APRIL 21
4:30 PM
RECOGNITION DAY STUDENT RECOGNITION DAY
Ms. Holly Morgan Frye, Vice President for Student Affairs and Director of Community Relations
RECOGNITION OF STUDENT LEADERSHIP
Ms. Rachael Meads, Director of Student Activities and Leadership
RECOGNITION OF STUDENT AWARDS
Mr. Jackson Heath, Coordinator for Student Community Services and Special Initiatives
Ms. Melanie Ford, on behalf of Jane Ikenberry Dorrier
The Student Government Association (SGA) of Shepherd University works to establish a more effective and representative student government, to encourage interest and participation in responsible student government, to protect the rights of students, and to initiate, direct and promote student activities designed to enhance the welfare of the entire student body.
2025-2026
Tyler Furbee - President
Logan Morgan - Vice President
Christiana Johnson - Campus Relations
L.J. Kesner - Treasurer
Will Taylor - Parliamentarian
Kierra Westfall - Communications Director
2026-2027 INCOMING
Tyler Furbee - President
Kierra Westfall - Vice President
Noora Mounib - Campus Relations
Nicolas Jose Carpenter - Treasurer
Emily Ryder - Parliamentarian
Kaylee Arbogast - Communications Director
The Student Life Council (SLC) is responsible for recommending campus-wide student life policies to the Vice President for Student Affairs, the President’s Executive Staff, and other groups that establish policies. Working along with faculty and staff, SLC is responsible for reviewing student handbook policies and registration of student groups as well as supervising many essential campus life committees.
Samantha Fridley - Senior Class Representative and SLC Chair
Logan Morgan - Student Government Association Representative and Vice Chair
Anika Wirt - Program Board Representative
Claire Freeman - Sophomore Class Representative
Jannatvir Singh - Junior Class Representative and Parliamentarian
Nick Stump - Transfer Student Representative
Raegan Kidd - Commuter Representative
Emma King - Undergraduate At-Large Representative and Secretary
Shannon Ballard - Graduate Student Representative
A subcommittee of the Student Life Council at Shepherd, Program Board (PB) is made up of student leaders who create a community on campus by sponsoring diverse, inclusive programming to educate, entertain, and engage students. Program Board Executive Leadership Team members develop strong leadership skills and learn how to plan, market, and assess diverse cultural, recreational, educational, and community-building programs.
Trinity Anderson
Avery Copenhaver
Gaibrial Doamekpor
Liam Easton
Juniper Elmer
Adriel Gatsi
Brooklyn Gholston
Takoma Graham
Jayshawn Hickman
Adela Kasecamp
Rebecca Taylor
Haiden Vessecchia
Anika Wirt
Haiden Vessecchia
This year we are proud to recognize Haiden Vessechia for her service to the campus community by serving as the Chairperson for Shepherd’s 2025 Homecoming Spirit Week as well as the Chair for this Spring’s 2026 Greek Week series of events.
Global Student Leadership Team members engage the campus community through intercultural awareness, advocacy, and action that promotes cooperation, collaboration, and communication. Members of the Global Student Leadership Team participate in a comprehensive leadership development program designed to empower student voices and facilitate meaningful dialogue among individuals from various backgrounds. Through their demonstrated commitment to community service, civility, global citizenship, and mutual respect, Global Student Leaders strive to create a campus community where all voices are heard, valued, and respected.
Brooklyn Gholston
Fabian Telschow
Alani White
Shrivali Nalla
The Shepherd University Student Success Center Peer Success Leaders (PSLs) are students who work with Shepherd University's Student Success Center and want to give back to support their peers. PSLs support students academically and socially through one-on-one meetings by sharing their personal experiences, tips, and strategies from a student perspective. The PSL program began in 2021 and continues to grow. PSLs make a great impact by ensuring students are comfortable, acclimated, and connected during their time at Shepherd.
Adela Kasecamp
Christiana Johnson
Dei'Ja Taylor-Mallory
Emma King
Heavenly Hutcherson
Kaitlyn Hiser
Malachi Bailey
Isabell "Red" Peterson
Samantha Fridley
The A-Team Orientation Peer Leaders are a well-rounded group of Shepherd students who assist with New Student Orientation programs. The A-Team has the great responsibility of sharing campus knowledge and being one of the first connections that new, transfer, and non-traditional students make on campus. These student leaders work closely with faculty and staff to plan, prepare, and execute all Orientation activities. The A-Team is one of Shepherd University's long-standing traditions as they make an incredible impact on incoming students and their families every year.
Shepherd LEADS mentors are upper-level students who serve as guides for incoming Shepherd students participating in the LEADS program, offering support as they transition to college. LEADS mentors help participants build connections, explore leadership and service opportunities, and feel confident as they begin their academic and social journey at Shepherd.
Heavenly Hutcherson
Dei'Ja Taylor-Mallory
Solace Gildowan
Isabell “Red” Peterson
Emma King
Kaitlyn Hiser
Adela Kasecamp
Avinash Sieuraj
Nick Stump
Brooke Smith
Charlie Chicovsky
Christiana Johnson
Haiden Vessecchia
Kaia Pringle
Kaylee Arbogast
Juniper Elmer
Liam Easton
Lily Hutcherson
Sstudents who completed a semester-long internship with the Office of Student Community Services.
Evangelia Orfanidis
Jeremy Williams
Mary Mauney
Relay For Life of Jefferson County presented by Shepherd University is a life-changing event that gives everyone in our community and across the globe a chance to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against the disease. The volunteers listed below helpled plan, organize, and execute a 12-hour event to raise funding for the American Cancer Society.
Evangelia “Lia” Orfanidis - Lead Chair
Avinash Sieuraj - Co-Lead Chair
River Boward - Logistics Chair
Baxter Bickey - Activities Chair
Shreya Upreti - Co-Lead and Accounting Chair
Campbell Neiman - Ceremonies Chair
Adela Kasecamp - Survivor/Caregiver Chair
Emma King - Social Media Co-Chair
Gage McDermit - Activities Co-Chair
Adriel Gatsi - Recruitment Chair
Stella Garfinkel - Social Media Co-Chair
Maggie Holzberger - Fundraising Chair
Jannatvir Singh - Sponsorship Chair
Christien Kuikoua
The Shepherd University Ram Pantry was created with the goal to improve the well-being and health of our Shepherd Family by combating food insecurity. The pantry offers food and basic needs to all current Shepherd University students and employees. Volunteers open the pantry then assist students as they FROP (free+shop) for basic need items. The pantry could not be available without our committed volunteers.
Adriel Gatsi
Kierra Westfall
Samikshya Bista
Shreya Upreti
Mary Mauney
Alternative Spring Break is an annual initiative for students to engage in a week-long service program. During this year's spring break, the following students traveled to Jonesville, VA to replace bathroom flooring, new plumbing, insulation under the home, and under pinning around the home with Appalachia Service Project.
Avery Copenhaver
El Lepp
Kaylee Arbogast
Molly Korn
Avinash Sieuraj
Shreya Upreti
Cheyenna Plotner
Grady Baracka
Geva Resch
Brooklyn Gholston
Claire Freeman
Amaya Summers
Raegan Kidd
Maggie Barrett
Samikshya Bista
Presented to students who have demonstrated commitment to the growth of the student farm for at least three semesters. They have tended the farm across all the seasons and contribute to Tabler Student Farm from seed to harvest.
Jordan Wittington - Vegetable Production Leader
Vanessa Harper - Vegetable Production Leader
Isabella Alonso - Vegetable Production Leader
Lorna Marsh - Vegetable Production Leader
Jude Stradly - Vegetable Production Leader
Kay Mason - Tabler Farm Student Help
Carter Jeffreys - Tabler Farm Student Help
Fraternity and Sorority Life (FSL) at Shepherd provides opportunities for students to foster academic excellence, leadership development, philanthropic services, and community engagement. Our ten chapters aim for excellence in all aspects of fraternal life by promoting the core values of service, philanthropy, brotherhood/sisterhood, and leadership. We are very pleased to showcase the accomplishments of these outstanding student leaders
Adela Kasecamp, Alpha Sigma Tau
Adela Kasecamp is a member of Alpha Sigma Tau sorority who has served as President of Shepherd’s Panhellenic Association this year. In addition to her leadership in Panhellenic and the Greek community, Adela has been a Shepherd A-Team orientation leader, a Shepherd student admissions ambassador, a Lead in Relay For Lifeand and a Program Board Executive Leadership Team member.
Jackson Reich, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia
Jackson Reich has demonstrated tremendous commitment to improving communication and collaboration among Shepherd's fraternities for the past two years. As a member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia he has worked hard to make sure his chapter's impact is visible on campus beyond the Frank Center and to support other Greek chapters on campus. He also served as Greek Week committee chair for PMA which went on to win the Spirit Cup for Greek Week for the first time in Shepherd history.
Alpha Sigma Tau Sorority
GREEK CHAMPIONS 2026
Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity
During Greek Week each spring, our chapters compete in a week long competition for spirit points. This year, the students competed in a District Feud, a Greek Pageant, Battle of the Districts Field Day, a Day of Service, and a Greek Banquet. This year for the first time Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia has won the crown!
GREEK WOMAN OF THE YEAR
GREEK MAN OF THE YEAR
GREEK CHAPTER OF THE YEAR
McKenzie has been an active member in the Accounting Club since Fall 2024. She helped plan and participated in Meet the Firms events, which resulted in an internship that led to full-time employment upon graduation. She participated in club meetings, community service events, alumni dinners, social events, and field trips to businesses. Additionally, she attended speaker events. McKenzie exemplifies what it means to be an outstanding Club member.
Award Criteria: Presented to an outstanding senior; must be active member of club; must have minimum 3.0 in major and overall GPA; must be a graduate of the current calendar year; and be selected by majority vote of active members.
Jannatvir Singh
Jannat Singh is completing his first year as a Resident Assistant and he has distinguished himself as a caring, helpful team member whose peers rely on him. Jannat has streamlined the ways in which flyers are posted and shared with students. When confronting a situation that can be disturbing to others, Jannat remains calm and respectful while remediating the situation. Jannat enthusiastically volunteers to move furniture when needed so that students have a better living environment. Jannat has a rare zeal for life that brings enthusiasm and humor to the staff no matter the challenges they may face.
Award Criteria: This award recognizes Resident Assistants or Hall Directors who consistently or notably exceed their job expectations in order to foster community and support student success. Candidates are nominated by other staff members who recognize and appreciate their contributions to the residential community.
Avery Copenhaver
Avery has demonstrated remarkable personal development through his commitment to serving others. Over time, he has grown from a participant into a more engaged and confident contributor, deeping both his involvement and understanding of community needs. He has shown a willingness to step outside of his comfort zone, embrace new experiences, and reflect thoughtfully on the impact of his service. This growth is evident not only in the skills he has developed, but also in the way he approached service with greater awareness and purpose. His journey reflects a meaningful transformation, and his continued dedication has made a positive impact on those around him.
Award Criteria: Awarded to a student who has demonstrated personal or professional growth through completing Community Service with the Office of Student Community Services. Completed community service hours during the academic year and through this experience gained confidence, purpose, drive, motivation, or any other worthy characteristics.
Maggie Barrett
Maggie has exemplified outstanding leadership through her active participation in Alternative Spring Break for the past three years. Throughout the experience, she led by example and consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic, compassion, and a genuine commitment to serving others. She played a key role in fostering a positive environment, ecouraging her peers, stepping up to face challenges head on, and ensuring that everyone felt engaged. Her ability to connect with both fellow students and the family members served made a lasting impact, and her presence elevated the experience for those around her. Through her actions, she embodied what it means to be a service-minded leader, leaving a meaningful and lasting impression on both her team and the community she served.
Award Criteria: Awarded to a student who has demonstrated exceptional involvement in community service, through the Office of Student Community Service. Completed an exceptional amount of community service hours during an academic year. Encouraged others to become involved in community service opportunities/created community service opportunities. Active in at least one community service-based organization/club, tied to the Office of Student Community Service.
Melody Taylor
She is one of the Global Student Leadership Team's most involved and caring members. She always comes to meetings and events with a positive attitude, and truly knows how to turn the darkest day into something bright. Her creativity is inspiring. Her positive energy and empathetic leadership are contagious, and we know that she will take her skills with her to achieve everything she dreams about. Beyond being involved in extracurricular activities, she is also extremely accomplished academically. Congratulations, Melody, on a job well done. We can't wait to see all that you will succeed in throughout life!
Award Criteria: Award recognizes a student who epitomizes the qualities found in visionary leaders and community service heroes at Shepherd University
From Red's first tournament he has demonstrated extraordinary natural talent and eagerness to master the skills needed to be a competitive force in Debate and Forensics. He earned a 4th place Parliamentary Debate speaking award at his first-ever tournament, committed to memorizing his informative speech which immediately put him leagues above his competition, and the success just flowed from there. Red has never leaned on his talent alone, but has consistently worked to learn more, grow, and improve. He models the ideal team member: curious, open to feedback, dedicated, hard-working, and willing to jump in where needed.
Award Criteria: Award goes to a novice member of the Debate and Forensics Team who consistently demonstrated extraordinary talent, willingness to learn and grow, and leadership throughout the current season. Must have competed the full current season, both Fall and Spring semesters.
Phoenix Herman
Phoenix has been part of the Shepherd University Debate and Forensics Team for the past four years, and has consistently demonstrated excellence both in competition, and as a member of the team. As a senior, the 2025-26 season was incredibly successful for Phoenix. She remained undefeated in Lincoln Douglas Debate, took 2nd place in IPDA Debate (one-on-one parliamentary debate) at the largest preliminary tournament of our season, and won top three finishes in After Dinner Speaking, Single Dramatic Interpretation, and Extemporaneous Speaking at various tournaments throughout the season. At the final tournament of the season for the Collegiate Forensics Association, Phoenix was awarded both the Barbara F. Sims Award" for "Year-Long Excellence" in Lincoln-Douglas Debate and the Carl T. Hyden Award" for "Year-Long Excellence" in Pentathlon—which recognizes students who compete in at least five events across the brackets including at least one event in each: limited prep, interpretation, and prepared speeches.
Award Criteria: Award recognizes a member of the Debate and Forensics Team who consistently demonstrated excellence in competition, leadership, and mentorship of fellow team mates throughout the current season. Must have competed the full current season, both Fall and Spring semesters.
Christopher Harris
We are pleased to give this award to Christopher Harris in recognition of his exemplary civility within the university community and his commitment to strengthening West Virginia's future through the Stubblefield Institute's Community Leadership & Civil Advocacy Certificate program.
Award Criteria: This recognition is awarded to a Shepherd University student who exemplifies civility on campus through their engagement and interactions with the Shepherd University community.
Josiah Wink
Josiah Wink, senior political science major, served as the Shepherd University Student Representative on the Stubblefield Institute Board of Advisors during the 2025-26 academic year. As the representative, he participated in the work of the board and decision-making during regular board meetings and on the Programs Committee. Josiah was selected as the student representative for his contributions and experiences during the previous year. During the 2024-25 school year, as the fall semester’s Stubblefield Institute Student Intern, Josiah assisted with developing, promoting, and implementing events. Josiah’s participation with the Judith A. Herndon Fellowship program during the 2025 WV Legislative Session provided him with a unique student perspective to bring to the inaugural work session of the Stubblefield Institute’s new collaborative solution-based program, West Virginia Emerging, in which he has participated as a student researcher.
Award Criteria: Student has demonstrated dedication to civil political communications and to the Stubblefield Institute during at least two consecutive years at Shepherd University. Student served as the Shepherd University Student Representative to the Stubblefield Institute Board of Advisors during the current school year.
Vanessa Harper
Vanesa is a senior Environmental Studies student with a concentration in Sustainable Agriculture. She has worked tirelessly at Tabler Student Farm throughout her time at Shepherd, including when school is out of session. She is a Vegetable Production Leader and all-around powerhouse.
Award Criteria: Presented to a junior or senior who has demonstrated an ongoing commitment to Tabler Student Farm and its mission as well as a strong understanding of sustainable agriculture throughout their time at Shepherd. When peers look to them for leadership, they help teach, encourage, and foster community. This student has gone above and beyond to help Tabler Student Farm flourish and has played an essential role in the farm’s ecosystem!
Allison Rahe
Allison Rahe has been invaluable to the daily operations of WSHC-FM. She is an outstanding broadcaster. And she is somebody you can always count on to show up and work hard.
Award Criteria: The WSHC Outstanding Broadcaster Award recognizes a student who has demonstrated exceptional communication ability, technical skill, professionalism, creativity, leadership, and sustained contribution to the broadcast program.
Ashley Anderson
As fundraising chair, Ashley has turned the status of fundraisers into the right direction. She utilizes a mix of online and in-person fundraisers so each person can pitch in when they are able to. The first fundraiser before the Spring 2026 semester began raked in $850 for the chapter, which set the Delta Psi chapter up for a successful semester. Additionally, she is maintaining successful connections with other fundraisers that have worked well in the past.
Award Criteria: Awarded to a student who has consistently taken on leadership responsibilities and successfully fulfilled them to the betterment of the chapter.
Daniel “Dan” Clohan
Dan stepped in to serve as Literacy Leaders Conference chair when the previous chair had to step down due to personal circumstances. This is a conference in which master teachers from all over the region are invited to share knowledge and it is important for the chapter to have their game together for this big event. Throughout his role, he effectively communicated with the members of Kappa Delta Pi to give each volunteer a role.
Award Criteria: Awarded to an officer who has gone beyond expectations to serve chapter members.
Eleni Beaton
As an art education student, Eleni persuaded three of her fellow art education majors to join Kappa Delta Pi. The recruitment process is demanding and puts a lot of pressure on the top officers, and Eleni did great with recruiting her classmates. Additionally, these new members have been able to bring their talents to augment our chapter's initiatives.
Award Criteria: Awarded to a KDP member who has provided individual service to other teacher candidates in strengthening our professional community.
Whitney Riccio
Whitney stepped in to fill the position of Pen Pal chair when it was most needed. In her role, she organized the Pen Pal program with students at Mill Creek Elementary School. Through her leadership, she has gone beyond having members write basic letters by encouraging them to use vocabulary words that would be appropriate for fourth grade students. Additionally, Whitney organized for the Pen Pals to meet each other at the beginning of the semester. Even though she joined KDP in her final year as an MAT student, she is leaving an impact on the chapter that will last for years.
Award Criteria: Awarded to a student who demonstrates commitment to the development of literacy skills in P-12 learners and the promotion of research supported practice in literacy teaching
Matthew Jagela
When the chapter needed a new leader, Matthew stepped in as he always does. He has been an incredible support to the chapter as our president. He is all about making things happen. He truly walks the walk to make the chapter the best it can be by volunteering in whatever capacity is needed and truly serving those he leads.
Award Criteria: Awarded to a student who tirelessly volunteers to make the world a better place and allow important and beneficial programming to happen.n.
Aidan Pozsgay
As a new member, Aidan has shown professionalism in KDP. He was a key helper of the Literacy Leaders Conference by filling in wherever needed. Aidan upholds himself to high standards and helps wherever he can. He is always seeking to develop his professional skills through KDP and also through service in other areas on campus.
Award Criteria: Awarded to a student who contributes significantly to helping others engage in ongoing learning outside required coursework.
Caelyn Bartley
Caelyn has turned the idea of a chapter social into something that fits into our meetings. After our meetings, she organizes social events for education majors to create fellowship. It is a relaxed setting and adds another purpose to a business meeting.
Award Criteria: Awarded to a student who generates excitement in all they do and communicates it to others to make the world a better place.
Adela Kasecamp
Adela is one of the most involved members of our chapter. This extends beyond the KDP, as she is a member of Program Board, Alpha Sigma Tau, Panhellenic Council, andmore. Adela knows how to balance her time with these organizations, and she provides service to all of them. In KDP, she has been influential in assisting members with technical tasks and coming to solutions. Her dedication to her extracurricular activities will lead her to being a successful teacher.
Award Criteria: Awarded to a student who exceeds expectations in service to promote the Delta Pi Chapter at Shepherd.
Kaylie Brown
Kaylie piloted the Chapter Compassion chair as a member. In this role, she sends out supportive messages to members and helps new members find their place in the society. Additionally, she plays a key role in guiding the new members as they start learning about the benefits of KDP. Her positivity touches everyone she encounters, and it will behard to eventually elect a new chair when her time is eventually up.
Award Criteria: Awarded to a student who has made significant efforts to build a supportive community of teacher candidates within the framework of a professional organization that will keep giving beyond graduation.
Kaitlyn Ausherman
Kaitlyn is one of the most professional members of our society. As secretary, she is responsible for maintaining meeting minutes and sending them out to the chapter. These minutes are taken at such a high level and they capture everything that took place in the meeting. When life circumstances prevent members from attending a meeting, they can rely on these detailed minutes to catch up on all chapter business.
Award Criteria: Awarded to a student whose professionalism inspires other students and positivelycontributes to the Delta Pi Chapter at Shepherd.
Brianna Martin
Brianna served as President of the chapter until her student teaching semester. Even while student teaching, she held the role as secretary to show that she was rooting for the chapter. Her leadership resulted in her being nominated and given a national award. After graduating, she made an appearance at the Literacy Leaders Conference in 2026 to check in on the chapter. She stopped by the poster session to talk with students, as these particular students were preparing to student teach the next semester. Brianna has left an impact on the Delta Psi Chapter that has inspired all of its members.
Award Criteria: Awarded to an almun who has returned to Shepherd to provide support for up and coming teacher candidates.
Raylyn Chadwell
Ethan Elliott
Calvin Jones
Xavier “X” Kirk
The recipients of the Recreation and Sport Leadership Class Award have demonstrated exceptional leadership, professionalism, and commitment throughout the course. These students consistently applied leadership principles to real-world sport and recreation settings, showing strong decisionmaking, initiative, and the ability to effectively guide peers in group activities and projects. In addition to academic excellence, the recipients exemplified outstanding teamwork and communication skills, fostering a positive and inclusive class environment. Their reliability, preparedness, and strong work ethic set a high standard for others, while their ability to motivate and support classmates reflects the core values of effective leadership. Through meaningful engagement, critical thinking, and a dedication to personal and professional growth, these students have distinguished themselves as future professionals in the field of recreation and sport.
Award Criteria: The recognition for Outstanding Student in Recreation and Sport Studies is awarded to students who consistently demonstrate outstanding leadership, management and communication skills and have exhibited positive academic growth and performance by maintaining a GPA of 3.0 or higher within their academic program.
Dr. Oliver S. Ikenberry served as President of Shepherd College for 21 years, from 1947 to 1968. These were years of expansion for all American higher education and important formative years for Shepherd College as well. The institution grew in academic stature and breadth of program offerings. It expanded substantially in enrollment and in acreage that provides the spacious campus Shepherd enjoys today. President and Mrs. Ikenberry were actively engaged with students, faculty, staff, and alumni and intimately involved with the community of Shepherdstown. Ikenberry Hall was named in honor of President Ikenberry’s service to Shepherd. This award is designated for two students for “exemplary human service to Shepherd University as evidenced by campus leadership, community service, and overall achievement.”
