Meet the standout graduates of 2025 whose academic excellence, leadership, and service have earned them top honors at Commencement.
As we honor the Class of 2025, Mary Baldwin University is proud to recognize a group of exceptional students whose academic achievements, leadership, service, and creativity have left a lasting impact on our community. These award recipients exemplify the values that define an MBU education — dedication, curiosity, compassion, and purpose.
The Algernon Sydney Sullivan Awards
Mary Baldwin University presents the Algernon Sydney Sullivan awards to an undergraduate senior and community member who exhibit nobility of character and and unselfish service to the broad community. It is one of the highest honors that the university bestows.
- Student Award with the Mary Keith Fitzroy Award: Amiyah McCoy
- Non-Student Award: The late Christine Baker MEd ’24
Martha Stackhouse Grafton Award
The Martha S. Grafton Award recognizes the senior who has achieved the highest grade point average (GPA) in the graduating class. This year there was a three-way tie.
- Gretchen Lutz, Katlyn Massie, and Yuejia Zhu
School of Education
- Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award: Katie Wright
Recognized for her academic excellence, leadership, and promise as an educator. - Outstanding Graduate Student Award (MEd): Jennifer Patanio
A reading specialist whose innovative teaching methods and compassion elevate her students.
Applied Behavior Analysis & Autism Studies
- Jerry Venn Undergraduate Award in Applied Behavior Analysis & Autism Studies: Rebecca Frasher
Honored for academic excellence in Autism Studies and Applied Behavior Analysis. - SR+ Graduate Award in Applied Behavior Analysis: Eric Adderley
Recognized for academic and clinical achievement in the MS in ABA program.
MBU Online
- Outstanding Graduate Award: Heather Shields
Graduating with a 4.0 GPA, Heather exemplifies the perseverance and success of adult learners.
Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences
- Nancy Morse Evans Leadership Awards
• Jordan Nealis – RN to BSN
• Tyler Hinkle – Physical Therapy
• Allison Sweeney – Occupational Therapy
• Jena Conway – DNP, Nurse Anesthesiology
Honoring leadership, academic excellence, and clinical distinction. - Linda Seestedt-Stanford Leadership Awards
• Giavonna Wilson – Physical Therapy
• Jared Bethel – Physician Assistant
• Caroline Quigley and Keli Mohica – Occupational Therapy
Awarded for excellence across academics, clinicals, and service. - Outstanding MHA Graduate Award: Joshua Easter, MHA/MBA
Recognized for academic excellence and contributions to the healthcare field. - Physician Assistant Student of the Year: Landon Alston
Honored for outstanding performance in the PA program.
Phi Beta Kappa Inductees
MBU celebrates new members of the nation’s oldest academic honor society:
Johannah Dillaway, Caroline Motley, and Nicole “Yuka” Quinn
Shakespeare and Performance
- Ralph Alan Cohen Ampersand Award: Nick Trusty (Winner), Kathleen Mitchell (Runner-up)
For outstanding scholarship and theatrical practice, personifying the “ampersand” in Shakespeare & Performance - Ariel Award: Anna Taylor and Matthias Bolon
Honoring leadership and service to the program. - Andrew Gurr Award for Outstanding Thesis: Megan Parlett (Winner), Joan Raube-Wilson (Runner-up)
Honorable Mentions: Austen Bell, Julia Sommer, and Sara Topham
MBA Program
- Susan Nolan Palmer Apex Project Award: Nicole Olsen
Awarded for her visionary business plan and a perfect 4.0 GPA in the MBA program.
Recognition of Military Officers
Eight undergraduates commissioned on May 15 as officers in the U.S. military:
- Second Lieutenant Hannah Allebaugh: Army
- Second Lieutenant Kelly Cruz: Army
- Ensign Johannah Dillaway: Navy
- Second Lieutenant Kenneth Kuilan-Guzman: Army
- Second Lieutenant Eric Leyton: Air Force
- Ensign Ailana Lensegrav: Navy
- Second Lieutenant Cloey Mazingo: Army
- Second Lieutenant Karla Pina-Ortiz: Army
Congratulations to all our award winners — and to the entire Class of 2025. Your hard work and achievements inspire us all.