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Student leadership, service and community impact took center stage at the 2026 Athenian Awards on April 16 in Mary Chapel at the Chalon Campus. The annual Mount tradition brought together students, families, faculty and staff to honor student leaders whose involvement across campus continues to shape and strengthen the community. This year, 36 undergraduate students and four student clubs and organizations received awards in recognition of their contributions.

Rooted in the mission of the University and the legacy of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, the Athenian Awards celebrate students who embody leadership as both action and responsibility. Hosted by the Office of Women’s Leadership and Student Engagement, honorees are recognized in multiple categories for enriching the Mount community and for their dedication to supporting their peers, living out the call to serve “the dear neighbor.”

Vice President of Student Affairs Linda McMurdock, PhD, reflected on the significance of the evening, noting the lasting influence of student leadership across the Mount community. Addressing the awardees, she said, “Through your intentional involvement with your academics, your investment in yourself and your community, you exemplify what it means to be a Mount leader. You are lifelong learners and leaders for a just society, and as you move forward, you carry with you the knowledge, compassion and purpose to make a meaningful impact. Like the Sisters of St. Joseph who founded this University, you are truly unstoppable.”

Emerging Leaders Award

Emerging Leader Awards recognize students who have exhibited leadership potential through their early involvement in the campus community.

• Cheyenne Clark '29
• Heena Bista '29
• Kiara Young '29
• Nicole Azcui '28
• Priscilla Tso '26
• Zuleyka Portela De Leon '29

Outstanding Leader Award

The Outstanding Leader Award is given to students who have demonstrated leadership through their involvements and contributions to the campus community.

• Gaby Cosio '27
• Leslie Martinez '26
• Avyn Hampton '28
• Eilah Najera Perez '26
• Dulce Romero '28
• Janaleicia Smith '27

Exemplary Leader Award

The Exemplary Leader Award honors graduating seniors who have consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to leadership. These students embody the four core principles of MOUNTleads, value civic engagement and understand leadership as a lifelong responsibility.

• Stephanie Ahorro '26
• Julia Cendejas '26
• Alexis Fernandez '26
• Tajelle Freeman '26
• Lady Jones '26

Inter-Club Council Awards

The Inter-Club Council, comprised of 19 club and organization presidents, presents four special awards to recognize student organizations for their innovation and impact on the campus community. The winners of the following awards went above and beyond to create meaningful events and programs for Mount students during the 2025–2026 academic year.

Beyond the Margins, a student-led book club, received the Rising Star Award for its rapid growth and innovative programming, while the California Nursing Student Association earned the Champion of Service Award for its commitment to giving back. The Program of the Year Award was presented to the Pre-Physician Assistant Club and the California Nursing Student Association for their collaborative blood drive, and Isabella Gevorkyan was named President of the Year for her exceptional leadership and dedication as president of the Pre-PA Club.

Veteran Student Recognition

New this year, the ceremony included a special recognition of Mount’s student veterans, honoring their service and leadership. Cecilia Rodriguez ‘26, who will receive a Bachelor of Science in Nursing this May, and Giselle Skjervem ‘26, who will receive a Bachelor of Business Administration, were recognized as U.S. Navy veterans.

Both students were presented with a U.S. Navy Veteran Graduation Stole and a Mount Saint Mary’s Challenge Coin, a symbol of achievement, pride and belonging within the Mount community. Their recognition highlighted the resilience, discipline and perspective veteran students bring as they transition from military service to academic life.

Sports, Recreation and Wellness Leadership Award

Additional recognition was given to the Sports, Recreation and Wellness student staff, whose work this year expanded wellness initiatives and strengthened community across both campuses. Their efforts ranged from launching two new facilities during the University’s 100th anniversary — the Michael A. Enright Wellness Pavilion at the Chalon Campus and the renovated wellness center at the Doheny Campus — to hosting signature events and creating opportunities for connection and care.

• Lesley Mercado
• Leonor Rivas
• Darlene Barba
• Katya Jaime
• Lauryn Gilmore
• Jackie Tokatlyan
• Eilah Perez
• Sierra Limbrick
• Marissa Mercado
• Samuel Churchill
• Kimberly Parra
• Mel Murillo
• Destiny Gonzales
• David McFarlin
• Karyme Tovar
• Paige White
• Atziri Vargas
• Dayanara Cameras

Congratulations to this year’s honorees!