Union Student-Athletes Awarded 16 Honors on Prize Day

SCHENECTADY, N.Y. – Union College held its annual Prize Day on Saturday, with numerous Union College student-athletes combining to earn 16 honors in recognition of their academic success. Eleven of Union’s 26 varsity sports were represented with at least one award, with the women’s track & field team leading the way with three awards and the women’s hockey, golf, soccer and softball teams all adding two honors each.
 
The campus community gathered in Memorial Chapel to watch more than 100 prizes be awarded to honor students for achievement in academics, leadership and community service.
 
In addition to President David Harris, the Prize Day ceremony featured remarks from Michele Angrist, the Stephen J. and Diane K. Ciesinski Dean of Faculty and vice president for Academic Affairs; Annette Diorio, vice president for Student Affairs and Dean of Students; Eun-sil Lee, class dean for the Class of 2025; and Kara Doyle, dean of Academic Departments and Programs. Sage Stinson ’25, president of Student Forum, served as master of ceremonies.

Thomas J. Judson (1966) Memorial Book Prize – To a sophomore who has shown academic excellence as well as sincere interest in the study of modern languages.
Kyle Goodwin (Men’s Lacrosse)

Joel D. Ticknor (1960) Prize – To the graduating senior who has demonstrated a capacity for long term thinking and who plans to use their career to help solve the world’s most pressing problems.
James Javier Jr. (Men’s Swimming & Diving)

Lewis Henry Morgan (1840) Prize – To the anthropology major who produces the best senior thesis.
Liz Bentsianov (Women’s Golf)
 
Anthony C. LaVecchia (1998) Memorial Award – To a student who demonstrates a keen interest and passion in journalism, especially with a focus in political journalism.
Gillian Paseka (Women’s Soccer)
 
Charles M. Tidmarch Prize – To the senior political science student who has written the best senior thesis.
Tatum Perkins (Softball)
 
Albert C. Ingham (1847) Prize – To the student in social sciences judged to have done the most outstanding piece of scholarly work.
Tatum Perkins (Softball)
 
Ashraf M. Ghaly Geo Research Prize – To the senior who completes the best research study and reports original results in any geo field (geotechnical, geoenvironmental, geoengineering, geoscience, or geospatial).
Grace Canepari (Women’s Soccer)
 
Dr. Reuben Sorkin (1933) Award for Proficiency in Premedical Studies – To a senior demonstrating proficiency in undergraduate studies with an outstanding aptitude for continuing work leading to a degree in medicine.
Liz Bentsianov (Women’s Golf)
 
The Lee, William, Dr. Norman ’43 and Dr. George ’53 Wrubel Memorial Prize – To a senior preparing for dentistry or medicine, based on both academic achievement and character.
Paige Tromblee (Women’s Tennis)
 
General Electric Edison Mechanical Engineering Prize – To a sophomore majoring in mechanical engineering who has demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities.
Nate Bott (Men’s Soccer)
 
General Electric Energy Steinmetz Award – To a senior in mechanical engineering who completes the best senior project.
Lauren Armstrong (Women’s Track & Field)
 
General Electric Energy Steinmetz Award – To a senior in mechanical engineering who completes the best senior project.
Maren Friday (Women’s Hockey)
 
Warner King (1906) Prize – To the senior in Engineering who has contributed most to the traditions and ideals of the College.
Maren Friday (Women’s Hockey)

Joel A. Halpern (1961) Prize – To a student who has made a commitment in service to the local community.
Jonathan Anderson (Football)
 
Alan Lake Chidsey (1925) Citizenship Award – To a senior for distinctive contributions to the advancement of responsible government in student affairs.
Gabby Baker (Women’s Track & Field)
 
UNITAS Diversity Leadership Award – To the student who has made a significant contribution toward fostering diversity on campus.
Gabby Baker (Women’s Track & Field)

For a full list of 2025 Prize Day winners, visit https://www.union.edu/news/stories/202505/eastwood-yeboah-25-and-gabriella-gabby-baratier-25-win-top-honors-prize-day