Throughout end-of-semester and Commencement activities, Marymount University recognized outstanding students, faculty and staff whose dedication and hard work capture what it means to be a Saint. Recipients of these awards exemplify Marymount’s mission of educating the whole person through intellectual curiosity, service to others and a global perspective, and have made a difference in the campus community and beyond.
The following student awards were announced during the May 2025 Commencement ceremonies. These students were selected by their classmates or by faculty in recognition of the positive impact they had on their classmates and communities.
Mother Butler Gold Medal: As a Catholic university, Marymount fosters moral and spiritual growth rooted in faith, service and ethical values. The Mother Butler Gold Medal honors a graduating student, selected by faculty, whose words and actions best embody these ideals.
Awardee: Joseph McDonough (Nursing)
Nominees: Caileigh Barnett, Ella Reither, Hannah Ricks, Elliot Salguero
Bishop Ireton Award: Selected by the graduating class, the Bishop Ireton Award is presented to the graduating student who had the greatest positive influence on their companions.
Awardee: Blen Begashaw (Computer Science & Honors Scholar)
“I am honored to nominate Blen for this award as she has consistently exemplified leadership, integrity and character throughout her time on campus. Through her extensive involvement in service initiatives and the Honors Program, Blen has inspired her peers with her dedication to academic excellence and meaningful community engagement. As a Resident Assistant for three years, she has provided steady guidance, support and compassion to countless students, always leading with humility and empathy. Blen’s ability to uplift others, lead by example and remain deeply grounded in her values has made a profound and lasting impact on those around her, making her a truly deserving recipient of this recognition.”—Blen’s Nominator
Nominees: Arayla Garcia, Patrick Miller, Caroline Peloquin, Christianna Tran
Sister Majella Berg Service Award: Named in honor of former President Sister Majella Berg, this is one of Marymount’s highest awards. Chosen by faculty, it recognizes exceptional dedication to serving others and an outstanding contribution to the D.C. metropolitan community.
Awardee: Cara Craig (Criminal Justice)
“I have seen her not only take on far more than has been asked of her, but support residents in high-intensity emotional crises with such care and grace that it has had a drastic impact on her residents and the larger campus community.”—Cara’s Nominator
Nominees: Jaydon Early, Samir Rahman, Elliot Salguero, Hannah Smith, Emma Spath, Christianna Tran
The Saintspys Athletic Awards were presented to Marymount student-athletes at the Converse Field House on April 29. They recognize excellent leadership, service and resilience. Marymount student-athletes are not only successful on the field, but in the community and through their values.
- Team Community Service: This award goes to the team with the highest average of community service hours per student-athlete.
- Awardee: Women’s Lacrosse
- Individual Community Service: This award goes to the student-athlete with the highest total of community service hours.
- Awardee: Jessica Calvert
- Male Leadership Award: Voted on by Athletics staff, this award is presented to the male student-athlete who has best demonstrated leadership skills throughout the year and served as a positive ambassador for Marymount Athletics.
- Awardee: Samir Rahman
- Female Leadership Award: Voted on by Athletics staff, this award is presented to the female student-athlete who has best demonstrated leadership skills throughout the year and served as a positive ambassador for Marymount Athletics.
- Awardee: Leah Hartsock
- Award for Resilience: Voted on by Athletics staff, this award is presented to a student-athlete who showed resilience in the face of challenges outside of competition.
- Awardee: Cara Vollmer
- Male Iron Saint of the Year: This award is selected by strength and conditioning staff.
- Awardee: Quincy Via
- Female Iron Saint of the Year: This award is selected by strength and conditioning staff.
- Awardee: Arayla Garcia
- SAAC Rep of the Year: This award is chosen by the SAAC Executive Board and Advisors. The winner of this award is an athlete whose efforts went above and beyond the expectations of a SAAC representative and supported various sport programs.
- Awardee: Daniel Yi
- Athletics Communications Student-Worker of the Year: The winner of this award is selected by the Athletic Communications Department.
- Awardee: Ella DeNicola
- Comeback Student-Athlete of the Year: This award is selected solely by sports medicine staff and is based on a student-athlete’s efforts to return from an injury and make a positive impact on their respective team.
- Awardee: Frankie Loiseau
Marymount’s exceptional faculty members create positive learning environments that foster intellectual curiosity and the education of the whole person. During Commencement, the University honored one faculty member who demonstrated outstanding care and support for his students.
Robert A. Draghi Outstanding Faculty Award: Named for Dr. Robert A. Draghi, a philosophy professor and Dean of Marymount’s School of Arts and Sciences, Dr. Draghi was a faculty member from 1961-2003. Dr. Draghi was known for his kindness, collegiality, dedication to his discipline and abiding concern for students.
Awardee: Dr. Jason Craig (Professor of Physical Therapy, College of Health and Education)
Nominees: Dr. Larry Clay (Assistant Professor of Business, College of BILT), Dr. Moira Denson (Associate Professor of Interior Architecture and Design, College of BILT)
On May 8, Marymount University Staff Council hosted the Saints Giving Back Staff Awards Ceremony in the Administration Building to honor the contributions that staff make toward supporting a campus community that facilitates positive opportunities for all students.
- Community Service & Outreach: Bonnie Kuo
- Going the Extra Mile: Officer Robert Kennedy
- Outstanding Leadership: Allison Cross
- Student Experience Commitment: Charlie Price
- Teamwork & Collaboration: Patricia Klick
- Common Ground Values: Trent Morgan
Nominees:
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Marymount is incredibly proud of all of its Saints for this year’s accomplishments. The dedication of its students, faculty and staff filled the 2024-2025 academic year with countless successes, and the University eagerly awaits what’s to come in the upcoming year.
