2026 Awards

Awards

Recipient List

Joseph T. Albert Prize

Awarded to the student who, having maintained good standing in scholarship during the last year, has grown in capacity, ability, and performance to have a positive effect on their peers.
- Ciandramarie Choun
Colonel Percy Willis Prize

An award and prize to the student who has displayed virtues of diligence, reliability, and responsibility through deeds and service to fellow students and the university.
- Skeet Starr
Jessie E West Award

Presented to two students for their outstanding leadership and contributions to the student body through both their positions and actions.
- Sacha Des Pres
Duncan Robertson Community Builder Award

This award recognizes and celebrates Willamette seniors whose hard work and community dedication may have previously been unsung.
- Luce Bailey
Frank Meyer Student Life Award

Presented to a student whose outstanding leadership and contributions have improved the quality of student life at the university.
- Lea Horenstein
Franklin D. Meyer Student Ambassador Award

Presented to a Student Ambassador from the Office of Admissions who consistently provides exceptional visit experiences for prospective students and families. The recipient of this award is a team player who goes above and beyond to ensure individualized, inclusive, and welcoming visits to Willamette University.
- Emilee Cirbo
“Not Unto Ourselves” Community Service Student Award

This student epitomizes commitment to community, demonstrating a selfless dedication to uplifting others. Through innovative projects and significant efforts, they have made a tangible impact on the well-being of their community. Their work extends beyond the norm, reflecting a deep understanding of social issues and a genuine passion to effect positive change. Collaborative initiatives, leadership, and a compassionate spirit set them apart, making them a source of inspiration for peers and an example for a more compassionate and engaged society. This student's commitment to community service stands as a testament to their character and civic responsibility.
- Annemarie Roth
- Hanna Rowe
Timothy C. Hawkins Award

Presented to students who have made outstanding contributions in the field of journalistic photography or graphic design during the academic year.
- Alma Snortum-Phelps
Charles A. Sprague Award

Presented to students on The Collegian staff for their outstanding endeavors in writing and reporting during the academic year.
- Sirena Coulter-Kress
George Putnam Award

Presented to one student on The Collegian staff who has given distinguished service to the paper. Candidates are those who have served more than two years as a Collegian staff member and have made significant contributions to the publication.
- Bjorn Domst
Pride in the Community Award

Honors students who have fostered inclusion, belonging, and support for peers of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions.
- Luce Bailey
Prevention and Culture of Care Award

Honors students who have fostered inclusion, belonging, and support for peers of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions.
- Maya Taila
Spirit of Empowerment Award

Honors student leader(s) who have worked to empower underrepresented students at Willamette through mentorship, programs, or other initiatives.
- Letitia Adjei
Outdoor Program Rising Star Award

The Rising Stars award recognizes a student member of the Outdoor Program who is in the first three semesters of involvement. In addition to maintaining good standing, Rising Stars demonstrate commitment to the program by seeking opportunities for leadership and skill development AND utilizing feedback to improve themselves, their peers, and the program as a whole.
- Charlotte Andrews
Outdoor Program Legacy Award

Given to the Outdoor Program staff member who displays extraordinary passion for the outdoors through involvement and interactions with the Outdoor Program.
- Marcus Varner
- Maya Magee
Student Leadership Award of Excellence

This award recognizes a residential student leader member for their outstanding contributions to the Residence Life and Housing at Willamette University. Recognizing that contributions take many forms, it may include community development, advocacy, leadership, mentoring, or enhancing the resident experience. This award can be awarded to Resident Advisors, Community Resident Advisors, Residence Hall Association, and Hall Council members.
- Lillie Morris
- Lillian Hubbell
- Stormie Peverell
Panhellenic Member of the year

Given to an outstanding member of Panhellenic, honoring their contributions to Willamette and the FSL community.
- Maris Pinheiro
Cornerstone of Community

This award is for an unsung hero (individual or group) who has contributed positively to the larger campus environment by providing opportunities for social connection.

This award honors the work no one may see but that students benefit from and would miss if they were gone.
- Izzy Long-McGie
- Talia Goldenberg
Outstanding Student Club or Organization Advisor

Awarded to a Willamette faculty or staff member who exemplifies commitment to the student club or organization as well as mentorship to the members.
- Lisa Holliday
Outstanding Student Club or Organization

Awarded to a student club organization that made significant contributions to Willamette community during the academic year.
- Panhellenic Council
OUTSTANDING STUDENT PROGRAM/EVENT

Awarded to a program or event hosted by a student club/organization during the academic year that positively contributed to the Willamette community.
- Dia de Los Muertos

Keys

Senior Keys are presented to members of the senior class who are the most outstanding, who go above and beyond, and who stand out for their meritorious service to the Associated Students of Willamette University. These students have had a large impact on their peers and the Willamette community, making significant contributions to the Division of Student Affairs and the undergraduate student body.

Why a Key?

The name "Key" was chosen not for its function as a noun, but for its power as a verb. To "key" is to be the essential element that aligns, secures, and activates a system. Therefore, this award recognizes those who move beyond titles to perform the vital work of connection, leaving an indelible impact woven into the very fabric of our campus.

Metaphorically, the Key honors those who carve pathways for others through advocacy and service. It recognizes that one person can serve as the keystone upon which a community is built. While every stone in an arch must work in concert toward a common goal, the keystone often carries the heaviest load to hold the structure together. Ultimately, a Willamette Key is a person integral to making us who we are—an essential architect of our shared future who unlocks new possibilities for us all.

Allison Ruskell
Allison's lengthy service to the members of fraternity and sorority life is deserving of recognition. She has held multiple roles in her own chapter, and this year she is an FSL intern. Allison has been slowly and capably rebuilding the position with another FSL intern. So far, she has successfully implemented new programming, such as FSL week, an officer training, and hosting a regional FSL conference at Willamette. Allison is also leading biweekly president meetings and supporting new officers to better understand their roles and resources. Allison has faithfully served and represented the FSL community for the duration of her time at Willamette. She has made important contributions in her own chapter as well as the FSL community.
Involvement:

Alpha Chi Omega (4 years): President and multiple vp and committee roles

Fraternity Sorority Life Intern (1 year)

Panhellenic Council VP Recruitment (6 mos)
Alysha Villelli
Alysha has given of her time and talents in multiple areas of student affairs, from varsity athletics to ASWU to being an resident assistant, working as a Civic Engagement Catalyst and participating in multiple clubs. She was the first person to hold the position of Director of Administration in ASWU and did a great job establishing the specifics of the job and how it would interact with the rest of the exec and senate. She improved the record keeping and tallying of votes, which are really important for the funding of clubs and organizations. Alysha has the most broad set of contributions to the campus community. Alysha stands out for her service to the ASWU community. Especially given the time commitment of being a student-athlete. She is another one of those students who is not looking for recognition, but enjoys the work and serving others.
Involvement:

ASWU (2 years): Director of Administration (1 year)

Senator (1 semester)

Women's Soccer (4 years)

Willamette Dance Company (1 year) choreographer

Intervarsity Christian Fellowship (3 years): Group Leader (1 year)

Resident Advisor (1 year)

Civic Engagement Catalyst (1 year)

The Bistro-Barista (1 semester)

Athletics Event Staff (2 years)
Anastasiia Lemesh
Anastasiia has shown time and time again that she is an outstanding leader at Willamette University. Not only was she a productive president, she was a wonderful team leader for the executive council. She valued the team as much as the product. As a result, the team as a whole was incredibly productive and consistent. During her tenure, she helped organize a regional student government conference, the ASWU Endowment Task Force, a convocation series with PPLE, and many others. When she was a senator, she acted in a similar way. And all of this was accomplished as a two sport athlete and transferring to Willamette as a sophomore. While she was here for a year less than most WU undergrads, she made a significant impact on the community in a short time period. She arrived on campus and quickly joined Alpha Chi Omega and won an ASWU Senate race. Anastasiia represents the qualifications needed to receive a Senior Key.
Involvement:

ASWU President (1 year)

ASWU Senator (1 year)

Track & Feld (3 years)

Cross Country (3 years)

Alpha Chi Omega (3 years); Risk Manager (1 year)
Annemarie Roth
Annemarie did an outstanding job as VP Programming for Panhellenic, creating and implementing internal and external programs during her tenure. She took this role to the next level of excellence in the organization, through both her planning and execution skills. Further, she was a willing volunteer for all of the other areas of Panhellenic where help was needed. During her tenure, she implemented a movie night on the Quad for the campus community, partnered with the Health Professions Club to sponsor two campuswide blood drives, and participated in Willamette Night Out. These were all in addition to the events she planned for sorority members only, such as the PHC Awards Brunch. Her attention to detail, her positive energy, and her passion for programming, makes her a great candidate for this award.Annemarie planned a lot of events for the WU community, but I believe she "flew under the radar" because she is more of a worker bee than a person looking to be in the spotlight.
Involvement:

Alpha Phi (4 years)

Panhellenic Council VP of Programming (1 year)

Sparks Fitness Center (2 years): lifeguard, front desk, and passive programming committee
Arlo Craft
Arlo was a founding member of the Poetry Club. Arlo has served in many official roles within the club, including President. The club has thrived, attracting new members each year, coordinating open-mic nights, collaborating with The Mill to include poetry in their publications, and, perhaps most importantly, organized a successful succession plan for the officers to keep the club viable into the future. They were one of our students who committed to a full weekend of support for Alumni Reunion Weekend: transporting alumni in golf carts, delivering supplies to meeting rooms/tents, setting up and breaking down events, and, oh so importantly, cleaning up! Arlo also spent nearly their entire time at Willamette working as a caller, Student Manager, and leader in the Bearcat Chat calling program, always excelling in their work and making large scale programmatic changes that will benefit other student workers for years to come. You never need to second-guess if what they commit to will happen, with a smile and good humor. Arlo is one of the quietly committed seniors. Their influence will ripple out in subtle ways after they have moved on.
Involvement:

Poetry Club- Founder and Member

Writing Center- Peer Mentor

The Collegian- Sports Writer

Colloquium Associate

Inaugural Lead Catalyst (Office of Civic Engagement): Co-designed the "Catalyst" student leadership model in 2023.
Brooke Proctor
Brooke’s contributions are exemplary because they are structural and pedagogical rather than merely administrative. Operating within an office of only one professional staff member, she has frequently functioned with the autonomy and responsibility of a professional colleague. She co-developed the office’s risk management protocols and the preflection/reflection strategy that is now the mandatory standard for all civic engagement participants. This means that Brooke has shaped the intellectual and safety framework for every student who engages with the OCE. By training and assessing every Catalyst that has entered the program since its inception, she has ensured that her high standards for planning and implementation are woven into the very fabric of the university’s civic mission. While many outstanding seniors lead from the "stage," Brooke distinguishes herself as the "guide on the side." She is the Keystone of her peer group as they experience Civic Engagement. For reference, a keystone is the wedge-shaped stone at the apex of an arch that locks all other stones into position and allows the entire structure to bear weight. Without the keystone firmly in place, the entire structure risks collapse. In an environment where student leaders often prize visible accolades, Brooke stands out for her quiet, consistent, and compassionate presence. She is the person other student leaders seek out as a "sounding board," "voice of reason," and "confidant." If a Willamette student has volunteered, reflected on their service, or felt welcomed into the Salem community, they have been impacted by Brooke’s work—often without even realizing it. She is an indispensable member of the senior class whose contributions have made a permanent mark on the Willamette community.
Involvement:

Office of Civic Engagemenet Catalyst: Spearheded the community goals:

Welcoming New Neighbors (refugee support services)

Healthy Aging (supporting senior citizens)

and Youth Development (supporting young Salem residents outside the K-12 curriculum).
Eclipse Albert
As Willamette Events Board Vice President Eclipse has contributed thoughtful ideas to Willamette Events Board events and traditions in her time on the board helping the board bring fun and exciting events to campus, including creating a brand new tradition in the now annual Murder Mystery. She is always one to step up and help attend an event that needs additional support. She is quick to share alternate perspectives that no one else on the team may have considered when discussing future event ideas leading to reflective conversations and new ideas the board has never considered before. I will forever be grateful for the four years she spent giving so much of her time and energy to WEB. On top of her time with WEB, Eclipse also re-established the Millstream Board Game Collective and co-founded Queer Literary Society. Eclipse has also spent her time here at Willamette as a Sexual Assault Response Advocate in the Gender Resource and Advocacy Center. I think what makes Eclipse stand out is that she came in her first year at Willamette and immediately found ways to get involved and better the community. She found spaces that felt important to her and worked to make them better. She came into Willamette and through hard work and dedication to her multiple roles is leaving a legacy of programming and community that I truly feel has impacted those here now and will impact those yet to come.
Involvement:

Willamette Events Board- Vice President

Millstream Board Game Collective-President

Queer Literary Society- Vice President and Co-Founder

Gender Resource and Advocacy Center- Sexual Assault Response Advocate(SARA)- Coordinator

Residence Hall Association- Director of Sustainibility
Emma Stephens
Emma has been an outstanding leader of the Bistro this year. This leadership position has always been very challenging, but especially this year with increased costs. It's been difficult to navigate the budget realities while keeping the space accessible for students. Many times this year, Emma has made the difficult decision to raise prices. She's also dealt with a lot of scrutiny from peers, suggesting that "mismanagement" has caused the budget deficits. I have also been impressed by her willingness to make operational changes that mean more organization and professionalism, but are sometimes difficult to implement. She's made the Bistro space a place where employees do their best work. She has developed a thoughtful practice of communicating expectations, addressing issues directly, and helping employees improve without discouragement. Since the Bistro is such a crucial part of campus life at Willamette, I would say Emma's leadership of the Bistro has greatly impacted the Willamette community. The Bistro's long-term health and presence on this campus is very important to students, and she has dedicated a lot of hours to keep it going during turbulent times.
Involvement:

Bistro

General Manager (1 year)

Kitchen Intern (1 year)

Supervisor (2 years)

Willamette Dance Company (2 years)

Forestry Club

Social Media Manager (1 year)

Debate Union (1 year)
Evyn Baker
Evyn has committed himself to two main organizations in his time at Willamette and assumed progressive leadership roles in each. For Opening Days, he started as a leader and then served two years on the programming team, which is the leadership group responsible for running events as well hiring and training leaders. In ASWU, he was elected as a senator his first year and was elected for the next 3 years. During his time as senator, he has volunteered to serve on the finance board for 3.5 years and the endowment task force last year. Evyn has been exemplary in that he aspires to do more for the organizations and is a willing volunteer. He has also mentored young leaders and been transparent about his struggles and how he would do things differently if given the chance. In addition to serving ASWU and Opening Days faithfully for nearly 4 years, he has mentored many younger students to join these organizations and assume the same roles. Evyn has shown from the beginning his time here commitment to the Willamette community and his peers. He has given his time and talents to Opening Days and ASWU in important ways. In many meetings Evyn's hand is the first to be raised when someone needs help or a job needs volunteers.
Involvement:

ASWU (3.5 years)

Senator

Finance Board Member

Opening Days

Programming Team (2 years)

Opening Days Leader (3 years)

Tandem Acapella (1 year)

Nerf Club (4 years)
Gavin Klipfel

I have worked with Gavin in the Health Professions Club for years and seen firsthand all the change and progress he has created. When we inherited the club, it was disconnected from students' varied health interests and disorganized. Under his leadership, it has transformed into an effective club with several vice presidents all providing events and community service activities oriented under a variety of health professions. He has made great strides to integrate service into our organization, including organizing and hosting blood drives and glasses drives every semester that continue to grow in the number of donors. He has helped facilitate partnerships with organizations around Salem and physicians around the country. He also makes it a goal to know all the club members and make sure all of them are benefiting in some way from the club's offerings. Even if we don't offer exactly what they need, Gavin takes the time to connect them with counselors and advisors who can help get them where they need to go. Gavin has been the heart, soul, and driving force behind this club and has made it what it is today. I am so lucky to have worked with him and experienced the effort and passion he puts into everything he does. He has also been involved in Burning Bright, Swim Club, and the Bistro. Through his courses, clubs, jobs, and volunteering, Gavin has touched and improved every corner of this campus.

Involvement:

Health Professions Club- President (3 years)

Swim Club (3 years)

Burning Bright (3 years)

WEMS- Supervisor

Sparks Pool-Lifeguard

The Bistro- Financial Manager (1 year)

SOAR Center- Food Pantry Volunteer (2 years)
Grace Grahou

Grace transferred to Willamette from Chemeketa at the start of her junior year. She joined the Mosaics mentoring program, and I am her mentor. We've met regularly for almost two years. In the short time she has been at Willamette, she has jumped into campus life with energy and been part of several significant organizations. I've been so impressed with her willingness to try things, and she is so open to taking advice. So I would say the exemplary part of Grace's contributions and roles is that she's been on this campus for not even 18 months, and she has a significant list of achievements. I don't know of many students who have transferred to Willamette as juniors and dedicated this amount of time to such a variety of organizations. Grace is very good at identifying a problem and a realistic solution. She is not afraid to email a staff member she's never met and ask why something is a certain way. Grace is navigating all of this with no local or even somewhat nearby support as an international student. I've just been so impressed with her! Grace has served the WU community impressively in the short time she has been on campus.

Involvement:

ASWU Senator (1 year)

Willamette Dance Co (1 year)

New Roots Club (President) 1 year

Alpha Phi Sorority (1 year)

Black Student Union (2 years)

Social Justice Manager (1 year)

Mosaics Mentor Program (2 years)
Harleen Brar

Harleen has served Willamette in many capacities. Harleen has worked with Dance Co as a choreographer. In this role, she brings polished and artistic dances that also share her culture with the campus community. Harleen also serves as the South Asian Student Union President. Harleen is also a program intern with the Office of Intercultural Engagement and Inclusion. Harleen has grown not only as an artist but also as an individual. It's rare to see a student truly grow in college. She has thrown herself into every opportunity, clubs, study abroad, internships, and working on campus; she has done it all! Harleen exemplifies what a Senior Key student is: someone who didn't just come to Willamette to earn a degree and get out, but who truly lives the motto and hopes not to leave a legacy but to leave Willamette better than when she found it. Harleen showcases not only her culture but also wants to make sure other intercultural groups on campus also get a chance to shine. She was the creator of FusionFest, an opportunity for cultures across campus to showcase their talents and also let the campus know that they exist and are here! Her work in the Intercultural office brings a safe space for all students to share their voices, and in the Renjen Center, making it a space for ALL students. Harleen does this all with kindness, poise, and a willingness to learn from others.

Involvement:

Intercultural Engagement and Inclusion- Marketing Coordinator (1 year) Mosaics Program Assistant ( 2 years)

Willamette Dance Company

South Asian Student Union- Co-Founder and former President

Admissions Ambassador and Comms Member

Pro-Immigrants Rights Student Union- Community Outreach Director

ASWU Senator
Jay Chew

Jay is an incredible, well-respected leader, and related to that, one of his most impressive qualities is his sustained dedication to commitments, including Opening Days, ASWU, Psychology Club, and athletic teams. No one outworks Jay, and I mean it in a healthy way. He’s very disciplined when pursuing his goals, doesn’t waste time, and gets the job done with attention to detail. Even during the busiest days of Opening Days, he was even-keeled, productive, and even completed his long training run for the cross country team. The last night of orientation, Jay stayed until the final event ended and helped clean up. I saw a cheerful person, still going strong on day five, which was actually about day 20 if you count all of the training sessions beforehand. Jay is a role model for students and staff alike in this regard. He has unselfishly given his time to Willamette and directly impacted the experience of so many Bearcats, especially new students. Jay has the respect of his peers, but also the staff who have worked closely with him.

Involvement:

Opening Days (3 years): Coordinator (2 years) Opening Days Leader (3 years)

ASWU (1 year) Vice President

Varsity Cross Country (4 years)

Varsity Track & Field (4 years)

Psychology Club VP (1 year)
Joel Garcia-Pena

As President of Kappa Sigma, Joel led his fraternity through a challenging time. The chapter has struggled with membership recruitment and personnel difficulties. There were times he would cook all of the food for a recruitment event or brotherhood activity. At the same time, he held firm boundaries and kept people accountable. He did all of this during a time where he was dealing with personal matters and working multiple jobs to support his college education. Joel's commitment to Kappa Sigma and fraternity and sorority life on campus, all while making strong contributions to Willamette with his work in Admissions, his dedication as a Mosaics First Gen leader, and his consistent engagement and work integrity within the Exercise and Health Science major made a strong impression on me and his other advisors in the Exercise and Health Science major. Joel is unusually well-integrated throughout campus, having made strong connections in multiple units. Joel had a large impact on the quality of student life at WU, making connections and lifting people up.

Involvement:

Kappa Sigma (4 years): President, Treasurer, general member

Mosaics first gen leader (1.5 years)

Resident Assistant (1 or 2 years)
Katie Wingo

Katie has excelled in all of her leadership pursuits. First, in the Bistro. She is both the mastermind and engine behind the Bistro that we all know and love. She has helped streamline the Bistro business model and make sure that it is good hands next year. One little known secret is that she is the reason why flaky sea salt was added to the chocolate chip cookies. Who knew? Next, she has taken on the very important role of choir president this last year. This position is not easy as it involves planning choir retreats and their spring break tour. She has poured her heart and soul into making our campus more connected and beautiful. Finally, as Mu Phi Vice-president and later president, Katie has helped build community within the music scene here on campus. Starting a brand new fraternal organization is not easy, but Katie jumped in and built it up to 15 members in one year of existence. Her role includes planning events, building community, and making everyone feel welcome. Willamette Community and will have a lasting impact on her peers. From cooking up a storm in the Bistro Kitchen to creating beautiful music in choir, Katie is a special member of our community.

Involvement:

Bistro - Kitchen Manager (1 year)

President - Chamber Choir (1 year)

President - Mu Phi Epsilon (1 year)

Vice President - Mu Phi Epsilon (1 year)

Track and Field - (3 years)
Leo Schoenbrun

In regard to the writing assistance work, Leo continues to think outside of the box to relate to students, meet them where they are at, and understand the reason why some students do not use the writing center. He thoughtfully worked with the director to give feedback, created solutions to problems, and, through his initiative, made the writing center more approachable for using the space. Leo operated at the highest level of student leadership. While many students excel at individual aspects of leadership, the CA role and Lead CA role is one that needs many leadership capacities. He is open minded and open to feedback, able to see a big picture, able to collaborate on a team with faculty and staff, and continues to lead and guide his peers. Leo has had a disproportionate effect on the last two classes of first-years, even if he did not have direct contact with each and every student, because of his deep engagement in revising and improving the content of CHASE and his deft touch working with the CAs who serve on the front line, as it were, supporting first-years in their transition to college life.

Involvement:

Colloquium Associate

Lead Colloquium Associate
Margareth Ramos

Maggie has consistently stood out from her peers both in the classroom and through her extracurricular activities. At the Office of Admissions, she sets a high standard that inspires the rest of us to better our own performances. Maggie goes above and beyond to ensure her colleagues feel supported and confident in their roles as Ambassadors. For myself, Maggie has been a constant source of guidance and encouragement that has pushed me to do more, ask for more, and be more. Watching Maggie's dedication, leadership, and ability to uplift those around her from the sidelines has been nothing short of inspiring. Through individual campus tours for prospective students, to the Willamette Dance Company productions each semester, Maggie has been involved in the Willamette community to a level most of us could only hope for. Not only a standout amongst her peers, but an exemplary candidate who is deserving of this recognition. I have witnessed first-hand Maggie's ability to balance her multiple different involvements, and believe it mirrors Willamette's own principles. Maggie takes our motto (Not unto ourselves alone are we born) not only into consideration, but swears by it. Maggie's involvement on campus exceeds all expectations of a Willamette Student, from organizing large-scale events like Willamette Dance Company to hosting small, intimate team-bonding events for her fellow student Ambassadors. Maggie's ability to balance professionalism and friendliness is unmatched. Maggie has had a large impact on me, encouraging me to apply for roles I initially felt unqualified for, and for the larger community, as she continues to inspire dancers to join Willamette Dance Company.

Involvement:

Willamette Dance Company

President (2 years)

Choreographer (3 years)

Admissions Student Coordinator (1 year)

Student Theatre Arts Group for Equity- Secretary (1 year)
Marie Tarrab

Marie has impressed me with her ability to lead groups of peers. She is responsible, reliable, and creative with her own responsibilities, but also walks side by side with the officers she is supervising. I've watched her work hard on projects for which she is not responsible as a way to support her fellow officers. From the Panhellenic rummage sale to clothing drives to sorority events, her commitment and follow-through are unmatched. I've heard firsthand from other students that they feel supported by her, even if she has to deliver bad news. She has earned the respect of many students and staff on this campus. I've been very fortunate to advise some gifted leaders this year, and Marie is one of those leaders. She is by far the best Panhellenic President I have advised in recent years. What is impressive is how much growth we have seen in the organization this year due to her leadership. Marie has made a huge impact on the campus, but also on her peers by encouraging them to do their best work and take on challenging roles in order to serve the campus and community.

Involvement:

Panhellenic President (1 year)

Panhellenic VP of Recruitment (1 year)

Varsity Tennis

Member (4 years)

Team Captain (1 year)

Alpha Phi member (4 years)

Alpha Phi VP Admin (1 year

Fitness Center Staff (2 years)

Athletics Event Staff (3 years)
Maya Taila

Maya is the most dedicated person I know. They are often silent and in-the-background about their approach to things, but their silent, relentless dedication has led to lasting effects that can be felt on campus. They have improved campus safety and promoted a culture of care through their work with the GRAC and the Violence Prevention Team, and have a reputation for well-exceeding the hours they're supposed to spend working and also for taking on more projects than they were assigned. She has worked long and hard at Willamette Academy and has, across this role, reached students that she thought wouldn't be possible to reach when her work began. In the Psychology Club, she keeps the club afloat with her treasurer work and effortless organization and creativity. She has worked for WEB all four years she has been here and put in so many hours of physical and emotional labor to make sure students on campus can have events where they feel safe, included, and can have fun and make social connections. Maya is a giver, and time and time again, she gives more than the school deserves to the students. She is hard-working, resilient, intentional, compassionate, and inspiring.

Involvement:

GRAC Violence Prevention Intern (1 year)

GRAC Peer Educator (1 year)

WEB

Event Planner (3 years)

Co-President (1 year)

Psychology Club Treasurer (1 year)

Violence Prevention Team Member (1 year)
Sean Olson

Sean has been the cornerstone of the English Language and American Studies Program (ELAS) throughout his college career. Progressing from a student office assistant to completing his Japanese studies internship with ELAS, and finally serving as one of our Student Academic Mentors (SAM), he has been indispensable in helping international students from Japan navigate the complexities of American education expectations. Beyond his work with ELAS, he was also the driving force behind the most visible Japanese cultural initiatives on campus. As President of the Japan Studies Student Leaders Club, he spearheaded the Sakura Matsuri (Cherry Blossom Festival), a campus event that is open to the community of Salem. Furthermore, Sean showed remarkable initiative in restarting the Koto Club, which was opened to both Willamette students and international students. Sean has forged cultural alliances that will continue to benefit the Willamette and Salem communities long after his graduation.

Involvement:

Residence Life & Housing - Resident Advisor

Japan Studies Student Leaders Club – President

Associated Student of Willamette University – Senator and Finance Board

English Language and American Studies Program

Office Assistant

Intern
Skeet Starr

Many people first noted Skeet's work with athletics and as a contributor to The Collegian. His articles were both factual and funny. By speaking to a greater population he made athletics easy to understand for all. These efforts reach many facets on and off campus. Skeet currently works as an intern at the Salem Reporter and has been named as a prestigious 2026 Charles Snowden Program for Excellence in Journalism intern at the Bend Bulletin. This contribution to not just the Willamette community, but the larger world reflects how large an impact he’s had. And for every experience he has elsewhere, Skeet returns to Willamette to share his new knowledge and skills, sharing the growth with his fellow Willamette students. Skeet not only lives the motto, but he makes the best better in and around campus, and creates a bright campus culture. Skeet is energetic and a joy to be around. His energy alone stands out from his peers. In the time of his leadership, the collegian has initiated several additional projects, like developing a strong Alumni connection, developing merchandise to sell to raise funds, connecting current students to the legacy of this long-standing paper, and initiating a branding update to further reflect the more serious tenor of the current Collegian output.

Involvement:

The Collegian - Editor in Chief

Willamette Integrated Technology Services
Spencer Fiden

Spencer has been deeply involved in the queer community on campus since the beginning of their time here. For three years, they have led or helped run Queer Student Union, bringing it back from the brink of collapse and steadily growing attendance and participation. Under their leadership, the club has increased collaboration with the GRAC, with other student clubs, and with the Office of Civic Engagement in order to make a bigger impact on both queer students and the larger Salem community. While building queer community on campus, he has simultaneously led Up Top A Capella, devoting significant time and energy to arranging music and improving the group's performance. Put simply, QSU would not currently exist without Spencer. They are the only one who has been willing to step up time and time again to run the club, and have repeatedly taken that burden on when nobody else (including other seniors) wanted to. He has volunteered more of his time and put more effort into sustaining the wider queer community on campus than any other senior I know of. Spencer has had an outsized impact on Willamette's queer community and on the wider community in general. For three years, they have consistently advocated for queer students and advanced inclusion on campus. Without their work, I am certain that there would be fewer opportunities for queer students to come together in community on campus.

Involvement:

Queer Student Union

Treasurer (1 year)

President (2 years)

Up Top A Capella

Treasurer (1 year)

Music Co-Director (2 years)
Stevie Bergstrom

Stevie has been involved with ASWU for three years in progressively larger leadership roles. In these roles, she has enacted changes both small and large that have positively impacted student life. For example, as Director of Communications, she started a biweekly newsletter called Stevie's Scoop, which publicized events and gave updates about ASWU. This was the first time ASWU had a regular newsletter sent to the undergrads, and the readership was very high. As Treasurer, she co-led the Endowment Task Force, working with peers and staff to examine the current endowment and make recommendations for change. This required months of work and a lot of communication. As President, she is currently working with senators on a new code of ethics for ASWU, focusing on the values of the organization and how that translates into actions taken by senators and executive officers.Her leadership has also encouraged others on the women's soccer team to take on leadership positions in ASWU. Last semester, we had 5 senators from the team, and last year we had 2 executive officers. Clearly, she encouraged many of her teammates to consider engaging in student government. Stevie represents this award in that she has given 3 years of service to the student body through service in ASWU. She's also mentored and guided countless students, encouraging them to engage in student government or other initiatives on campus.

Involvement:

ASWU (3 years)

Director of Commuunication (1 year)

Treasurer (1 year)

President (1 year)

Women's Varsity Soccer Team (4 years)

Team Captain (2 years)

Resident Advisor (1 year)

Student Athletic Advisory Committee

Team Representative (2 years)
William LaDuca

Will LaDuca's contributions to the Willamette University student body have been exemplary in demonstrating sustained leadership, service, and community impact across multiple areas of Student Affairs. As Vice President and Recruitment Chair of Sigma Chi Fraternity, he has played a vital role in cultivating an inclusive and service-oriented chapter culture. His leadership extends beyond chapter operations to intentional recruitment practices that emphasize character, scholarship, and campus involvement. His work has elevated chapter standards while promoting accountability, community engagement, and positive representation of Fraternity & Sorority Life within the Willamette student community. Will carries a genuine sense of joy that is both steady and contagious, brightening the atmosphere wherever he goes. Rather than positioning himself above others, William uses his leadership and interpersonal skills to empower those around him, helping them grow, succeed, and feel valued. Through his leadership William has made meaningful, lasting contributions to campus life.

Involvement:

Sigma Chi Fraternity

Vice President + Recruitment Chair (2 years)

Student Athlete Advisory Committee

Executive Committee Member (2 years)

Admissions

Student Coordinator and Ambassador (2 years)