2019 Fairfield Student Achievement Award Winners Announced

2019 Fairfield Student Achievement Award Winners Announced

At the Student Achievement Awards Ceremony on Monday, April 29, six Fairfield University undergraduates will be recognized for their leadership and outstanding achievements.

Each year, Fairfield University recognizes a select number of seniors with Student Achievement Awards, for achievements in both academics and in service, highlighting the students' contributions to excellence, engagement, and the Ignatian tradition. This year, the recognition ceremony will be held on Monday, April 29 at 4 p.m. in the Aloysius P. Kelley, S.J., Center Presentation Room.

Elisa Castelli ’19 will receive the prestigious St. Ignatius Loyola Medal for committing herself over the last four years to the Jesuit education ideals of maintaining high academic standards and substantial involvement in community service and extracurricular activities.

“Being given the honor of receiving the Loyola Medal means so much to me for two reasons: 1) it is incredibly meaningful recognition for the time and work I have put into everything I do here at Fairfield, and 2) it shows I made a big enough impact on others that they were willing to take the time to nominate me for this award. At the end of the day, that means just as much to me as winning the medal does, because I do the things I do to be a resource for others and to make a difference in our community,” stated Castelli. “The Loyola Medal is affirmation that I am in fact reaching that goal, and I am so honored and proud to be the recipient of what I consider to be the highest level of achievement a graduating senior can attain.”

Castelli, a finance major from New York, has a full resumé of accomplishments, including inductions into Alpha Sigma Nu and Alpha Mu Gamma. She is a Magis scholar, a member of the Honors Program, and a senior resident assistant. She has been an immersion trip leader to the Dominican Republic, she volunteered for the Navajo Nation trip, and she shares her musical talent as Glee Club secretary and Sweet Harmony director. Of Castelli, a nominator said, “Elisa’s commitment to the Ignatian Leadership Residential College program’s guiding questions shines through everything that she does. She is reflective, compassionate, and extremely hardworking, and always trying to better the experience of those around her.”

The William J. Kramer ’60 Humanitarian Award will be awarded to Eunsun “Sunny” Hong ’19 for her “commitment to volunteerism and service to an external community activity that best exemplifies the Ignatian tradition of being men and women for and with others.” As a student at Fairfield, Hong individually designed her major in global public health and co-founded the Global Health Club on campus. In addition, she is a member of the American Chemical Society, the Clinton Global Initiative, the Global Scholars Program, Model United Nations, and she is fluent in Korean. Hong is a Newman Civic Fellow, and has worked in The Gambia with Starfish International, a non-profit focusing on girls’ education. She has recently received a Fairfield Research Grant to return to The Gambia and introduce feminine hygiene kits.

Four students will receive the Student Achievement Award for their dedication and enhancement of a University program.

Kathleen Curry ’19, a communications major and Magis scholar, won for her commitment to open and civil dialogue. Throughout her time at Fairfield, Curry has been a Campus Ministry lector and leader, Students for Life president, and social media manager. She is also a member of Alpha Sigma Nu.

Lauren Hart ’19, a psychology major, also won for her commitment to open and civil dialogue. She is a member of Alpha Sigma Nu, Psi Chi, Phi Beta Kappa, Pi Mu Epsilon,Canisius Academy, and the Honors program. During her time at Fairfield, Hart served as a Eucharistic Minister, president of Students for Life, a service learning associate, a tour ambassador, and as a volunteer for the Cesar Batalla School.

Brian Daley ’19 will receive the Student Achievement Award for his commitment to student engagement and development. An international studies and political science double major, Daley is a member of the Fairfield University Student Association and the Council of Student Organizations and is a New Student Leader. He has already begun making the most of his political science major, stacking his resumé with experiences as both a Congressional Intern and a Massachusetts State Senator Campaign Fellow.

Sydney Williams ‘19 will receive recognition for her commitment to inclusive excellence. An international studies and political science double major, Williams is the Black Student Union co-founder and president. She is a Magis scholar, Division 1 athlete, and 2019 MLK Vision Award Recipient. She belongs to various honor societies on campus, including Phi Beta Kappa, Pi Sigma Alpha, Sigma Iota Rho, and Phi Sigma Tau. In addition, Williams is a Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants mentor and a Fairfield Journal for Global Citizenship editor.

For more information, please visit the Student Achievement Awards page or contact Rita Sherwood at rsherwood@fairfield.edu or 203-254-4211.

Student Achievement Awards

Date: Monday, April 29
Time: 4 p.m.
Location: Kelley Center Presentation Room

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