Ohio Dominican University honored students, faculty and staff for their achievements, leadership and service during the University’s annual Celebrating Academic and Leadership Awards (CALA) ceremony on May 4, 2026.
Rooted in ODU’s commitment to academic excellence, service and leadership, the annual CALA ceremony celebrates members of the campus community who have made a meaningful impact inside and outside the classroom.
The following is a complete list of award recipients:
Judith C. Mitchell Writing Award
Nicholas Axene, for the poem “They Didn’t Want You”
Sr. Maryanna Childs Writing Award
Hannah Vanderhoff and John Holonitch, for their outstanding work in British Survey
II
Bishop Edward J. Herrmann Award
Mark Hettinger
David Allan Hamilton Christopher Award
Ruth Kamanga
T. Kline Hamilton Award
Nayton Seymour
Joseph A. and Florence W. Lisska Award
Dorcas Asante
Provost Award for Academic Excellence
Awarded to the students with the top 10 GPAs in the graduating class:
Ashley Aselage
Christopher Bartholomew
Tayyib Gill
Anish Gupta
Daniel Alvarez Izquierdo
Ruth Kamanga
Raegan Kinne
Margaret Krosky
Sumbal Memon
Sarah Stevens
Tutor of the Year Award
Julia Thuestad
Community Service Award
Lexi Smith
Diversity in Action Award
Sumbal Memon
Panther Pride Award
Kamryn Daniels
Emerging Leader Award
Hannah Vanderhoff
Outstanding Leader Award
Maggie Bostard
Program of the Year Award
Salt & Light Annual 5K
Student Organization of the Year Award
Panther Players
Sister Angelita Conley Faculty of the Year Award
Tracy Shroyer, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Business
Bishop James A. Griffin Staff of the Year Award
Emily Strand, Director of Campus Ministry & Liturgical Music
Student Employee of the Year Award
Miya Kinn
Hajaratu Kamara
Dominican Spirit Award
Mark Hettinger