Where Legends Rise: AAU Awards Winners

The 2025/26 AAU award recipients were announced at the AAU ball, recognizing the legends of our university community who made outstanding contributions and impacts. Students, faculty, and staff celebrated the night in masks with entertainment, refreshments, and a dance floor.

This year鈥檚 winners:

Outstanding Scholar: Jade Didier and Lyla Gent
Runners-up: Amelie Kon铆膷kov谩, Ananya Sateesha Shetty, Nina Fager

Student of the Year, SIRD: Gabriela Jacobs
Runner-up: Lyla Gent

Student of the Year SAHSS: Virginia Brunson
Runners-up: Oriana Cheney Corona, Tamar Tolordava

Student of the Year SBu: Alina Shepeliuk
Runner-up: David N臎mec

AAU Spirit Award: Poppy Mynard
Runner-up: Amelie Villagomez Arrona

Global Explorer Award: Rowan Simpson

Distinguished Artist Award: Clara MacPherson
Runner-up: Lev Wasiak

Rising Star Award: Sophie Mayfield
Runner-up: Niall McDermott

Student Council Member of the Year: Charlize Ocon
Runner-up: Margaret Leroux

Professor of the Year SIRD: Robert Warren
Runner-up: Ebru Akcasu

Professor of the Year SAHSS: Steve Borg
Runners-up: Angel Hoekstra, Anthony Marais

Professor of the Year SBu: Jeff Medeiros
Runner-up: Jan Va拧enda

Most Helpful Staff Member of the Year: Drake Dewey
Runner-up: Kate艡ina Dudys

Best Course of the Year: Politics 1 – Ebru Akcasu
Runner-up: Political Geography – Robert Warren

Club of the Year: Lennon Wall
Runner-up: Football Club

Staff Department of the Year: Library
Runner-up: School of International Relations & Diplomacy

Event of the Year: Trivia Nights
Runner-up: AAU Gala 2025

Congratulations to all the winners and runners-up. Thank you for your contributions to the betterment of our community!

Photos of the ball are available on .