On Friday, April 5, Trinity University celebrated 51 students through the annual Student Leadership and Service Awards ceremony in the Korbell Great Hall. This ceremony recognizes the character, hard work, and success of remarkable Trinity students.
In collaboration with Alumni Relations and Development, the Division of Student Affairs presented eight awards focusing on different aspects of service, leadership, and community.
Read more about each award and view the recipients.
- The Roman M. Lubetzky KINDness Award
The Roman M. Lubetzky Endowment Fund for KINDness seeks to encourage the attributes of kindness and noble behavior among Trinity students. Daniel Lubetzky, vice president of the Roman and Sonia Lubetzky Foundation, is a 1990 Trinity graduate. Building on his international upbringing and his Trinity experiences, including studying abroad in Israel, Lubetzky founded PeaceWorks in 1994. PeaceWorks is an international food company creating products that incorporate ingredients from nations on opposing sides of political conflicts. As the most prestigious of the Student Leadership commendations, this award recognizes a student who embodies the virtues of kindness and scholarship and comes with a significant gift to support the recipient’s financial aid.
Recipient: Elida Del Angel '26
- Presidential Award for Excellence
This award is given to senior students in recognition of their long-term commitment and extensive, multi-role involvement in the community. These students have enhanced campus life by acting as role models and creating opportunities for others to lead. They are also dedicated to collaboration and partnerships, innovative practices, and intentional inclusion.
Recipients: Danae Barkocy ’24, Alejandra Caballero Piñedo ’24, Adam Garza ’24, Katherine Hoang ’24, Lauren Hurley ’24, Maggie Karim ’24, Grace Magavern ’24, Cecilia Parker ’24, Jimmy Phan ’24, and Sarah Solis ’24.
- Heart of Trinity Student Service Award
The Board of Visitors and the Alumni Association, in partnership with Alumni Relations and Development, recognizes one to four seniors each year for outstanding service to the University. Honorees promote a dedication to serving their communities (on-campus and beyond) through their time, talents, and philanthropic efforts as students—an early indication of their lifelong commitment to serving and supporting other Tigers. Honorees also receive a $1,000 stipend courtesy of the award sponsors.
Recipients: Trinity Coatney ’24, Camille Heidelbaugh ’24, Mia Kholy ’24, and Danny Nguyen ’24.
- Dr. Coleen Grissom Continued Commitment and Dedication Award
The Dr. Coleen Grissom Continued Commitment and Dedication Award stands as a timeless tribute to the enduring legacy of a remarkable individual whose life was defined by unwavering dedication to service and profound engagement with her community. This prestigious award commemorates her indelible impact on the lives of those around her and her tireless efforts to create positive change. This award is bestowed upon individuals who exemplify the same spirit of service, compassion, and community engagement that defined Dr. Grissom’s life. Recipients of this esteemed honor are those whose substantive contribution and long-term involvement have significantly enriched the fabric of their communities and perpetuated Dr. Grissom’s legacy of positive change.
Recipients: Paige Bensing ’24, Jackson Borchers ’24, Ariana Castillo ’24, Paloma Díaz-Minshew ’24, Sebastian Espinoza ’24, Caterina Mora Adrover ’24, Kendal Southwell ’24, and Piper Thomas ’24.
- Tigers on the Rise Award
This award is presented by the Alumni Association in partnership with Alumni Relations and Development to juniors who are committed to being stewards of Trinity University through leadership and engagement on and off campus. These students are dedicated to paying it forward to those students who come after them.
Recipients: Joy Areola ’25, Alondra Flores ’25, Zoe Flores ’25, Trinity Hatchett ’25, and Anusha Sharma ’25.
- Thurman Adkins "Unsung Hero" Award
Thurman Adkins was a guiding light, embodied the values of personal integrity & fair-minded leadership, and had a calm demeanor that left a mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him. His commitment to excellence and his genuine care for others set a standard of excellence that continues to inspire generations. This award is bestowed upon individuals who exemplify the same unwavering dedication to their communities and the same selfless devotion to creating a positive change that defined Thurman Adkins’ life. Recipients of this prestigious honor demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to service, working tirelessly behind the scenes to uplift and empower others.
Recipients: Sam Damon ’24, Lee Denney ’25, Mackenzie Gasner ’24, Aspen Harrison ’25, Caroline Myers ’24, Esmeralda Pedroza ’25, Sophie Radi ’24, and Max Sebbar ’25.
- Emerging Student Leader Award
This award recognizes a first-year, sophomore, or transfer student who has demonstrated significant potential for success through community involvement and exploration of the unfamiliar.
Recipients: Alexis Ibarra ’26, Jose Ignacio Mora ’27, John Key ’26, Sean Macias ’26, Lauren McCarthy ’27, Cinthia Morales ’26, and Sam Vader ’26.
- Diversity & Inclusion Award
This award recognizes students who have actively broken down barriers and constructed a socially just space in their community. These students are dedicated to advancing the University's core mission of intentional inclusion as well as open dialogue. They are actively engaged in cultivating diversity, equity, and social justice within the community.
Recipients: Nayeli (Maria) Aleman ’26, Kaleigh Cansino ’26, Nicole Covarrubias ’24, Jade Gonzalez ’24, Harrison Hartman ’24, Danna Ramirez ’26, Anirudan (Ani Siva) Sivaprakash ’25, and Saqhib Syed ’25.
View the ceremony’s virtual program for more information about this year’s recipients.
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