Lander University recently celebrated the achievements of the Bearcat community at the annual Campus Engagement Awards, an event that shines a spotlight on those who embody the spirit and dedication of Lander. From academic excellence to leadership achievements, the awards recognize students, faculty and staff who have distinguished themselves not only through their accomplishments, but through their commitment to making a meaningful impact on campus and beyond.
Whether leading student organizations, volunteering in the community or excelling in the classroom, each recipient represents the very best of what it means to be a Bearcat.
Among the honors presented:
President's Award: Kimberly Sipanela. Presented by Lander President Richard Cosentino, the President’s Award is given annually in recognition of the ethic of service to the Lander community. The award recognizes unique leadership styles and contributions to campus activities. Sipanela, a medical biology major from Harare, Zimbabwe, has been active in student life at Lander since she arrived on campus. A Presidential Ambassador, Sipanela has received numerous honors at Lander, including being named Orientation Rookie of the Year. In 2025, she received the Betty Williams Unsung Hero Award and was inducted into the Hall of Leaders. She holds a scholarship through the Mufuka Scholars Program and has earned President’s List and Dean’s List honors.
Samuel and Laura Lander Man and Woman of the Year Awards: Alfred McKnight, Samuel Lander Man of the Year; and Maddy Causey, Laura Lander Woman of the Year. These awards are named in honor of Lander University’s founder, the Rev. Samuel Lander, and his wife, Laura Lander. The awards honor those who exhibit high aspirations and noble humanitarian qualities of character throughout all areas of campus life.
Excellence in Programming: SOMOS LU. This award recognizes a student organization or group for its exceptional creativity, planning and execution of a University program. Criteria upon which decisions are based include appeal to a broad cross-section of the University community, originality and participation of members of the organization during all phases of the effort. SOMOS LU, established in 2016, promotes the Hispanic-Latinx culture on campus.
Community Impact: ESSO (Environmental Science Student Organization). The Community Impact Award spotlights an outstanding organization for their involvement in community service during the current academic year. The service should contribute to the Lander, Greenwood and global communities. ESSO is dedicated to sustainability, conservation and community engagement through monthly meetings paired with service projects.
Organization Advisor: Sophia Taylor. The Organization Advisor Award honors a Lander faculty or staff member for their significant voluntary involvement in co-curricular activities, as well as for advising, guiding and showing encouragement and support of the organization and its members during the current academic year.
Student Organization of the Year: LUSNA (Lander University Student Nurses Association). This award recognizes the organization, which through its activities and projects, has had the most significant positive influence on Lander and the surrounding community. This award is based on the number and quality of campus events held, amount of community service performed, involvement with campus events and initiatives to further advance the education of Lander students beyond the classroom.
Greek Leaders of the Year: Brock Anderson, of Delta Sigma Phi; and Kayla Cathcart, of Alpha Kappa Alpha. This award recognizes two Lander University Greek leaders who have contributed to the Greek community while exhibiting the characteristics of the values of Greek life, including scholarship, brotherhood/sisterhood, leadership and community service during the current academic year.
Campus Activities Board Member: Jasmine Freeman. The CAB Member Award recognizes a member who has been actively involved in contributing time and energy to exemplifying student leadership and engaging the Lander community.
SGA Leader of the Year: Natalya King. This award honors a member of Lander’s Student Government Association who actively contributes time and energy to representing the student voice, fostering student leadership, promoting shared governance, safeguarding student rights and strengthening campus community.
Campus Recreation Awards: Jaxton Prosser was named Lander’s REC Employee of the Year. Jack Wullenweber is the Intramural Employee of the Year.
Wellness Center Peer Educator of the Year: Alfred McKnight. This is a first-time award, which honors a student who demonstrates remarkable leadership skills, dedication and commitment to the organization. This award recognizes a student who enthusiastically promotes physical and mental health and wellness across campus by educating their peers and planning successful programs.
Peer Tutor of the Year: Callie Moss. This award recognizes an individual who has excelled in leadership and academic support. It acknowledges the dedication of leading students to academic success by helping with course material and boosting academic confidence.
Peer Academic Coach of the Year: Celina Miller. Presented to a student mentor, this award recognizes an individual who has excelled in professionalism and academic development. It acknowledges the dedication of helping students succeed by improving their skills and academic performance.
Presidential Ambassador of the Year: Parker Kauffman. Voted on by fellow Presidential Ambassadors, this award recognizes the ambassador who best embodies what it means to be a Lander Presidential Ambassador.
Resident Assistant of the Year: Alix Kundinger. This award recognizes the outstanding and continuous service of the resident assistant to the Department of Housing and Residential Life, their residential area and the Lander community. The honoree is a role model for other students and resident assistants while fulfilling the responsibilities of the position.
New Student Leader: Savannah Vertucci. This award recognizes the first year student who has been actively involved in contributing time and energy to leadership and also has made significant contributions to the Lander community.
Transfer Student of the Year: Tyler Beard. This award recognizes the role of transfer students to the campus community and is given to a student who transferred with sophomore standing or above and has completed a full year of coursework at Lander. The recipient demonstrates a quick, successful and seamless transition to the institution and has taken full advantage of his or her time at Lander.
Graduate Student Leader: Emily Anne Beiers. Honoring a graduate-level student, the award recognizes the individual who has been actively involved in contributions to the greater Lander community through service, leadership and/or programming while keeping high academic standards. The recipient demonstrates a quick, successful and seamless transition to the institution at the graduate level and takes full advantage of his or her time spent at Lander.
Hall of Leaders: This award is presented to a select group of seniors who have demonstrated outstanding involvement with campus life and extracurricular activities and who, through this service, have exemplified a commitment to the positive enhancement to the Lander campus. Recipients' names are added to the Hall of Leaders wall in the Grier Student Center.
The 2026 recipients include Parker Kauffman, Elias Carls, Ashley Olivo, Katie St. Laurent, Lanie Lawson and Bethany Bagwell.
James "Curtis" Harkness Diversity Award: Maria Ibarra. This award is named for James "Curtis" Harkness, a Lander graduate, who was captain of the 1982-84 men's basketball team and began his career in Student Affairs at Lander. His commitment to developing diversity programs and training have had a positive influence on the lives of many. The award recognizes the junior or senior who has typified model citizenship, outstanding student leadership, high academic achievement and has been the most effective in advancing the concerns of multicultural students.
Betty Williams Unsung Hero: Autumn McDonald. Named for Betty Williams, a Lander College graduate and former Lander Librarian, this award recognizes Mrs. Williams’ commitment to assisting the Lander community throughout the years. It honors students who, through their behind-the-scenes involvement in student life, exemplify a commitment to enhancing Lander campus life.
2026 Campus Engagement Awards by University Marketing & Communications