Following the announcements of 2021 Jacob Albright Scholars and Gold “A” Award recipients, Albright recognizes class of 2021 students earning academic awards. Congratulations to all winners, listed alphabetically below. (Or see their individual stories here.)
Deborah Afolabi
Communications Department Faculty Award
The Communications Department Faculty Award acknowledges strong and consistent
scholarly achievement of a senior communications major or co-major.
Bridgette Amendano
Nancy Ratajczek Shuman ’60 Memorial Scholarship award
This scholarship was established to honor the memory of one of Albright’s best
and to foster the success of an outstanding senior pre-medical student who
demonstrates the same combination of academic ability, humanitarian interest
and compassion.
Vanessa Baker
Mr. and Mrs. John C. Lanz ’37 Endowed Academic Award and the Patricia Shearer
Mertz Teaching Award
The Lanz award was established by Mrs. Kathryn Lanz in honor of the memory and
life of her late husband, John C. Lanz, Class of 1937. The recipient of the
award is a freshman, sophomore or junior majoring in either Mathematics or
Education, who demonstrates strong academic accomplishment in either discipline
and participation in student life. The income from an investment provided by
Edgar T. Mertz in honor of his wife, Patricia Shearer Mertz ’53, is awarded to
an Albright junior enrolled in the teacher education program who shows promise
of excellence or outstanding performance as a classroom teacher. The recipient
is selected by Albright education faculty and the proceeds of the award are
designated to satisfy college costs in the senior year.
Katheline Batista
Biology Department Award
This cash award was established by the biology faculty and is given to a student
majoring in biology though not intending a medical or para-medical career. The
recipient shall be in good standing with the department, show academic promise,
and anticipate graduate work in the biological sciences.
Victoria Baumert
Spanish Prize and the Evelyn Boquist Kemp and Esther Boquist Strauch Memorial
Award
The Spanish prize is given to an outstanding student who is studying Spanish at
the advanced level. The Boquist award was established in memory of Jean
Tshundy’s aunts, Evelyn Boquist Kemp and Esther Boquist Strauch, whose parents
emigrated from Uppsala, Sweden to the United States through Ellis Island in the
late 1800’s. Their generosity makes it possible for Donald and Jean Tshundy to
fund an award on behalf of their daughter-in-law, Marilou (Holland) Tshundy,
who graduated from Albright College in 1981 with a bachelor’s degree in social
welfare. This award is given to a junior or senior majoring in social welfare,
social work, sociology, or any other area in the social sciences, who is
maintaining a 3.0 grade point average.
Sydney Baxter
Maltzer (Pre-Law) Award
This award is given to recognize the highest scholastic record in the pre-law
program.
Joseph Berardi
Green Lee Student Award in Business Administration
The Green Lee Academic Achievement Award is designed to recognize the academic
achievement of graduating students in Albright’s School of Professional
Studies, who have exemplified overall excellence within their major and who show
great potential for contribution in their field. In addition to a strong GPA,
recipients have demonstrated exemplary written and oral communication skills
and made a marked contribution to their cohort’s performance.
Meghan Blonder
Muhlenberg Goodwill Prize
Established by Col. Frederick A. Muhlenberg, this award is presented to a
senior who has demonstrated, through responsible action in college activities,
a concern that extends to the larger community, and who has shown promise for
further accomplishments that will better society.
Lily Bossler
Allen McKenney III Memorial Fund Prize
This cash award is given to a student who makes a significant contribution to
the larger community using knowledge and skills learned in the study of the
social sciences.
Stephen Brittain
Ray Mest ’62 Math Award
This award is given to an outstanding senior mathematics or math/combined
concentrator chosen by members of the department. Recipients are considered
based on scholarship, performance, leadership and dedication in their pursuit
of a mathematics education.
Natalie Buck
Commuter Student Association (CSA) Award and the Julia Award
The CSA awards is given to a non-resident student in his or her last year of
attendance at Albright College who is in good academic standing, and who,
through excellence of character and active participation, has made the most
worthy contribution to the CSA. Julia Awards honor the life of Julia Pankratz
by recognizing two Albright students — a senior and a freshman — for
intellectual adventurousness, creativity and cheerful courage in the face of
adversity.
Matt Cammarano
Professor Clyde Harding Award for Outstanding Scholarship in English and
Communications
Income from a fund created by friends and family, including the estate of Ruth
Hall Harding, provides scholarship assistance for students pursuing the English
concentration or the communications program. The award is available to juniors
and seniors who maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.5.
Arielle Caracciolo
Drs. Richard and Fredericka Heller Award
Provided by Dr. Richard Heller, a long-time biology faculty member, and his
wife, Dr. Fredericka Heller, a long-time supporter of Albright College and the
biological sciences, this award is given to students majoring in biology or
environmental science who demonstrate high academic achievement and promise in
future scholarship.
Evan Cardinal
Campus Center Desk Award and the Philip A. Eyrich Memorial Award
The Campus Center Award is given to seniors who have contributed greatly to the
operation of the Office of Student Activities and the co-curricular programs
sponsored by AC². The Eyrich award is presented by the Political Science
Department of Albright College in recognition of Professor Eyrich’s outstanding
contributions as a teacher and college leader. This award goes to a senior
political science concentrator who has demonstrated interest, achievement and
commitment towards international understanding and peace.
Amanda Castanon
Costume Design Award
This award is given to a student who has gone above and beyond the call of duty
in support of costuming for theatre productions.
Wesley Cipolla
Albrightian Award and the Annadora Shirk Readers Theatre Award
The Albrightian award recognizes Albrightian staff who have made outstanding
contributions to the newspaper during the past year. Shirk Readers is a cash
award given to recognize the contributions of Albright Readers Theatre to the
campus and to the Reading community. It is presented to a student whom the
English Department faculty chooses to honor for his or her communications
skills in and out of the classroom.
Emilton Cortes
Louis D. Pepe Memorial Accounting Award
This award is presented to a senior accounting major with a cumulative B
average or better in accounting who has shown the greatest improvement in
accounting between his or her first year and the end of his or her seventh
semester, and exhibits the strongest desire to become a CPA.
Nicholas Cummings
William E.C. and Mary Dearden Chair in Business Administration Scholars Award
in Accounting, Economics and Finance
This cash award is presented to senior business students who excel academically
and who demonstrate the potential for professional leadership.
Dylan Demko
Paul M. Leininger Chemistry Award
A cash award given by Craig B. Pearson, M.D., Class of ’65, in honor of Paul M.
Leininger, Professor Emeritus of Chemistry, this award is given to a junior or
senior who has demonstrated excellence in the study of chemistry and who
possesses outstanding personal characteristics of idealism, altruism and
integrity.
John Dolbin
J. Warren Klein Memorial Prize in History
This cash prize is given by Mrs. Richard T. Williamson in honor of her father,
former President J. Warren Klein. It is awarded to a senior history concentrator,
combining a high general academic average with outstanding achievement in
extracurricular activities.
Rakeam Dorsey
Louis D. Pepe Memorial Accounting Award
This award is presented to a senior accounting major with a cumulative B average
or better in accounting who has shown the greatest improvement in accounting
between his or her first year and the end of his or her seventh semester, and
exhibits the strongest desire to become a CPA.
Tyler Dubose
Dr. J. Dale Yoder ’57 Commencement History Award
This cash prize is given to a graduating history senior at Albright College who
has a strong academic accomplishment in the discipline, been a generous
participant in the life of the college, and shown a compassionate concern for
the needs of others.
Kara Dyal
William E.C. and Mary Dearden Chair in Business Administration Scholars Award
in Marketing
This cash award is presented to senior business students who excel academically
and who demonstrate the potential for professional leadership.
Maya Fares
American Chemical Society Award, the Division of Inorganic Chemistry:
Undergraduate Award in Inorganic Chemistry, the Eileen Walker Memorial Award
and the French Prize
“A membership in the American Chemical Society awarded annually by the
Lehigh Valley section of the society to the senior majoring in chemistry or
biochemistry who is recommended by the department of chemistry on the basis of
high standing in scholarship, personality, and character. The Eileen Walker
cash award is given by the faculty of the Chemistry Department to a senior
biochemistry or chemistry concentrator who demonstrates high academic
achievement, leadership and excellence of character.
And the French cash prize is given to an outstanding student who is studying French at the advanced level.”
Tyler Faulkner
CURA Award and the WXAC Senior Award
The word “Cura” stems from the Latin, meaning “care” and
the award recognizes the student who has demonstrated significant service to
charitable organizations, Albright College, and the community. The WXAC
certificate is given to students involved in WXAC in appreciation for their
dedication and hard work.
Karl Fey
J. Warren Klein Memorial Prize in History
This cash prize is given by Mrs. Richard T. Williamson in honor of her father,
former President J. Warren Klein. It is awarded to a senior history
concentrator, combining a high general academic average with outstanding
achievement in extracurricular activities.
Dana Fielding
Psychobiology Award
This award is given to a senior who has shown overall excellence in
psychobiology and shows promise of making future contributions to the field, in
honor of Marsha Green and Ronald Green who founded the Psychobiology degree at
Albright College in 1970.
Shayla Gaither
Alumni Graduation Honor, the Communications Department Faculty Award, the SGA
Graduating Senior Award and the William E.C. and Mary Dearden Chair in Business
Administration Scholars Award in Combined Business
The Alumni Graduation Honor is given to the senior who throughout his or her
college life has made the greatest contribution to Albright through
enthusiastic participation in academic, social, and religious activities, and
who has been most influential in fostering and promoting aims and objectives of
the college. The Communications Department Faculty Award acknowledges strong
and consistent scholarly achievement of a senior Communications major or
co-major. The SGA award is given to student government association members
after three years of service on the basis of attendance at meetings,
performance of assigned tasks, contact with groups represented, attitude and
contribution to the association and to college life. And the Dearden award is
presented to senior business students who excel academically and who
demonstrate the potential for professional leadership.
Benjamin Gibson
William E.C. and Mary Dearden Chair in Business Administration Scholars Award
in Sport Management
This cash award is presented to senior business students who excel academically
and who demonstrate the potential for professional leadership.
Izzy Goncea
Mr. and Mrs. Charles S. Kelchner Memorial Award
A gift of the late Charles S. Kelchner, this prize is awarded by the English
Department faculty to honor students who are outstanding in both oral and
written communication.
Jacob Gragg
Digital Communications Faculty Award
The Digital Communications Faculty Award acknowledges strong and consistent
scholarly achievement of a senior Digital Communications major.
Natasha Halulakos
Professor Clyde Harding Award for Outstanding Scholarship in English and
Communications
Income from a fund created by friends and family, including the estate of Ruth
Hall Harding, provides scholarship assistance for students pursuing the English
concentration or the communications program. The award is available to juniors
and seniors who maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.5.
Gillian Hamsher
Franklin Joseph Commencement Award
Established by a bequest from Franklin R. Joseph ’57, this endowed commencement
award provides an annual cash award to a graduating Albright College senior
receiving a bachelor’s degree in Sociology with strong academic accomplishment.
Recipients of this award shall be selected by the Chair of the Sociology Department
in consultation with faculty from the Sociology Department as appropriate.
Karissa Haney
Edwin L. Bell Endowed Biology Prize
This cash award is given by Craig B. Pearson, M.D., Class of ’65, in honor of
Edwin L. Bell, professor Emeritus of Biology, to a student with interest in the
environment.
Ann Harkins
Green Lee Student Award in Applied Psychology
The Green Lee Academic Achievement Award is designed to recognize the academic
achievement of graduating students in Albright’s School of Professional
Studies, who have exemplified overall excellence within their major and who
show great potential for contribution in their field. In addition to a strong
GPA, recipients have demonstrated exemplary written and oral communication
skills and made a marked contribution to their cohort’s performance.
Janae Hershey
Cyrus Beekey Memorial Award
This award is given to a senior who has demonstrated outstanding ability either
in biology or as a pre-medical student.
Michael Hertzog
Department of Theatre Award
This award recognizes outstanding work in theatre classes by a student
completing a concentration or combined concentration in theatre.
Veronica Jakubowski
Ella M. Schaeffer Music Instrumental Award
This award is given to a senior student for outstanding talent and leadership
in Music.
Carmen Johnson
Professor Clyde Harding Award for Outstanding Scholarship in English and
Communications
Income from a fund created by friends and family, including the estate of Ruth
Hall Harding, provides scholarship assistance for students pursuing the English
concentration or the communications program. The award is available to juniors
and seniors who maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.5.
Miranda Jones
Lucille Griswold Albright Prize
This prize is given to a junior or senior biology major who intends to pursue a
career in medical technology. The recipient is selected on the basis of
academic achievement and student activities.
Madison Jorfi
Ed Flagg and M. Cornelius Trayes Award in Journalism Writing
This award is given for excellence in journalistic writing, editing and
photography. Selection is based on published work in campus and other
publications and recipients are selected by the chair of the English Department
on the recommendation of faculty.
Ryan Kelly
French Prize and the Lewis E. Smith Political Science Award
The French prize is given to an outstanding student who is studying French at
the advanced level. The Smith cash award is given to a student in the field of
political science who has demonstrated academic competence in that discipline
and who is committed to high personal and social values. It is provided by Mrs.
Lewis E. Smith to honor her husband’s labors as a student and teacher of
political science and his lifelong commitment to the academic and spiritual
development of the students of Albright College.
Sara Kim
Silver Snips Award
This award is presented to the costume student who has shown outstanding
progress in their skill sets in period costume construction and tailoring.
Karis King
Annadora Shirk Readers Theatre Award and the Domino Player Award
campus and to the Reading community. It is presented to a student whom the
English Department faculty chooses to honor for his or her communications
skills in and out of the classroom.
Samantha King
Benjamin H. Handorf Chemistry Award and the Psychobiology Award
This cash award is offered to a senior concentrating in chemistry or
biochemistry whose honesty and integrity is unquestionable and who has
demonstrated excellence of scholarship in all college subjects, a reasonable
degree of professional interest and activity, and desirable attitudes and
initiative.
Kira Kolbe
Outstanding Fashion Senior Award
This award is presented to fashion seniors who exhibit excellence in
leadership, scholarship, talent and service to the Albright Community.
McKenzie Lazar
Conway Family Endowed Commencement Award and the Muhlenberg Goodwill Prize
Graduating seniors eligible for the Conway endowed commencement award
demonstrate exceptional academic achievement (minimum grade point average 3.0)
in economics/business, accounting and/or computer science. The Muhlenberg prize
is presented to a senior who has demonstrated, through responsible action in
college activities, a concern that extends to the larger community, and who has
shown promise for further accomplishments that will better society.
Bailey Lehman
William E.C. and Mary Dearden Chair in Business Administration Scholars Award
in Management
This cash award is presented to senior business students who excel academically
and who demonstrate the potential for professional leadership.
Samantha Livingston
Ella M. Schaeffer Music Voice Award
This award is given to a senior student for outstanding talent and leadership
in Music.
Abigail Lord
Special Education Program Award
This distinguished student teacher award is given to a student who excels in
the Special Education program.
Allison Ludwig
Thomas H. Gerstley Memorial Award
In memory of Thomas H. Gerstley, class of 1982, this award is given to one or
more seniors majoring in a psychology program, demonstrating great professional
promise, and intending to pursue a graduate degree in Clinical Neuropsychology,
Clinical Psychology, or Counseling Psychology. It is designated that the
individual(s), selected by the Psychology Department faculty, use the proceeds
of the award to satisfy some of the costs of first-year graduate study.
Kyra Lycett
Julia Award
Julia Awards honor the life of Julia Pankratz by recognizing two Albright
students — a senior and a freshman — for intellectual adventurousness,
creativity and cheerful courage in the face of adversity.
Alexis Mahon
Most Promising First-Year Fashion Award
This award is given to a first year fashion student who exhibits excellence in
leadership, scholarship, talent and service to the Albright community.
Sebastian Martino
Albright Improv Award
This cash award is given to the most outstanding member of Albright Improv.
Nominations are submitted by members of the Albright Improv Executive Board to
the faculty advisor, who makes the final award determination. The recipient
exemplifies what it means to be a great improviser — onstage and off. He or she
is giving, supportive, attentive, committed … and probably pretty darn funny,
too.
Militza Molina
Outstanding Arts Administration Award
This award is given for outstanding service to the Center for the Arts, working
on projects for theatre, music and the Freedman Gallery, including service as a
student representative on the Visual Arts Committee.
Virginia Nazario
Ella M. Schaeffer Art Award
This award is given to a senior student for outstanding talent and leadership
in art.
Justin Negron
Ellery B. Haskell Memorial Award in Religious Studies
Established by friends and family in memory of Ellery B. Haskell, this award is
given to students whose academic performance has demonstrated the highest
standards of critical thinking, scholarly dedication and moral idealism.
Rachel Nye
American Institute of Chemists: Biochemistry Award
This award honors seniors majoring in chemistry, chemical engineering or
biochemistry and is given in recognition of a demonstrated ability, leadership
and professional promise. Candidates are chosen and nominated by the chemistry
and biochemistry faculty.
Kwabena Ofori
William E.C. and Mary Dearden Chair in Business Administration Scholars Award
in Accounting
This cash award is presented to senior business students who excel academically
and who demonstrate the potential for professional leadership.
Dylan Okonski
William E.C. and Mary Dearden Chair in Business Administration Scholars Award
in Finance and Economics
This cash award is presented to senior business students who excel academically
and who demonstrate the potential for professional leadership.
Daniel Petersheim
CRC Press Freshman Chemistry Award and the Mr. and Mrs. John C. Lanz ’37
Endowed Academic Award
The CRC Press award recognizes the top chemistry or biochemistry concentrators
in general chemistry. The Lanz award was established by Mrs. Kathryn Lanz in
honor of the memory and life of her late husband, John C. Lanz, Class of 1937.
The recipient of the award is a freshman, sophomore or junior majoring in
either Mathematics or Education, who demonstrates strong academic
accomplishment in either discipline and participation in student life.
Samantha Phillips
Dr. Sarel P. Fuchs Secondary Education Award and the Elwood F. Briel Memorial
Award for Excellence in Teaching
The Fuchs award was created in honor of 41 years of dedication to the education
department by Dr. Sarel P. Fuchs, recognizing outstanding student teaching at
the middle and secondary level. A cash award in memory of Elwood F. Briel is
bestowed by the Albright Education Department upon a senior or graduate
pursuing teacher certification who demonstrates outstanding performance in
secondary classroom teaching.
Hannah Portuguez
Professor Clyde Harding Award for Outstanding Scholarship in English and
Communications
Income from a fund created by friends and family, including the estate of Ruth
Hall Harding, provides scholarship assistance for students pursuing the English
concentration or the communications program. The award is available to juniors
and seniors who maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.5.
Nicole Pratt
Freedman Gallery Award
The Freedman Gallery Award is given to a student for service to the college
through his or her efforts and enthusiasm in making the visual arts alive at
Albright.
Morgan Riley
Leonard Vandriel Memorial Award
The annual income for this fund is divided equally between two juniors who have
demonstrated loyalty and leadership as members of the Albright College Food
Service student staff during their first year, sophomore and junior years.
Donna Saboori
P. Kenneth Nase M.D. ’55 Award and the Spanish Prize
The Nase award is presented to a senior pre-medical student who has
demonstrated high academic achievement, compassion, and a strong commitment to
community. The Spanish prize is given to an outstanding student who is studying
Spanish at the advanced level.
Katsuto Sakogashira
All Bright World International Student Recognition Award and the Walling
Leach Memorial Prize
The All Bright award is given to an international student who is graduating
this year with the highest grade point average. The Leach Prize is presented to
a senior student who has excelled in theatre and who plans to continue theatre
studies in graduate school and/or enter theatre as a profession.
Stephen Shelley
E. Michael Sheffer Award
This annual award is given to students who have completed two years of academic
work, are pursuing a concentration program in history and participate in
athletics.
Isabel Skovera
Psychology Department Award
This award is given in memory of Milton G. Geil to a psychology senior who has
achieved the highest degree of excellence in psychology.
Kyle Smith
Dr. Morgan S. Heller Memorial Chemistry Award
This cash prize is given in memory of Professor Morgan S. Heller, awarded to a
deserving senior concentrating in chemistry or biochemistry who demonstrates
excellence in both academics and character. Preference is given to a student
who plans to continue studies in one of these disciplines at the graduate
level.
Patrick Sporrer
Music Industry Award
This award is given to a senior Music Business student who evidences passion,
perseverance, and outstanding leadership in music-centered events on campus and
in professional associations in the music industry. This individual possesses
the extraordinary enthusiasm, drive and creativity needed to succeed in this
highly competitive and rewarding career.
Suzy Spriggs
Dr. Gerald Kreider Award for Student Research in Biological Sciences
This award is given to a student in recognition of outstanding undergraduate
research in biology, biochemistry or a related area.
Bryan Stamm
David C. Tanger Spirit of Service Memorial Award
In honor of the life and memory of David C. Tanger who served as Director of
Food Services, this award is given to an Albright student who best exemplifies
Mr. Tanger’s character, spirit and service.
Tyler Stauffer
American Institute of Chemists: Chemistry Award
This award honors seniors majoring in chemistry, chemical engineering or
biochemistry and is given in recognition of a demonstrated ability, leadership
and professional promise. Candidates are chosen and nominated by the chemistry
and biochemistry faculty.
Taylor Straub
Professor Clyde Harding Award for Outstanding Scholarship in English and
Communications
Income from a fund created by friends and family, including the estate of Ruth
Hall Harding, provides scholarship assistance for students pursuing the English
concentration or the communications program. The award is available to juniors
and seniors who maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.5.
Micah Taylor
Muhlenberg Goodwill Prize
Established by Col. Frederick A. Muhlenberg, this award is presented to a
senior who has demonstrated, through responsible action in college activities,
a concern that extends to the larger community, and who has shown promise for
further accomplishments that will better society.
Ansoumane Toure
William E.C. and Mary Dearden Chair in Business Administration Scholars Award
in International Business
This cash award is presented to senior business students who excel academically
and who demonstrate the potential for professional leadership.
Cheyenne Tull
Outstanding AC2 eBoard Member award
This award is given for dedication, devotion and enthusiasm in the involvement
with the Albright College Activities Council.
Jaelynn Walker
SGA Graduating Senior Award
This award is given to student government association members after three years
of service on the basis of attendance at meetings, performance of assigned
tasks, contact with groups represented, attitude and contribution to the
association and to college life.
Maya Ward-Caldwell
Leonard Vandriel Memorial Award
The annual income for this fund is divided equally between two juniors who have
demonstrated loyalty and leadership as members of the Albright College Food
Service student staff during their first year, sophomore and junior years.
Scott Weinfeld
Green Lee Student Award in Accounting
The Green Lee Academic Achievement Award is designed to recognize the academic
achievement of graduating students in Albright’s School of Professional
Studies, who have exemplified overall excellence within their major and who
show great potential for contribution in their field. In addition to a strong
GPA, recipients have demonstrated exemplary written and oral communication
skills and made a marked contribution to their cohort’s performance.
Paige Westra
Ella M. Schaeffer Art Award
This award is given to a senior student for outstanding talent and leadership
in art.
Sarah White
Professor Clyde Harding Award for Outstanding Scholarship in English and
Communications
Income from a fund created by friends and family, including the estate of Ruth
Hall Harding, provides scholarship assistance for students pursuing the English
concentration or the communications program. The award is available to juniors
and seniors who maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.5.
Taylor Williams
Patricia Shearer Mertz Teaching Award
The income from an investment provided by Edgar T. Mertz in honor of his wife,
Patricia Shearer Mertz ’53, is awarded to an Albright junior enrolled in the teacher
education program who shows promise of excellence or outstanding performance as
a classroom teacher. The recipient is selected by Albright education faculty
and the proceeds of the award are designated to satisfy college costs in the
senior year.
Jieyu Zhang
Physical Chemistry Division of American Chemical Society, Undergraduate Award
in Physical Chemistry
The recipient of this award demonstrates excellence in physical chemistry and
related fields based on research and coursework, and is committed to a career
in chemistry, broadly defined (e.g. research, education, industry, etc.).
