Cedar Crest College is dedicated to educating the next generation of leaders, and each year, the campus community gathers to celebrate the achievements of our student, staff, and faculty leaders and the ways that the work they do comes together to make the Cedar Crest experience special. Awards recognize volunteerism, club and organization advisors, resident advisors, and even students who may not hold a formal leadership position who have still made a significant impact on the college community.
In addition to the leadership awards, the Best of the Crest celebrates three seniors who exemplify the three prongs of the College’s motto: “religio, libertas, scientia.”
At the end of every Best of the Crest ceremony, members of the upcoming academic year’s executive boards for the Student Government Association and Student Activities Board are sworn in to their positions.
Recipients of the 2025 Best of the Crest awards were:
Student Government Association Awards:
Emerging Student Leader Award – Catherine Legutko
For a first-year student or sophomore who has shown initiative, motivation, and potential for continued student leadership early in their career
Capstone Student Leader Award – Rachel Bilger
For a student in their junior or senior year who has demonstrated a capacity for impacting the Cedar Crest community and served as a role model to younger students.
Outstanding Student Involvement Award – Madison D’Annunzio
To the individual who is highly involved within the campus community without sacrificing efficiency and dedication.
The Bridge Award – Abril Riley
To the individual who has demonstrated outstanding innovation and leadership in bridging the gap between co-curricular activities.
Unsung Hero Award – Alex Panitz
For a student from any class level who may or may not hold a formal position, but whose behind-the-scenes dedication and labors have proven invaluable to the success of a project, program, cause, or movement on campus.
Student Organization of the Year – Pagan Wiccan Association
For a student organization that has consistently made positive contributions to the campus community and encouraged leadership through its membership, events, or programmatic initiatives.
Miguel Marroquin Staff Award – Takyra Batz
Dedicated to the family and staff of Miguel Marroquin. Given to the staff member who demonstrates a students-first attitude and commitment to working with students.
Outstanding Advisor Award – Becky Kile
Given to the advisor who has been deemed by their club or organization as someone who has shown dedication to supporting the club, its members, and the events and programmatic initiatives created by the membership.
Outstanding Graduate Student Award – Mayerli Taveras
For a graduate student who has demonstrated a capacity for impacting the Cedar Crest community through their initiatives, motivation, and student leadership.
Senior Crest Awards
Religio – Asylum Ross
The seated figure on the left of the Seal represents a student who strives to apply enduring standards of value to the circumstances of their life, to guide their own actions, and to demonstrate those values to others.
Libertas – Noor Hussain
The figure in the center of the Seal represents a student who stands as a guardian of the liberal arts and the personal freedom of individuals.
Scientia – Alison Edwards
The seated figure on the right of the Seal represents a student who scans the globe for opportunities to extend their learning skills into the community for the benefit of others.
Residence Life Awards
Rising Resident Award – Alison Edwards
This award recognizes a resident student who can always be seen in the residence halls, engaging with the residential community, and attending events.
One to Watch Award – Catherine Legutko
Given to a new RA, who has worked as an RA for one year or less, who has exceeded job expectations and really grown into the role of an RA.
Resident Advisor of the Year Award – Corinne O’Connor
Given to the RA who consistently exceeds the job requirements and develops a strong sense of community in their residence hall.
First Year Experience Awards
Mentor of the Year – Draydon Charman
Awarded to the mentor who has shown exceptional work ethic and support for their students.
Service Leader Awards
Undergraduate Student Volunteer of the Year – Savannah Aguliera
Graduate Student Volunteer of the Year – Savannah McNeilly
Awarded to a student who embodies the knowledge of service and accepts opportunities for action while also recognizing, advocating, and effecting positive change for our community.
Faculty/Staff Volunteer of the Year – Gail Brown
Awarded to a faculty and/or staff member that actively utilizes their time and skills to recognize, advocate, and effect positive social change for our community.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Awards
Inclusion Advocate of the Year – Sarah McCauley
Awarded to a student who, through their work at the Center for Diversity and Inclusion (CDI) for the last year, has gone above and beyond to fulfill their role as an Inclusion Advocate.
Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion Award – Becky Kile
Awarded to someone who, throughout the year, has embodied the Cedar Crest College Diversity Statement and has encouraged others through their work, academia, and/or service.
25-26 Student Government Association Executive Board
President – Catherine Legutko
Vice President – Nayelisse Roman Cintron
Secretary – Danielle Dengler
Treasurer – Kendall Heiney
25-26 Student Activities Board Executive Board
President – Bri Hollywood
Vice President – Giavanna Edwards
Secretary – Cheyanne Edwards
Treasurer – Savannah Knittle
Community Outreach Coordinator – Lillyanna Glass
Road Trip Coordinator – Stephanie Freire