Hartwick College

Jefferson Cruz '26 of Merrick, N.Y., was presented with two awards during the College's Honors Convocation held on April 30. Cruz was named a Faculty Scholar in Philosophy. All scholars have excellent academic records and have demonstrated an outstanding mastery of their respective disciplines. Rising seniors are nominated by faculty in their major departments based on academic achievement, leadership and character. Additionally, Cruz was recognized as an Andrew B. Saxton Undergraduate Fellow in Philosophy. Fellows are selected by faculty in each department to honor outstanding achievement in their respective fields. They serve as student assistants within their major department and receive a tuition credit.

Megan Bryla '26 of Endwell, N.Y., was presented with two awards during the College's Honors Convocation held on April 30. Bryla was named a Faculty Scholar in Art and French. All scholars have excellent academic records and have demonstrated an outstanding mastery of their respective disciplines. Rising seniors are nominated by faculty in their major departments based on academic achievement, leadership and character. Additionally, Bryla was recognized as an Andrew B. Saxton Undergraduate Fellow in French. Fellows are selected by faculty in each department to honor outstanding achievement in their respective fields. They serve as student assistants within their major department and receive a tuition credit.

Rishpa Baidya '26 of Barisal, Bangladesh, was named a Faculty Scholar in Psychology during the College's Honors Convocation held on April 30. All scholars have excellent academic records and have demonstrated an outstanding mastery of their respective disciplines. Rising seniors are nominated by faculty in their major departments based on academic achievement, leadership and character.

Lily Vanuga of Springville, N.Y., was named a Faculty Scholar in Public Health during the College's Honors Convocation held on April 30. All scholars have excellent academic records and have demonstrated an outstanding mastery of their respective disciplines. Rising seniors are nominated by faculty in their major departments based on academic achievement, leadership and character.

John 'Jack' Reichel of West Islip, N.Y., was named a Faculty Scholar in Political Science during the College's Honors Convocation held on April 30. All scholars have excellent academic records and have demonstrated an outstanding mastery of their respective disciplines. Rising seniors are nominated by faculty in their major departments based on academic achievement, leadership and character.

Charles Lauria '26 of Miller Place, N.Y., was named a Faculty Scholar in Nursing during the College's Honors Convocation held on April 30. All scholars have excellent academic records and have demonstrated an outstanding mastery of their respective disciplines. Rising seniors are nominated by faculty in their major departments based on academic achievement, leadership and character.

Jammie Decker '26 of Penn Yan, N.Y., was named a Faculty Scholar in Nursing during the College's Honors Convocation held on April 30. All scholars have excellent academic records and have demonstrated an outstanding mastery of their respective disciplines. Rising seniors are nominated by faculty in their major departments based on academic achievement, leadership and character.

Connor Schmitt '26 of Honesdale, Pa., was named a Faculty Scholar in History during the College's Honors Convocation held on April 30. All scholars have excellent academic records and have demonstrated an outstanding mastery of their respective disciplines. Rising seniors are nominated by faculty in their major departments based on academic achievement, leadership and character.

Paige Frances Witherbee '26 of Derry, N.H., was named a Faculty Scholar in Education and Literature, Media, and Writing during the College's Honors Convocation held on April 30. All scholars have excellent academic records and have demonstrated an outstanding mastery of their respective disciplines. Rising seniors are nominated by faculty in their major departments based on academic achievement, leadership and character.

Halle Wimette '26 of Fairfax, Vt., was named a Faculty Scholar in Art and Sociology during the College's Honors Convocation held on April 30. All scholars have excellent academic records and have demonstrated an outstanding mastery of their respective disciplines. Rising seniors are nominated by faculty in their major departments based on academic achievement, leadership and character.

Simi Kishore '26 of South Plainfield, N.J., was named a Faculty Scholar in Anthropology during the College's Honors Convocation held on April 30. All scholars have excellent academic records and have demonstrated an outstanding mastery of their respective disciplines. Rising seniors are nominated by faculty in their major departments based on academic achievement, leadership and character.

Josephine Becker of Elmira, N.Y., was named a Faculty Scholar in Anthropology and History during the College's Honors Convocation held on April 30. All scholars have excellent academic records and have demonstrated an outstanding mastery of their respective disciplines. Rising seniors are nominated by faculty in their major departments based on academic achievement, leadership and character.

Lane Rawls '26 of Baldwinsville, N.Y., was named a Faculty Scholar in Accounting during the College's Honors Convocation held on April 30. All scholars have excellent academic records and have demonstrated an outstanding mastery of their respective disciplines. Rising seniors are nominated by faculty in their major departments based on academic achievement, leadership and character.

Shelby Swartz '26 of Candor, N.Y., was awarded a John Christopher Hartwick Scholarship (JCH), the highest distinction Hartwick can confer, during the College's Honors Convocation on April 30. Established by the Hartwick College Board of Trustees in 1967 on the recommendation of then-President Frederick M. Binder, the award is given to rising seniors nominated by the faculty of their major departments for academic achievement, leadership and character. Students nominated to compete for the JCH Scholarship are named Faculty Scholars. From among the Faculty Scholars, six are selected by the College's Scholarship Awards Committee to receive the JCH Scholarships. Beginning in 1997, in honor of the 30th anniversary of the scholarship, each JCH Scholar receives a medallion, which is to be worn at commencement and other appropriate academic occasions. The names of this year's JCH scholars will join the previous winners on a plaque located in the foyer of Hartwick's Stevens-German Library. In addition, each JCH Scholar receives a substantial tuition grant and an honored place among those who stand for the very best of Hartwick College. Swartz, a biology and psychology major, was named Faculty Scholar in Psychology. All scholars have excellent academic records and have demonstrated an outstanding mastery of their respective disciplines. Additionally, Swartz was recognized as an Andrew B. Saxton Undergraduate Fellow in Biology. Fellows are selected by faculty in each department to honor outstanding achievement in their respective fields. They serve as student assistants within their major department and receive a tuition credit.

Maria Serra '26 of Cali, Colombia, was awarded a John Christopher Hartwick Scholarship (JCH), the highest distinction Hartwick can confer, during the College's Honors Convocation on April 30. Established by the Hartwick College Board of Trustees in 1967 on the recommendation of then-President Frederick M. Binder, the award is given to rising seniors nominated by the faculty of their major departments for academic achievement, leadership and character. Students nominated to compete for the JCH Scholarship are named Faculty Scholars. From among the Faculty Scholars, six are selected by the College's Scholarship Awards Committee to receive the JCH Scholarships. Beginning in 1997, in honor of the 30th anniversary of the scholarship, each JCH Scholar receives a medallion, which is to be worn at commencement and other appropriate academic occasions. The names of this year's JCH scholars will join the previous winners on a plaque located in the foyer of Hartwick's Stevens-German Library. In addition, each JCH Scholar receives a substantial tuition grant and an honored place among those who stand for the very best of Hartwick College. Serra, a business administration and accounting major with a minor in psychology and economics, was named Faculty Scholar in Business Administration. All scholars have excellent academic records and have demonstrated an outstanding mastery of their respective disciplines. Additionally, Serra was awarded the John Clemens Scholarship for Study in Business. Established by alumni, friends, family and colleagues of Professor Emeritus John Clemens, the scholarship is awarded annually to a rising senior with financial need, demonstrated leadership and a GPA of 3.5 or higher in both business administration and overall.

Hannah Makuch '26 of Carthage, N.Y., was awarded a John Christopher Hartwick Scholarship (JCH), the highest distinction Hartwick can confer, during the College's Honors Convocation on April 30. Established by the Hartwick College Board of Trustees in 1967 on the recommendation of then-President Frederick M. Binder, the award is given to rising seniors nominated by the faculty of their major departments for academic achievement, leadership and character. Students nominated to compete for the JCH Scholarship are named Faculty Scholars. From among the Faculty Scholars, six are selected by the College's Scholarship Awards Committee to receive the JCH Scholarships. Beginning in 1997, in honor of the 30th anniversary of the scholarship, each JCH Scholar receives a medallion, which is to be worn at commencement and other appropriate academic occasions. The names of this year's JCH scholars will join the previous winners on a plaque located in the foyer of Hartwick's Stevens-German Library. In addition, each JCH Scholar receives a substantial tuition grant and an honored place among those who stand for the very best of Hartwick College. Makuch, a chemistry and business administration major, was named Faculty Scholar in Business Administration and Chemistry. All scholars have excellent academic records and have demonstrated an outstanding mastery of their respective disciplines. Additionally, Makuch was awarded the Dr. Elizabeth V. Lamphere '38, H'97 Scholarship. Established through Lamphere's estate, the scholarship is awarded to a junior chemistry major with a GPA of at least 3.5 who is active in the Langmuir Chemical Society, also known as the Chem Club. She also received the Undergraduate Award for Achievement in Organic Chemistry, which is presented to a chemistry major with a B+ or higher GPA and outstanding performance in a two-semester organic chemistry sequence.

Sarah Matumbura '26 of Waterbury, Conn., was awarded a John Christopher Hartwick Scholarship (JCH), the highest distinction Hartwick can confer, during the College's Honors Convocation on April 30. Established by the Hartwick College Board of Trustees in 1967 on the recommendation of then-President Frederick M. Binder, the award is given to rising seniors nominated by the faculty of their major departments for academic achievement, leadership and character. Students nominated to compete for the JCH Scholarship are named Faculty Scholars. From among the Faculty Scholars, six are selected by the College's Scholarship Awards Committee to receive the JCH Scholarships. Beginning in 1997, in honor of the 30th anniversary of the scholarship, each JCH Scholar receives a medallion, which is to be worn at commencement and other appropriate academic occasions. The names of this year's JCH scholars will join the previous winners on a plaque located in the foyer of Hartwick's Stevens-German Library. In addition, each JCH Scholar receives a substantial tuition grant and an honored place among those who stand for the very best of Hartwick College. Matumbura, a criminal justice and accounting major with a minor in philosophy, was also recognized as a Faculty Scholar from whom the JCH Scholars are chosen. All scholars have excellent academic records and have demonstrated an outstanding mastery of their respective disciplines.

Dylan Dwyer '26 of Chester, N.Y., was awarded a John Christopher Hartwick Scholarship (JCH), the highest distinction Hartwick can confer, during the College's Honors Convocation on April 30. Established by the Hartwick College Board of Trustees in 1967 on the recommendation of then-President Frederick M. Binder, the award is given to rising seniors nominated by the faculty of their major departments for academic achievement, leadership and character. Students nominated to compete for the JCH Scholarship are named Faculty Scholars. From among the Faculty Scholars, six are selected by the College's Scholarship Awards Committee to receive the JCH Scholarships. Beginning in 1997, in honor of the 30th anniversary of the scholarship, each JCH Scholar receives a medallion, which is to be worn at commencement and other appropriate academic occasions. The names of this year's JCH scholars will join the previous winners on a plaque located in the foyer of Hartwick's Stevens-German Library. In addition, each JCH Scholar receives a substantial tuition grant and an honored place among those who stand for the very best of Hartwick College. Dwyer, a biology and psychology major, was also recognized as a Faculty Scholar from whom the JCH Scholars are chosen. All scholars have excellent academic records and have demonstrated an outstanding mastery of their respective disciplines.

Margarita Chistiakova '26 of Yaroslavl, Russia was awarded a John Hartwick Scholarship (JCH), the highest distinction Hartwick can confer, during the College's Honors Convocation on April 30. Established by the Hartwick College Board of Trustees in 1967 on the recommendation of then-President Frederick M. Binder, the award is given to rising seniors nominated by the faculty of their major departments for academic achievement, leadership and character. Students nominated to compete for the JCH Scholarship are named Faculty Scholars. From among the Faculty Scholars, six are selected by the College's Scholarship Awards Committee to receive the JCH Scholarships. Beginning in 1997, in honor of the 30th anniversary of the scholarship, each JCH Scholar receives a medallion, which is to be worn at commencement and other appropriate academic occasions. The names of this year's JCH scholars will join those of the previous winners on a plaque located in the foyer of Hartwick's Stevens-German Library. In addition, each JCH Scholar receives a substantial tuition grant and an honored place among those who stand for the very best of Hartwick College. Chistiakova, a computer science major with a minor in cybesecurity, was also recognized as a Faculty Scholar from whom the JCH Scholars are chosen. All scholars have excellent academic records and have demonstrated an outstanding mastery of their respective disciplines.

Integrating the arts in the classroom, starting out in the South Bronx, and raising a Guiding Eyes dog were three inspiring topics presented at the April 30 Honors Convocation for the 2025 Abraham L. Kellogg Oratorical Prize. Jae Stuchel '25, a theatre arts major, presented "Finding One's Voice: Artful Meaning." Kelechi Springer '25, a nursing major, spoke of drive and perseverance in his talk, "Another Bronx Tale." Roselyn DuMerville '25, an economics major with minors in actuarial mathematics and legal studies, presented "Guided by Henry." It was announced during Hartwick College's 93rd Commencement ceremony on May 17 that DuMerville was awarded the Abraham L. Kellogg Oratorical Prize for her speech. The award is given annually to a graduating senior who delivers the best oratorical presentation at Honors Convocation, as voted on by the faculty.

Brianna Blake of Mechanicville, N.Y., was recognized as Hartwick College's representative for the Empire 8 Softball Sportswoman of the Year Award on May 12. One member of each team was named that institution's representative on the 2025 Softball Sportswoman of the Year Team. The Empire 8 Conference emphasizes that "Competing with Honor and Integrity" is an essential component of a student-athlete's experience in conjunction with an institution's educational mission. These honorees have distinguished themselves and consistently exhibit the critical traits as outstanding sportswomen.

The Empire 8 announced its Men's Lacrosse All-Conference honors on May 5, with four Hawks landing on the list. Junior attacker Colin August of Garrison, N.Y., senior defender Liam Downey of Blue Point, N.Y., and senior midfielder Garrett Frost of Wading River, N.Y., all received Second Team All-Conference honors. August secured his second consecutive All-Conference Second Team selection after leading the Hawks with 41 goals and 45 points. Downey was a threat on the defensive end, leading the team with 92 ground balls and 26 caused turnovers. This is Downey's first All-Conference honor. Frost snagged his second consecutive All-Conference Second Team selection, ranking second on the team with 28 goals and 38 points. To cap off the All-Conference selections, senior defender Joseph Pagano of Oceanside, N.Y., collected his first All-Conference honor with a selection to the Third Team. In addition to the All-Conference selections, the Empire 8 announced Ben Morenus of Homer, N.Y., as Hartwick's representative for the Men's Lacrosse Sportsman of the Year team, an honor awarded to those who have demonstrated exceptional sportsmanship.

Hartwick College's Gianna Leggieri of Ballston Lake, N.Y., and Lily Vanuga of Springville, N.Y., were named to the College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District Team, recognized for their strong performances both on the tennis court and in the classroom. To be eligible for the honor, student-athletes must post at least a 3.5 GPA and appear in at least 70 percent of their team's matches. Leggieri, the Empire 8 Sportswoman of the Year, had a standout sophomore season, going a perfect 8-0 in conference singles play. She earned Empire 8 Second Team All-Conference honors in both singles and doubles. Vanuga turned in another strong campaign, earning Tournament MVP honors in the Empire 8 Championship Tournament and helping the Hawks secure their second title in three years. She also garnered Second Team All-Conference honors in doubles and Third Team All-Conference recognition in singles.

Senior midfielder Kristen Vaccarelli of Dix Hills, N.Y., has once again claimed Intercollegiate Women's Lacrosse Coaches Association honors with her third consecutive selection to the All-Region Second Team in the Empire Region. Vaccarelli was a force to be reckoned with this season on both ends of the field, earning a career-high 68 goals and a career-high 21 assists. She also ranked second on the team with 27 caused turnovers, and lead the team with 50 ground balls and 75 draw controls. Vaccarelli set a Hartwick women's lacrosse program record on March 8 in a victory over Bard College, becoming the all-time leader for points in a single game with 11. She later claimed the top spot for caused turnovers in a single game as well, recording eight in a win over Russell Sage on April 9. Continuing her standout season, Vaccarelli was named IWLCA National Offensive Player of the Week for the week of April 21, an honor awarded to only a select few players nationwide for exceptional performance. She also broke an 11-year-old Empire 8 record for career goals, finishing her senior season with a new conference-best 228. Full release can be found here.

The Empire 8 released their Women's Lacrosse All-Conference List on May 5, with the Hawks landing four on the list. Senior midfielder Kristen Vaccarelli of Dix Hills, N.Y., received her fourth consecutive All-Conference First Team honor for her stellar performance on the field. This season, Vaccarelli snagged 68 goals and subsequently shattered a ten-year old Empire 8 record for most career goals. The new Empire 8 record stands strong at 228 career goals. Also selected for First Team All-Conference is senior defender Brianna Liebro of Castleton, N.Y., who led the team with 63 caused turnovers this season - an impressive feat that ranked her No. 1 in NCAA Division III for caused turnovers per game for most of the season. This is Liebro's first All-Conference First Team honor after receiving Second and Third team honors in her junior and sophomore years, respectively. Senior attackers Katrina Marten of Middlesex, N.Y., and Kara Anderson of Collingwood, Ont., both earned Second Team All-Conference honors for their contributions this season. Marten topped the team in assists this season with a total of 52. This will be Marten's third consecutive All-Conference Second Team honor. Anderson caps off the All-Conference selections, having enjoyed a solid final season with 46 goals, 5 assists, 54 draw controls, 11 caused turnovers and 18 ground balls. This is Anderson's first All-Conference Second Team honors, after having been previously selected for Third Team honors last season. In addition to the All-Conference selections, the Empire 8 announced Hanna Goodreau of North Reading, Mass., as Hartwick's representative for the Women's Lacrosse Sportswoman of the Year team, an honor awarded to those who have demonstrated exceptional sportsmanship.

Five Hartwick students selected for the College's 2025 Baker-Simpson Entrepreneurial Leadership Program.

With a stellar performance on the field in the past week and a new Empire 8 record under her belt, Kristen Vaccarelli '25 of Dix Hills, N.Y., has been honored as the Intercollegiate Women's Lacrosse Coaches Association's Division III National Offensive Player of the Week. Each week, the IWLCA typically selects 8 players across all 3 NCAA Divisions, two from each division, and two from the NAIA. Of the pairs, one is selected for Offensive Player of the Week and the other is selected as Defensive Player of the Week. To be nominated for this great honor, players must show exemplary performances on the field worthy of national recognition. Vacarelli proved in the past week that she can perform at the top of Division III. Against the SUNY Poly Wildcats, Vaccarelli netted 6 goals and tallied 1 assist. In the next game against the Keuka College Wolves, she would add 5 more goals and 2 assists to her totals. In both games combined, she gathered an impressive 10 ground balls, 5 caused turnovers, and 18 draw controls. With her second goal against Keuka, Vaccarelli would make history by shattering an 11-year Empire 8 record for most career goals. Surpassing the previous record of 217, Vaccarelli now holds the new record with 221 goals. Vaccarelli also received her third Empire 8 Player of the Week honor this season for her standout performance.

Kristen Vaccarelli '25 of Dix Hills, N.Y., earned the Empire 8 Women's Lacrosse Co-Player of the Week honor on April 14, 2025. Vaccarelli was a force on both the offensive and defensive ends, recording nine goals and an assist, while picking up 12 ground balls and causing nine turnovers as Hartwick downed Russell Sage 14-4 and Alfred 19-4. She began the week with three goals, while causing eight turnovers in the win over Russell Sage and added six goals and seven points in the triumph over Alfred. It is her second E8 weekly honor of the season.

Colin August, a junior attack on the Hartwick College men's lacrosse team, was named to the USILA Division III Men's Lacrosse Team of the Week for the week of March 31. It is his second career USILA weekly honor. August, a native of Garrison, NY, scored five goals and added one assist to go along with a pair of round balls and caused turnover in Hartwick's 11-9 win over SUNY Brockport on March 29. August played a role in six of his team's 11 goals in the win, including three goals during a game-clinching 5-0 run over the second and third quarters.

Amanda Wilbur '25 of Watkins Glen, NY, was recognized as Hartwick College's representative for the Empire 8 Sportswoman of the Year Award on April 1. One member of each Empire 8 team was named that institution's representative on the 2024-25 Women's Swimming & Diving Sportsman of the Year Team. The Empire 8 Conference emphasizes that "Competing with Honor and Integrity" is an essential component of a student-athlete's experience in conjunction with an institution's educational mission. These honorees have distinguished themselves and consistently exhibit the critical traits as outstanding sportswomen.