This award is presented to a senior student who exemplifies Father Van’s cheerful and relentless exuberance, energy, and utter devotion to serving the community on and off campus.

2026 Recipient

Aidan James Sanchez

A two-term ASUP President and 2023 ASUP Senator of the Year, Aidan championed initiatives that strengthened student engagement and expanded support for students across campus. Beyond student government, he has served as a Lead Student Ambassador, Co-President of the Filipino American Student Association, Residence Life Office Assistant, and member of the Anchor Society. Through every role, Aidan has fostered community, belonging, and school spirit.

Previous Recipients

• 2025 - Kevin Liu
• 2024 - Ian Thompson
• 2023 - Colleen Clapp
• 2022 - Yeudith Valdovinos
• 2021 - Sharif Morton
• 2020 - Diana Salgado Huicochea
• 2019 - Annie Voegele
• 2018 - Emily Gallagos
• 2017 - Joseph Rojo
• 2016 - Jesse Dunn & Logan Crabtree
• 2015 - Derek Block
• 2014 - Kylie Pybus
• 2013 - Austin Viega
• 2012 - Theresa Cutter
• 2011 - Laura Burchett

This SAIE award is presented to a staff member who has served in the division three years or less; honoring one who has excelled in promoting the department's mission and work, created bridges of learning and increased opportunities for students, professional staff, and/or faculty.

2026 Recipient

Isabella Vickers | Associate Director of Counseling

Since joining the Health and Counseling team in 2024, Isabella has transformed access to mental health support for UP students through compassionate and innovative leadership. She strengthened counseling services, expanded crisis response resources, and helped bring critical mental health training opportunities to the campus community. Her dedication to student well-being has made a lasting and meaningful impact across UP.

This SAIE award is presented to a staff member who has been serving in the division for four years or more and has significantly impacted one or more of our University’s Core Themes of Teaching and Learning, Faith and Formation, and Service and Leadership. The honored staff is a leader among one’s colleagues and exemplifies the very best of a student affairs professional.

2026 Recipient

Robert DiGrigoli | Dispatcher, Campus Safety

A steadfast advocate for teaching, learning, and student success, Robert consistently ensures that students, staff, and visitors feel supported, informed, and valued. Beyond his formal responsibilities, he generously shares his time and expertise to train colleagues and student workers, provide leadership during critical situations, and strengthen campus safety. Robert's commitment to service, excellence, and the well-being of others is felt across the UP campus every day.

This award recognizes a student who works as a Hall Council Executive who was exemplary in their role and worked hard to foster connection community in their hall through programs and events.

2026 Recipient

Danni Rivera

As Hall Council President of Mehling Hall, Danni demonstrated exceptional leadership by fostering an engaged, welcoming community and leading key initiatives, including the successful Mehling Christmas Party. Through their collaborative approach, innovative systems, and dedication to resident involvement, she strengthened Hall Council effectiveness and enhanced the residential experience for their peers.

This award recognizes a member of an Ambassador Leadership Program whose performance exemplifies a commitment and a dedication to the service of others during the current academic year.

2026 Recipient

Max Hanley

As a first-year resident assistant in the Haggerty & Tyson apartments, Max has demonstrated exceptional dedication to resident care, community building, and service. Through thoughtful acts of support, innovative programming like their popular breadmaking events, and a commitment to fostering belonging, he has made a meaningful impact on the residential experience.

This award recognizes a resident assistant who has demonstrated meritorious service to the Department of Residence Life over a period of more than one year.

2026 Recipient

Annie Crockett

Annie’s nearly three years of dedicated service, compassionate leadership, and commitment to building meaningful connections have left a lasting impact on the Kenna Hall community. Through her involvement as an RA, Hall Council leader, Pilots After Dark coordinator, and Resident Assistant Advisory Council member, she has fostered a welcoming and engaged residential experience for countless students.

This award recognizes a Residence Life team member who is considered a role model by fellow staff and residents through a ministry of presence, and embodies our Holy Cross spirit of residentiality.

2026 Recipient

Nic Laurente

Nic’s joyful leadership, genuine hospitality, and steadfast support of residents and staff helped foster a strong sense of belonging within the Christie community. Through intentional programs and meaningful connections, he created welcoming spaces where students felt known, valued, and supported.

This award recognizes a student who works as a Community Assistant and exemplifies in their role an ability to create a friendly, welcoming, and inclusive community in their hall.

The Brian Doyle Student Media Award was established in Spring 2018 by the Office of Student Activities (OSA) to keep Brian’s spirit alive within each of UP’s student media organizations, The Beacon, The Log, and KDUP. Brian described himself as "a storycatcher," and he often said stories are holy. He also recognized they come in many forms: words, images, music, etc. As Brian would put it, students should “tell stories that both inform and move their readers…and shoulder the universe forward two inches.” This award is given each year by OSA to a student whose dedication, character, and excellent work within student media exemplify Brian’s approach to his craft and love for the UP community.

2026 Recipient

Maggie Dapp

Throughout her time with The Beacon, Maggie has distinguished herself as an exceptional journalist and leader, producing impactful reporting with remarkable accuracy, insight, and compassion. Rising from first-year staff member to Editor-in-Chief, she has shaped the publication’s news coverage through her tireless work ethic, dedication to truth, and commitment to mentoring others.

This award is presented to a University student whose life and work on The Bluff, and record of outstanding voluntary service, encapsulate and celebrate the spirit of the late Catherine Johnson, of the Class of 2002. Tireless in her cheerful work for others, wonderfully alert to music as prayer and paean, a graceful and talented teacher, a woman of penetrating mind and powerful faith, Kate was the essence of the University of Portland as its very best: bright, passionate, energetic, brave, and aware every minute of how her own capacious talents might be turned to better the lives of others.

2026 Recipient

Benjamin Barrero

Through his leadership of social justice immersions and unwavering advocacy for immigrant communities, Benjamin has inspired others to engage deeply with issues of justice, dignity, and belonging. His ability to turn compassion into action, while fostering meaningful reflection and community support, has made a profound impact both on campus and beyond.

This award is presented to a student whose individual commitment to diversity and inclusion has fostered a welcoming environment, sensitive to positionally and privilege, helping to ensure all feel welcomed at the University of Portland.

2026 Recipient

Nevaeh Bray

A graduate student-athlete and community builder, Nevaeh helped establish the Pilots Black Student-Athlete organization, expanded opportunities for representation and dialogue, and created spaces that celebrate and uplift Black voices on campus. Through her mentorship, service, and unwavering dedication to ensuring others feel seen, heard, and valued, Nevaeh has helped foster a more inclusive and welcoming UP community.

This award recognizes a student, staff or faculty who has been an integral part of the Center’s mission and programming in fostering an inclusive, equitable, and supportive environment where everyone feels valued and respected.

2026 Recipient

Symone Fiedler

Symone’s dedication, positive spirit, and commitment to fostering an inclusive and welcoming campus community have made a lasting impact on The Center and its continued success. Through her active involvement in CGS events and unwavering support of students, staff, and faculty, she exemplifies the true meaning of allyship.

This award is given to a student who evinces the University’s devotion to Christ as a compass point and prism for a life of creative and diligent grace and generosity – in short, an individual who is graced with the spirit of the late and beloved Father Fred. This is the essence of who we wish to see on the Bluff – relentlessly honest and selfless, bent on healing what is and creating what will be, alert to how the shaping and wielding of ones gifts can be of direct and powerful service to our brothers and sisters. On this remarkable soul, the University asks the light and love of the Lord, and His boundless grace forever.

2026 Recipient

Mary Jensen

Since her first year on campus, Mary has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to faith, service, and spiritual leadership through her extensive involvement in Campus Ministry programs, retreats, liturgies, and faith formation opportunities. Her humble dedication to serving others, fostering meaningful conversations about faith, and promoting human dignity has made a lasting impact on our campus community.

This award is named after Kay Toran (CAS '64, Social Work) whose life‐long endeavors and work have made a positive difference in the lives of so many people.  The Kay Toran award recognizes an outstanding graduating senior in the College of Arts and Sciences who, in the spirit of Holy Cross Education, has engaged in thoughtful and active outreach in the "service of the common good alongside their academic pursuits."

2026 Recipient

Nicole King

Nicole has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to service through her dedication to supporting older adults, combining compassion, advocacy, and a deep commitment to understanding the aging experience. Through meaningful work in retirement communities and a thoughtful approach to dementia and end-of-life care, she has created lasting connections that honor the dignity and lived experiences of others.

This award is presented to a student whose creative energy and hard work with the University’s international student community and international student office echoes and celebrates the legacy of Brother Fulgence — calm, gentle, generous, deft, kind, a quiet leader, a respected role model, an unforgettable pillar of the community.

Fr. Delauney founded the Department of Psychology at UP and created with the faculty and students pioneering programs in clinical psychology and community counseling services. Originally housed on campus, the community services program evolved into an independent organization: The Delauney Mental Health Center. In the spirit and legacy of Father Delauney who contributed to the care of the UP community, this award is presented to a student who has rendered creative and exceptional service and advocated for innovative programming to support the health and wellness of their peers.

2026 Recipient

Frances Cardenas

As a Peer Health Educator, Frances has demonstrated outstanding creativity, compassion, and dedication to promoting student wellness through engaging programming and evidence-based health education. Their commitment to fostering a welcoming environment and advancing health equity has made a meaningful impact on the campus community.

This award is presented to a UP community member who has demonstrated compassionate, empathetic, and caring leadership in addressing a situation which compromised the safety or security of the University of Portland community or any of its members.

2026 Recipient

Jamie Allen

Through her years of dedicated service with Campus Safety, Jamie has consistently demonstrated excellence, reliability, and a deep commitment to supporting others. In addition to mastering her responsibilities, she has served as a valued mentor to new student employees, offering guidance, encouragement, and support.