Leaders of Tomorrow Honored at Annual Skookum Awards Ceremony
Western New England University (WNE) celebrated its annual Skookum Awards Ceremony on Sunday, October 6, recognizing 16 remarkable seniors for their academic achievements, leadership, and contributions to the University community. Under a clear autumn sky, families, faculty, alumni, and friends gathered to celebrate these future global leaders.
President Robert Johnson, in his opening remarks, praised the honorees, stating that “they are the best among the best,” and emphasized their role as role models for their peers and future WNE students. He also acknowledged the importance of faculty and staff in nominating these outstanding individuals, recognizing their influence in shaping these students' success.
The Skookum Award Ceremony is a long-time tradition, drawing the attendance of many past award recipients who are looking to show their support and usher this year’s honorees into the Skookum network.
During the event, alumna D'Naysia Stonick ’19 shared valuable life advice with the students. Stonick, whose career in marketing has taken unexpected turns, reassured the audience that it’s okay not to have everything figured out after graduation. She highlighted the importance of embracing change, building networks, and recognizing one's own worth.
Dr. Allissa Long ’17/PharmD’19, Secretary of the Alumni Association Board of Directors, explained the rigorous selection process behind the awards. This year, over 75 nominees vied for the honor, with 16 students ultimately chosen. Of these, three received the highest honors: the Grand Skookum and two Royal Skookum awards.
Top Honorees:
- Grand Skookum: Ashley Figueroa, Biomedical Engineering major with a minor in Chemistry, from Charlton, Massachusetts.
- Royal Skookum: Elizabeth Heiney, Management and Leadership major with a minor in Finance, from Springfield, Massachusetts.
- Royal Skookum: Armani Mayes, 3+3 Psychology and Doctor of Occupational Therapy student with a minor in Neuroscience, from Waterbury, Connecticut.
The following students were also recognized:
- Alexa Adams, Business Analytics & Information Management major with a minor in Finance and Enterprise Resource Planning, from Windsor Locks, Connecticut.
- Adriana Aponte, Psychology major with an Accounting minor, from Meriden, Connecticut.
- Emma Birmingham, Political Science major with a minor in International Business, from Enfield, Connecticut.
- Jessica Brown, Health Studies major and student in WNE’s 3+3 Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program, from Douglas, Massachusetts.
- Shaina Cooney, Health Studies major with a minor in Chemistry, from Montgomery, New York.
- Lauren Corcoran, Biomedical Engineering major, from Kingston, Massachusetts.
- Brianne Dube, Health Studies major and student in WNE’s 3+3 Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program, from Lewiston, Maine.
- Gianna Fiore, Marketing Communications and Advertising major with a minor in Statistics, from Methuen, Massachusetts.
- Taylor Geist, Forensic Chemistry major with a minor in Psychology, from Charlotte, North Carolina.
- Naressa Kempadoo, Health Sciences major with a minor in Chemistry, from Holyoke, Massachusetts.
- Kaila Mank, Marketing Communications/Advertising and Entrepreneurship double major, from Raymond, Maine.
- Patrick Riley, Political Science major with minors in Public Administration, International Studies, and Campaigns & Elections, from Thomaston, Connecticut.
- Zoey Wexler, Forensic Chemistry major with a minor in Math, from Manchester, Connecticut.
The Skookum Award, meaning "excellence" in the Native American Chinook language, has been a hallmark of WNE's recognition of outstanding students since 1989. As the 35th annual Skookum Awards came to a close, the honorees left the ceremony with a strong sense of accomplishment, a network of support, and a commitment to continuing their path of leadership and success.
Learn more about the 2024 Skookum honorees and view event photos on WNE's website.
