Recognizing outstanding achievement in academics, leadership, and military service across the Mary Baldwin community
Mary Baldwin University recognized the exceptional achievements of its students, faculty, and staff during the 2026 Honors Convocation, an annual tradition celebrating academic excellence, leadership, service, and contributions to the university community.
Held on campus, the ceremony brought together members of the MBU community to honor a year of hard work and accomplishment across disciplines. Awards reflected excellence in the liberal arts and sciences, professional programs, leadership, community engagement, and scholarship — underscoring the depth of talent and dedication across the university.
Below is a list of awards presented and their recipients.
2026 Honors Convocation Award Recipients
University Honors and Academic Distinction
- Phi Beta Kappa (Highest Academic Honor)
- Mirah Rose ‘26
- Kelly Phipps ‘26
- Bethany Racette ‘26
- Eveleen Diep ‘26
- Madeline Trace ‘26
- Josanna Henry ‘26
- Student Marshals
- Senior Marshals: Jadyn McGinniss and Annalise Toone
- Junior Marshals: Melissa Louis
- Sophomore Marshals: Deanna Chapman, Emma (Remi) Keen, Tessie Namara Magezi
- Freshman Marshals: Amarachukwu (Amarachi) Ani, Emily Collins, Madison Keck, Phuc Nguyen, Oluwasemilore (Semi) Taiwo
Departmental and Program Awards
Sciences and Mathematics
- Alice McCaa Outstanding Biology Student Award
- Samson Skally ‘26
- Caleb Smith ‘27
- Beta Beta Beta Outstanding Biology Student
- Cassidy Newcomb ‘26
- Chemistry Outstanding Student Award
- Mirah Rose Pinkston ‘26
- Biochemistry Award
- Adiba Tojimirzaeva ‘26
- First-Year Calculus Award
- Yufie Qu ‘29
- Ashley DuLac Award (Mathematics)
- Madeline Trace ‘26
Business
- Outstanding Business Student ( Online Program)
- William Noriega ‘26
- Outstanding Business Student (Residential Program)
- Lauren Lasher ‘26
- Gordon Hammock Student Mentor Award
- Jean Carlos Rodriguez ‘27
Criminal Justice
- Criminal Mind Award
- Hannah Hall ‘26
- Partner in Crime Award
- Ryleigh Clark ‘26
- Faculty Choice “I’ve Got Your Six” Award
- Kevin Weaver ‘26
English and Humanities
- Academic Excellence in English Award
- Luis (Lee) Iraheta ‘26
Social Sciences and Social Work
- Jane Addams Social Work Award
- Deja-Alexis Armstrong-Rush ‘26
- Madison Powell ‘26
- Mary Ellen Richmond Field Award
- Hanna Snow ‘26
- Deon Cox ‘26
- Academic Excellence in Sociology Award
- Carrie Douglass ‘27
Study Abroad and Spencer Center Awards
- Thelma B. McDowell Endowed Fund (Costa Rica Program)
- Caleb Smith ‘27
- Melissa Mitchell ’97 Memorial Travel Scholarship
- Mia Clarke ‘26
- Sophia B. Witherspoon Study Abroad Scholarship
- Kali Plaisance ‘26
- Betty Johnston Miller ’79 and Lee Johnston Foster ’75 Endowment
- Maia Ott ‘26
- Abbe Cooper Study Abroad Scholarship
- Abigail Dibb ‘27
Honor Societies
Members of numerous academic honor societies were also recognized during the ceremony, representing excellence across disciplines including sociology, education, business, psychology, political science, and more.
Military Officers
Every year, MBU is proud of its ROTC and VWIL students commissioning across all branches of the US Military. These are this year’s officer candidates and their branches.
- Specialist Arielle Alston, Army
- Second Lieutenant Tristen Bannasch, Air Force
- Ensign Haven Duncan, Navy
- Second Lieutenant Mya Gaudier, Army
- Ensign Brandon Jones, Navy
- Corporal Jayden Lurz, Marine Corps
- Second Lieutenant Maia Ott, Air Force
- Ensign David Shultz, Navy
- Second Lieutenant Jada Torez, Air Force
A Year of Purpose and Achievement
Honors Convocation serves as a moment to pause and recognize not only individual achievement, but the collective momentum of the Mary Baldwin community. The students recognized during the ceremony reflect the university’s commitment to academic rigor, meaningful mentorship, and preparing graduates to lead with purpose.
As the university looks ahead to Commencement, Honors Convocation stands as a powerful reminder of what students accomplish here — and the lives and communities they are prepared to shape next.