This year’s Cardinal Awards ceremony, held Wednesday evening, embraced a “Night in the Tropics” theme, bringing a lively and celebratory atmosphere to one of the university’s most anticipated traditions.

Tropical décor, bright colors and upbeat energy transformed the space, creating a festive and immersive setting. Many attendees dressed on theme, adding to the vibrant atmosphere and making the event both fun and memorable. The cohesive theme helped set the tone for the evening, bringing a sense of unity to the celebration.

The Cardinal Awards have become a cornerstone event at St. John Fisher University, offering a rare opportunity to recognize contributions from across all areas of campus life. From student leaders and organizations to faculty, staff and athletes, the ceremony highlights the individuals who shape the Fisher community and celebrates the impact they have made throughout the academic year.

The event honored individuals and organizations that have made a meaningful impact on the Fisher community throughout the 2025–2026 academic year. From student leaders to campus departments, faculty and staff, award recipients reflected the wide range of involvement and excellence present on campus.

Among the early recognitions of the evening, the Muslim Student Union (MSU) was acknowledged for having the highest number of likes on a club Instagram post, highlighting its strong engagement with the campus community. The Student Activities Board (SAB) received the award for highest event attendance for its Oktoberfest, highlighting its ability to bring large portions of the campus community together. On a fluffier note, Teddy was named Dog of the Year, representing the therapy dogs that regularly support student wellness.

Class year awards recognized standout students at every level: Connor Brown was named First-Year of the Year, Jade Stewart earned Sophomore of the Year, Kiara Green was awarded Junior of the Year and Christina Valicenti was honored as Senior of the Year for her extensive leadership and campus involvement.

Campus employees and services were also recognized for their contributions. Phil Rodriguez was named Dining Employee of the Year, praised by the announcer for his energy in the dining hall and for making students feel welcome—often singing, joking and helping without being asked. Pioch Café received Dining Location of the Year, noted for its efficiency, friendly staff and personal touches like writing uplifting messages on cups. 

Dr. Alexis Munding, a professor in the School of Nursing, earned Faculty Member of the Year for her ability to guide students through challenging material while remaining an uplifting and supportive presence. Bree Taddeo from Safety and Security was recognized as Staff Member of the Year for her professionalism, leadership and commitment to building trust and ensuring the safety of the campus community. The Student Engagement and Leadership (SEL) office was named Department of the Year, recognized for going above and beyond to support clubs, organizations and students, even amid significant staffing changes.

Student organizations were prevalent in the evening’s honors. The Asian Student Union (ASU) was named Club of the Year, and its event “Pho-vember” tied with the Residence Hall Association’s Late Night Breakfast for Event of the Year. Collaboration of the Year went to the Residence Hall Association and affinity clubs for Spirit of Identity Week, emphasizing the importance of cross-campus partnerships.

Additional honors highlighting leadership and service, including Dr. Meg Flaherty, who was named Club Advisor of the Year, while Isaac Turenne received the Impact Award for his extensive involvement across campus organizations. Julia Stack was awarded the Dr. Rob Reuhl Memorial Civic & Community Engagement Award for her significant service work, including community outreach and educational initiatives.

Athletics and academics were also celebrated. Reilly Morrow was named Division III Athlete of the Year after playing a key role in a historic season, earning Empire 8 Player of the Year honors and ranking among the top athletes nationally while also serving as a leader off the court. Dallas O’Keefe earned Club Athlete of the Year for her dedication as both a member of the club basketball team and president of the Esports Club, consistently supporting and creating opportunities for other students. Volleyball coach Kelly Greapentrog received Coach of the Year following a record-breaking season that included a 30 – 2 record, a conference championship and the program’s first NCAA tournament win, alongside her continued leadership across campus athletics.

The Academic Achievement Award was presented to Dominique Lawrence, Narcelin Pena and Sofia Pantoja for their keystone project highlighting the experiences of first and second-generation immigrant students, promoting cultural understanding and awareness. Lawrence also received the Arts & Refined Talents (A.R.T.) Award for her creative work, including documentaries and a podcast that amplifies diverse voices and stories within the Rochester community.

In student media, Kadence Cohen was recognized with Student Publication of the Year for her impactful reporting on the renovation of the communications department studio, a story that incorporated perspectives from students, faculty and administrators while highlighting the space’s history and significance on campus. The video package she produced as part of this coverage is available on The Cardinal Courier website, further showcasing her strong multimedia storytelling and commitment to informing the campus community.

The evening concluded with the Student Government Association (SGA) Senior Recognition Ceremony, honoring graduating seniors who served in leadership roles throughout their time at Fisher, including current SGA President Brooke Chase, who was recognized for four years of service, and current SGA Vice President Vincenzo Perfetti, who was honored for three years of service.

With its vibrant theme and wide-ranging recognitions, the Cardinal Awards once again highlighted the dedication, leadership and community spirit that define St. John Fisher University.