Each year, 18 students are honored with AU’s highest awards for service, leadership and scholarship - the University Student Achievement Awards.

In a tradition that goes back nearly a century, students are nominated for specific ways they have excelled at AU and impacted the community, from academics to leadership. This year’s award winners will be feted on May 7 at an Awards Program, and honored during their commencement ceremonies, where they will also be seated on stage. Winners also receive cash awards.

Here are the 2026 graduates who will be honored for their outstanding contributions.

Outstanding Scholarship

Four students are honored each year for exceptional scholarship: two undergraduates and two graduate students. This year's awardees for the Scott A. Bass Outstanding Scholarship at the Undergraduate Level Award are Evelyn Bristol, CAS/BS ’26, and George Stefanov, SIS/BA ’26. Ramya Saranya Ramadurai, CAS/PhD ’26, and Seho Kim, Kogod/MS ’26, will receive awards for Outstanding Scholarship at the Graduate Level.

Evelyn Bristol, CAS/BS ’26, is a dedicated scholar who has performed exceptionally well inside the classroom and beyond. Pursuing a dual degree in Pure Mathematics and Physics, she was undergraduate research assistant in Professor Anderson’s Optics Lab. Evelyn also joined the Louisiana State University Quantum Photonics Laboratory as an NSF-funded Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) student last summer and presented posters summarizing her research at a variety of conferences. On campus, she also served as president of AU’s Society of Physics Students.

Evelyn Bristol (CAS/BS ’26)

George Stefanov, SIS/BA ’26, has excelled in his courses while building an extensive research portfolio. Majoring in International Studies, George distinguished himself as an Olson Scholar and as a member of the AU Honors Program. His research focused on the ways culture, historical narratives, and identity shape politics and security in Eurasia. George presented his work at several conferences and published a piece in the Chicago Journal of Foreign Policy. Through a Fulbright-Hays Fellowship, he spent a year at a university in Kazakhstan, and his studies also took him to Latvia, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Turkey.

George Stefanov (SIS/BA ’26)

Ramya Ramadurai, CAS/PhD ’26, is completing a highly selective internship with McLean Hospital and Harvard Medical School to satisfy the final requirement for her PhD in Clinical Psychology. During her time at AU, Ramya demonstrated a deep commitment to using scientific research to improve mental health outcomes, especially in marginalized communities. Her dissertation produced a culturally informed adaptation of dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) skills for African American women, extending the reach and applicability of this therapy.  A leader in Professor Herr’s Interpersonal Emotion Lab, Ramya mentored her fellow doctoral students, master’s students, and undergraduates. She has published more than a dozen articles and presented countless talks and posters at national conferences.

Ramya Ramadurai (CAS/PhD ’26)

Seho Kim, Kogod/MS ’26, completed the prestigious joint Master of Science in Management and Master of Public Administration program AU offers in partnership with Seoul National University. Alongside his demanding coursework, Seho took on the challenge of the US Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam, clearing all four sections in six months—an exceedingly rare feat. Last summer, he also successfully registered a patent with the Korean Intellectual Property Office that recognizes his development of an artificial intelligence-based language processing model to support the evaluation of job application documents within large-scale recruitment systems.  

Seho Kim (Kogod/MS ’26)

Outstanding Service to the Community

The award for Outstanding Service to the University Community goes to two students — graduate or undergraduate — who have made a lasting impact on the AU community.

Marcus McNeill, SPA/BA ’26, has been an extraordinary leader across campus. He served as Engagement and Communications Director for the AU Club Council, where he transformed how the organization connects with and supports student groups. Additionally, he has made a lasting impact through his service as President of the Residence Hall Association and as Student Trustee, creating created spaces for student voices and strengthening connections between students and university leadership. Marcus also welcomed new students to campus as an Orientation Leader. Nominators praised “his dedication to improving the AU experience for all community members.”

Marcus McNeill (SPA/BA ’26)

Krystal Lindsey, Baker/EdD ’26, is an incredible scholar and service-oriented leader. As a Civic Life Student Fellow, she fostered meaningful dialogue across the University, building connections among students, faculty, and staff while advancing conversations across difference. Krystal also created spaces for connection and growth through her work as an Experiential Learning Leader, supporting students in navigating their personal and professional journeys. Beyond campus, her research and public scholarship centers civic participation, looking to build bridges between academic work and real-world impact. In the words of one recommender, “Krystal is a truly public-spirited person, committed to making the community better.”

Krystal Lindsey (Baker/EdD ’26)

Student Achievement Awards

Eleven of AU’s most active, engaged, and high-achieving undergraduates are being honored for their impact on the community with Student Achievement Awards.

Alex Diller, SIS/BA ’26, receives the Bruce Hughes Award, which goes to a student who has performed outstanding service to the university community and demonstrated unusual depth and maturity in leadership. Alex was President of the American University International Relations Society, supporting the Model UN team, the high school Model UN conference, and the Washington International Relations Conference. He participated in and served as a mentor for the DC Community Impact Scholars. Alex also supported the School of International Service by serving on admitted and committed student panels. As a scholar, he contributed to public health research as part of the INSPIRE Lab. As a nominator described, Alex “leads with humility, intellectual curiosity, and a deep respect for the people and communities with whom he works.”

Alex Diller (SIS/BA ’26)

Tarumbidzwa Chirume, SIS/BA ’26, wins the Carlton Savage Award for her work to increase intercultural understanding at AU. Taru worked in the Office of International Admissions for the past three years, supporting the transition of new international students and connecting with prospective students. She furthered this work as on the SIS Undergraduate Council, and she was also involved with many student organizations. A remarkable scholar, Taru was a member of AU Honors and SIS Honors. She also was a member of the AU Schuman Challenge Team who won the 2025 competition. Taru’s nominators praised her “her intellectual curiosity, fearless and rigorous inquiry, and intense work ethic.”

Tarumbidzwa Chirume (SIS/BA ’26)

Hanna Hajdu, CAS/BA ’26, earns the Catheryn Seckler-Hudson Award, given to a senior who exemplifies character and achievement while making significant contributions to Student Government. Hanna served in many roles in American University Student Government, beginning as a Senator At-Large, followed by her election as Speaker pro tempore, and culminating in her role as Comptroller. As Comptroller, she focused on maximum transparency around spending and increased cooperation with student clubs, building a culture of accountability, involvement, and trust. In the words of one recommender, Hanna has worked with AUSG and university leadership “to ensure students have a voice and an advocate on all issues.”

Hanna Hajdu (CAS/BA ’26)

Meera Hajarnis, Kogod/BS ’26, lands the Charles Glover Award for her citizenship and business leadership. As a member of the Kogod Honors program, Meera founded and led the Kogod Honors Social Committee to create events for honors students to connect beyond academics. She also was a Teaching Assistant for Kogod’s Purpose of Business course, serving as the Head TA for the past two years. As President of the South Asian Student Association, Meera revitalized the organization through elevating the visibility and voices of South Asian students and supporting cultural traditions on campus. She also lent her financial leadership to Alpha Kappa Psi as Vice President of Finance. Nominators lauded how Meera “combines high-level leadership with a relentlessly student-centered, service-oriented mindset.”

Meera Hajarnis (Kogod/BS ’26)

Ava Falkenrath, CAS/SPA/BA ’26, has been awarded the Charles W. Van Way Award for her contributions to building community. In her two terms with the Student Government’s Undergraduate Senate, Ava promoted financial transparency and responsibility, trying to make the student government more approachable for her peers. Ava also served on the Executive Board of the Residence Hall Association as Vice President of Administration & Finance and then as President, continuing her work to empower the student body and build a stronger community for students living on campus. In the words of her nomination, Ava’s leadership has helped “enshrine a more positive culture for future student leadership that is conducive to inclusive advocacy.”

Ava Falkenrath (CAS/SPA/BA ’26)

Ava Yap, CAS/BA ’26, has earned the Evelyn Swarthout-Hayes Award for contributing to the community through the arts while demonstrating impressive academic achievement. Ava served as Concertmaster of the AU Symphonic Orchestra, a violinist in numerous AU Theater productions, and as a diligent student representative in Music Program job searches. She also was an AU Student Ambassador, providing a welcoming introduction to future students. Ava’s nominators celebrated her “hard work ethic, collaborative spirit, cheerful disposition and dedication to the arts.”

Ava Yap (CAS/BA ’26)

Robert Cadenasso, SPA/BA ’26, has been awarded the Fletcher Scholar Award for his combination of leadership, citizenship, and scholarship. As the Title IX Lead for the Center for Advocacy and Student Equity, Robert educated and advocated for his fellow students, ensuring their support through the Title IX process. He was also a Teaching Assistant and co-director of the Leadership Program in the School of Public Affairs, mentoring and supporting his peers. Robert was deeply involved with service in the DC area, serving as a tutor with DC Reading Partners and volunteering with other local organizations. His nominators praised his “broad and deep commitment to service.”

Robert Cadenasso (SPA/BA ’26)

Felicity Chapman, SOC/BA ’26, receives the Gail Short Hanson Award for Advocacy for principled and informed leadership in advancing a cause, policy, or program that benefits the campus community or a community beyond the campus. Felicity has been a strong advocate for disabled students at AU, serving as the Vice President of the Disabled Student Union and working with the university leadership to ensure that students have equitable access to support and resources. Beyond campus, she has completed several internships and was also selected as a Obama-Chesky Voyager Scholar. Her nominators praised Felicity’s “vision, discipline, compassion, and a deep respect for community.”

Felicity Chapman (SOC/BA ’26)

Isabella Diaz, CAS/BS ’26, is the recipient of this year’s Harold Johnson Award, which honors a student for promoting cultural and racial diversity and understanding. Isabella was highly involved with Latinos En Accion throughout her time at AU, cultivating a space for dialogue about cultural identity. Isabella also served in the Alternative Break program, leading a diverse group of students through a trip to Columbia to examine immigration. Additionally, she conducted public health research exploring Latina mothers facing health inequities. Beyond AU, she served as a Congressional Intern with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute and the Office of Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. In the words of one nominator, Isabella “is a scholar, a mentor, and a true catalyst for community resilience.”

Isabella Diaz (CAS/BS ’26)

Megan Williams, CAS/BS ’26, earns the Kinsman-Hurst Award, which recognizes service in Student Government or the Student Conduct system. Megan served as Secretary of AU Student Government, strengthening internal operations while advancing transparency and accountability. She was also President of the Outdoors Club and founder of the Eating Disorder Support Club. Megan gave her time to her peers as an AU Club Council Club Consultant and welcomed prospective students as an AU Student Ambassador. She has balanced these commitments with her impressive scholarship as a Computer Science major. In the words of one recommender, “in every space she enters, Megan brings organization, intellectual rigor, and a quiet confidence that earns the respect of her peers.”

Megan Williams (CAS/BS ’26)

Luke Batarseh, Kogod/BS ’26, receives the Stafford H. Cassell Award, which recognizes a student who exemplifies the traits of Stafford Cassell—total, selfless dedication to AU, profound energy, reliability, intellectual curiosity, friendliness, and helpfulness. Luke is a leader across campus. As Vice President of Second District Records and Vice President of Dime a Dozen A Cappella, he brought students together through the power of performance and music. In Kogod, Luke served as a Peer Consultant in the Center for Professionalism and Communications, mentoring his peers as they develop professional skills. He balanced these commitments with a rigorous academic path in Kogod’s Honors Program and his own entrepreneurial venture, Duke Media. In the words of one of his nominators, Luke “gives more than he takes and lifts those around him in the process.”

Luke Batarseh (Kogod/BS ’26)

President’s Award

Read about the winner of the President’s Award, Ethan McBride, SPA/BS ’26, and the inaugural winner of the President’s Award for Civic Engagement, Taha Vahanvaty, SPA/BA ’26, in the profile, “Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges: Meet AU’s 2026 President’s Award Winners.”

Taha Vahanvaty (SPA/BA ’26) and Ethan McBride (SPA/BS ’26)