Mathilde Pieri was presented the Mary Mildred Sullivan Award for her extraordinary impact on Winthrop and the surrounding community. As an international student from Montpellier, France, she has provided a bridge between cultures. She worked as a tutor in the Language Learning Center and re-energized the French Club with warmth and enthusiasm. She played a vital role in Winthrop’s dual credit partnership with Rock Hill Schools, providing instruction and mentorship to high school students, and helped for two years with Winthrop’s Feria language competition for middle and high school students. She holds a 4.0 GPA, recently emceed the Department of Mass Communication’s Student Awards Show, and completed five internships, including campaigns for companies in France.

Sean Pennington, a senior majoring in mathematics with a minor in educational studies from Lexington, South Carolina, was presented the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award. He has documented more than 580 volunteer hours, dedicating his time to organizations such as HOPE of Rock Hill, Tender Hearts Ministry Thrift Store and various campus initiatives. He has been a driving force in student leadership as chair and student body president of the Council of Student Leaders. Additionally, he has served in leadership roles within the Teaching Fellows, Pi Kappa Phi, Baptist Collegiate Ministries and Close Scholars, and as an Orientation Leader for two years and as a Winthrop Ambassador.

Winthrop is one of many colleges in the Southeast to present two seniors with Sullivan awards, which are sponsored by the Sullivan Foundation. The awards recognize individuals who demonstrate noble character and act as humble servants.

The prestigious American Legion Award, which recognizes those who demonstrate courage, character, service and scholarship, was given to Jessica Morgan, a biology and chemistry major from Fort Mill, South Carolina. She currently serves as the Biology Department Student Ambassador, is president of Omicron Delta Kappa and is a peer mentor for first-year students. A dedicated researcher since her sophomore year, Morgan has served as a teaching assistant and led numerous undergraduate training efforts, even stepping up to single-handedly prepare labs and train other student assistants. She is a leader in Beta Beta Beta, the national society for biological sciences, and serves as a student representative for more than 400 biology majors. An award-winning researcher, she has represented Winthrop at recruitment events, STEM intensives and national conferences. She earned first place at Winthrop’s undergraduate resource finale, SOURCE 2024, and has co-authored a peer-reviewed publication and four GenBank submissions.

Additional awards presented were:

The Diversity and Student Engagement Award – Cheyenne Wright, a social work graduate student from Fort Mill, who is passionate about advocacy, community engagement and empowering individuals. Wright also received the Active Bystander Award for her advocacy in helping other students who need assistance and for her role as part of the Lupus Foundation of America’s campaign to help solve the mysteries behind the autoimmune disease.

Gloria Godfrey Jones Outstanding Tutor Award – Betsy Ryerson, a chemistry major with a concentration in biochemistry from Catawba, South Carolina, who has tutored in the chemistry department and for the Academic Success Center.

Cynthia Cassens Resident Assistant of the Year Award – Michaela “Misha” Madison, a sociology major with a concentration in criminology from Summerville, South Carolina, who is a four-year resident assistant living in Lee Wicker Residence Hall.

Outstanding Student Organization Award – the Hispanic Culture Society, which has shown exceptional involvement and engagement on campus.

Outstanding Student Organization Program Award – the Winthrop Fashion Club for its outstanding event, “Fashion Through the Decades,” which captured the evolution of fashion, highlighted trends, cultural shifts and historical moments from the early 20thcentury until the present. The club also won the Wellness Advocate Award for encouraging thrift shopping, clothing swaps, and upcycling to showcase how fashion can be both affordable and sustainable. By hosting workshops on ethical sourcing, eco-friendly materials and mindful design, the club fosters a community where students can explore and express their personal style in innovative ways.

Student Organization Educational Excellence Award – the Association of Ebonites for its educational experiences programming.

College Panhellenic Council Member of the Year – Katelyn Hamlin, an early childhood education major from Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina, who served as president of the council and is an active member with Delta Zeta Sorority.

National Panhellenic Council Fraternity Member of the Year – Kamron Hill, an environmental studies major with a minor in legal studies from Spartanburg, South Carolina. Since being initiated into the Nu Chi Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., he has served in numerous leadership roles, including as chapter president and executive board delegate for NPHC. He has played a major role in promoting NPHC membership and student involvement.

National Panhellenic Council Sorority Member of the Year – Laniya Johnson, a business administration major with an emphasis in accounting from Simpsonville, South Carolina, who is earning her bachelor’s degree in three years. She has been active in her sorority, with TRiO, residence life and various student organizations.

Interfraternity Council Member of the Year – Sean Pennington, a secondary math major from Lexington, who is a member of Pi Kappa Phi. He has helped grow Greek life and advance countless initiatives that made Greek life better for all councils.

Grant Scurry Dedication Award – Chandler Bowers, an exercise science major from Lancaster, South Carolina, who is a West Center facility supervisor and works with the Recreational Services’ professional staff.

Exemplary Service by an Individual Award – Cam Davis, president of the American Conservation Coalition and an exercise science major from York, South Carolina, who helped Chris Johnson, the university’s sustainability coordinator, with tree plantings, litter clean ups and recycle sorting.

Organization with Exemplary Record of Service – the NAACP helped Chris Johnson, the sustainability coordinator, sort recycling numerous times during the year.

Wellness Alliance Award – Department of Human Nutrition and the Student Nutrition & Dietetic Association, which collaborated to reduce food insecurities on the campus through the Food Box and a farmer’s market.

Outstanding Student Employee Award – Makayla Sweat, a business administration major from Walterboro, South Carolina, who served as a student office assistant in the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs to help with various tasks, such as reception, managing events, photography and video for social media and creation of marketing materials.

Graduate Assistant/Associate Rising Star Award – Grace Johnson, who is working on her master’s degree in school psychology from Clinton, South Carolina. She works in the Office of Fraternity & Sorority Life with event planning, risk management and student support.

Fred Angerman Award – Precious Thompson, a Winthrop graduate who works as a residential success coordinator in Phelps Hall, for her ability to navigate complex issues regarding mental health, conflict resolution and other concerns.

Faculty Student Life Award – Cody Walters, research and user services head, Dacus Library, who worked with the dean’s office to create an online module to educate students about artificial intelligence and its associated risks. Working with student Zaria Graham, they filmed video clips to show examples and incorporated feedback from faculty members. They introduced the module this spring in ACAD classes.

For more information, contact Judy Longshaw, news and media services manager, at 803/323-2404 or [email protected].