NRHC Student of the Year Awards

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The call for nominations for this award is now closed. 

See below for this year's winners!

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Student of the year

2025 winners

The pool of nominees for Student of the Year from a 4-year institution were so numerous and so impressive 

that the NRHC honored three students in this category!

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2025 Student of the Year

Two-Year Institution

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Mirian N. Lopez, Mercer County Community College​

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“What truly sets Mirian Lopez apart is her ability to lead by example. She inspires those around her with her work ethic, generosity, and determination. She is not only a role model for other students—Mirian is a transformative force on campus and in the broader community.”

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2025 Student of the Year 

Four-Year Institution

 

 

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Simon Wang, University of Pittsburgh
 

“This student hasn’t just achieved a great deal—they’ve laid the groundwork for others to achieve more. Simon Wang's impact is structural, strategic, and inspiring.”

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2025 Student of the Year 

Four-Year Institution

 

 

 

 

 

Rithika Padyala, Thomas Jefferson University

 

“Rithika Padyala has accomplished more in her three years than many do in four. Rithika has led with grace, pushed through bureaucracy with kindness, and left a mark that will live long after graduation.”

 

2025 Student of the Year

Four Year Institution

 

 

Nikki Golemboski, Towson University

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“This student doesn’t just ask the right questions—Nikki builds the systems to seek the answers.Her work doesn’t only elevate her peers and institutions—it fills gaps in the scholarly field itself.”

 

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Past Winners

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2024

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Two-Year Institution

Hans Mach, Community College of Allegheny County

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Four-Year Institution

Shane Appiah, Howard University

Phoebe Calkins, Towson University​

Crista Fiala, University of St. Joseph
 

2023

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Two-Year Institution

Jessica Wheeler, Community College of Allegheny County

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Four-Year Institution:

Jade Rhoads, Thiel College

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2022

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Four-Year Institution:

Briseyda Barrientos Ariza, Towson University

Vanessa Maybruck, Kutztown University

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2021

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Four-Year Institution:

Kaitlyn, Fales, Bryant University

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Two-Year Institution:

Erin McClain, Community College of Allegheny County 

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2020

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Four-Year Institution:

Kai-Lou Yue, Bryant University

Kaitlyn Esposito, Fairleigh Dickinson University

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Two-Year Institution:

Amirah Elayan, Bergen Community College

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2019

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Four-Year Institution:

Haleigh Swam, Lock Haven University

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Two-Year Institution:

Lope Jan Williams, LaGuardia Community College

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2018

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Four-Year Institution:

Mohini Gobin, Pace University

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Two-Year Institution:

Therese Russell, Nassau Community College

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2017

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Four-Year Institution:

Micah Castello, Notre Dame of Maryland University

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Two-Year Institution:

Nathanael Linton, SUNY Orange

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