Hartwick College

Cooper Cohen '28 of Delhi, New York, received the Dornburgh Memorial Award in History during Honors Convocation on April 29. Established in memory of Edmund Leigh Dornburgh Jr., a student assistant in the History Department, the award recognizes the student with the highest academic average in the department.

Themes of life balance, personal transformation and self-acceptance took center stage during Hartwick College's April 29 Honors Convocation, where three finalists competed for the 2026 Abraham L. Kellogg Oratorical Prize. Patrick Close '26, a music major with minors in business administration and music business from Greenville, New York, presented "Counterpoint." Ellie Kalbach '26, a nursing major from Spring City, Pennsylvania, delivered an oration titled "Memento Mori." The final speaker, Amelia Williams '26, a double major in psychology and political science with a minor in gender and sexuality studies from Portmore, Jamaica, presented "Mi Tuh: Becoming." Finalists are selected through a multi-round process that begins with nominations from classmates and concludes with review by a committee of Hartwick community members. During Hartwick College's 94th Commencement ceremony on May 16, Williams was announced as the recipient of the Abraham L. Kellogg Oratorical Prize, awarded annually to the graduating senior who delivers the top oratorical presentation during Honors Convocation.

Aakriti Chaudhary '27 of Saptari, Nepal, received the Departmental Award for Excellence in Computer and Information Science during Honors Convocation on April 29. This award recognizes students who have done outstanding work in their field. In addition, Chaudhary was awarded the Detweiler Global Fund Award. Established by Hartwick President Emeritus Richard A. Detweiler and his wife, Carol, the award supports international students who demonstrate educational commitment through academic achievement and who have financial need to remain at and graduate from Hartwick College.

Jillissa Cassanova '27 of Jamaica, New York, received the Nursing Alumni Memorial Scholarship during Honors Convocation on April 29. Based on academic record, participation and potential as a member of the nursing profession, the scholarship is awarded by the Alumni Association through its Nursing Committee for use during the senior year of study by a nursing student.

Millicent Caldon '28 of Gilmanton, New Hampshire, received the Otto Steinbach Memorial Scholarship in Chemistry during Honors Convocation on April 29. Established in memory of Chemistry Professor Dr. Otto Steinbach by his wife, Grace Steinbach '38, and former student Elizabeth Lamphere '38, H'97, this scholarship is awarded to a rising junior or senior chemistry or biochemistry major who has demonstrated high academic achievement.

Megan Bryla '26 of Endwell, New York, received the Modern and Classical Languages Department Prize during Honors Convocation held on April 29. This award is given in recognition of outstanding work.

Delaney Blair '26 of Rochester, New York, received the Jaune Quick-to-See Smith Award during Honors Convocation held on April 29. Established by Professor Emeritus of Art Phil Young in honor of the renowned contemporary Flathead-Salish artist and activist Jaune Quick-to-See Smith, this award recognizes a senior whose painting and multimedia work demonstrates outstanding experimentation and visual strength.

Lauryn Bigwarfe '27 of Potsdam, New York, was named Faculty Scholar in Inclusive Elementary Education during the College's Honors Convocation on April 29. Faculty Scholars have excellent academic records and have demonstrated an outstanding mastery of their respective disciplines. Rising seniors are nominated by the faculty of their major departments on the basis of academic achievement, leadership and character.

Cora-Mae Bolster '27 of Harpursville, New York, was named Faculty Scholar in Music during the College's Honors Convocation on April 29. Faculty Scholars have excellent academic records and have demonstrated an outstanding mastery of their respective disciplines. Rising seniors are nominated by the faculty of their major departments on the basis of academic achievement, leadership and character. In addition, Bolster was presented the Dr. Charles W. Leitzell Music Award. Established through a gift from Florence Bayreuther '39, a music education major during Dr. Leitzell's presidency at Hartwick College, the scholarship is awarded to a senior woman music student selected by the music faculty on the basis of need, ability and demonstrated commitment to further music study.

Mahdi Behniaye '27 of Conroe, Texas, received the Dr. Elizabeth V. Lamphere '38, H'97 Scholarship during Honors Convocation on April 29. Established through Lamphere's estate, the scholarship is awarded to a junior chemistry major with an academic average of at least 3.5, who is active in the Langmuir Chemical Society, also known as the Chem Club. Lamphere was the retired chair of the Science Department at the Norwich City School System.

Jayden Beatty '29 of West Babylon, New York, was awarded the Diener Fellowship during Honors Convocation on April 29. Established by the Department of Computer and Information Sciences in honor of Dr. David Diener, professor of mathematics from 1968 to 2000, this fellowship recognizes a rising junior on the basis of high academic achievement in either computer or information science.

Jaidan Beak '29 of Mattawan, Michigan, was presented with the Lewis Henry Morgan Award in Anthropology during Honors Convocation on April 29. This award is presented to the first-year anthropology major who has attained the highest GPA.

Keira Barnes '27 of Rock City Falls, New York, was named Faculty Scholar in Biology during the College's Honors Convocation on April 29. Faculty Scholars have excellent academic records and have demonstrated an outstanding mastery of their respective disciplines. Rising seniors are nominated by the faculty of their major departments on the basis of academic achievement, leadership and character. In addition, Barnes was awarded the Carol A. Bocher and Earl E. Deubler Jr. H'91 Scholarship. Established in 1988 upon the retirement of Bocher and Deubler, the award is presented to a second-year biology student who demonstrates outstanding potential for a career in a biology-related field. Barnes also received the Undergraduate Award for Achievement in Organic Chemistry, given to a chemistry major with a B+ or higher GPA and outstanding performance in a two-semester organic chemistry sequence.

Liam Atkinson '28 of Fort Worth, Texas, was presented with the Richard J. Kohlmeyer & Edward Rayher Award during Honors Convocation held on April 29. Established in memory of two former members of the Hartwick College mathematics faculty, the award is presented to a freshman or sophomore mathematics major who has done outstanding work.

Lennon Bailey of Oneonta, New York, received the Joan B. Gratz Prize in English during Honors Convocation on April 29. The award goes to a rising junior majoring in English whose strong academic record and enthusiasm for the study of literature point to graduate work in English and a career as a highly successful teacher of English. Gratz was a Senior Professor of English at Hartwick; the prize recognizes her 32 years of dedicated teaching.

Adilyam Imyarova '27 of Almaty, Kazakhstan, was awarded a John Christopher Hartwick Scholarship (JCH), the highest distinction Hartwick can confer, during the College's Honors Convocation on April 29. 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 JCH Scholarships. Imyarova, a criminal justice and sociology major with minors in women's and gender studies and forensic science, was one of six students selected by the College's Scholarship Awards Committee to receive a JCH Scholarship. Beginning in 1997, in honor of the 30th anniversary of the scholarship, each JCH Scholar receives a medallion, and the names of this year's scholars will join those of previous recipients on a plaque 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. In addition, Imyarova was awarded the Detweiler Global Fund Award. Established by Hartwick President Emeritus Richard A. Detweiler and his wife, Carol, the award supports international students who demonstrate educational commitment through academic achievement and who have financial need to remain at and graduate from Hartwick College.

Xiomara Aristide '28 of West Babylon, New York, received the Socratic Award during Honors Convocation on April 29. Instituted in 2001 by the Philosophy Department, the award recognizes a first- or second-year student who, in the judgment of the department, has demonstrated notable promise in textual comprehension and analysis, the ability to craft cogent written and oral arguments, and openness to constructive criticism.

Olive Anderson '27 of Portland, Oregon, was awarded the Edith M. Lacey Memorial Nursing Scholarship during Honors Convocation on April 29. Established to memorialize Lacey, founder of the Hartwick nursing program and its director for nearly 18 years, the scholarship goes to a junior nursing student with demonstrated academic achievement and abilities, promise as a future nurse, personal deportment and other outstanding characteristics. In addition, Anderson received honorable mention for the Anna Sonder Prize of the Academy of American Poets. At the Hartwick College Student Leadership Awards Ceremony on April 21, Anderson was recognized with the Residential Life RA of the Year distinction. Each spring, the College honors students for their contributions to the community during the Student Leadership Awards Ceremony.

Omar Almartada '28 of Oneonta, New York, was presented with the Outstanding First-Year Student in Biology award during Honors Convocation held on April 29. This award is given to the first-year biology student who has attained the highest cumulative average for the year.

Samuel M. Scott '27 of Morristown, New Jersey, was awarded a John Christopher Hartwick Scholarship (JCH), the highest distinction Hartwick can confer, during the College's Honors Convocation on April 29. 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, and the names of this year's scholars will join those of previous recipients on a plaque 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. Scott, an art and theatre arts major with minors in art history and general education, was named Faculty Scholar in Theatre Arts for an excellent academic record and outstanding mastery of the discipline. In addition, Scott received the Arkell Hall Foundation Award in Art for consistently contributing to the Department of Art and Art History. Scott also earned the Kenneth Golden Award for Outstanding Design or Technical Achievement. The prize, a seminal text in the subject, is given to the student selected by the Theatre Arts faculty who has produced outstanding design or technical work for a Theatre Arts class or production. At the Hartwick College Student Leadership Awards Ceremony on April 21, Scott was recognized with the Student Government Association Excellence in Leadership distinction and the Student Experience Robert Harlem Sr. Newman Foundation Award. Each spring, the College honors students for their contributions to the community during the Student Leadership Awards Ceremony.

Rebeka Alva '27 of East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, was awarded the Dr. James Elting H'13 Memorial Scholarship during the College's Honors Convocation held on April 29. Established in 2013 by family and friends of Dr. Elting, the scholarship is awarded to two students with a 3.0 GPA, demonstrating leadership in co-curricular activities and/or academics, and intending to pursue a career or graduate study in medicine, athletics, sports medicine, physical therapy, sports management, or another area related to medicine, healthcare, or athletics, and demonstrating financial need.

Sebastian Quarella '27 of Greene, New York, was awarded a John Christopher Hartwick Scholarship (JCH), the highest distinction Hartwick can confer, during the College's Honors Convocation on April 29. 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, and the names of this year's scholars will join those of previous recipients on a plaque 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. Quarella, a music education major, was named Faculty Scholar in Music Education for an excellent academic record and outstanding mastery of the discipline. In addition, Quarella received the Thurston J. Dox Memorial Scholarship in Music, an award given annually to a music student who participates in the College Choir and whose vocal abilities best reflect the qualities Thurston Dox strove to develop in each of his students. Dox was a member of the Music Department faculty from 1960 to 1995 and Director of the College Choir.

Jenna Lackey '27 of Brunswick, New York, was awarded a John Christopher Hartwick Scholarship (JCH), the highest distinction Hartwick can confer, during the College's Honors Convocation on April 29. 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, and the names of this year's scholars will join those of previous recipients on a plaque 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. Lackey, a psychology and creative writing major with a minor in biology, was named Faculty Scholar in Psychology and Creative Writing for an excellent academic record and outstanding mastery of the disciplines.

Addison Havens '27 of Heuvelton, New York, was awarded a John Christopher Hartwick Scholarship (JCH), the highest distinction Hartwick can confer, during the College's Honors Convocation on April 29. 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, and the names of this year's scholars will join those of previous recipients on a plaque 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. Havens, a history, global studies and secondary education major with a minor in religious studies, was named Faculty Scholar in History for an excellent academic record and outstanding mastery of the discipline. In addition, Havens received the Andrew B. Saxton Undergraduate Fellowship in Global Studies and the Andrew B. Saxton Undergraduate Fellowship in Religious Studies. Selected by faculty in each department to recognize outstanding achievement in their respective fields, fellows serve as student assistants in their major department and receive a tuition credit. Havens also earned the Elizabeth S. Hoopes Memorial Award, which recognizes a history major with an excellent academic record who is planning a career in teaching.

Hannah Mae Gilliand '27 of Trenton, Michigan, was awarded a John Christopher Hartwick Scholarship (JCH), the highest distinction Hartwick can confer, during the College's Honors Convocation on April 29. 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. Gilliand, a criminal justice and political science major with a minor in sociology and peace and conflict studies, was named Faculty Scholar in Criminal Justice and Political Science. All scholars have excellent academic records and have demonstrated an outstanding mastery of their respective disciplines. Additionally, Gilliand was awarded the Duncan B. Smith Award for Exceptional Creativity in Theater. This award is presented to a student who has produced exceptionally creative work for a theatre class or production. Selected by the Theatre Arts faculty, the student receives a seminal text in the subject.

Senior defender Regan Kelly '27 (Warwick, N.Y.) of the Hartwick College Women's Lacrosse team has been named to the prestigious Allstate NACDA Spring Good Works Team, as announced on May 5 by Allstate and NACDA. The Allstate NACDA Good Works Team recognizes student-athletes across NCAA Divisions I, II, and III, as well as NAIA and junior/community colleges, for their outstanding commitment to community service. Honorees are selected across fall, winter, and spring seasons for their impact both on and off the field. Kelly is the first-ever Hartwick student-athlete to obtain this special honor. Kelly joins a select group of 20 student-athletes nationwide who exemplify excellence in athletics, academics, and community engagement. She played a pivotal role in organizing an NMDP "Get in the Game" swab drive on Hartwick's campus, helping add 64 individuals to the bone marrow and stem cell registry. The effort ultimately led to a life-saving match. That impact became deeply personal when Joe Holder, Kelly's boyfriend, was identified as a match and called upon to donate in February. Kelly traveled to Florida to support him throughout the process. Following the successful stem cell donation, Holder received a letter from the recipient's family, a 27-year-old woman, thanking him for giving her a second chance at life. "It is hard to put into words how much I am in awe of Regan's leadership," said Head Women's Lacrosse Coach Nora Fallon-Oben. "She went above and beyond to make the NMDP event happen on our campus, and it has come full circle for her and her family. Through her leadership, our team's efforts, and Joe's selflessness, we were able to help give someone a second chance at life. This honor is a reflection of Regan's commitment to something greater than herself and the integrity she brings to our program every day." Kelly's dedication to cancer advocacy and service is deeply rooted in her own life experiences. When she was nine years old, her father was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), a form of blood cancer linked to his work as a New York City firefighter at Ground Zero following the September 11 attacks. He underwent a life-saving bone marrow transplant in 2013, receiving a donation from his sister. Inspired by that experience, Kelly has made it her mission to give back. Her leadership in organizing the campus registry drive created a powerful full-circle moment for both her family and the Hartwick community, demonstrating the life-changing impact of service. Here is Kelly's story in her own words: "When I was 9 years old, my dad was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), a blood cancer caused by his work as a New York City fireman at Ground Zero on 9/11. He needed a bone marrow transplant, and NMDP, previously Be The Match, worked with local organizations and my family to find a donor. In 2013, he received a transplant from his sister, Noreen, which saved his life and changed our family forever. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to work with NMDP and the Hartwick community to give back to an organization that gave so much to my family."

Anthony Ruggiero '29 of Schenectady, N.Y., earned the Empire 8 Men's Volleyball Player of the Week honor on March 16, 2026. The Hartwick College Outside Hitter exploded for a season-high 22 kills, while hitting .488 in a five-set win over E8 foe Houghton University on Saturday. He added 10 digs and three service aces in the victory.

Hartwick College congratulates approximately 400 students who were named to the Fall 2025 Dean's List.

Robby Lucas '29 of Clarks Summit, Pa., earned the Empire 8 Men's Basketball Rookie of the Week honor on Jan. 26, 2026. The Hartwick College first-year guard averaged 19.0 points, 6.0 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game in two narrow losses against St. John Fisher and Nazareth. Lucas posted a career high 26 points against the Cardinals and followed that up with 13 points, nine rebounds and three assists against the conference leading Golden Flyers.

The Hartwick College women's volleyball team placed three Hawks on the College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District Team. To be eligible for CSC Academic All-District honors, student-athletes must maintain a minimum 3.5 GPA and appear in at least 90% of their team's sets or start in 66% of them. A league-record 36 Empire 8 student-athletes from 11 institutions were selected. Shelby Swartz of Candor, N.Y., capped off a stellar senior season, earning Empire 8 First Team All-Conference honors for the first time, two Empire 8 Player of the Week accolades and a spot on the Empire 8 All-Tournament Team. Swartz led the Hawks with 379 kills, reached the 1,000 career-point milestone Nov. 8 and posted a career-high 21 kills while propelling Hartwick to its first-ever ECAC Championship title, earning tournament MVP honors. Lucille Walker '28 of Ithaca, N.Y., delivered a strong sophomore campaign, securing Empire 8 Second Team All-Conference honors for the first time. A consistent force in the middle, Walker ranked second on the team with 304 kills and added 71 blocks to tie for second on the squad. Isabella Gracias '27 of Oneonta, N.Y., put together another strong season from the right side, earning Empire 8 Third Team All-Conference honors. A constant offensive and defensive presence, Gracias posted a career-high 302 kills and led the team with 82 blocks.