UNH Today

Thirteen students were honored recently at the 2016 Student Awards Presentation. Here’s a look at the winners and what their nominators had to say about them.

Laura Rose Donegan ’16, College of Liberal Arts
UNH Award of Excellence, given to recognize excellence in leadership, scholarship and citizenship
“I believe her motivation to serve grows from a deeply held set of convictions, which includes a sincere concern for the needs of others. She has a strong sense of service and a well-considered understanding of her values, which she intends to use in public service.”

Paige Balcom ’16, College of Engineering and Physical Sciences
University Women’s Award, given to the senior woman who shows the greatest promise through character, scholarship, leadership and usefulness to humanity
“Paige thinks carefully about what she wants to accomplish, takes full advantage of the resources available to her, and she is relentless in going after she wants, though always through collaborative avenues … She is humble but ambitious, driven by a vision to better herself and the world through her efforts.”

Mary Beth Sareault ’16, College of Engineering and Physical Sciences
Frederick Smyth Book Award, given to the most meritorious student for the purchase of books
“Mary Beth is passionate about helping and serving others and she dedicates an extraordinary amount of time to volunteer and leadership activities on campus. That is very impressive given the demanding mechanical engineering program she is enrolled in.”

Brittany Marshall ’18, College of Engineering and Physical Sciences
Helen Duncan Jones Award, given to the sophomore woman showing the greatest promise of outstanding achievement in American citizenship, leadership and scholarship
“In considering the areas of citizenship, leadership and scholarship, it is easy to draw parallels to Britt’s presence in the field hockey program. She commits to the work that needs to be put in, diligently progressing and doing so while creating a positive environment around her.”

Ariel Pueyo Encinas ’16, College of Liberal Arts
Erskine Mason Award, given to that senior who is distinguished for most consistent progress and achievement
“Ariel excels not just due to her extremely sharp intellect, her strong sense of responsibility and her polished and poised manner, but also due to her warm and engaging personality; she is clearly someone who enjoys interactions with others and approaches them with an openness of spirit and a desire to learn something new.”

Madison Lightfoot ’16, College of Health and Human Services
Dean Williamson Award, given to a senior who has been outstanding and well-rounded in extracurricular activities, scholarship, athletics and loyalty to the university
“Madison is one of the most genuine and sincere people on our campus. She is a person of high integrity, great courage, remarkable leadership and tremendous potential. She is an exceptional leader who will make a difference wherever she goes and in whatever she undertakes.”

Ross Conroy ’16, College of Liberal Arts
Hood Achievement Prize, given to the senior who shows the greatest promise through character, scholarship, leadership and usefulness to humanity
“Ross will be an effective public servant and a leading ambassador. He takes seriously his mission to help more people understand Africa, by using a soft diplomatic approach, testing interest, gently correcting major misconceptions and communicating his enthusiasm and love for the people.”

Siddharth Nigam ’16, College of Engineering and Physical Sciences
Jere A. Chase Service Award, given to the graduating senior who has displayed outstanding student service to the university
“Sid has been what I consider ‘the face’ of UNH. Apart from his academic success, somehow he has managed to be a successful president of big student organizations on campus. He has left such a mark at UNH that there is hardly a student that I know who wouldn’t speak highly of Sid. He is an inspirational figure not only for many of his fellow students, but for faculty as well.”

Brittany Marien ’16, College of Liberal Arts
Class of 1899 Prize, given to that senior who has developed the highest ideals of good citizenship during his or her course of study
“From her short-term volunteer work in Ghana and her long-term study of Mandarin Chinese, Brittany has demonstrated a strong curiosity in the world outside of New Hampshire. She has developed an intense interest in conflict studies, security issues and peace resolution. She will no doubt assume a leadership position in government or academia.”

Eden Suoth ’18, College of Engineering and Physical Sciences
Alumni Meritorious Service Award Association Prize, given to recognize an outstanding undergraduate student who excels in academics and in extracurricular activities
“From the first time Eden stepped into my classroom, I have so enjoyed having him as a student. He has a rare combination of analytic sharpness, excellent awareness of group dynamics, and just a joyous personality. He was a real star in the class, and I think all of his peers really enjoyed his presence — he was not only one of the sharpest students, but also something of a cheerleader for every idea and every person in the class. He’s just the sort of student you want on your team: sharp, responsible, compassionate and super fun.”

Michael Locke ’18, College of Engineering and Physical Sciences
Parents Association Award and Scholarship, given to recognize students who have shown an understanding and appreciation of the value of a university education, and who have accepted the responsibility to share their education to better the community in which they live
“Michael is a co-author on a conference publication related to characterizing low velocity water droplet impacts, which will evolve into a journal publication in the near future after further investigations. Michael was a great team player on this research, showed exceptional hands-on skills and demonstrated his outstanding analytical abilities (note his perfect 4.0 GPA) during the summer and was instrumental in moving the research forward so quickly. He is extremely personable, has excellent communication skills and is able to grasp new concepts readily. He is curious by nature, has a strong work ethic and is committed to engagement activities.”

Haylee Colannino ’17, College of Life Sciences and Agriculture
Parents Association Award and Scholarship, given to recognize students who have shown an understanding and appreciation of the value of a university education, and who have accepted the responsibility to share their education to better the community in which they live
“Haylee is an exceptional student and leader in our community. However, her most compelling qualities are her personal qualities and characteristics. She is a person of high integrity, trustworthy and honest, with a strong sense of ethics and personal responsibility. She is a delightful person with a great sense of humor, a belief in the common good and strong sense of helping and serving others.”

Krysta Gingue ’17, College of Liberal Arts
Governor Wesley Powell Award, given to that undergraduate student who has an expressed interest in public service as demonstrated through his/her course of study and extracurricular activities, both on and off campus
“Krysta is a first-generation undergraduate student who … rises to high academic standards and demonstrates through studies and extracurricular activities her genuine passion and commitment towards public service and leadership.”