurelia Tan ’25
- Frederick A.P. Barnard Award
- Anand Chitnis CC’25
Intercollegiate Leadership Ambassador Award
- Isabella Melendez ’25 and Vasia Tassiopoulos ’26
Member Engagement Distinction Award
- Liga Filipina ’25
Student‑Created Innovation Spotlight Award
- Dodge Fitness Center
Media Excellence Award
- Barnard Bulletin
Outstanding Student Production Award
- Columbia Musical Theatre Society, Legally Blonde
Distinguished Student Group Achievement Award
- Meet Me at the Museum
Rising Star Leadership Award
- Sekna Bazzi ’27
Inspiration Legacy Award
- Sasha Celico ’25
Departmental Excellence Award
- Access Barnard
Leadership Excellence Award for Administrators
- Jeff Manning, Director of Residential Life
Advisor Achievement Award
- Noah Mullenix, Program Coordinator, Campus-Wide Programs
Outstanding Staff Contribution Award
- Alex Rodriguez (CARES)
Exemplary Student Employee Award
- Arianna Suarez ’26
Financial Stewardship Excellence Award
- Charlize Nishitoyo ’27
—TARA TERRANOVA ’25